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Pet Shops

RSPCA Victoria is aware of potentially misleading information being circulated about the RSPCA’s position on the sale of animals in pet shops. We are aware that a major pet retailer also has signage communicating potentially misleading information to its customers.

This misleading information is a result of new RSPCA Australia policies which no longer make any direct reference to pet shops. Instead they reflect a general move towards the creation of positive policy statements rather than just stating what the RSPCA is opposed to. This should not be viewed as an endorsement of pet shops.

The RSPCA still has major concerns about the under-regulation of pet shops, as well as the breeding and supply of animals to pet shops and other vendors. It was not anticipated that some within the Pet Shop industry would use this change to assert that the RSPCA is no longer opposed to pet shops.

Making this policy statement more positive is intended to provide better guidance to our supporters and the broader community on where they should obtain pets.

Our new policy recommends that people looking to adopt a new pet should consider firstly coming  to the RSPCA or other reputable animal welfare organisation. Where they choose not to do this (and we accept that the 'right pet' for them may not be available from a shelter), we advocate that they obtain an animal from the place where it was born. This ensures breeders maintain high standards and allows the owner to see what conditions the animal has been kept in.

Key information:

• The RSPCA recommends only purchasing animals from RSPCA shelters,  or other reputable animal welfare organisation or breeders. The RSPCA does not recommend people purchase companion animals from pet shops.

• RSPCA Victoria is aware that some animal welfare shelters have agreements to adopt their shelter animals through pet shops. This is not something that RSPCA Victoria would consider.

• The RSPCA believes that acquiring a companion animal should be the result of careful planning. Owners should think about whether they have, and will continue to have,  the facilities, time, financial means and interest to care for the animal.  Many pets purchased from pet shops are the result of impulse buying and are often later surrendered to RSPCA shelters.

• We advocate that all dogs and cats offered for sale or adoption as companion animals should be desexed prior to sale. This does not occur in most pet shops.

• The RSPCA is opposed to puppy farm facilities. This industry relies heavily on pet shops to sell these puppies.

• The RSPCA continues to be concerned about the codes of practice under which pet shops operate. These codes of practice have very minimumal standards and often do not reflect community expectations or good animal welfare.

• RSPCA Victoria Inspectors responded to 374 animal welfare complaints in relation to pet shops in 2007/08. This was an increase of 35%.

Last year RSPCA Victoria cared for more than 40,000 animals.  If you are looking to adopt a new pet, please consider adopting from the RSPCA.