Why are there people that still don't know about pet stores!?

[Wish I lived in Fl]

We tried to get a golden from Rescue but it was a 2 to 5 year wait to get one they knew would be safe around little kids. I think they stopped taking a waiting list for families with young kids who wanted a rescue Golden.

 

[Cruella DeVille]

My family and I run a small business, a breeding/kennel business, and we would never send a pup to one of those horrible pet shops. Their mangy, dirty, and an overall bad enviorment for dogs and puppies alike. They are way overpriced as well! The madness with these shops never ends...

 

[cats7494]

double post, sorry

 

[cats7494]

We only get our pets from the Humane Society as well. Right now we have 2 cats and 1 dog. Working on DH to get another dog.

 

[Dee & Greg]

Obviously, by looking at our "girls", you know they are Humane Society Hounds. That's what happens when you volunteer at a shelter!

But I don't condemn folks for buying a purebred. My parents have always had a golden retreiver bought from a breeder. To each his own. They all need homes.

 

[stevenpensacola]

I think it mainly comes down to instant gratification. Getting a well bred dog from a reputable breeder takes time and patience, and people lack that alot (I know I do). There is nothing wrong with buying from a GOOD breeder, but a puppy mill is not that.

Ive known quite a few people who like to buy dogs just so they can "drop" into the conversation how much they paid for their only, one of a kind, rare, exotic, (but eats and poops just like my mutt) purebred golden eared australian terrier with no hair. They act like the designed and built the dog from scratch with their own two hands.

MUTTS RULE!!!

 

[Christine]

MUTTS RULE!!!

I agree about mutts. I did by a Jack Russell though. It was a dog I've always wanted. When I was a young girl, my dad took me to a local farm to buy eggs. There was just the cutest dog there and me and the dog hit it off. I loved that dog. The farmer told me he was a Jack Russell. At that time, I had never heard of a Jack Russell. But, it stuck with me all this time and, at the ripe old age of 40, I decided that I really wanted that Jack Russell.

As I said earlier, I ran into difficulties even finding a breeder close by and they had a HEFTY price tag. No way was I spending $800. I don't care about purebreds, or papers, or whatever. I just wanted a dog that had the traits of a Jack.

So, that fateful day that I dropped into the pet store with my kids, they had ONE Jack Russell there. She had been there awhile and she was 4 months old. She was an ugly thing--there was no way anyone was buying her. She was "on sale" for $150. I think she was a runt because she is still not over 11 lbs and she is 2 years old. Anyway, I can tell you that I didn't buy for the ability to brag that I had a Jack Russell or to let people think I had some high quality, expensive dog. Just a lifelong wish to have a Jack Russell.

She's been a great dog and we've had not one problem with her out of the ordinary.

 

[Joanne M]

Most of the people I work with are animal lovers and do not support puppy mills or breeders. All the pets belonging to my coworkers and me are rescued animals. One of my secretaries volunteers for a dog rescue group and provides foster care for many dogs prior to adopting them out. Another coworker volunteers for a no-kill cat rescue and shelter where I have also worked.

I have never paid for a pet other than adoption fees. One of my current pets was rescued from my back yard, and another was rescued after being abandoned while pregnant. Can you imagine? She was dumped by her owners, and found going door-to-door begging for food! How could I NOT take her in?

I think there are too many unwanted animals in the world now, and I see no reason to create more. There are so many pets that have never been spayed or neutered that also add to this problem. IMHO, irresponsible people are to blame and should face consequences, not the animals. I will never support puyyp mills, pet stores, or breeding.

 

[Kallison]

Dee & Greg just wanted to say your "girls" are adorable!!

I got my lab from the SPCA, I think I lucked out, he had no social skills whatsoever but 5 years later he is a big sweetheart. He used to be a terror though!

 

[Disney-Kim]

I just don't think a lot of people know about puppy mills. The nicest pet stores in the fanciest malls here are all owned by one company that imports them all from Miss (or whatever state they all come from) and is among the worst of puppy mills. but I don't think people realize that because its in a fancy mall in Scottsdale.
We bought a petstore puppy 12 years ago, he just passed away last summer. I didn't know about them back then. He had epilepsy, which is a very common problem with mill dogs.

So everyone do your homework.....and try to get a dog from a breeder or a rescue type place. We paid the breeder 1/3 of what the pet store wanted for our new puppy this year.

 

[mrsltg]

I must just have bad luck with rescues...

