How do you guys feel about...
- Thread starter jamest0o0
- Start date
My veiled was a "rescue" of sorts. He was in a display case like all the other Petco lizards (the small ones with the water bowl and such) but was seemingly in very good shape. The issue was that he was very small and in the same tank with a much larger male. (I didn't even know for sure that they were males at the time but just assumed by the posturing that was occurring.) I knew that the smaller one was stressed and continually being "chased" around the enclosure and couldn't take it. If there was any sign of poor health I would not have pulled the trigger. Just like with my fish purchases over the years I will not purchase a sick animal. So, not exactly a rescue but it was in my mind. Zaphod lived 5 years and I definitely do not regret getting him.
Perhaps I added to the issue by my purchase, but if the animal simply died in the store they would replace it with another one to sell. I would not do it again just based on the odds that you will get an animal that is not as healthy as you could from a reputable breeder. I am lucky that the Petco, Petsmart and Pet Supermarket around me take pretty good care of their animals.
Perhaps I added to the issue by my purchase, but if the animal simply died in the store they would replace it with another one to sell. I would not do it again just based on the odds that you will get an animal that is not as healthy as you could from a reputable breeder. I am lucky that the Petco, Petsmart and Pet Supermarket around me take pretty good care of their animals.
broderp
Avid Member
I'm on the fence over this topic. I have a heart, and love these and all animals and when I see them in less than adequate conditions like at big box pet stores, my first reaction is to save it. The logical side side of me kicks in about 1 second later and tells me be all I'll be doing is providing the store money and incentive to just get another to treat the same way. The sad truth is that until no-one buys these animals, they will always be sold. The vast majority of people are uneducated in the proper husbandry. They don't know any better. Even if the entire Cam Forum population were to boycott these stores and not buy ANYTHING from them until they stop selling animals, I feel we would not even be noticed as we represent less then .005% of one percent their customers as a whole. (Those are made up numbers, but you get my meaning.) We do not matter in the big picture. And this is the saddest thing knowing that there will always be those poor animals at Petco, and other places.
Virgil1972
Avid Member
I have a theory that those petstores purposefully neglect the animals to get people to feel sorry for the animals to get them to "rescue the animal".
jamest0o0
Chameleon Enthusiast
@Decadancin Well it sounds like your veiled had a great life, he was lucky to be rescued by you! Like @broderp said, even if every person, on every forum, boycotted these places, it still wouldn't make a dent. I stay away just for the principle of it personally. I figure I at least don't have to support them. I don't blame people for feeling bad and buying from them though. As a kid I used to always get stuff from petco :/.
@Virgil1972 that could be a possibility, but in the end that might hurt business more than help it. I think most people interested in keeping animals want to get from a healthy, knowledgeable source. With veileds I think it just comes down to them being cheap enough, while still super cool, that people can impulse by them.
I'm surprised most Chams aren't that expensive, and as common as panthers are, they still remain relatively pricey. Which is where I'd like them to stay! Parsons used to be like $50 each, I'm sure that was terrible too.
@Virgil1972 that could be a possibility, but in the end that might hurt business more than help it. I think most people interested in keeping animals want to get from a healthy, knowledgeable source. With veileds I think it just comes down to them being cheap enough, while still super cool, that people can impulse by them.
I'm surprised most Chams aren't that expensive, and as common as panthers are, they still remain relatively pricey. Which is where I'd like them to stay! Parsons used to be like $50 each, I'm sure that was terrible too.
Katacara
Avid Member
I have thought about actually making flyers and handing them out to everyone entering the pet stores in my area. Just encouraging people to do research before buying, reliable resources for research, common things to look for in a healthy/unhealthy animal. Just general info.
I think people just assume that pet store employees should know what they are talking about, or at least be honest enough to admit that they do not know the answer instead of making something up. (I was one of these assuming people before finding this forum)
I get so angry at people who do not properly take care of their pets! And I find myself so much more angry at these pet store places who not only do not properly take care of the animals they are selling, but compound it by giving people bad info and advice!!
I think people just assume that pet store employees should know what they are talking about, or at least be honest enough to admit that they do not know the answer instead of making something up. (I was one of these assuming people before finding this forum)
I get so angry at people who do not properly take care of their pets! And I find myself so much more angry at these pet store places who not only do not properly take care of the animals they are selling, but compound it by giving people bad info and advice!!
jamest0o0
Chameleon Enthusiast
In every situation, the problem isn't the supplier, it's the demand. As much as I hate petco, it is there because careless people want to OWN not keep/work with a cool exotic animal. People just want to show things off. Maybe some day there will be stricter permits on keeping and selling animals.
Kristen Wilkins
Chameleon Enthusiast
Hi @jamest0o0 our Frances came from petsmart . We reserched for 2 year . Know the risks of a petsmart/petco chameleon or any pet really . There she was in that tiny enclosure with Huge substrate/bark a water bowl and a vine . We know we would be putting money in their pocket and that tiny tank would be filled the next day . We also knew we could provide for that little girl and give her a chance . It's been a year with us many many vet visits ,5 URI later . Frances is now 15 months has been with us for a year now is a loved Grumpy little beauty
. We are so happy we could give her a happy life . I would never recommend this unless one had the means and really understand all aspects . I also do not go into petsmart/petco . They should not be allowed to sell pets . Hopefully our next veiled baby will come from @jannb if she see's us fit when the babies are ready and our panthers will always come from @Matt Vanilla Gorilla .
RedMountainHome
Established Member
I'm firmly against pet store "rescues", it only teaches pet stores that they can keep animals in deplorable conditions and they'll still sell. If they lose money and don't move the "product" (because that's what they are in a store) they'll either stop selling it or change the husbandry until it's profitable.
That's not to say I'm against pet stores keeping exotic or tough to keep animals. As long as they do it well, and educate their customers, I see no problem in it.
That's not to say I'm against pet stores keeping exotic or tough to keep animals. As long as they do it well, and educate their customers, I see no problem in it.
Kristen Wilkins
Chameleon Enthusiast
I don't think it's a rescue when ones paid for it either !!.
