10 Reasons Not to Buy Puppies from Pet Stores

Saturday, July 21 is No Pet Store Puppies Day! This holiday provides us with a great opportunity to remind friends and family of the issues related to purchasing puppies from pet stores. To celebrate we have have put together a list of reasons why people shouldn't buy puppies from pet shops, but should instead should consider adopting a from a shelter or working directly with a responsible breeder.

1. A Responsible and Ethical Breeder Would Not Send Their Puppies to a Pet Store
Puppies in pet stores are often separated from their mother much earlier than they should be. Pet stores will do this because they know their customers will think younger puppies are cuter and will be more likely to buy them. Responsible breeders will want to keep the puppies until they are closer to 8 weeks old and won't want their puppies to be kept in small cages with such little socialization. Good breeders will also want to meet the owners of their puppies to ensure they are going to the right homes.

Image Source: ASPCA.ORG

2. Poor Health
Because many of these puppies come from puppy mills it is very common for them to not be healthy. Puppies from mills are the result of careless breeding, and are therefore more prone to health issues such as neurological and eye problems, joint dysplasia, and Canine Parvovirus.

Read More