I adopted my dog from PetsMart (they deal with local rescue groups) and she had Parvo. $2000 later we have a healthy dog (of course, that $2k was supplies only, the vet took great pity on us)

I adopted my cat from the local shelter. He had to be seperated from the other animals for a month because of his severe sickness. That was about $600 in vet bills for that month.

My one pet store animal was a healthy cat. She was fantastic until she ran away and came home six weeks later - $2000 in vet bills for hepatic libidosis cured her - until she ran away again (and no, neither of my cats are outside animals she just escaped).

Anyhow, when I adopt my black lab I will be going to a breeder - a reputable breeder with great references. I will also neuter the animal as soon as the dog is old enough.

Erin

 

[stamper]

Well, sorry, but I wouldn't buy from a breeder or a pet mill, if there is a difference. There both in it for profit and are ignoring the thousands of dogs in rescue.

I encourage you to sit and talk with a true reputable breeder sometime about how much "profit" they truly make. I think you'll be surprised. They make very very little, if anything at all, after the amount of testing they do, medical costs, etc.

A lot of breeders I have heard of also help in rescue and such, as well.

But I do understand what you are saying, and yes many breeders do it just for profit as well. Most of them are usually referred to as "backyard breeders"

Thank-you for this! You are right on here.

This topic is a HUGE hot button topic for me since we are Samoyed breeders. So, in some of these posts I've been called equal to a puppy mill or a money hungry backyard breeder at best.

Would anyone like to know where your money goes when you pay a breeder for a pup and when I'm done tell me if I am making too much.

hip and elbow x-rays on dam (includes registering results) $200
eye check and certification on dam (yrly) $38
stud fee $700
vet visits/ x-rays during pregnancy $150
whelping supplies (this is a guess) $200-$300
premium quality food to ensure good lifelong health and healthy pups $34 per bag (at present we are using almost 2 bags/ month)
Also feed raw food so add another $50-$75 per month
Toys for pups to ensure good socialization $100
puppy eye certification for 6 $150
Puppy aptitude test for litter $100
Puppy structure evaluation $30
puppy dewormer $25
puppy shots (at least once, maybe twice) $112
books on whelping, carring for dam and pups, puppy rearing $60-$75
collars for all 6 (I want them to have the proper kind for the breed) $56
puppy packet folders and copies of articles $10-$15

cost of entering shows, joining clubs to learn about the breed and access our breeding stock, and be knowledgeable about whether our dogs should or shouldn't carry on their genes and attending the National club's show and take in some seminars to learn even more... $1000's yearly

And surely my time is worth something since there are those who think I'm in it for the money. I have spent literally hours and hours talking on the phone, emailing and writing to potential buyers. I spend these hours trying to educat them about not only my chosen breed but dogs in general. It is a thankless job at times, but I love my dogs and these pups will go to good homes or they will stay here. I have turned away more than I've accepted....does that sound like someone in it for only the money? How about the hours spent researching pedigrees and hunting for the best stud for my girl. The one that would compliment her strengths and improve on her weaknesses. Only reputable breeders can be bothered to do that. We don't just breed Fluffy to Muffy and hope for the best. We do everything in our power to have a healthy litter...one that is better than the generation before it. We have taken great care to have a variety of people in to socialize them, to expose them to many situations, sounds, sights, objects, smells, surroundings, textures, etc to help them be well adjusted pups who are accepting of all things new. It is a load of work.

So, will I make much on this litter? I doubt it, even if you figure only a very small amount for my hours of work. Will I make some? Hopefully...wouldn't you want to make something for your labors? Why is it such a horrible thing to think that a breeder might make a few dollars? What will I do with this small income? Care for my dogs, go to dog shows to learn more and yes, some will go to Samoyed Rescue or Research...we just had a Sammy breeder drown from our local Samoyed club and a donation will be made to the National club in his memory.

Why do we bother you ask? If we don't, than who will? With out the reputable breeder, Samoyeds would end up looking like Huskies or Malamutes, you wouldn't know a Poodle from a Lab, etc. We are guardians of our breed. What's the big deal about a purebred? They each have their own individual characteristics...no, dogs are not all equal. Terriers are full of energy and spunk, Labs are loyal, Samoyeds are devoted to family, etc, etc. Variety makes the world go round. What a shame it would be to lose that.

