Local Pet Store Not Taking Care of Their Snakes

If you are going to write something, lets get some things set straight,

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Originally Posted by Gary P

Only half their tanks have any gauges in them what-so-ever.

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Gauges are unnecessary, one temp gun can read any heat source in the store and humidity can be seen by just looking at the enclosure. I'm not saying they have the enclosures set up correctly, just saying gauges are nothing to mention.

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Originally Posted by Gary P

Also, many of the tanks only have a red light as a heat source and the light in the room is always off and no outside light can reach them, so to them, they are always living in very dim lighting, day or night.

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There's nothing wrong with this?

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Originally Posted by Gary P

There are few to none hides in any of the tanks, so they are always exposed.

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Why the heck would you have hides unless necessary? Are the snakes not eating? Are they suffering health wise from it? It's a store, a bunch of tanks with the appearance of no animals doesn't sell many animals.

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Originally Posted by Gary P

One of the BP's was soaking in his water dish (and likely in his own poo) which I have read on hear could be a sign of mites or inadequate humidity.

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I also hear they just do that.... but nice job working assumptions of poo soaking and mites in there?

You might be angry and the store might be a piece of crap, but at least have valid points to bring up.

Personally I'd walk in and ask to speak to the manager. Let him know you aren't impressed, and if you need to complain higher you will. Give them the benefit of the doubt, and see if they improve.

You need to be careful about taking photographs ect, as that can be a breach depending on the chain / regulations. You don't want to get into hot water yourself.

Be persistent, well spoken, but direct. You have every right to complain, and good on you for doing so. Kudos.

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Originally Posted by Navaro

You need to be careful about taking photographs ect, as that can be a breach depending on the chain / regulations. You don't want to get into hot water yourself.

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For unrelated things, I have always been told, unless specifically posted, told to stop, or in an area with the expectation of privacy (bathroom, your own house, ect.), you can take pictures, even in a business.

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

For unrelated things, I have always been told, unless specifically posted, told to stop, or in an area with the expectation of privacy (bathroom, your own house, ect.), you can take pictures, even in a business.

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This is true, the only parts of an open store you wouldn't be able to legally take pictures of would be restrooms, changing rooms, and rooms marked "employees only". Pictures of animals or items on display are completely legal to photograph even if there is a sign that says "no photography" as that is subjective expectation of privacy and not supported by the law. The worst that could happen is it could get you banned from the store.
This is all assuming we are talking about a store in the US, I'm not familiar with the laws of other countries.


Anyhow, it's not often that reporting to the authorities will mean action will be taken, so your first course of action would be to talk to the manager. Inform him of the situation and let him know that if you don't see improvement in the next few weeks, you will be talking to corporate.


Leaving negative online reviews may help, but when people go to a store, they often don't look at reviews online.

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

For unrelated things, I have always been told, unless specifically posted, told to stop, or in an area with the expectation of privacy (bathroom, your own house, ect.), you can take pictures, even in a business.

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Oh I agree. Just figured it was worth mentioning. It wouldn't be the first 'pet store' I've heard of that has a sign up saying no photographs / pictures.

My local Petco is actually very good with their animals. The managers who take care of the animals are very well informed about all of the species they stock, even the reptiles. I haven't had a problem with them at all.

It's our local Petsmart that I've had the most trouble with. I can't tell you how many reptiles I've seen with severe health issues there. They currently have a very skinny Pinstripe Ball Python that is absolutely teeming with mites, and it is caged with a Pastel who probably shares them. There's also mold in the substrate and its very apparent that they don't clean the cage often, if at all.

I actually remember when they first got it and it was so pretty I just had to hold it. I asked the manager and he was like, "are you sure?? It will bite you!!" and I was like ok??? I don't mind being bitten either way but?? Just

I try not to go there anymore because it just makes me sad.

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

If you are going to write something, lets get some things set straight,



Gauges are unnecessary, one temp gun can read any heat source in the store and humidity can be seen by just looking at the enclosure. I'm not saying they have the enclosures set up correctly, just saying gauges are nothing to mention.



There's nothing wrong with this?



Why the heck would you have hides unless necessary? Are the snakes not eating? Are they suffering health wise from it? It's a store, a bunch of tanks with the appearance of no animals doesn't sell many animals.



I also hear they just do that.... but nice job working assumptions of poo soaking and mites in there?

You might be angry and the store might be a piece of crap, but at least have valid points to bring up.

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Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today didn't they? My post was asking for help on what I could do, I didn't ask for an editor to break down and disagree with everything I wrote. (which is never helpful, ever, in the history of any forum)

Am I not aloud to make assumptions? Something wrong with that? I wasn't trying to hide the fact that they WERE assumptions, I used the word "could" did I not? Can you read?

As mentioned in the care sheet ON THIS WEBSITE, hides are required for ball pythons to feel secure and less stressed... Sooo you just contradicted information that is part of the forum that you are a senior member of... lol.

I understand a heat gun could be used for temps, that is a valid point. Also pointed out (and shrugged off) by yourself is the fact that humidity levels can not be checked that way. Humidity is just as important as temperature. Not sure how you can tell the humidity "by just looking" but whatever.

Also mentioned in the care sheet is the importance that the snakes have a regular night and day schedule. Not be in a room where a light is constantly being flicked on and off.

Poison like you doesn't need to be on this forum. Get out.

Went back today to confront them on their reptile upkeep and I was happily surprised that they cleaned up most of the tanks and they all had new water and the light was on this time.

I'll keep my eye on them though, probably just a coincidence that everything was cleaned today. They definitely should do it more often. Thanks for the help and the positive feedback :).

I will have to agree Ohwat does bring up some good points too

We all know how bad pet stores can be. I have heard thousands of stories, so I just filed this under "another bad pet store" category