Hello,

The nearest pet shop to me that sells premium cat food also sells animals. I'd like to support local businesses in my area, but obviously I don't want to support a business that doesn't care about where their animals come from.

Is there a sort of "ethical checklist" or a way to make an informed decision about whether to shop there? Is it just a case of flat-out asking them some relevant questions?

The shop near me sells fish (fresh and saltwater), reptiles, parrots and other small birds (which they say are "hand-reared"), gerbils, kittens etc - basically most small pets except puppies.

PoisonIvy x

__________________

I would ask to see the criteria they use when selling animals. Many will sell any animal to anyone...

See the cages they sell, in the cases of small animals. Most pet shops will sell cages which are entirely too small to keep any animal in (same with fishtanks, goldfish need a 20 gallon tank, not the tiny ones places usually sell)

Ask where there animals are sourced from? Ethical breeders, or back yard breeders selling unhealthy animals bred from unhealthy animals.

__________________

I use the pet shop in our town that doesn`t sell animals but does get in raw frozen food and excellent bulk food like Burns etc, and will deliver. Vote with your feet!

I can't see how any pet shop that sells live animals is 'ethical'- a lot of the animals come from rodent farms (for those who have never seen a rodent farm, Google it) & a good breeder of small animals would not sell their babies through pet shops as they would want to get to know the potential owners. I also think seeing cute animals in a shop is a clever marketing ploy that draws in excitable children & impulse buyers
I also have yet to go to a shop where all the staff are trained to correctly sex animals & provide the correct care advice for them

__________________

I think some are and some arent.

I shop at a very large petstore that sells birds, fish, rodents, and some reptiles. Has a large cat adoption centre and dog training area. Dog grooming as well.

I go to his place pretty much for toys, leash, beds, cat scratchers, to socialize Sophie.

Another Petstore I go to doesnt sell animals and I only really buy Sophie's food there so far because some of their toys can be quite pricey.

I get my cat food and litter from the grocery store as I get my moms discount and it works out much cheaper then the petstores price.

I havent bought anything from a petstore that sells kittens and puppies in years.

__________________
Cats-Decker, Horris, Soda
Dog-Sophie
10 Gallon tank - 1 fantail goldfish.
Rest in Peace Kira (cat)2011

Good point. All my pets have come either through rescues, a reputable breeder, or people I've known personally, so I've never really tried to buy anything other than food or toys from a pet shop. Even then, those have all been ones that sell supplies only, not animals. I just stumbled upon the shop I mentioned and noticed they have one of the brands my cats like. I was kind of surprised to see they have animals for sale. I'd kind of thought shops selling animals were a dying breed (excuse the pun).

__________________