Please folks, support breed rescue or your local reputable breeder. I understand those who don't want to pay a breeder for a dog, but my arguement is this. Without the reputable breeder, there will be no breeds to chose from. As for pet shops, we don't even buy food or supplies from a shop that sells dogs or cats. My money goes to other shops or supply companies.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

HOw about some of you who are in the know posting some good places for rescue. I know that the Golden Retreiver rescue in my area is extremly picky and hard to adopt from. I think with some people that is a turn off. They do not want two home visits and a lengthy time before a decision is made.

Both of my dogs were mutts taken from friends litters so I know nothing of rescue or adoptions.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Would anyone like to know where your money goes when you pay a breeder for a pup and when I'm done tell me if I am making too much.

hip and elbow x-rays on dam (includes registering results) $200
eye check and certification on dam (yrly) $38
stud fee $700
vet visits/ x-rays during pregnancy $150
whelping supplies (this is a guess) $200-$300
premium quality food to ensure good lifelong health and healthy pups $34 per bag (at present we are using almost 2 bags/ month)
Also feed raw food so add another $50-$75 per month
Toys for pups to ensure good socialization $100
puppy eye certification for 6 $150
Puppy aptitude test for litter $100
Puppy structure evaluation $30
puppy dewormer $25
puppy shots (at least once, maybe twice) $112
books on whelping, carring for dam and pups, puppy rearing $60-$75
collars for all 6 (I want them to have the proper kind for the breed) $56
puppy packet folders and copies of articles $10-$15

cost of entering shows, joining clubs to learn about the breed and access our breeding stock, and be knowledgeable about whether our dogs should or shouldn't carry on their genes and attending the National club's show and take in some seminars to learn even more... $1000's yearly

And surely my time is worth something since there are those who think I'm in it for the money. I have spent literally hours and hours talking on the phone, emailing and writing to potential buyers. I spend these hours trying to educat them about not only my chosen breed but dogs in general. It is a thankless job at times, but I love my dogs and these pups will go to good homes or they will stay here. I have turned away more than I've accepted....does that sound like someone in it for only the money? How about the hours spent researching pedigrees and hunting for the best stud for my girl. The one that would compliment her strengths and improve on her weaknesses. Only reputable breeders can be bothered to do that. We don't just breed Fluffy to Muffy and hope for the best. We do everything in our power to have a healthy litter...one that is better than the generation before it. We have taken great care to have a variety of people in to socialize them, to expose them to many situations, sounds, sights, objects, smells, surroundings, textures, etc to help them be well adjusted pups who are accepting of all things new. It is a load of work.

So, will I make much on this litter? I doubt it, even if you figure only a very small amount for my hours of work. Will I make some? Hopefully...wouldn't you want to make something for your labors? Why is it such a horrible thing to think that a breeder might make a few dollars? What will I do with this small income? Care for my dogs, go to dog shows to learn more and yes, some will go to Samoyed Rescue or Research...we just had a Sammy breeder drown from our local Samoyed club and a donation will be made to the National club in his memory.

Why do we bother you ask? If we don't, than who will? With out the reputable breeder, Samoyeds would end up looking like Huskies or Malamutes, you wouldn't know a Poodle from a Lab, etc. We are guardians of our breed. What's the big deal about a purebred? They each have their own individual characteristics...no, dogs are not all equal. Terriers are full of energy and spunk, Labs are loyal, Samoyeds are devoted to family, etc, etc. Variety makes the world go round. What a shame it would be to lose that.

Please folks, support breed rescue or your local reputable breeder. I understand those who don't want to pay a breeder for a dog, but my arguement is this. Without the reputable breeder, there will be no breeds to chose from. As for pet shops, we don't even buy food or supplies from a shop that sells dogs or cats. My money goes to other shops or supply companies.

Yes, this is what a truly reputable breeder would do. Unfortunately, I know people who have no clue what it takes to be a breeder and will breed their dogs and try to sell them. Dh wanted to breed dobermans when we first were married. I worked at Petsmart and volunteered at the Humane Society at the time so I was quickly learning about breeding and what a reputable breeder does and what they don't do. My Dh had no clue what it took to truly be a breeder and seemed to think that he would make a lot of money doing it. I quickly set him straight and let him know that he really wouldn't make much money and it would be a lot of work. Not only that but I would have been the one taking care of the litters. So thankfully I talked him out of it. I made him think that he had a choice, but I would never have let him do it to begin with! I have rescued 6 cats so far. Unfortunately 2 of them had feline leukemia and I wasn't able to save them. I have had the other 4 for between 3-5 years now. I have rescued several dogs and found them good homes. I do have a full-blooded beagle but that is only b/c my FILs beagles had puppies and he gave me one. I also have a full-blooded miniature pinscher but I knew the breeder and she was reputable. Trust me, there is a difference between a reputable breeder who truly cares about the animals and someone out to make a quick buck and definitely a difference between that and a puppy mill.

