According to animal rights advocates, cats and dogs in stores do not receive proper care and attention, are kept in cramped and dirty cages, and do not get to walk or move around. And pet store employees are simply physically unable to provide animals with appropriate conditions.
Experts agree with this ban and believe it should have been introduced long ago. That is because responsible breeders never hand their animals over to pet stores, but sell them personally to new owners, with the necessary set of documents for the kitten or puppy in hand.
Over the past couple of years, finding a kitten or puppy in a pet store has become a difficult task. Veterinarians simply do not grant retail outlets the necessary permits to sell them.
How and where to choose a pet now?
Going to a pet store for a puppy or kitten will no longer be an option. So where can you find yourself a four-legged friend? For this, turn to experienced breeders with an impeccable reputation, or to catteries and kennels. And if you wish to help homeless cats and dogs – visit animal shelters.
You should not look for a cheaper puppy without documents. You will almost certainly end up dealing with a scammer or a "backyard breeder": that is what they call someone who breeds cats and dogs unprofessionally and takes no responsibility for their condition and health. As a result, you can acquire a pet with a whole bouquet of ailments. Through unverified websites you may acquire something completely different from what you planned, and it is unlikely you will be able to return the pet or get your money back. Besides, it is hard to part with a kitten or puppy you fell in love with at first sight.
It is better to choose trusted catteries and kennels. They will gladly show you the conditions in which their animals are kept. On your first request, the breeder must provide you with information about the puppy's or kitten's parents, its pedigree, and its registration certificate.
Catteries and kennels may specialize in one or several breeds. The organization itself must be registered and have its own website, and all kittens and puppies must have veterinary passports, a registration certificate, and a pedigree.
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What to pay attention to when choosing a pet
- Assess the behavior and appearance of your chosen pet, and be sure to look at its parents: they should be healthy, affectionate, and socialized.
- Pet the animal and feel its coat. Note how soft and smooth it is, and whether there are any bald patches or skin damage.
- Watch its behavior, assess its activity level and sociability. Some people like playful kittens and puppies, others look for calmer, slightly phlegmatic ones. But a pet should not be listless.
- Check the condition of its eyes, ears, and nose. The eyes and ears should be clean, and the nose moderately moist and without cracks.
- Assess the bite of its teeth and the condition of its gums.
