Pet stores play a crucial role in the pet industry by providing a convenient and accessible place for people to purchase pets and pet supplies. However, what happens to the animals that don’t get sold at these stores? This article delves into the fate of unsold animals in pet stores, shedding light on the practices followed by two major pet store chains: Petco and PetSmart.
When it comes to Petco, if an animal doesn’t find a home within a few months, the store often reduces its price in an attempt to increase the chances of adoption. However, if an animal remains unsold for an extended period, Petco may transfer it to another nearby location that has a higher potential for finding a suitable home. At this stage, the animal is usually discounted further to attract potential adopters.
As time goes by, the oldest and cheapest animals in Petco’s care may be around eight months old and priced at around $200. Unfortunately, if these animals are still not adopted, they face a grim fate. Despite spending their entire lives in a cage, these animals are euthanized, simply because they did not find a forever home.
On the other hand, PetSmart follows a different approach in dealing with unsold animals. PetSmart Charities, the organization associated with PetSmart, partners with local rescues and shelters to ensure that all adoptable animals in their stores come from these partner organizations. This means that PetSmart does not directly take dogs from the general public or breed animals for sale.
The partnership between PetSmart Charities and local rescues allows for a more efficient and widespread distribution of dogs in need of adoption. By working together, they can minimize the impact on a single organization or shelter, especially when they are already at capacity. While puppy mill dogs may be fostered or adopted quickly, the process of getting them into shelters can be complex due to the limited space available.
Pet stores, like Petco and PetSmart, play a significant role in the pet industry. While Petco may resort to euthanizing unsold animals after a certain period, PetSmart takes a different approach by partnering with local rescues and shelters to find homes for adoptable animals. It is important for potential pet owners to consider adoption from these partner organizations to help give these animals a second chance at a loving home.
What Does Petco Do To Unsold Animals?
Petco has a protocol in place for dealing with unsold animals that ensures their well-being and increases their chances of finding a home. Here is a breakdown of the steps they take:
1. Price Reduction: When animals in Petco’s care are not sold within a certain timeframe, the store may reduce their prices to attract potential adopters. This helps increase the chances of finding a suitable home for these animals.
2. Transfer to Another Location: If an animal remains unsold even after the price reduction, Petco may transfer it to another nearby location. This is done strategically, as the new location might have a higher chance of finding a suitable home for the animal. By transferring the animals, Petco aims to maximize their chances of adoption.
3. Enhanced Exposure: Petco ensures that unsold animals receive increased exposure to potential adopters. This may involve promoting them through various channels, such as online platforms, social media, or in-store signage. By increasing their visibility, Petco aims to attract more potential adopters and increase the likelihood of finding these animals a home.
4. Partnership with Rescue Organizations: Petco collaborates with local rescue organizations to further increase the chances of finding homes for unsold animals. These organizations have dedicated networks and resources to help facilitate adoptions. By partnering with them, Petco can extend its reach and provide more opportunities for these animals to find loving homes.
It is important to note that Petco prioritizes the well-being and care of all animals in their stores, whether they are sold or not. The staff ensures that the animals receive proper nutrition, healthcare, and socialization while they are in Petco’s care.
What Happens To Unsold Animals?
When it comes to unsold animals in pet stores or breeding facilities, their fate can vary depending on the specific policies and practices in place. Below are some possible outcomes for unsold animals:
1. Discounts and promotions: In an effort to encourage adoption, pet stores or breeders may offer discounts or promotional deals on older animals that have not yet found homes. This is done to attract potential buyers who may be interested in getting a pet at a lower price.
2. Relocation to shelters or rescue organizations: If a pet store or breeder has a partnership or agreement with local animal shelters or rescue organizations, unsold animals may be transferred to these facilities. Shelters often have adoption programs in place and work towards finding permanent homes for animals in their care.
3. Extended stay at the pet store or breeder: In some cases, unsold animals may continue to be kept at the pet store or breeding facility for an extended period. These animals may be provided with basic care, such as food, water, and shelter, until they are eventually sold or transferred elsewhere. However, it is important to note that keeping animals in cages for prolonged periods can have negative effects on their physical and mental well-being.
4. Return to the breeder: If the unsold animal is from a breeder, they may be returned to the breeder’s care. Breeders may then decide to keep the animal, attempt to sell it through other means, or make arrangements for its adoption or placement.
5. Euthanasia: Unfortunately, in some cases, if all other options have been exhausted and an animal remains unsold for an extended period, the pet store or breeder may choose to euthanize the animal. This is a highly controversial and ethically challenging practice, but it has been reported to occur in certain situations.
