That is so sad and disgusting. The only time i go into one of them is just to feel sorry for all of those dogs.

Vetgroomer, thanks for your reply. I wouldn't say this particular pet store was really filthy because I went in their duing the daytime once and it didn't smell that bad. The one time it was horrible was when I went in their at night. So, I think it might have been like you say, there are just so many animals that at the end of the day, and right before cleaning, it's going to smell. I suppose right before closing, they got out the mops and buckets. Still, they sold nothing but dogs, so I personally think they should be doing a better job at keeping the place more sanitary.

I went in their to look at them behind the glass cages. Then once to look at a shih tzu, because I had never seen one up close. As stated previously, it looked pitiful.

And they do sell dog items and I won't even patronize their store, once I get a dog.

Pet store owners often grow so apathetic towards animals in their pet shops.
Recently I came across a pet store in the neighbourhood wher 7-8 pups were kept in the same kennel, if you can call it that, (seemed more like a bird cage) with hardly any space for the dog to stand on its 4 legs.

Once you buy a pet from such a store owner, make sure you take it immediately for vaccinations to avoid hygiene-related problems.
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You might want to report that or something, if it is that bad it could be harmful to the dogs.

[mightymite]

Originally Posted by wouldbedogowner

I went into a pet store to look at a Shih Tzu, not because I was going to buy it from there, but just to see the breed close up. When I got in there it spelled AWFUL! A nastry urine smell permeated the air. I almost left right after intering. This nasty place did grooming there as well, yuck! I wouldn't take any dog of mine in there to be groomed.

Anyway, the saleslady brought the shih tzu out from behind the glass cage and it looked so sad. Poor thing. I think it was about 6 weeks or so. Dog (female) was eating and she had food all over her mouth,then, get this, the saleslady kissed the dog on the mouth and let the dog lick her lips. Uggh!

I will not be entering that establishment again. That's for sure!

i guess from your post you know all the reasons why you should never purchase a dog from a pet shop. Truth is, I am amazed the pet shops, in general, can keep the oder down. I worked as a "Adoption Associate" as a kid for the North Shore Animal League. Working in the "puppy room" could be a nightmare. Puppies are wet from both ends and they are perpetual potty machines. If you have 30 or 40 puppies in a room and they are all hyped up from being handled for 8 hours a day by would-be adopters, you have a perpetual mess. Add to that the fact that both the adoption puppies and the pet shop puppies are forced to releive themselves in the same space they sleep in - as they are living in small crates day in and day out - and you know it's going to get messy.

Yes I have done some volunteering at a shelter as well and it definitely is not pretty. One job I had was washing out the van that they transported the dog or cats in. Vomit and poo all over the walls and crates. I will save you the details but I think that pet store you are talking about should do a better cleaning job.

Originally Posted by wouldbedogowner

I went into a pet store to look at a Shih Tzu, not because I was going to buy it from there, but just to see the breed close up. When I got in there it spelled AWFUL! A nastry urine smell permeated the air. I almost left right after intering. This nasty place did grooming there as well, yuck! I wouldn't take any dog of mine in there to be groomed.

Anyway, the saleslady brought the shih tzu out from behind the glass cage and it looked so sad. Poor thing. I think it was about 6 weeks or so. Dog (female) was eating and she had food all over her mouth,then, get this, the saleslady kissed the dog on the mouth and let the dog lick her lips. Uggh!

I will not be entering that establishment again. That's for sure!

would you show shih tzu's pic.

Originally Posted by mightymite

i guess from your post you know all the reasons why you should never purchase a dog from a pet shop. Truth is, I am amazed the pet shops, in general, can keep the oder down. I worked as a "Adoption Associate" as a kid for the North Shore Animal League. Working in the "puppy room" could be a nightmare. Puppies are wet from both ends and they are perpetual potty machines. If you have 30 or 40 puppies in a room and they are all hyped up from being handled for 8 hours a day by would-be adopters, you have a perpetual mess. Add to that the fact that both the adoption puppies and the pet shop puppies are forced to releive themselves in the same space they sleep in - as they are living in small crates day in and day out - and you know it's going to get messy.

Yes, I know why someone should never purchase from a pet shop. Not only that, they had the audacity to charge enormous sums of money for these dogs. For the shih tzu, they wanted $900 and change. Really sick. But, it is a shame how these dogs have to live while awaiting purchase in the pet store.

Now, here's the question. Can pet stores be prohibiting from selling dogs? Can we get this outlawed? Has a bill ever been introduced to congress re this situation? Anybody know? Have any bills been introduced to do something about the puppy mill mess? Re puppy mill owners, my personal belief is they should be threatened with jail time?

Originally Posted by dogforever

would you show shih tzu's pic.:

Oh, dear girl, get with the program! Shih tzus are old news. Poodles are where it's at.

And I can't wait to bring my sweet furbaby home.

Now, back to the topic...

That's so sad. I wish there was someone that would come shut down those places. They charge so much for the dogs and then treat the dogs like crap!