Purchased From Petsmart

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

I haven't bought any animals from Petsmart or Petco, but the quality of care varies between these stores. Definitely some of the Petcos are doing a good job, and some Petsmarts aren't. You have to treat each individual store just as you would any other individual pet store--if one Petco is bad, it doesn't mean they all are. If one is good, it also doesn't mean they all are. The name means very little--it's all about the management and the employees.

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Again that is not the point..........

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Originally Posted by Void

A lil cold but other than that I'm just great! Thanks for asking! ^_^ how about you?

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Pretty good, just giving insight, wisdom and knowledge to those who aren't as fortunate as I to have such a mind full of genius.

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Pretty good, just giving insight, wisdom and knowledge to those who aren't as fortunate as I to have such a mind full of genius.

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That is so very nice of you to bestow your greatness on the less fortunate ones. The world needs more people like you in it!!

I think it's naive to believe that informed people 'chastizing' a chain like Petco or Petsmart by not buying animals from them will make a difference.

However, buying an animal from an individual Petco or Petsmart that IS doing things right, and letting them know that you appreciate it, can ensure that they continue to pay attention to it, and do things the right way.

(In other words, you aren't going to impact the big chain by doing nothing but refusing to buy from them--but you will impact individual stores with your support. In most cases, doing something will always make a much bigger impact than doing nothing. Doing nothing is just a lot easier).

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

(In other words, you aren't going to impact the big chain by doing nothing but refusing to buy from them--but you will impact individual stores with your support. In most cases, doing something will always make a much bigger impact than doing nothing. Doing nothing is just a lot easier).

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Wow if by not buying reptiles is doing nothing to protest the over all disgrace of the chain then nothing must be something. Groups boycott things all the time, but they are doing nothing right? That is probably one of the stupidest statements I have ever heard. I;m not saying not buying the reptiles will stop them but atleast I know I'm not the moron contributing to them.
Like I already said your supporting the bad stores even if you don't see it (simple economics and business classes will help you learn this, check out the local Community College :gj:)
It's people like you that big companies get away with the crap they do, b/c of this mentality.

Not all Petco/Petsmarts do a bad job with their reptiles. Many times the people in charge of working those areas are reptile keepers and pay a good amount of attention to detail. I'm one of those morons who bought a perfectly healthy bp from a Petco a few years back. One of my girls really wanted him so he came home with us. He's always been a healthy snake with good appetite and is actually the favorite snake in my home.
While I think that there are many other avenues these days for buying a snake such as a solid private breeder, I don't think it's right to lump the entire chain together. My local Petco does a good job in their reptile dept. Hopefully many more of the morons such as myself have had positive experiences as well:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by waltah!

Not all Petco/Petsmarts do a bad job with their reptiles. Many times the people in charge of working those areas are reptile keepers and pay a good amount of attention to detail. I'm one of those morons who bought a perfectly healthy bp from a Petco a few years back. One of my girls really wanted him so he came home with us. He's always been a healthy snake with good appetite and is actually the favorite snake in my home.
While I think that there are many other avenues these days for buying a snake such as a solid private breeder, I don't think it's right to lump the entire chain together. My local Petco does a good job in their reptile dept. Hopefully many more of the morons such as myself have had positive experiences as well:rolleyes:

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Again.......not the point. I already said I'm glad there are good stores out of the chain. But though you feel to reiterate (yep big word there. re·it·er·ate /rēˈitəˌrāt/ Verb: Say something again or a number or times, typically for emphasis or clarity) what people already said, I do not.
Like I said if you like the truth, kewl. If you don't, I don't care. If you wish to support the killing of reptiles thru animal cruelty then that's on you.

Not to fuel the fire, but sometimes it's not their fault. Our local Petco and another smaller chain-I believe (they sell puppies and Iowa has the most puppy mills in the US, so I do NOT support them) get some of their ball pythons from local breeders that can't get their normals to eat and want to get rid of them ASAP. Unfortunately that happens and the pet stores have to deal with it. Not to mention they get most of their ball pythons from distributors and we all know those ball pythons do not all come healthy and eating. Keeping them in display tanks is the pet store's issue. If they get snakes in that aren't eating they aren't going to get them eating in those tanks.

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Again.......not the point. I already said I'm glad there are good stores out of the chain. But though you feel to reiterate (yep big word there. re·it·er·ate /rēˈitəˌrāt/ Verb: Say something again or a number or times, typically for emphasis or clarity) what people already said, I do not.
Like I said if you like the truth, kewl. If you don't, I don't care. If you wish to support the killing of reptiles thru animal cruelty then that's on you.

