Other Small Animal Supplies

A pet store or pet shop is a store at which one can purchase supplies for pets. Many pet stores also stock certain varieties of animals. more...

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Animals stocked at pet stores

Pet shops commonly carry fish for home aquariums, small birds such as parakeets, small mammals such as fancy rats and hamsters, and small reptiles such as lizards and snakes. Mice, small goldfish, and other animals that serve to be live food (called feeders) for reptiles and fish are also usually sold.

Puppies and kittens

Less common in pet stores are larger mammals such as dogs and cats. In part, selling these animals have become less popular in stores because many pet stores have received bad press for inappropriate care of puppies and kittens, which need socialization and are vulnerable to illnesses, and for their purchasing the animals from puppy mills. Some shops that carry puppies and kittens charge higher prices for them the same animal from a breeder, but some also provide valuable services or guarantees not available from a private seller.

There are many small, privately owned pet stores that carry puppies and kittens, maintain a superb level of care and get their animals from small, private breeders. In the UK and many other countries dogs and cats are not sold at pet stores.

Exotic pets

Exotic pets like sugar gliders, large snakes and large parrots are available at some pet shops. Because the care of these types of animals is difficult and expensive, usually only stores that specialize in exotic animals carry them as regular stock.

Criticisms of pet stores that stock pets

While many people are satisfied with the pets they acquire from pet stores, critics argue that there are numerous problems with the way some stores acquire, care for, and sell animals. Not all pet stores follow the models described below, but large chains like Petco, Petsmart, and Pet Supplies Plus all do to some extent. Before purchasing a pet, potential customers should ask questions and observe the conditions and employees in the store to determine whether the establishment is reputable.

Buying from large-scale breeding facilities

Some stores acquire most or all of their stock from large-scale commercial breeding operations that may also supply animals to industries that pet store patrons could find morally objectionable (such as cosmetics testing). Overcrowded cages and long, stressful journeys via air or truck can cause the spread of disease, resulting in sick animals arriving in the store.

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