Why You Should Never Buy a Pet at a Pet Store, and Some Alternatives
I think most pet lovers, especially those who read this blog, know why it’s a bad idea to buy a cat or dog at a pet store. Even Oprah has taken up the cause of raising puppymill awareness. But did you know that if you buy a pair of rats or even fish for your aquarium at a pet store, you could be contributing to animal cruelty, unbalanced ecosystems, and the proliferation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, among other social woes?
Large pet stores acquire live animals from a variety of sources, including local mill-style breeders, huge warehouses where pets are bred, and importers who capture wild animals and sell them. All of these options are socially irresponsible and, in most cases, highly inhumane. Unfortunately, to keep up with demand, pet stores must make use of suppliers who can provide a continuous supply of large quantities of live pets. This means that more responsible means of animal breeding, like hobby breeding, aren’t compatible with pet stores’ needs — and besides, reputable, responsible hobby breeders wouldn’t dream of selling to retail stores.
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