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Thank you so very much for spreading YOUR truth. It's much appreciated I tell ya. So how long before you start speaking in the 3rd person?

Responses like the last one from you come through as very disrespectful. I can certainly understand your "big words", but thanks for the copy/paste from dictionary.com just the same.
I won't waste much time on this as judging from your previous posts here and other sites nothing anyone says will sink in as you are incapable see:
(in·ca·pa·ble (n-kp-bl)
adj.
1.
a. Lacking the necessary ability, capacity, or power: incapable of carrying a tune; incapable of love.
b. Unable to perform adequately; incompetent: an incapable administrator.) of being wrong. I fell honored to have you on the site as a valuable resource with fantastic heartfelt advice and winning demeanor see:(de·mean·or (d-mnr)
n.
The way in which a person behaves; deportment.)
MM is full of lots of things including huge chunks of wisdom that no doubt stems from many years and years of experience.

The only thing I don't like about pet stores is they will sell an animal they know has problems and has feeding issues. My girlfriend bought a corn snake from Petsmart and it was dead within three days.:tears: From the business aspect, pets are just inventory to them, and they do rely on animal loving employees to help out. Mostly I will just go there and get supplies.

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Originally Posted by waltah!

Thank you so very much for spreading YOUR truth. It's much appreciated I tell ya. So how long before you start speaking in the 3rd person?

Responses like the last one from you come through as very disrespectful. I can certainly understand your "big words", but thanks for the copy/paste from dictionary.com just the same.
I won't waste much time on this as judging from your previous posts here and other sites nothing anyone says will sink in as you are incapable see:
(in·ca·pa·ble (n-kp-bl)
adj.
1.
a. Lacking the necessary ability, capacity, or power: incapable of carrying a tune; incapable of love.
b. Unable to perform adequately; incompetent: an incapable administrator.) of being wrong. I fell honored to have you on the site as a valuable resource with fantastic heartfelt advice and winning demeanor see:(de·mean·or (d-mnr)
n.
The way in which a person behaves; deportment.)
MM is full of lots of things including huge chunks of wisdom that no doubt stems from many years and years of experience.

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Imitation is the biggest form of flattery. Btw respect is earned, your not doing very well at that mister super mod. Your emotions are getting the best of you my friend. Is that cuz I hurt your feelings? If so I'm sorry, I'll buy you a lollipop if we ever meet. :gj:

A) Report the stores that do it wrong. Take it on up the chain. If nothing gets done, then see what local laws have to offer in terms of reporting animal neglect in a pet store. (In some areas, you'll find people who will help--in others you will find there's a gap in the laws). Give the pet store a negative review online. Most stores have google business pages or yellow pages online with review sections.

B) Praise the stores that do it right. Even if you don't buy from them. Give them positive reviews online. Some of us actually read those things. People looking for a reptile will see a good review, or a bad one.

The big chain doesn't tell their stores to do it all wrong. Their care instructions are generally reasonable. The problems arise when the individual stores do not follow or understand those instructions.

Do boycotts work? RARELY. When they do, it's because someone worked REALLY hard to organize a huge number of people to participate. One person failing to buy from a store? Not going to even be noticed.

Even passive resistance doesn't work by you sitting at home on your duff in front of the TV.

Making a difference requires ACTION.

Assuming PetCo notices that you never bought a snake from them: dumb. ;)

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Again that is not the point..........



Pretty good, just giving insight, wisdom and knowledge to those who aren't as fortunate as I to have such a mind full of genius.

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Sometimes I think that some of us forget where we started and need to be reminded. You've been rude to several members and seem to enjoy being smarter than everyone else.
I'll remind you of this post from less than one year ago. http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...shed.....maybe

Now if you got responses like some of the ones you've dished out then you wouldn't have enjoyed your earlier days on the site. Perhaps you should keep that in mind.

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Originally Posted by waltah!

Sometimes I think that some of us forget where we started and need to be reminded. You've been rude to several members and seem to enjoy being smarter than everyone else.
I'll remind you of this post from less than one year ago. http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...shed.....maybe

Now if you got responses like some of the ones you've dished out then you wouldn't have enjoyed your earlier days on the site. Perhaps you should keep that in mind.

