Every Petco is run by different people, and has different policies. PETA targets an entire chain, buy I do shop the PETCO near us. Their animals always look healthy and happy, even the fish which a lot of chian stores don't seem to care about. The cages are aways clean and the animals, as I said, look healthy. The PETCO near us also has adoption events on most Saturdays, letting Greyhound Rescue, the House Rabbit Society, local shelters and other nonprofits - all good, animal-related causes - bring animals in for adoption. The employees - even the "lowly cashiers" - seem to really love animals, and ask good questions of people considering buying even the small pets, like mice. And they let a local cat rescue bring in a Santa for the cat folks' own "pictures with Santa" fundraiser. The PETCOs in my area seem to be good corporate citizens.

Does this, then, mean all PETCOs are good? No! Does it mean you have to be a good and coscientious consumer, and be aware of things around you? Yes.

What are my other choices? A local pet store that sells puppy mill dogs - no, "dogs from breeders in Pennsylvania and the Midwest" and while the pups are always cute, and bring people in to the store, I do not want to give them my money. Other choices? None.