While the tiny bundles of fluff at the pet store might seem irresistible, there are compelling reasons why buying a small pet from a pet store might not be the best idea. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the often-overlooked downsides of this seemingly convenient option and explore alternative paths to ensure you make the most informed decision when it comes to welcoming a new companion into your home.

1. Cruel Breeding Practices

Most small pets found in pet stores come from breeding facilities known as pet mills.

These breeding mills prioritize profits over the well-being of animals, subjecting them to mistreatment and neglect. 

Unfortunately, the cute pets you see in the pet store are often born into a life of distress and poor care. 

By purchasing a pet from the pet store, you give the pet stores the financial incentive to continue purchasing animals from the mill. In turn, this leads to more animals being put in this situation, and the cycle continues.

You might feel like you’re rescuing an animal from their life at the pet store, but the decision has lasting impacts on all of the animals you can’t take home. 

2. Genetic Problems

To meet the demand for specific traits or appearances, pet mills prioritize aesthetics over traits that protect the health of the animal.

This focus on looks rather than health often leads to increased genetic problems and hereditary illnesses. 

This means the life of your pet is likely to be shorter, and they’re likely to have more costly health problems due to their genetics.

3. Not Screened or Trained for Temperament

When you adopt a small pet from an animal rescue, you have the benefit of understanding their personality a bit better. 

The animal rescue and the pet’s foster parents can give you insight into what they’re like. Not only can this help you choose the best pet for you, but it will also make the adoption process smoother. 

In addition to knowing the pet’s traits a little better, you’ll benefit from the work put in by the rescue. This involves handling the animal and getting them used to human interaction as much as possible. 

This means that you’re likely to have a much easier time bonding with a pet you adopt from a small pet rescue.

4. Support Ethical Breeders and Rescues

By adopting from a small pet rescue in your area, or if that fails, from a reputable and ethical breeder, you are supporting animal welfare. 

Rescues and ethical breeders promote the health and well-being of small animals, while large corporations and pet mills only damage animal welfare as a whole. 

Choose Ethical Small Pet Adoption

Where possible, we recommend adopting a small pet from an animal rescue in your area. If they don’t have any animals you’re interested in, try looking at rehoming listings near you. 

If that fails, try to reach out to an ethical breeder. Investigate the breeder as much as you can before adopting an animal from them. You want to make sure they’re not a “backyard breeder” by asking about their care practices and getting references from previous adopters.