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Wow again, worthless information to the OP. For someone who is supposed to be "cleaning" and "maintaining" this site you sure are filling it up with pointless post.
Seems to me this should have been a PM but rather you feel the need to have attention and the last word. I know it has to stem from mommy not giving you the attention you deserved but really? Acting out here? Not very mod like to me.
For someone to bring up the past, one has to have nothing else in their arsenal but that last and final thing to try and "ruin" the other person. Now this would work if I actually cared what you have to say, but alas I don't.
I am on this site for knowledge and to help others not for feelings or enjoying a stay. When I run my mouth I know what I am talking about, and am right. Someone who runs their mouth with no knowledge shows unintelligence, that is not I.
I help people to the best of my ability, where as you seem to have only one goal. And it seems to be arguing with me. Your a mod why are you wasting your time here? Because your feelings were hurt? Your an adult, get over it. No need to get so emotional over something as silly as this. That is why I am done here. Have your last word, I don't care. If it proves something to yourself, then have at it. But like I said I think you should be doing your job as a mod instead of having a worthless conversation over how your feelings were hurt.
I am here to help people even if it's tough love, what are you doing?

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Been to NUMEROUS petsmart/petco in NC and in FL when I was younger. Cities like Charlotte, greensboro, Raleigh, cary, durham, winston salem, Miramar, Pembroke Pines etc. I see enclosures and animals that are ridiculously kept. Now will I use my experience of over 20+ stores vs your 2-3 to show future herpers to stay away from these chains........Petsmart, Petco, Petland, etc. If someone can go to the stores you people work at and buy a pet power to them and good for them.

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Have you reported any of those to RSPCA?...Didn't think so so please don't judge others by where they shop

on that note 3 days ago i went to Petco for the last few supplies i needed for my Female BP who will be here in about 2 weeks i went there and was asking a few questions about their BP's and the Girl working there (asked her out and got shot down :( ) said they had 2 male BP's in the back for sale i said lemme see them...
we walked to the back there in a 10 Gal tank they had two 2ft long male normals in one tank no hide box no water and both of them sitting directly on the glass on top of the heatpad i was like...*alsidfvjuasdlvbxzlbLubljdadvasdbvasdfbadfbdgbnnfb!!!11!1!!!!*....after a good 10 minute "how to" speech she said "I'm only doing what i was told" so i told her to rectify the situation or the RSPCA is gonna be here ASAP..so she asked what could be done i pointed out the mistakes she said go finish your shopping and I'll come find you so off i went
i bought a few things and walked around the store (just to note all their reptiles were in excellent condition)
the manager came and got me not the girl that i was originally complaining to and brought me to the back there they had two 20gal tanks both with a nice layer of bedding each with a heatpad a hide box and fresh water...long story short I'll be picking up my new Male BP in a week...(someone had dropped them off with RI so they were getting treated by the Vet) so not all stores are evil just the managers hire incompetent people (I applied before i left) so i hope that policy holds until they hire me >.> jkin :P

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Wow again, worthless information to the OP. For someone who is supposed to be "cleaning" and "maintaining" this site you sure are filling it up with pointless post.
Seems to me this should have been a PM but rather you feel the need to have attention and the last word. I know it has to stem from mommy not giving you the attention you deserved but really? Acting out here? Not very mod like to me.
For someone to bring up the past, one has to have nothing else in their arsenal but that last and final thing to try and "ruin" the other person. Now this would work if I actually cared what you have to say, but alas I don't.
I am on this site for knowledge and to help others not for feelings or enjoying a stay. When I run my mouth I know what I am talking about, and am right. Someone who runs their mouth with no knowledge shows unintelligence, that is not I.
I help people to the best of my ability, where as you seem to have only one goal. And it seems to be arguing with me. Your a mod why are you wasting your time here? Because your feelings were hurt? Your an adult, get over it. No need to get so emotional over something as silly as this. That is why I am done here. Have your last word, I don't care. If it proves something to yourself, then have at it. But like I said I think you should be doing your job as a mod instead of having a worthless conversation over how your feelings were hurt.
I am here to help people even if it's tough love, what are you doing?

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I'm sorry - I'm on vacation, and I'm certain that our AWESOME staff, including Walt (who appeared to have hit a little to close to home with you with the post you quoted and embarassed you just a bit) have probably already dealt with you in the manner I'd expect (which is an infraction for disrespect to staff).

However, I still can't let this slide. I'd like to remind you that YOU are a guest in OUR house called http://www.ball-pythons.net. And as our guest, we would like you to treat others with respect. You say all the time that respect is earned. Well my dear, you've taken a wrong turn towards earning much respect with your know it all attitude after being a newbie yourself just 12 months ago. We can't MAKE you be nice to people, but we can step in when you have crossed the line to downright rudeness to others and point out your hypocrisy.

