So I applied at Petco...( rather long)

So today I wasn't feeling like getting yelled at by my english teacher so I went to Petco instead. Of course I walked straight to the reptile department and saw something I hoped I would never have to see... There were four medium sized Ball pythons STUFFED into a terrarium that would only comfortably fit one. They were all trying to hide under one of their water dishes and when I walked by they all poked their little heads out as if to say " HELP US!!!" One of them was FAT, like it had just eaten a smaller ball python. Other than being stuffed into a tiney cage they had no hides.. thats why they were using their water dish. Their temps and humidity were ok. there was no warm side, it was all just 86. Their humidity was in the upper 50's so not too bad. Then I looked up and saw the prettiest little Corn snake I have ever seen, but it wasn't moving and its sides were flat. I knew I had to do something so I applied for part time reptile associate! After I talked to the manager I wanted to say goodbye to all my little reptile friends. As I sat on the floor talking to the Ball Pythons I saw a cool hidebox. I picked it up and what did I find? A dead and very hard green anole... I would post pics if I had had my camera but I did manage to bring home the anole. I was disgusted so I decided to go home. Bad Idea. Dad was home and I was still supposed to be at school. So what did I do? Went to Petsmart of course. I must have looked at every book and none of them said what the humidity for any of the animals were so I could not check. But what I did see was the cutest little normal in his own little cage. This lifted my spirits... until I saw the temp and humidity. It was 117 degrees and 30% humidity!:O I was HORRIFIED! I immediatly found an employee and asked him to fix it while I held the poor little guy. The Ball python was good looking. Nice markings, he looked well fed and was very sweet. But that look he gave me was so haunting.. I could see that this torment was wearing him down. I told the guy that I would be back in a few days and if this ball python wasn't being cared for properly that I would speak to a manager. And if it continued I would have no choice but to go higher up the food chain. He "fixed" it and put the ball python back in. I'm going to check up on the little guy tomorrow and if it isnt spot on I am going to raise some hell. :taz: Sorry for my long story. But that is what Miss Luna was up to today. I hope i get my job. >_> ...<_<.. Skrew store policies I'm doing whats best for the animals!

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Originally Posted by RoyalGuardian

So today I wasn't feeling like getting yelled at by my english teacher so I went to Petco instead. Of course I walked straight to the reptile department and saw something I hoped I would never have to see... There were four medium sized Ball pythons STUFFED into a terrarium that would only comfortably fit one. They were all trying to hide under one of their water dishes and when I walked by they all poked their little heads out as if to say " HELP US!!!" One of them was FAT, like it had just eaten a smaller ball python. Other than being stuffed into a tiney cage they had no hides.. thats why they were using their water dish. Their temps and humidity were ok. there was no warm side, it was all just 86. Their humidity was in the upper 50's so not too bad. Then I looked up and saw the prettiest little Corn snake I have ever seen, but it wasn't moving and its sides were flat. I knew I had to do something so I applied for part time reptile associate! After I talked to the manager I wanted to say goodbye to all my little reptile friends. As I sat on the floor talking to the Ball Pythons I saw a cool hidebox. I picked it up and what did I find? A dead and very hard green anole... I would post pics if I had had my camera but I did manage to bring home the anole. I was disgusted so I decided to go home. Bad Idea. Dad was home and I was still supposed to be at school. So what did I do? Went to Petsmart of course. I must have looked at every book and none of them said what the humidity for any of the animals were so I could not check. But what I did see was the cutest little normal in his own little cage. This lifted my spirits... until I saw the temp and humidity. It was 117 degrees and 30% humidity!:O I was HORRIFIED! I immediatly found an employee and asked him to fix it while I held the poor little guy. The Ball python was good looking. Nice markings, he looked well fed and was very sweet. But that look he gave me was so haunting.. I could see that this torment was wearing him down. I told the guy that I would be back in a few days and if this ball python wasn't being cared for properly that I would speak to a manager. And if it continued I would have no choice but to go higher up the food chain. He "fixed" it and put the ball python back in. I'm going to check up on the little guy tomorrow and if it isnt spot on I am going to raise some hell. :taz: Sorry for my long story. But that is what Miss Luna was up to today. I hope i get my job. >_> ...<_<.. Skrew store policies I'm doing whats best for the animals!

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Thats what I tried to do when I worked at Petsmart, do whats best for the animals...unfortunately if you do that the managers dont like you/dont keep you around for very long because either you "take too much time" feeding the animals properly or whatever the deal is. With stores like that no matter how much you try to "save" the animals there will be ones that dont make it and if you dont do things according to the stores "standards" you wont last long....thats the sad reality....

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Originally Posted by RoyalGuardian

Skrew store policies I'm doing whats best for the animals!

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Then don't expect to have your job for long. Chain pet stores have very strict rules as far as housing the "product" is concerned. The animals are given habitats that are sufficient enough for the animals to survive, but little else. There is really nothing you can do to impact the number of animals per cage. The stores lose all their profit in having all those cages cleaned and bedding replaced twice a week if each animal had their own cage. Ever think of why big breeders use more basic paper bedding in rack set-ups than expensive aspen in glass cages? If they kept all their snakes individually in "fancy" cages, they'd be in red ink fast. Thus Petco has given maximums per cage, and for ball pythons, I believe that number is 8. If you started to work at petco, and used up all the alotted bedding for that store housing the snakes how they should be caged, there will be no bedding left for the small animal cage cleanings, the animals that truly are sick and need to be set-up in wellness. Other animals that come in as overstock. Because each Petco is only allowed 6 bags of carefresh and 2 bags of aspen per week, and believe it or not... that's barely enough to get by housing the animals as is. Further tearing apart the habitats and putting even fewer per cage... you'd run out of bedding, quite simply. The problem is much greater than individual pet stores, but the bureaucratic red-tape of the corporation and loss prevention teams. Unless Petco was to purchase snake racks for their snakes (which they won't because racks don't sell all the other products as vivariums do), there is no cost efficient way to house the snakes. And the stores would have to stop carrying the snakes all together. Which is actually being looked at by Petco. There is a very good chance Petco will stop carrying animals all together. Many are losing their bird habitats, and most other animals sections are shrinking or "right-sizing". However, I believe this to be a very negative thing to the animal community, and even for the ball python community. How many new members to this site bought their first ball from a breeder? How many from a store like Petco? Petco and other chain stores are the cost efficient/easy way to get into pet ownership. And if the team is knowledgeable about the animals, they can point out that there are better ways to house animals to the customers while understanding the necessity of the current housing conditions. Not great, but could be worse. I believe there are individual stores that need work, just as in any business, but temporarily housing 8 snakes in one cage isn't the worst scenario. