There are many reasons not to buy an animal from a petstore, the main reason is that most of the animals come from places where people breed them for profit, also known as "puppy mills"
Most animals that come from puppy mills have horrible genetics because the breeders don't care about the health of the puppy they just want maximum output of animals. Because they have horrible genetics they then have horrible health problems.
These animals have known no compassion or love while growing up and are treated as a product. The lack of care, attention and training also causes them to have behavioral issues such as being afraid of people and aggression.
I would be afraid of people too if this is all that I knew.
People unknowingly purchase these animals and expect them to be perfect, but in fact they will most likely run into a myriad of issues with their pet's health. Many people who adopt a puppy from a puppy mill then have to put their pet to sleep because the animal was in such horrible health.
Most of these dogs are bred until they cannot breed anymore and then the breeder will kill them, or sell them to people saying they are completely healthy when in fact they are most likely dying.
The state that is the most lax with puppy mills and runs abundant with them is Missouri. Recently a law which provided more protection for the animals was rolled back, so now the breeders and puppy mills will just go even more unchecked. The ASPCA published an article about the law:
If you do want a specific breed of dog, search Petfinder which has many adoptable animals that need homes, even puppies. They aren't mass produced and stuck in pretty boxes for people to window shop them like a pair of shoes. Check your local humane society, and if you still cannot find what you are looking for, find a reputable breeder that will allow you to come to their home and see the parents of the dog/puppy, see the conditions the dog has been living in, plus get their records of their current vaccines and vet visits.
These poor creatures can't stop the people doing this to them, so if there is no demand for their product the breeder will have to find another job that doesn't involve torturing animals. Dogs aren't the only animal being extorted, cats, rabbits etc.
Adopt a pet, they are overall better animals and will make better pets. Adopting an animal who needs a home is better than picking out an animal like it is some item to be purchased to complete your outfit.
Adopt Buy
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