I hope that you'll take this time off from the site and eat a little humble pie before taking it upon yourself to respond to others as if you're better than them in every single post. Sounds like you got a bit of Grinch and Scrooge in you this holiday season, but hopefully once this season is over, you can be a more pleasant contributing guest and member here.

ive bought 1 bp form them ive had him for a month hes not eating but thats usual its winter plus hes going into shed so yeah hes lived the guy who got him out owned 16 foot burm so there are some places that are experienced and cares and others not so much im now turning to bhb reptiles so ur pick mines doing great 2 month old 2 foot bp so cute and docile there certinely good ppl and bad ppl who own petsmart/petco

yeah petsmart=OK-GREAT petco=horrible-bad :( love my bp he is actualy now eating as we speak he just finished his shed sorry to lie lol:oops::oops::oops::oops:

We got our BP Hera from the Petsmart my wife works at. So far all of our reptiles have come from that Petsmart which includes Hera, 4 Firebelly Toads, and our newest addition Zeus (a normal corn). I have never shopped at a PetCo so I can't speak for them. But most of the Petsmarts that we shop at seem to be doing just fine.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

I'm sorry - I'm on vacation, and I'm certain that our AWESOME staff, including Walt (who appeared to have hit a little to close to home with you with the post you quoted and embarassed you just a bit) have probably already dealt with you in the manner I'd expect (which is an infraction for disrespect to staff).

However, I still can't let this slide. I'd like to remind you that YOU are a guest in OUR house called http://www.ball-pythons.net. And as our guest, we would like you to treat others with respect. You say all the time that respect is earned. Well my dear, you've taken a wrong turn towards earning much respect with your know it all attitude after being a newbie yourself just 12 months ago. We can't MAKE you be nice to people, but we can step in when you have crossed the line to downright rudeness to others and point out your hypocrisy.

I hope that you'll take this time off from the site and eat a little humble pie before taking it upon yourself to respond to others as if you're better than them in every single post. Sounds like you got a bit of Grinch and Scrooge in you this holiday season, but hopefully once this season is over, you can be a more pleasant contributing guest and member here.

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Your just soooo darn cute.........attacking someone who has been banned. Aww but don't worry, I'm back. I do find in entertaining though that if I were to say something as you posted I would get an infraction, odd don't you think?
I'll leave it at that, I don't want to hurt any feelings again. hahahaha

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Your just soooo darn cute.........attacking someone who has been banned. Aww but don't worry, I'm back. I do find in entertaining though that if I were to say something as you posted I would get an infraction, odd don't you think?
I'll leave it at that, I don't want to hurt any feelings again. hahahaha

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Hopefully this time around you have decided to be a positive contributer to this site though the way you are making your come back surely does not indicate it.

I'll leave it at that! :gj:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Hopefully this time around you have decided to be a positive contributer to this site though the way you are making your come back surely does not indicate it.

I'll leave it at that! :gj:

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I always strive to make a good comeback, hope you enjoy :D
And positive is such a relative term.......=)

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

Your just soooo darn cute.........attacking someone who has been banned. Aww but don't worry, I'm back. I do find in entertaining though that if I were to say something as you posted I would get an infraction, odd don't you think?
I'll leave it at that, I don't want to hurt any feelings again. hahahaha

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Glad to see that you're off to a great start again! :gj:

So I know this is an old thread, but I thought I'd share my experiences (direct and indirect) with large pet chains.
After going 10 years wanting a snake and not being able to house one, I saw an ad for 30$ ball pythons from Petco. I jumped on the chance, and got him home healthy and happy. Almost 3 years, I have had no problems with him. He was very underfed when I got him though, which I've heard they do to keep the babies small = more likely to sell. I was much more naive at this time, so I liked his price-tag. This being said, I feel I was extremely lucky. Never had mites, never had an issue feeding.
Now for the local SC petsmart... the local pet shop I frequent and get feeders from has horror stories about them... telling people that their BP doesn't need lights/ heat, hides, doesn't drink water etc. Told one person that their red-footed tortoise could live outside year round, and that it too didn't have any special heat/ humidity requirements. They also frequently tell customers who have gone past their warranty period that they should go to said pet shop because they'll rescue ANYTHING, etc. They seem to (at least in my area) lack any sort of reptile specific knowledge. I have already talked with my pet shop about documenting all cases related to petsmart; they even have a vet who can attest to multiple sick animals coming from petsmart. They worry that local animal control will dismiss their claims, though, and regard them as a local pet shop trying to get the large chain out of town. Any advice on bringing case against a local chain?

