What are the things I should look for in a pet shop?

Sasha MacNeille

Hi, guys!

Can you help me tell whether a certain pet shop is a good place to buy a dog?

What I mean is, what are the things that I should look for in a pet shop if I'm going to purchase a dog from them?

Thanks in advance.

Terrence Watson · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:56 pm Post subject:

check if the dogs are very lively and energetic. that means they're healthy and that the pet shop owner/attendants are treating them well.

Jennifer Trenton · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:31 am Post subject:

yes, Terrence is right. also check at the cages where they keep the animals to see if they're clean.

Joseph Niska · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:15 am Post subject:

Whenever I go to a pet shop, I interview their attendants. I ask them all sort of questions I could think of about proper animal care, nutrition and the likes. If the guys could answer me satisfactorily, then I'd know that that shop is a great place to buy pets and accessories from.

Patrick Ratzenberger · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject:

Check if the pets are healthy. It means the pet shop people are responsible and are worthy of your business. Smile

Douglas Barr · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:05 pm Post subject:

It is best to ask around about the pet shop, especially to those who already have experiences with it. Offhand, the physical aspects I look for when entering a pet shop for the first time is cleanliness, healthy animals, and attendants who know what they're doing and what they're talking about. I give plus points if the actual store owner is present and ready to entertain guests.

Maia Shearer · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:17 am Post subject:

Amelia Bowman · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject:

I do the same as Patrick. I look at all the pets and check if they're in a healthy condition, if they are well cared for and fed.

Megan Turnbull · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 9:52 am Post subject:

Eleni Gordon · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:44 pm Post subject:

just wondering, sasha, are you planning to buy a new pet?

BooBooBear · Newbie Joined: 13 Sep 2008 Posts: 3

Before purchasing a pet from a pet store or "boutique" I would highly recommend doing a "google" search for the same store online. If there have been issues with pets prchased there you might just find newspaper articles and online blogs revealing complaints. If you find nothing, then visit the store and check the pets thoroughly for energy level, cleanliness of quarters and pets. If you handle the pets, give the ears a visual check and sniff. (make sure you wash your hands in between each pet) If the ears are clean and odor free it's likely that they are well cared for in the shop. A quality pet shop won't have oddles and oddles of varieties either. Most pet shops get their pets from puppy mills. Never a good choice. Your best bet is to find a breeder that specializes in the breed you want. You might also consider adopting through your local humane society or pet rescue organization. Pets adopted this way are thoroughly vet checked with all shots up to date and come neutered, spayed and micro-chipped. Even though pet shops say their pets are "vet checked", that doesn'tmean a wholelot. It only means a vet gave them a "cursory" check; not a thorough exam.

springermomx3 · Newbie Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Posts: 1

What in the world??

I cant believe the replies on here!

You should never EVER buy a puppy from a pet shop!!