Buying From Pet Stores

Each and every Christmas, pet stores tempt misinformed shoppers with their cute, overpriced puppies (upwards of $900) in the window. Buying a pet store puppy is the most misinformed pet purchase you can make.

Since many pet store puppies are weaned too early (five or six weeks) they haven't interacted with other housetrain or disobedient. Pet store dogs are usually not spayed or neutered upon purchase, and since this additional cost is left up to the new owner, it is often neglected.

Even though many pet stores will take a puppy back under certain conditions, their staff will generally know little about the temperament, care, health problems, or behavior associated with the breeds they sell.

Pet stores are often thought to acquire their stock from puppy mills, but the truth is that reputable chains buy their stock from commercial kennels or brokers. Unfortunately, these sources are still in business to sell puppies and not to inform customers or breed healthy dogs.

If you are tempted to buy a puppy from a pet store be sure to ask the following questions:

• Where did this puppy come from?
• Can you provide a copy of the eye and hip certifications?
• What health problems are common in this breed?
• What temperament is this breed notorious for?
• How much exercise and grooming does this breed require?
• Do they shed?
• What happens to puppies that don't sell?