Are animals at large pet stores like PetSmart or Petco generally illtempered or more likely to get diseases?

Question

As opposed to a breeder.....The reason I ask is because I'm looking into getting a chinchilla and I was wondering whether or not its worth paying a little more to get one from a breeder instead of the local PetSmart

Answer 1

most animals in chain pet stores come from "puppy factories". They are inbred, disease prone and likely to have many personality and health problems.

Answer 2

Well generally it usually isn't a good idea to buy animals from petshops, as they were most likely bred under less than optimal circumstances, and with no regard to health and temperment. I know this is true of most animals but never heard about a monkey.
In the long run it is best to get them from a breader who has history with atleast 3 generation of that animals family members (other animals) This way, they will know for sure what the temperment of their parents were, and any hereditary health problems the animal may or may not have. Also most reputable breaders will be able to show you the 3 generations in the flesh or on certified paper. If they cannot do atleast 3 (your new pet, it's parents, and it's "grandparents") then you should think highly about finding another breeder. All in all the ones from breader wind up being much healthier and nicer animals, due to home, personalized attention and nurturing. Also pick your breeder carefully as this will be someone you should be able to contact again should you have any problems with your new animal - if they do or even don't offer a health gurantee.
And one more point animals in pet shops usually come from mills. Which is where animals are bred and bred and bred until they die with no regard to their health, safety, temperment, or any other matter. It is a sad thing, and something I would never condone nor buy one and give them any sort of monetary support! It is animal cruelty!

Answer 3

Animals at large stores are not necessarily ill-tempered, but they are not as socialized with humans as animals that have been raised in-home by a breeder. These animals are kept in cages with companions, but rarely receive interaction beyond feeding, watering, and cleaning of the cage each day. Therefore, they may take longer to tame.

They are more likely to get diseases, not because the conditions are bad, but simply because they are housed in pairs or groups, and there are new animals arriving often.

Believe it or not, many animals are actually cheaper when you buy from a breeder! Don't forget, pet stores have to buy from other people too, and then they mark up the prices to make their profit.

Overall, I would strongly advise finding a breeder. But be aware, not all private breeders are good either! Ask to visit the breeder's facility, take a good look at the cages and animals. Is everything clean and sterile looking? Are the animals alert, healthy, and friendly? Ask to hold several different animals, are they all friendly and social? If anything looks questionable, say no and get out!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Good question. I got my cockatiels from Petco and they turned out to be great pets. I would recommend these mass chains for most pets except dogs and cats. I think they get them from breeders anyways. However, I would try finding a Chinchilla breeder in your area. It's always better to buy straight from the breeder. Petco and Petsmart way overcharge. My cockatiels were $150 and I went to a pet bird fair and the same colors were like $50 from breeders so I got ripped off. I mean, they are friendly and all but do they rip you off! Plus, a breeder would be much more knowledgeable about all your questions.

Answer 5

Chinchilla's are not a wise choice to purchase in a pet shop. THey are usually kept in a cage with guinea pigs which cause them to have serious problems since they are nocturnal and guinea pigs are not. Big breeders may not also be a good choice since they are so busy breeding they do not have the time to pay each chinchilla individual attention and those chinchillas become unsociable, and are generally more aggressive. YOu are better off going with a small breeder, who only has one or two set of parents and does not have many babies a year. THey are better cared for and A LOT more playful. Though they do take a little longer to locate.

Answer 6

Well, that's a good question. There are bad breeders and good breeders; good pet stores and bad. Do your homework on breeders; best is probably word of mouth.
Personally, I like Petsmart and Petco because they usually are very good about vaccinating and socializing their animals before they get adopted out. The other thing about these two stores is that they have animal rescue/humane society personnel in the store on a regular basis.

Answer 7

To answer your question, NO.

However, I would strongly recommend a different approach to finding a pet. Call the AKC (American Kennel Club) and get a referral directly to a reputable breeder in your area. You have a better chance of assuring the quality of your pet this way.

Sometimes, breeders that are not so reputable sell to pet stores. Sometimes, breeders sell their less desirable animals to pet stores. It is not the case that the pets are more likely to be diseased or ill tempered, but the chance of them being a little less of a perfect example of the breed does exist.

One comment on diseases. Pet stores have people constantly handling and exposing the pets to diseases. New pets always come in and the potential for disease transfer is greater. This is why good pet stores will have you disinfect you hands before you touch each animal and they will also quarantine new pets for a while before exposing them to other pets in the store.

Answer 8

It depnds on the location. I used to work at a petsmart and we took really good care of the animals. For example, we gave the guinea pigs vitamin C regually, cleaned out cages regularly etc. But some stores do not. Check if the cages are clean and toys are appropriate for the animal...ask about the animal and see if the person working there seems to know what they are talking about. Some breeders can be bad too...overbreeding, bad conditions etc. No matter where you buy a pet you should make sure you are getting a good quality animal. Good luck!

Answer 9

A breeder is always the best route to go because they actually put genuine "love" into their pets. However, the big stores you mentioned do keep these pets in very nice conditions. Particularly PetSmart. I once got a chameleon from there and he turned out to have a great head on his shoulders (neck?)

Answer 10

Pets from large pet stores sometimes really get stressed out. Check it carefully before making your purchase. Is its environment clean. A large store may guarantee the animal but it's usually just a short period. Also check with the breeder, it will probably be healthier and you may find more traits that are more to your liking.

Answer 11

I got my rats at PetSmart, and they were wonderful. They lived long, fairly healthy lives (One developed a tumor in his eye, the other developed a tumor on his side.) and were well-tempered. One was a bit more outgoing, and the other was a bit more shy, but that's just due to varying personalities I guess.
I went to PetSmart to look for a cockatiel, however, and was disgusted by how sick the poor birds looked. I came back several times and they still looked unhealthy. I guess it's just a matter of handling the animals and examining them before you decide on one to bring home with you.