[Gpdd] Misc: Petco

[Carla Martinez]

Apparently the conditions at Petco vary from region to region. It needs to
be corrected immediately when there are bad conditions for animals, and I
commend Mary for taking action. 

I want to share a more positive view from my experience. I had a part-time
job with a pet food company up until August 2006. For a year and a half I
traveled to various PetCos and PetSmarts in Houston for the company I worked
for every weekend. I took my breaks in the employee break rooms, stayed in
each store a minimum of 4 hours, and had plenty of time to observe the
conditions of the small animals and birds being sold. I also noted with
interest their policies on the treatment of animals. Considering their
employee training, posted store goals and procedures for the animals, as
well as my observations, particularly of the guinea pigs, I became convinced
that, for whatever reason, both store chains do put the well-being of the
animals at the top of their priorities.

Taking my own pets to the veterinarian (one of the best in my area, I
believe) on more than one occasion I witnessed PetCo employees bringing in
one of their small animals or birds for care. To satisfy my curiosity I
asked the front desk people if Petco brought animals in regularly, and if
they had negotiated a flat rate for treatment, etc. She said no, they were
just like any other client. She added that Petco quit coming to their clinic
for about three months, but then came back. 

Another PetCo employee in the bird department of another store took their
birds to the vet who I believe is the best-known avian specialist in
Houston. A third example I want to cite is an employee in one of the PetCos
who took great joy in placing a branch or tunnel in a sugar glider exhibit
so they could get more exercise and be happier. He was so happy when they
started using it. I saw several "small animal specialists" at the stores,
and they all cared for the animals they were responsible for. The green
slimy water could be water colored by Vitamin C drops, where the pigs have
been spitting their food into it.

On two occasions I have been in a PetCo where they accepted abandoned guinea
pigs for adoption. Another time one of the customers thought one of the
small mice was dead. I went and got an employee, who evidenced the
appropriate concern for the animal's well-being. It was not dead, and I
don't recall if she took it out like if it was sick or if it was just
sleeping funny. 

There may still be instances of bad care, but the large stores have been
forced to educate themselves for the most part. Hence the tag line "PetCo
where pets come first!" It's likely they are trying to improve their image
in this regard. They are aware that they are viewed with a critical eye. So
you are doing them a favor by bringing individual problems to their
attention.

There are a lot of inhumanities towards animals, granted. I just wanted to
offer another view on the big pet store chains who must continually work to
improve themselves.

Carla, Snowball, and Apache ~with Snickers in our hearts~