Reputable places to find small pets?

Question

I'm looking into buying a small animal, something like a guinea pig or a leopard gecko. I've heard horror stories about larger pet chains like PetSmart, so I'm nervous about purchasing from them. Is PetSmart a good place to buy small pets?

If not, does anyone know of a reputable pet dealer in South Carolina, preferably in Charleston or Myrtle Beach?

Answer 1

I used to work at PetSmart. Corporate policy is to have all pets "vet checked" before being put out for sale, and previous to that they're kept in a separate "quiet room" in the back so if they come in with any problems they won't spread them to others. They're kept in there for at least a week to make sure they don't have any "hidden" symptoms. All PetSmarts have a Banfield Animal Hospital in-house with at least one doctor that specialized in exotic/small pets. PetSmarts also have a two-week guarantee on small pets so if anything happens you can bring them back or get a new one.

I've watched seen some of those "horror" stories/videos that PETA or whoever puts out about how animals are treated at PetSmart, and it's just ridiculously exagerrated or incorrect information. I was at my store about 10 months and never saw any mistreatment of any kind, quite the contrary, the small animal specialists were caring and knowledgable. Of course as far as staff goes, every store differs, but every store does have a "Specialty Manager" who personally oversees the small animal department and ensures that everyone is doing their job.

I have three guinea pigs that I got at PetSmart about a year ago and all of them are happy and healthy. With the larger pet stores you usually get a better guarantee. They got large for a reason! Good luck!

Answer 2

Pet stores like the big chains tend to do ok with pocket pets but not so good with reptiles. The bedding should be clean, plenty of fresh water and food, lively bright eyed animals. Should come with a health guarantee and you can have a vet check to be sure is always a good idea. Buying the monthly magazines they sell is good, because they contain pages of breeder info and you can find a breeder in your area. Also, lots of conventions and fairs where you can buy direct from breeders are listed as well.

Answer 3

i also live in South Florida, and the Treasure Coast ASPCA is awesome. They have great dogs and pups, kept in clean, healthy conditions. The adoption fees are between $50 and $100. The Boca ASPCA also has pups, but it is way overcrowded and the dogs are usually not of a great quality. The classifieds always have plenty of cheap dogs, but its a lot more work finding one. Keep in mind that ALL dogs cost an arm and a leg, at $1,000 a year on food alone, so don't take on this commitment unless you are SURE you can afford it. Hope this helped and good luck! =)

Answer 4

try to find an exotic pet store near you. i appriciate you not trying to buy from there. for a guines pig look in your local papper and local shelters first. make sure the animals look healthy where ever you buy it.

good luck and have fun with your soon to be pet!