Should i get a pup from a pet store?

pup_at_heart · 06-19-2007, 05:19 PM

Hi,

In the past I have gotten my dogs from breeders, but now I'm thinking why not a pet store? I've read numerous editorials online about how the puppies from there come from puppymills. I wonder if this applies to all pet stores, and if the manager at a store would be honest with me if his pups really do come from puppymills. I'm also aware of genetic diseases that can be passed down unknowingly. I need some more info besides the basic editorial --- Is there anyone on here that has actually bought a puppy from a pet store? I'm curious to hear about it.

Thanks,
Jill

Lorina · 06-19-2007, 05:29 PM

I don't have a pet store dog, that I know of. He's a rescue, so I really don't know what his past was like.

But I do see a lot of pet store pups, working as a vet tech. The majority of them have intestinal and external parasites. A good percentage have kennel cough or other illnesses. Some have had major genetic health problems and needed to be euthanized before they were even a year old.

Think about it this way: Would a good breeder, someone who really cares about where the pups end up, really want them going to the first person who had the cash? Or would they want to interview and get to know the person who's taking their pups, to make sure they're going to forever homes?

Even taking away the emotional aspect of it, would a breeder who took the time and money to show and get proper health testing done on the parents be financially able to sell their pups "wholesale" to a pet store (for the store owner to mark up) and be able to make a profit? People who sell their pups to pet store do it to make money. Good breeders, who do everything they're supposed to do, barely break even. If someone is selling that pup to the store at a fraction of it's "retail" price, and they're still making money off the pup, they're cutting corners somewhere.

pup_at_heart · 06-19-2007, 05:46 PM

It's not like you can't get ripped-off from a breeder, either.

I bought a Keeshond a while ago. I live in Illinois, and I had him shipped from California. The breeder seemed decent and responsible. But when Thor was about 7-8 years old, he had serious diabetes. He was always on the chubby side but I knew I was on the proper diet for him. The vet said he was born with diabetes, it just wasn't appearant when he was younger. I've heard diabetes is genetic, so would it of been the breeder's place to worn me about this? Thor died when he was ten, and it was unbearing to put shots in him for the last year of his life.

At our local Petland, you can have a two-trial period with the puppy. I wonder if you can have it vet-checked? I'm not a vet or anything, so could someone clue me in on if you can tell of the most common problems with pet store puppies when they're that young?

harajukulove · 06-19-2007, 05:54 PM

why not adopt a puppy or dog?

pup_at_heart · 06-19-2007, 05:58 PM

Umm what? You mean from a shelter?

RonE · 06-19-2007, 05:58 PM

Quote:

if the manager at a store would be honest with me if his pups really do come from puppymills.

No store manager or employee is going to tell you they get their pups from a puppy mill, but that's pretty much the only place they CAN get them from.

There are a few members here who have gotten their dogs from pet stores and are happy with their dogs. That doesn't mean they would do it again or that you can expect your situation to turn out as well.

iwantmypup · 06-19-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pup_at_heart

Umm what? You mean from a shelter?

uuh yeah.. from a shelter or rescue.
I adopted my Pepper from a rescue , and she is great.. and really healthier too!
Pet stores get their puppies from horrible conditions.... and you buying from them would support puppymills.. not good..

Yes you can get ripped off from a breeder.

"At our local Petland, you can have a two-trial period with the puppy. I wonder if you can have it vet-checked? I'm not a vet or anything, so could someone clue me in on if you can tell of the most common problems with pet store puppies when they're that young?"

Petland.. a no no.. and about the health problems its different between dogs. But they are not healthy at pet stores.

harajukulove · 06-19-2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pup_at_heart

Umm what? You mean from a shelter?

yeah, i adopted my dog from the Humane Society when he was a puppy. He's the perfect dog!

pup_at_heart · 06-19-2007, 06:05 PM

I would adopt a young dog or puppy from a shelter, but some dogs are in recues because they are bad or have serious behavioral problems. I want to be cautious with that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonE

No store manager or employee is going to tell you they get their pups from a puppy mill, but that's pretty much the only place they CAN get them from.

That's true. But it's no different adopting a dog, most dogs I see up for adoption are puppymill rescues. So what's the difference?

harajukulove · 06-19-2007, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pup_at_heart

I would adopt a young dog or puppy from a shelter, but some dogs are in recues because they are bad or have serious behavioral problems. I want to be cautious with that.

that's not true...most people put their dogs at shelters b/c 1) too busy to care for it anymore 2) new baby in the house 3) moving and can't take dog with them or 4) never took the time to train them.

There's nothing wrong with stopping by and checking them out...

BoxMeIn21 · 06-19-2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pup_at_heart

That's true. But it's no different adopting a dog, most dogs I see up for adoption are puppymill rescues. So what's the difference?

Your not spending 2000 bucks on a shelter dog. That's the difference...here is where pet store puppies come from. Would you like to keep them in business?
http://www.prisonersofgreed.org/index.html

pup_at_heart · 06-19-2007, 06:12 PM

No, I've been looking on Pet Finder, and all the dogs are sky puppymill rescues. (atleast the ones I'm interested in)

iwantmypup · 06-19-2007, 06:13 PM

"I would adopt a young dog or puppy from a shelter, but some dogs are in recues because they are bad or have serious behavioral problems. I want to be cautious with that." puppy mill dogs are much MUCH un healthier..and behavioral problems can be fixed. Harajukulove is spot on.

"That's true. But it's no different adopting a dog, most dogs I see up for adoption are puppymill rescues. So what's the difference?" but see if you go to a pet store and buy your puppymill dog , you will be supporting puppy mills! if you get a puppy mill dog at a shelter you will be supporting the shelter!

pup_at_heart · 06-19-2007, 06:14 PM

Wow...that is so sick! Abusing animals for money...

iwantmypup · 06-19-2007, 06:15 PM

exactly.. thats why we opt against pet sstores

pup_at_heart · 06-19-2007, 06:16 PM

I wonder how much a puppymill owner would sell their puppymill for?

iwantmypup · 06-19-2007, 06:18 PM

I have no idea how much... but ugh... hate those people.

pup_at_heart · 06-19-2007, 06:19 PM

hmm...I can hardly tell the difference between a responsible and non-responsible breeder...can someone do it for me? look at this one: http://softpawsadoption.bravehost.com

Lorina · 06-19-2007, 06:21 PM

Adopt a dog and you're saving a life and helping save other lives.

Buy a dog from a responsible breeder, and you're supporting responsible breeding.

Buy a dog from a pet store and you're supporting puppymillers who keep their breeding dogs in cages their whole lives, standing in their own feces, never recieving even minimal medical care, and never knowing love.

harajukulove · 06-19-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pup_at_heart

hmm...I can hardly tell the difference between a responsible and non-responsible breeder...can someone do it for me? look at this one: http://softpawsadoption.bravehost.com

wow...she sure does charge an awful lot for puppies....