Thank you, that’s all I wanted to know.

@peacelovepie There are also rabbit and small animal rescues that aren’t as well-known. Again, try petfinder.com.

@peacelovepie Most shelters do, even if they don’t advertise their small animals as well. Check petfinder.com.

If they don’t sell animals, then they aren’t nearly as bad as pet stores that do and can be supported. However, most sell products that aren’t ideal for animals, for example low-quality food and tiny cages that animals shouldn’t be housed in.

@annie-l I know that. I was asking what would be a humane source, since I don’t think there are any nearby shelters that regularly accept smaller pets.

Oh, I meant around where i live. The nearest shelter (where I got my cat, it’s the only one in town) only has cats and dogs.

@peacelovepie>>> If an animal isn’t adoptable at a shelter maybe it’s a sign that that animal shouldn’t be a pet? Most shelters tend to have a variety of adoptable animals though, including small critters. They usually get an abundance of bunnies as they breed often and are then set free be owners who can’t take care of them.

What about animals that you don’t adopt? Many animals aren’t available at shelters, so where is a humane source of smaller animals?

I usually only get pet supplies from pet stores, yet my mother buys fish there. I can’t really help what my parents purchase. =/

I’m kind of conflicted when it comes to my local PetSmart. They do sell small critters, birds, and fish (no reptiles or amphibians) but they are also teamed up with shelters and have adoption days for cats. They’re also partnered with a local animal rescue, and have certain days during the month where the rescue brings in adoptable dogs to the store in hopes that customers may be interested. I adopted my dog from the rescue and PetSmart donates a certain amount of money to the rescue each time a dog gets adopted from them. The rescue is entirely run by volunteers too so the money goes towards vaccinations and microchipping and whatnot.

Well, pet stores are necessary if there are pets around; grocery stores don’t sell much in the way of pet supplies beyond cat and dog food, and litter. It is much preferable if there are no animals, or they have adoptable animals with all the shelter requirements for proper adopters.

Are all pet stores bad? Even if they don’t have animals? What about those that do, but they have animal shelters or organizations to come and bring some animals from their facility?