I can assure you that criticisms of Pets at Home are not based on anything to do with the fact that they are "a large chain". They are based upon multiple observations of very poor husbandry practices at their stores and upon frankly atrocious advice provided to those who express an interest in purchasing a tortoise. The staff do indeed receive some minimal training - but it is evidently far from adequate.

The temperature measurements in the vivariums you cite sadly do not accord with those we have actually measured. We would be happy to visit another Pets at Home and repeat these if things have (very) recently changed. We would certainly not agree that the vivariums used are "ideal". Far from it.

While Pets at Home have made some efforts, it is clear to us that their staff lack experience when it comes to dealing with exotics - much less giving advice about them to the public.

Sadly, the diets observed in multiple stores set a terrible example. This is something they certainly need to address.

We do give them credit for the efforts made, but given that an animal's welfare is at stake, there are areas where significant improvements are required.

Andy Highfield
Tortoise Trust Web - Start Page
Jill Martin Fund for Tortoise Welfare and Conservation
Reg. Charity 1123430