Can you buy dogs or cats at a pet store like Petsmart or Petco?

Question

If so, what are the procedures for getting them?

Answer 1

You can buy pets from pet stores but it's not a good idea...the majority of these animals come from puppy mills...f you don't know what puppy mills are....google it. They are not a good pace for dogs or owners...plus there are SOOO many animals in shelters ready to be ethenized because they aren't getting adopted. If your worried about purebred dogs there are also several rescue groups that specialize in adopting out purebreeds. And yes they do have puppys...

Answer 2

do not know about Petco, but Petsmart works with local rescues and usually has a cat room with adoptable cats and kittens from abandoned animals to ones whose owners have died. I believe there are costs which usually cover the medical costs for the cats which help keep the Rescue running so i dont believe it is considered "buying" them. I hate the idea of "buying an animal like a potato or something inanimate instead of a living breathing feeling creature who deserves a life time of care and love. Dont forget a well cared for indoor cat can live for 18-20 years so make sure you or your family are prepared for 20 years worth of feeding, love and medical care when needed. Some rescues will insist on a home inspection and forms to be filled out prior to adoption.

Answer 3

As far as I know, Petsmart and Petco do not sell dogs or cats. But they often hold adoption days for local animal shelters, and bring in dogs or cats for people to adopt.

I imagine that the procedures to aquire one of those adoptable animals will depend on the rules for adoption set down by whichever shelter the animals come from. So those could vary quite a bit depending on where you are from.

Answer 4

Oh God, I am an expert on this. I worote an article for the newspaper in Chicago on this. Petsmart and Petco are fine, but don't go to a regular pet shop-they get there dogs from Puppy Mills.
Petsmart and Petco get there dogs and cats from Shelters or the humane society, plus they pay for there first shots and nuture them
and they really check people out. The fee is not has much, if you went to the breeder. Plus they give you tips on what food to feed them and also they have training classes there.
Good luck

Answer 5

Stores like Petsmart may have promotions w/ area humane societies and shelters offering cats or dogs on a special day, but normally these stores only sell animal supplies. The best place to buy an animal is a shelter or humane society as most are overcrowded with great animals looking for homes. They often have young dogs and many many kittens. Good luck!

Answer 6

Half of the people don't even know what a puppy mill is and they just want a cute little dog/cat but they don't know that those animals have been treated horribly. That is why people need to be educated on this so that they don't buy because technically it isn't illegal (considered agriculture, yep animals somehow fall under that category!) Oh and by the way, you forgot Petland! Yep, the one that all the little kids want to go in (there is a reason the animals look so "sad" aka neglected). Here is a link to a video of puppies being delivered to Petland (from a puppymill). Sorry it takes forever to load. Also, look at 25 seconds and the Jesus sticker. I don't think he would approve of that...

Answer 7

Technically they don't sell cats or dogs. Most Petsmarts have rescued cats up for adoption (for about $100 to make up for fees) and about once a month they host an adoption day for dogs.

Hope this helps

Answer 8

Well It depends on the store but Petsmart mostly sells Cats, and Petland sells dogs but they charge too much and neglect their animals.
Instead of wasting your cash on a pet store adopt a dog from the pound and save it's life

Answer 9

Petsmart can sell dogs and cats but it is only on occasion (more cats than dogs) they help out the local humane societies by letting them bring in the dogs for the day.

Answer 10

They often offer animals from the local animals shelters for adoption...cats, usually $75. I believe dogs are $100. It is a good way to get a chance to meet the animals and be assured of a nice find. Afterall, they are not going to put mean and disruptive animals on public display. I think it is a great idea. Good luck. : )