|
The majority of pets in animal shelters today are not purebreds.
A study conducted in Mateo County, California, by the Peninsula
Humane Society concluded that less than one-half of one percent
of animals euthanized in shelters are purebreds. Actually,
overall, very few puppies and kittens are purchased from pet
stores.
Five percent of all puppies and 5 percent of all kittens
are purchased from all pet stores, according to the American
Pet Products Manufacturers Association's 2003 -2004 National
Pet Owners Survey. Pet stores in the United States and Canada
reportedly number more than 13,000. Obviously with only about
160 stores worldwide, Petland's offering is miniscule. According
to the APPMA survey, dogs and cats are most frequently, (32
percent and 43 percent, respectively) obtained from a friend
or relative.
Purebred pets left in animal shelters are usually there because
of behavioral problems. To address canine behavioral concerns
from the start, Petland pet counselors have a number of resources
available, including a Pets for a LifetimeSM
Resource Kit, given to all new Petland puppy owners. The free
kit is basically a comprehensive dog training program. The
free comprehensive dog training program, valued at $49.99,
includes:
- A DVD on puppy training by professional canine behavior
specialists. The training addresses housebreaking, nipping,
chewing, and puppy obedience.
- A free canine behavior training membership. The membership
includes a second free DVD on advanced training for dogs
and includes topics such as walking your dog on a leash
and teaching your dog to come when called.
- A free help-line for dog owners with canine behavior concerns
not covered in the provided educational materials. The toll
free help-line links dog owners, for the life of their pet,
with certified canine behavioral experts capable of addressing
individual canine concerns.
- Coupons with savings on a number of pet care products
including toys, grooming tools, pet food and maintenance
products.
To ensure Petland puppies and kittens do not end up homeless
or burden an animal shelter, Petland has its Pets for a LifetimeSM
policy. It is our policy and our goal:
"All of us at Petland know you adopt our pets with
the best of intentions, planning to exceed the pet’s
basic needs with love and proper care for a lifetime. Occasionally,
circumstances arise making it difficult for a pet owner to
keep that lifetime promise to a Petland pet.
"If this is the case, please talk to our pet counselors
and let Petland help find a home for your pet. Our goal is
to see that no Petland pets end up homeless or burden an animal
shelter."
Petland pet counselors use their many resources -- staff,
customers and veterinarians -- to help pet owners find new
homes for their Petland pets. There is no charge. This is
a community service of Petland.
Return
to Pet Welfare Questions |