I got a ball from a petsmart and haven't had a problem with it at all.

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Originally Posted by gardenfiend138

So I know this is an old thread, but I thought I'd share my experiences (direct and indirect) with large pet chains.
After going 10 years wanting a snake and not being able to house one, I saw an ad for 30$ ball pythons from Petco. I jumped on the chance, and got him home healthy and happy. Almost 3 years, I have had no problems with him. He was very underfed when I got him though, which I've heard they do to keep the babies small = more likely to sell. I was much more naive at this time, so I liked his price-tag. This being said, I feel I was extremely lucky. Never had mites, never had an issue feeding.
Now for the local SC petsmart... the local pet shop I frequent and get feeders from has horror stories about them... telling people that their BP doesn't need lights/ heat, hides, doesn't drink water etc. Told one person that their red-footed tortoise could live outside year round, and that it too didn't have any special heat/ humidity requirements. They also frequently tell customers who have gone past their warranty period that they should go to said pet shop because they'll rescue ANYTHING, etc. They seem to (at least in my area) lack any sort of reptile specific knowledge. I have already talked with my pet shop about documenting all cases related to petsmart; they even have a vet who can attest to multiple sick animals coming from petsmart. They worry that local animal control will dismiss their claims, though, and regard them as a local pet shop trying to get the large chain out of town. Any advice on bringing case against a local chain?

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Talk to the manager of the Petsmart. Print off caresheets from here or somewhere else with good caresheets, and give them to him/her. Give specific examples. Then give them a certain amount of time to change, a week, two weeks, however long you feel it should take them to shape up based on how much is wrong. After that time has elapsed go back and check on the animals. If it's still bad contact the police, it's animal abuse. If there's an ASPCA police force in your area they're the ones to call. If not, the police department should address the case with the appropriate department or direct you to the right one to contact. And if you hear them give information you know to be wrong, go up to the employee and the customer and tell them what's correct and where to go for more information. Here's the California Penal Code about pet shops not giving animals the proper habitats. It pertains to all animals including reptiles. Print it out and give that to them too. The ASPCA has information on it's website for all states' laws on animal abuse.

I had to return a dead corn snake to Petco. They were feeding it crickets. :mad:
And when I told the manager (who takes care of the reptiles) that corn snakes do not eat crickets because it's bad for their digestive system and has no nutritional value, he completely ignored me and said "you got your money back didn't you?"

Petland on the other hand is where I got my very healthy corn. Other than cohabbing they seemed pretty knowledgeable about the reptiles. The thing with pet stores though, even if they can sell you a healthy animal they won't know crap about it. They have no clue how old it is, what gender it is, what morph, etc.

From now on I will stick to breeders. There's also a reptile expo every 2 weeks where I live which is very convenient if I ever wanted another animal.

there is a Petco and a Petsmart less than 2 minutes from each other where i live and i refuse to go back to petsmart (not saying all stores) but this particular store was horrible... horrible knowledge and downright rude and way over priced 4 medium mice for 10.99 (with taxes came to 11.92) where as at petco i could get 4 medium rats for 6.99!.
As for petco friendly workers clean store healthy animals (animals cost a little more but in far better condition than the local petsmart) and the F/T are at a price i can live with only reason i chose petsmart this time around is because Petco was out of F/T >.> but as i said before i will avoid that particular petsmart this time around
(Again it was that store I'm not bashing ALL Petsmarts)
but from all the posts i have read both chains have bad stores

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Originally Posted by maverickgtr

Talk to the manager of the Petsmart. Print off caresheets from here or somewhere else with good caresheets, and give them to him/her. Give specific examples. Then give them a certain amount of time to change, a week, two weeks, however long you feel it should take them to shape up based on how much is wrong. After that time has elapsed go back and check on the animals. If it's still bad contact the police, it's animal abuse. If there's an ASPCA police force in your area they're the ones to call. If not, the police department should address the case with the appropriate department or direct you to the right one to contact. And if you hear them give information you know to be wrong, go up to the employee and the customer and tell them what's correct and where to go for more information. Here's the California Penal Code about pet shops not giving animals the proper habitats. It pertains to all animals including reptiles. Print it out and give that to them too. The ASPCA has information on it's website for all states' laws on animal abuse.

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Thank you very much for this information! I will give updates if and when the pet shop n I take action. Thank you!

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Originally Posted by gardenfiend138

Thank you very much for this information! I will give updates if and when the pet shop n I take action. Thank you!

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Thank you for taking action and not sitting idly by, watching it happen, just complaining that they should change.