According to No Puppy Mills Canada, 10 million “excess” dogs and cats will be killed in shelters this year. These are not animals that are sick, old, or have temperament problems that would make them unadoptable – these are healthy, happy, and well adjusted animals that, through no fault of their own, nobody wants. Statistically, most of them are between 7 and 14 months old. Every dog or cat purchased from a pet store takes away the chances of a home being found for one of these perfectly healthy animals.

dailyspecialsMany customers look for a pet in a pet shop because “I’m looking for a family pet, not a show dog or cat.” They purchase what may be referred to by the store as a “purebred type” or “unregistered purebred”-a federal offense according to the Animal Pedigree Act-and a less than perfect variety of the pet they wanted. Or-they buy a pretty baby, a dog that simply steals their heart.

Either way, when you purchase an animal from a pet store, you stand a good chance of ending up with an animal with poor temperament, erratic behavior patterns or physical abnormalities. The truth is-animals sold in pet stores come from puppy mills and backyard breeders. Animals from these sources are produced for profit, and as such, not tested for genetic diseases common to their breeds. Hip x-rays, blood tests, and eye certifications cost money, and those costs could not be passed through the chain to the pet store without detracting considerably from the profit.

Realizing the full power of education, Pet Planet intends to positively impact future pet populations.

Our goal is to eventually eliminate the tragedy of backyard breeders and pet mills and the impulse buying of puppies, kittens and other animals either directly from these irresponsible breeders or through the pet stores that support them. Over-population of unwanted and genetically unhealthy animals is a direct result of the irresponsible breeding and selling of pets. We also encourage proper research into breeders and their practices for each family considering a new addition. No responsible breeder sells to retail pet stores. They would never allow random strangers to purchase their animals.

Pet Planet advocates responsible pet acquisition and Guardianship–therefore we do not sell animals. It is essential for families to research responsible breeders and their breeding practices, as well as research the adoption option when considering adding a pet to their clan. Acquiring an animal is a long term investment in a member of your family and should never be considered on a whim.

If you are considering a new addition to your family, ensure you visit our Pet Education Centre, where we devote an entire library to Responsible Pet Acquisition. Here you will find important information prospective pet guardians need to know before making the big decision of what pet to get and from where.