I just have to add Stamper, that you have quite a lovely name. Tasha is just beautiful!

 

[stamper]

I just have to add Stamper, that you have quite a lovely name. Tasha is just beautiful!

LOL! This is too funny. Not only do we share a beautiful name, but I almost married a "Scott" and I have very beautiful DD (almost 15) named Kylie!!!!! How's that for a small world?! I'm sure your baby will be gorgeous...she has to be with such a great name!!

BTW, glad you talked DH out of breeding if he didn't want to do it "right". Yes there are "breeders" who don't....we call them "backyard breeders".

 

[stamper]

HOw about some of you who are in the know posting some good places for rescue. I know that the Golden Retreiver rescue in my area is extremly picky and hard to adopt from. I think with some people that is a turn off. They do not want two home visits and a lengthy time before a decision is made.

Both of my dogs were mutts taken from friends litters so I know nothing of rescue or adoptions.

Unfortuanately the trade of for getting a dog from either rescue or a reputable breeder may mean a long wait, answering lots of questions, meeting them and having them come do a home visit. That is part of why pet shops are still able to sell pups...people want a dog yesterday!

As far as breed rescue is concerned, each breed is different in how they handle adoptions and may even vary by region. Rescue is overseen by the national breed club, but handled regionally by local breed clubs. For listings of national breed clubs visit AKC they have lots of info on clubs and breeder referrals. Links to breed clubs will have info on rescue.

 

[totalia]

<<VENT>>

A co-worker of mine was telling me how tired she was b/c her husband unexpectantly brought home a puppy yorkie last night. She admited that she wasn't ready or prepared for a dog. And then she says that he bought the puppy at a Pet Store.

How do people not know how awful those places are and how abused those animals are? I wanted to send her info on puppy mills but I figured that might be a little rude, and uneffective since they already bought the dog.

Hey I got my cat from a pet store. Maybe you don't realize this but local society's will often "loan" the animals out to pet stores to get them adopted.

Not all pet stores are pet farms you know.

My cat, for example, came from PAWS society. Its a local non profit volunteer group that finds stray animals. They socialize the animals, get them medical attention, spay/neuter them and eventually adopt them out to loving families. They also include the first years shots and dewormings in the price you pay for the animal.

The best way to get the animals out to new families is to put them in pet stores.

They also call you about once a month for 6 months to make sure that you and your pet are adjusting properly. If your not, they will take the animal back and readopt it to a new family.

They are a wonderful society that I hope will manage to eventually spread across north america eventually.

 

[Disney01]

Sorry, Stamper, but I don't agree with you and I don't have respect for what you are doing. You are still adding to animal overpopulation and justifying it by saying you have to keep your favorite breed "pure". I would love to pass a law forbidding any kind of breeding for at least 2 years to get the animal population under control. It's sad how many unwanted, homeless animals are out there and even "reputable" breeders add to the problem.

And, to answer someone else's question, you can go on petfinder.com and look for a breed, and all the local rescue groups will pop up. That's how I found HALO, the rescue group I adopted the two labs from.

And, yes, it does take questions and a home visit. Why is that bad? We expect it when adopting a child, why is it bad that someone wants to make sure animals are going to a good home?

 

[pw2pp]

If I were your co-worker, I'd be pissed if my husband brought home a dog without discussing it with me.
The same thing happened to my co-worker..... her husband brought home a Lab pup and she already had her hands full with a toddler at home and was pregnant with another baby and already had a 90 lb lab at home. The last thing she needed was a "surprise" puppy.

 

[ziggystardust]

Hey I got my cat from a pet store. Maybe you don't realize this but local society's will often "loan" the animals out to pet stores to get them adopted.

I am fully aware of this, and I commend you for adopting your cat from such a reputable organization. Unfortuanatly this is not the case 90% of the time, including the time that I am mentioning today. There are plenty of great places in my neighborhood that offer adoptions of great pets but way too many pet stores just seem to keep opening. In my town alone 3 have opened within the last year, and not one of them have ever offered adoption services from a society like you mentioned. These are stores that boast signs of PUPPIES PUPPIES PUPPIES. Not stores that have adoption fairs on the weekend from the local shelter.

These are the pet stores that I am against.