Sobriquet Birmans

NSW CFA REGISTERED CATTERY

The practice of selling animals from pet shops promotes irresponsible breeding.

 The breed you choose will affect how much you pay from a registered breeder. New breeds to Australia have imported parents so these can be very expensive, however most purebred cats should not cost much more than $600 plus vet cost for a pet quality kitten from a registered breeder. Don’t pay the exorbitant pet shop prices.

Pet shops encourage impulse buyers who, when they think more carefully about bringing a puppy or kitten into their home realise it is not such a good idea, especially when the cute factor wears off. These unwanted animals are then often surrended to welfare agencies. Pet shops use the cute factor, wanting you to rush in. The Canine Council and the NSW CFA have recommended ages when babies are ready to leave their mothers, pet shops buy animals far too young. You also are not getting what you are paying for. Often if a kitten or puppy looks a little like a certain breed they are called purebred without any papers to back it up. Legitimate ethical breeders do not sell to pet shops so you cannot get a healthy pedigree animal from a pet shop, if they tell you it is they are lying. A pet shop is not the right way to get a puppy or kitten.

 Puppy and kitten mental health

Research has shown that puppies and kittens who remain with their siblings until 12 weeks of age are better adjusted, learn bite inhibition, are more confident, understand pack order better and are far better socialised. This ensures they have a far greater chance of being the life long pet you are expecting. Sitting in a display cabinet is not the best thing for your puppy or kittens development. Some can be ‘on display’ for a very long time. Legitimate and ethical breeders know this and make sure they give their babies the best start they can because they do it for love.

Where the puppies and kittens come from

Unfortunately many kittens and puppies in pet shops come from Backyard breeders. Backyard breeders are people who are breeding for money. The Canine council requires breeders of many breeds to have dogs hip scores, elbow tests and eye tests done before puppies can be registered. These tests are to help avoid very serious health problems as a safe guard to the continuing health of the breed and YOUR PET. At some puppy farms the mother animals are bred non stop, underfed leading to malnutrition in babies and confined in small places with no exercise. Don't be naive this is a horrid cruel existence, there is plenty ofinformation on the internet and the RSPCA are trying to shut these people down. The evidence is great, this is a cruel practice and there is no question about it.

A cross bred animal is not necessarily healthier, all the oodles dogs available in pet shops are a marketing ploy that is affecting many breeds. If your dog breed ends in oodle and isn't poodle you are buying a mixed breed dog that you have no idea what it will be like and chances are you have supported a major puppy farm and none of them are reputable. They have grown out of the demand for oodles and are making some people a lot of money. Unfortunately what happens is the problems from the different breeds used end up all being present in the mixed line. There are many stories out there about people who have taken home their new puppy or kitten to have it die very soon after purchase. Of course there is absolutely no advice or assistance from the pet shop as they have your money, they no longer care. Or maybe the inexperienced young girl at the counter might sympathise but there will be nothing she can do as the owners and managers know exactly what your rights are. You don't have any rights when you buy from a pet shop.

Pet shops name the dogs anything they an get away with to entice buyers. Any small dog is a Shitzu cross to them and you have no way of knowing what the dog really is. NO REGISTERED BREEDERS ARE ALLOWED TO SELL TO PET SHOPS! Their governing councils have rules against it. Does that not tell you enough? The experts don't allow it with very good reason.

 Statistics on pet oversupply

The fact is many cats, dogs, kittens and puppies are put to sleep every year because they can’t find a home. In 2005 the RSPCA alone euthanased 20658 dogs and 31941 cats. When you add to these statistics all the pounds, refuges, vets and other animal welfare organisations throughout Australia you can see we have a large pet oversupply problem. Accidental backyard breeders who have not bothered to desex their pet are irresponsible, these animals account for many of the unable to be rehomed animals. The easy option is offloading to a pet shop. Some people continue to think that ‘just one litter’ will be ok, it isn’t.

Where to buy a puppy or kitten </