Why not buy from pet store?
Do not buy your Pomsky from a pet store.
Why not?
Puppies sold in pet stores often come from puppy mills or commercial breeding facilities where health and genetic issues are prevalent due to poor breeding practices and lack of proper veterinary care. These puppies may suffer from genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and behavioral problems.
Unethical Breeding Practices: Many pet store puppies are sourced from puppy mills, where dogs are often kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with little to no regard for their welfare. Supporting these establishments perpetuates animal cruelty and exploitation. They also are often sent to the pet store too young.
Lack of Socialization: Puppies raised in pet stores often miss out on crucial socialization opportunities during their early developmental stages. They may not be exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments, leading to behavioral issues later in life.
Limited Transparency: Pet stores typically do not provide adequate information about the puppy's lineage, health history, or breeding conditions. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for buyers to make informed decisions and may lead to unforeseen health or behavioral problems.
Supporting Irresponsible Breeding: Purchasing puppies from pet stores incentivizes irresponsible breeding practices, as breeders prioritize profit over the health and well-being of the animals. By supporting reputable breeders instead, we encourage ethical breeding standards and responsible pet ownership. Most kennel clubs, including the American Pomsky Kennel Club®, have a Code of Ethics that prevents their breeders from selling to pet stores or brokers as it’s irresponsible breeding.
Higher Risk of Health Issues: Pet store puppies are more likely to suffer from health problems such as respiratory infections, parasites, and congenital defects due to the stressful conditions of breeding, transportation to the pet store before all vaccinations are administered, being away from the mother at too young an age, and being handled by too many germy hands.
No Screening Process: Pet stores typically do not screen potential buyers to ensure they are prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership. Reputable breeders, on the other hand, carefully vet prospective owners to ensure their puppies are placed in suitable and loving homes. The APKC® takes the strong stance that it is unethical for a breeder to sell puppies without fully vetting their owners, which cannot be done in a pet store environment.
Unreliable Guarantees: Many pet stores offer warranties or guarantees on their puppies' health, but these may come with strict limitations and exclusions. In contrast, reputable breeders often provide comprehensive health guarantees and ongoing support to their puppy buyers.
Financial Support for Cruelty: Every puppy sold in a pet store contributes to the profitability of the commercial breeding industry, including puppy mills and backyard breeders. By refusing to purchase from pet stores and instead supporting reputable breeders, we can help dismantle this cycle of cruelty and exploitation.
Legal and Regulatory Concerns: Some jurisdictions have implemented regulations or bans on the sale of puppies in pet stores due to concerns about animal welfare and consumer protection. By purchasing from reputable breeders, buyers can avoid legal complications and support ethical breeding practices.
Resources:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) - Puppy Mills: https://www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty/puppy-mills
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) - The Problem with Pet Stores: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/problem-pet-stores
American Kennel Club (AKC) - Responsible Dog Ownership: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/responsible-dog-ownership-tips/
