Should I get a puppy at petsmart?

Question

I want a puppy are the puppies at petsmart healthy?

Answer 1

One animal that slips through the cracks and everyone panics. Actually, Petsmart is very safe, but I would generally get an animal from whatever source and have a quick rundown with my vet anyway, to set up future ops and to get a more defined health picture, such as early detection of hip displaysia, get early x rays so that you have this info. on file. Later, if injuries occur, you have earlier charts to compare to.

Your vet is your lifeline and should be researched thoroughly, most people get nearest, but research has shown me that a great vet can definitely prolong the life of your little loved one.

My Shepherd Collie lived to be almost 20 years and she had all her teeth and a mild case of displasia. She was medicated, and had a charmed life. Very few medical anomalies because we pampered her throughout her life - without a lot of cost.

That's why I'm suggesting you get a great vet who is proactive.

Answer 2

Puppies At Petsmart

Answer 3

I, also, am shocked at the number of people who think PetSmart sells puppies and recommend you back to your local shelter. I can't help but wonder if they've ever even been in a PetSmart. PetSmart absolutely positively does not sell puppies. All of the pets available at PetSmart are from local shelters and rescues, and adoption fees go directly to those rescues. This is good business for PetSmart because brand new puppy and kitten owners are going probably to stick around to shop for supplies for their new addition, but PetSmart doesn't make a dime off the adoptions.

I volunteer with Virginia German Shepherd rescue, and we do adoption events at PetSmarts and PetCos. A high percentage of these dogs come from local shelters, so when you adopt from a group at PetSmart, you often ARE adopting from the local shelter. Our group is one of hundreds of groups nationally who operate this way.

To answer your actual question: there is no way to know if specific animals are healthy. Each rescue group operating through PetSmart will have different standards of how they check health, so you'll need to check in with them. And as to whether the pup will develop a more serious problem down the line, it's a gamble no matter where you go.

Unless you see anything that concerns you, there's no reason at all not to adopt a puppy that you find at PetSmart.

Answer 4

Anywhere you go, there is a chance of getting an unhealthy dog. Please visit your local shelter. It is puppy season and the dogs there need good homes. If you are in the market for a puppy (as so few people are) then please choose responsibly and save a puppies life. I bought a long haired chihuahua from a horrible breeder (which would have most likely ended up in a pet store, had I not purchased him) and he has horrible knees. I will end up paying thousands of dollars to keep him comfortable in his older years. He is 2 years old and already limps. Luckily, I have the experience and money to give him what he needs. Pet store dogs are generally a poorer quality of a good breed who have many genetic defects. I am aware that Petsmart typically hosts the SPCA and they help adopt those dogs. These have always been the healthiest happiest dogs I have ever seen. However, these dogs always have a better shot at life than those in a shelter, because they are out at Petsmart. Please go adopt from the SPCA.

Answer 5

Sure! It might cost more than if you got a special deal on it somewhere else then Petsmart, but if you want healthy, Petsmart is the place! Maybe SPCA might be better or other shelters, thats what I would do... Save a puppy in need of a home, not in a pet store... But if you REALLY want healthy you should choose Petsmart, but, then again, Petsmart DOES get it's puppies from the Humane Society, so it's really up to you! GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 6

The puppies at PetSmart are from the local humane society or shelter (PetSmart doesn't "sell" dogs--the ones there are homeless and for adoption). You can talk to the person there in charge of caring for the puppies and they can tell you what shots they've already had and what tests they've been given (make sure a heartworm test has been given--this is a potentially fatal problem and puppies can be born with it if their mother was heartworm positive). Most humane societies fully check out the puppies and dogs they adopt out and will even give a free or discounted spay/neuter when the puppy is old enough.

Answer 7

yes, they are. All of the animals that are at Petsmart have been checked out by a vet and had their shots. It is actually better to get a puppy from them than most pet stores, or even from home breeders, because at least you know that they have been seen by a vet, also you are not really buying it, you are adopting it there is a big difference. getting a puppy at petsmart is giving it a second chance at life.

Answer 8

I'm really surprised at the number of people who answered who think that PetsMart actually sells puppies like any other pet store. The people who told you that PetsMart works with rescue groups are absolutely right -- their policy is specifically NOT to sell puppies/kittens from so called "breeders" or puppy mills. All of their dogs come from shelters and rescue groups. All have been checked out and tested by vets prior to being offered for adoption, and all have been spayed or neutered (or will be, prior to going to their new homes).

When you adopt a dog from PetsMart, you *are* going to a rescue group or shelter. I have a lot of respect for PetsMart's stance with this program.

The people who told you to go to a breeder because otherwise the dog will be "messed up" are dead wrong. If you are adopting a young dog, you are still essentially working with a "blank slate" -- some training classes and TLC will put you on your way to having a wonderful companion.

I did some obedience training for PetsMart a few years back, and worked closely with the rescue group that adopted dogs out of "my store". They usually had several puppies/young dogs looking for homes, and I never saw health problems in their rescues.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Pet stores that sell puppies are horrible places to get dogs. You pay too much and the dogs have health problems because they come from puppy mills.

HOWEVER, Petsmart doesn't SELL dogs. They adopt them out for the local human societies and rescue groups. Getting a dog from Petsmart is the same as getting a dog from the local humane society.

Petsmart is okay, but not other Pet Stores.

Answer 10

First, Petsmart does not "sell" dogs or cats. What they do, is allow rescue groups to show animals they have for adoption at their stores. I foster for a rescue group, and I take my fosters to Petsmart every Saturday. Get information on the rescue group that has the puppy you are interested in. It should come with a medical history, when it was vaccinated, etc... If it does not - don't adopt it. Keep in mind, you have to sign a waiver that makes Petsmart not liable should the puppy not be in good health. So, be smart, and ask questions and get the history of the pup, so that you are sure that you are getting a healthy one.

Answer 11

DO NOT get a puppy from any pet store. They are directly from puppy mills, which take closely related junk dogs and breed them from money. They lie about which male the females are bred to . Some dogs are kept in horrible conditions (feces and urine) and then sold to the pet store at a young age. Then the pet store gives them shots and turns around and sells them for an arm and a leg and say they are purebred and registered, but you will never see the papers. They may look healthy, but in the future they probably will get sick. I know a friend got a cute puppy from petsmart, paid a bunch, the animal got hip dysplasia, and had anxiety problems. You are better off to go to your local humane society or get a puppy from a reputable breeder. I cannot emphasize enough NOT TO BUY A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE. They come directly from puppy mills. I know you will make the right choice and only that choice is yours.