It’s important to note that the specific practices and policies related to unsold animals can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction, individual establishments, and animal welfare regulations in place. It is crucial for potential pet owners to research and choose reputable sources when looking to adopt a pet and support organizations that prioritize the well-being and responsible placement of animals.
What Does PetSmart Do With Unwanted Animals?
PetSmart works with local rescues and shelters through its PetSmart Charities program to help find homes for unwanted animals. When dogs are brought to PetSmart, they do not take them directly from individuals or the general public. Instead, PetSmart Charities partners with these organizations to provide adoption events inside PetSmart stores, where potential adopters can meet and adopt these animals.
Here is a detailed explanation of what happens:
1. Partner Organizations: PetSmart Charities collaborates with local rescues and shelters that have a proven track record of responsible animal care. These organizations rescue animals from various situations, including strays, owner surrenders, and overcrowded shelters.
2. Animal Intake: When a rescue or shelter takes in an unwanted dog, they provide necessary medical care, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering if needed. They also assess the dog’s temperament and behavior to ensure a good match with potential adopters.
3. Adoption Preparation: Once the dog is ready for adoption, the rescue or shelter partners with PetSmart Charities to hold adoption events at PetSmart stores. These events give the animals more visibility and increase their chances of finding loving homes.
4. Adoption Events: During adoption events, the rescue or shelter brings the dogs to a designated area within the PetSmart store. They provide information about each dog’s background, personality, and any special needs. Potential adopters can interact with the dogs, ask questions, and learn more about their care requirements.
5. Adoption Process: If someone is interested in adopting a dog, they go through an adoption process facilitated by the rescue or shelter. This typically involves completing an application, providing references, and possibly having a home visit to ensure a suitable environment for the dog.
6. Post-Adoption Support: Once a dog is adopted, the rescue or shelter may provide post-adoption support, such as guidance on training, behavior, and healthcare. This helps ensure a successful transition for both the dog and its new family.
It’s important to note that PetSmart itself does not take ownership of these animals or directly handle the adoption process. They provide space within their stores for adoption events and support the efforts of local rescues and shelters through their PetSmart Charities program.
What Happens To Unsold Puppies At Puppy Mills?
Unsold puppies at puppy mills typically face a variety of outcomes, none of which are ideal. Here are some possible scenarios:
1. Continued breeding: If the puppy mill is still in operation and the unsold puppies are of breeding age, they may be kept for future breeding purposes. This perpetuates the cycle of puppy mills and contributes to overpopulation.
2. Neglect or abandonment: In some cases, puppy mills may choose to neglect or abandon unsold puppies due to lack of resources or space. These puppies may be left to fend for themselves, leading to health issues, starvation, or injury.
3. Sale to other puppy mills or brokers: Unsold puppies may be sold to other puppy mills or brokers, who then distribute them to pet stores or online platforms. This allows the puppy mill to make some profit while offloading the responsibility of caring for the puppies.
4. Euthanasia: Unfortunately, if the puppy mill is unable to sell or find alternative solutions for the unsold puppies, euthanasia may be considered. This is often seen as a last resort due to the financial implications and negative public perception.
It’s important to note that these outcomes are not exclusive to unsold puppies at puppy mills. Many reputable shelters and rescue organizations work tirelessly to provide better alternatives for these dogs, offering them a chance at a safe and loving home.
Conclusion
Pet stores play a significant role in the adoption and rehoming of animals. While some concerns have been raised about the treatment of animals in these establishments, it is important to recognize that many pet stores, such as Petco and PetSmart, have implemented policies and partnerships with rescues and shelters to ensure the well-being and adoption of animals in their care.
Petco, for example, offers discounted prices for animals that have been in their care for a longer period of time, and if they still remain unsold, they are transferred to another location with a higher chance of finding a home. This demonstrates their commitment to finding homes for these animals rather than resorting to euthanasia as a last resort.
Similarly, PetSmart Charities partners with local rescues and shelters to provide a platform for the adoption of dogs. While they may not directly take in dogs from the general public, they work collaboratively with organizations to ensure that puppy mill dogs and other animals in need are given the opportunity to find loving homes.
It is important to remember that the responsibility of finding homes for animals does not solely rest on the shoulders of pet stores. It requires a collective effort from individuals, shelters, rescues, and the community as a whole to address the issue of pet overpopulation and ensure that every animal has a chance at a happy and fulfilling life.
By working together and supporting responsible adoption practices, we can help reduce the number of animals in shelters and give them the chance they deserve to be part of a loving family.
