When I was younger, there was nothing more fun than going to my local PetSmart and running toward the section of the store that had all the cats available for immediate adoption. On my way there, I passed countless aquarium pets, guinea pigs, and geckos for sale.
It felt like I was in a Build-A-Bear workshop. There you could choose and name the cutest furry friend and buy thousands of unnecessary accessories for it.
In fact, I did just that in 2016. I bought a baby guinea pig at a PetSmart near my house and named him Stewart. I bought him everything under the sun I could find at that store, including leash harnesses, t-shirts, toys, etc.
I have since realized that some of the leashes and toys are very dangerous to the guinea pigs.
In PetSmart's defense, Stewart ended up being one of the best pets in the world. However, PetSmart and Petco may not be the best places to adopt your pet.
Alicia Saunders, founder of local guinea pig rescue group Piggy Haven, says pet stores often don't provide thorough instructions on how to properly care for the animals you choose to adopt. he said. Because of this, people may have unrealistic expectations about what life will be like when caring for a pet.
“lots of [guinea pigs from pet stores] It comes with health concerns such as ringworm, mites and lice,” Saunders said. “My first guinea pig was bought at a pet store, and it died within 10 days.''
Traumatic situations like this are more common than you might expect.
According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), common problems in the pet store industry include selling sick or injured animals to customers, caring for animals in unsanitary conditions, and treating sick or dying animals. Examples include inhumane disposal of animals and inappropriate veterinary care.
Beyond the rodent and small pet sections of these stores. According to PETA, a significant portion of the dogs come to pet stores from puppy mills, mostly from breeding kennels in the Midwest known for inhumane practices.
Will Sammons, a junior at the University of Minnesota, is an advocate of adopting pets from animal shelters and rescue groups. He adopted Albert the cat from a shelter near his hometown in Illinois.
Sammons said the adoption process at the shelter where she purchased the cat was so simple and easy that she encourages more people to adopt from shelters and shelters.
Additionally, he said the overall adoption fee is very low compared to typical purchase prices from stores and breeders. He got his furry friend for the low price of his $25.
This is beneficial for college students because most people who feel ready to become pet owners don't necessarily have the funds to go through an adoption process.
Before you begin the adoption process, it's important to consider the pros and cons of owning a pet.
Sammons said owning a pet in college is not suitable for everyone as it can be very time consuming and some pets can be very expensive.
“I feel like my mental capacity has the power to take care of something other than myself,” Sammons said. “It’s definitely an added responsibility.”
He said owning a cat is perfect for him and his lifestyle because cats are relatively low-maintenance compared to other animals such as dogs.
Sammons recommends considering the lifestyle changes that may occur during the first few years of deciding to get a pet.
As someone who has adopted two guinea pigs from Piggy Haven, I would recommend the same. College students should consider that their living situation for the next four years or more is temporary.
Saunders said college students aren't necessarily unsuited to owning a pet, but their living situation could pose additional obstacles when moving to another apartment or home in the future. It's important to consider what your current and future leases say about keeping pets in the building.
Animals bring so much joy and beauty to the world. Their unconditional love will leave a lasting mark on you and your family. However, it is important to remember that these animals are very vulnerable and depend on you to live a happy and healthy life.
If you visit your local pet store and see signs of inhumane treatment of animals, PETA recommends reporting it to animal control or the police department.
Don't be afraid to become an advocate for animals sold at pet stores. If your employees are indeed living in a toxic environment, talk to them about your concerns.
Of course, one conversation won't make a pet store stop selling animals, but it can let employees know that customers aren't ignoring how the animals are being treated.
If you choose to own a pet, be sure to give them the same unconditional love and remember to be responsible if the situation with your pet feels unbearable.
