Do People Who Own Or Work At Pet Stores Actually Know Anything?
I was in the pet store yesterday looking at pets for my 8 and 10 year olds. Something small because we live in an apartment. The lady suggested that I buy them 2 Sulcata Tortoises. What did she think we were going to do with a 100lb tortise in an apartment.
Not usually, no. In my area the small independant stores are even worse than PetCo. I was even told that a 3″ baby bearded dragon hatchling was only supposed to be fed one small cricket *or* a small amount of lettuce every other day…they are supposed to be eating a dozen appropriately sized crickets two to three times a day, plus veggies available at all times. I used to love that store especially for my cat supplies but after hearing that, I refuse to step foot in there for anything.
On the plus side there is a small local store that specialized in reptiles, anphibians, and insects/spiders. Everyone there is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about their animals and won’t sell to people who they are certain can’t or won’t take care of the animals. Many people even bring in their reptiles with health problem instead of going to a vet (I believe the closest herp vet is nearly two hours away). I’d love to be able to have my own shop like theirs (but more mainstream such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters) so that maybe more pet owners won’t be misled so badly.
I love shopping at locally-owned pet stores. I have had very bad luck with advice at the big box stores, but when I go to the local stores, I actually find people who are educated on pets and the products they sell. They usually have very competitive prices too. This is one area where the big box stores miss out and the locals shine through! I would try to find a little local place and make that your source for all of your pets and pet supplies
Yes, they know how to get people to buy things, even if they are totally inappropriate. While some pet stores are owned by good, knowledgeable, ethical people, most aren’t.
Here’s how to tell a good pet store owner from a bad one: an ethical, kind, knowledgeable person will NOT sell animals in their store. They know that they can’t guarantee that everyone with a pocketful of money will care for them. They also know that the breeders willing to sell to the pet store don’t care about their animals and don’t produce the best quality.
I pretty much only shop at places that sell no animals at all. Occassionally I buy at PetSmart, but only the items I can’t find at other places nearby.
I have bad luck at chain pet stores – most of the employees have no idea what they’re doing. My experience with locally-owned pet stores, though, is that they’re more friendly and reliable, and the employees have experience with animals and can give excellent advice.
Depends on the pet store. Some near me have young employees that don’t know crap, other store have older associates that have been there for years and can actually be helpful. Maybe try another pet store if possible.
usually, they dont. i was looking for hermit crab food, and i asked a lady, and she gave me a huge bag of birdseed. some cant even tell a boy cat from a girl cat!
EAT them! They are a good source of nutrients. But sometimes they do know quite a bit of where they work… “)