The dog with the wagging tail in the pet store window might be a tempting impulse buy, but he may not make a good life companion. Pet stores can be unreliable sources for pets because they sometimes encourage poor breeding practices or sell pets who are not healthy.
Problems with pet store pups
Many pet stores will not be able to tell you about the care, handling, and nutrition your puppy received before he arrived at the store. That’s a huge drawback, because these factors can affect your pet’s behavior and development. You also won’t be able to meet your puppy’s parents, so you don’t have a yardstick to measure your pet’s potential.
Some pet store puppies don’t get the early socialization they need, and they can develop health problems if their parents weren’t healthy or passed on genetic defects. The result can be skittish or hyperactive dogs or pets with inherited medical problems.
Puppy sources
Where do pet stores get the dogs they sell? Occasionally reputable breeders will sell their pets through locally owned pet stores, but most stores get their puppies from puppy mills or backyard breeders.
Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations that often are run by people who are not concerned with the health of the dogs they breed. Many of these establishments breed female dogs too often and offer pets inadequate living conditions.
Backyard breeders also supply puppies to pet stores. Frequently, these inexperienced breeders don’t know enough about the breed to prevent health and behavioral problems in pets.
Getting a puppy from a pet store
If you do choose to get your pet from a pet store, look for a store with knowledgeable and friendly staff members who can answer your questions and tell you about your pet’s background.
Next, make sure the store is clean and that the pets seem well taken care of. Their eyes should be clear and bright, and they should look healthy. If you find a dog you like, ask to take him out of his cage and play with him. He should be friendly and attentive.
Your guarantee
Some pet stores offer limited guarantees for the health of the pet. Don’t buy a dog from a pet store that does not offer a guarantee against hereditary diseases, including hip dysplasia.
Start with a friendly, healthy pet and you will save your time, heart, and pocketbook from future damages.
