Whats you opinion of selling puppies in a shop?

**Muddy4paws** · 01-12-2008, 08:31 PM

I'm looking into a business ATM they sell puppies and kittens. I'm unsure of what to do. If we do go for it then the livestock is included.

They animals are all in the best conditions they can be in, They all comes with papers and are microchipped and wormed flea'd and have first inocculations (sp) if they do stay a bit longer then they do get their second injections too. I've been in petshops where the animals are cramped and cages are messy. This petshop is really on top of things, If the pup or kitten goes to the toilet then its cleaned right away they a have toys in their kennels and are let out for a few hours over the day. I cant really fault it to be honest. I know the animals are a big part of this business and we would enforce a 48 hour cooling period where the owner needs to come back after 48 hours if they want to purchase a animal. We would also offer any help if they cant handle the animal throughout its life and we will do our best to either rehome or help with training.

Im wanting honest opinions, I know that they are in the best condition possible and that they are well socialised. Can it be done without being seen a bad petshop?

I know the shop has a fantastic reputation and it sells quite a few puppies but we are toying with the idea of taking the animals out but the shop comes with livestock so it might not be an option straight away.

Opinions please?

**binka_nugget** · 01-12-2008, 08:40 PM

Honestly, I refuse to give my business to stores that sell puppies. Some of them take fantastic care of their dogs, but keeping that store in business means keeping the source (mill or byb) in business.

**cali** · 01-12-2008, 08:49 PM

I dont boycott petstores that sell pups because of the conditions,k I boycott because of where the pups come from. petstore pups are from BYBs and PuppyMills, and how the store cares for the pups does NOT change where the pups came from and that any store that sells puppies and anyone who buys and petstore pup is supporting these mills. if you want cats and dogs in the shop then can the mills and team up with a local shelter or rescue and instead have an adoption outlet in the store.

**Giselle** · 01-12-2008, 09:12 PM

Yep, agree with above. It doesn't matter if the place looks nice and the animals are getting cared for.

It's where they come from that matters, and ALL pet store puppies have been bred for the almighty dollar. Meaning, they all came from backyard breeders/puppy mills. No exceptions.

**Freedom** · 01-13-2008, 07:21 AM

I can understand that, in purchasing the shop, you need to deal with the pups and kittens already there. And you don't sound like you are going to keep offering pets, unless through a rescue / adoption. So I don't see you handling the pets which come with the purchase as being an issue.

As many have said, the issue is the source of the pets. It is their PARENTS who suffer at the mills. As well as the pups on the way TO the pet store. Here is a link to a thread I posted recently about the puppies at our local pet shop.

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=137878

**Muddy4paws** · 01-13-2008, 07:23 AM

What this adoption outlet about?

I dont actually know what it is.

Believe me, I have the feeling that if I saw the place she got them from I wouldnt be selling. I learnt not to take everything people say lightly, Unless I was 100% satisfied then I would stop selling. Its not entirely my descion.

I would be offering the local shelters some help by having boards around the shop with rehoming for animals. I would be advertising for them but unfortunatly they really dont make it easy, I know from experience, My family tried to rehome 3 times before we got my jack russell. I know that was one of the problems I hear from people when I mention rehoming a rescue.

**cali** · 01-13-2008, 08:20 AM

What this adoption outlet about?

I dont actually know what it is.

when you have a set up of say 4-5 kennels and have a Local Shelter or Rescue bring a few adoptable animals to the store each day for a few hours. I have seen some stores that do this every day for 3-4 hours and others that the shelter comes in once or twice a week etc... basicly it helps animals find homes, and it doesnt support mills.

**dukedogsmom** · 01-13-2008, 05:35 PM

I don't care for any store that sells puppies and kittens. I don't care how well they're treated. Same as everyone else has said. Those people buying animals from stores are taking away homes from animals that could have been rescued or adopted.
I was very saddened to learn that my cousin bought a small, designer breed dog from a pet store

Her daughter works in the same store, too. I hope she learns about rescuing animals, somehow. She's only 17 and so wise in other areas. Tried to explain it to my sister in law, why it was so bad. It's too bad we can't get more people educated about this. And some people just don't care, I know.

**cassiesmom** · 01-15-2008, 05:22 PM

Muddy4paws, I'll just tell you about the one place I've ever been that sold puppies. It broke my heart. I wish it was not necessary for that store to be in business. The store is immaculate, and the puppies are darling. They sell a small selection of collars, toys and leashes, but the focus is mostly on the pups. It's just that I know there are dogs and puppies (and cats and kittens) waiting in shelters for homes. But, what you're describing sounds different than that to me - this business you're researching carries both the animals and the supplies.

I think (and this is my uneducated, unenlightened opinion) that a generation or two ago, there was less awareness about puppy and kitten mills than there is now, so getting a pet from a pet store was a different situation.

**Muddy4paws** · 01-15-2008, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by cassiesmom

Muddy4paws, I'll just tell you about the one place I've ever been that sold puppies. It broke my heart. I wish it was not necessary for that store to be in business. The store is immaculate, and the puppies are darling. They sell a small selection of collars, toys and leashes, but the focus is mostly on the pups. It's just that I know there are dogs and puppies (and cats and kittens) waiting in shelters for homes. But, what you're describing sounds different than that to me - this business you're researching carries both the animals and the supplies.

I think (and this is my uneducated, unenlightened opinion) that a generation or two ago, there was less awareness about puppy and kitten mills than there is now, so getting a pet from a pet store was a different situation.

I appriciate that, I know peoples opinions have changed. Im having a groomers in its place now. I am still having to leave the options open for the puppies at first because as I said they are classed at live stock so they will come with the business. I havent really got any other choice in that matter, the owner is going to be unable to take them with her so their really isnt any other option unless anyone else can think of one?

**Giselle** · 01-15-2008, 08:39 PM

Best option:

When you assume the store, terminate your relationship with the puppy suppliers. Rehome your existing puppies with responsible families and do not charge an exorbitant amount. Give a rebate if they can provide proof of spay/neuter or spay/neuter the puppies yourself and add it into the cost. If you can, do a home visit. If the family isn't willing to allow you into their home, don't give them a pup. Sketch up an adoption questionnaire, agreement, and contract.

Once the existing puppies have been sold, your problem has been solved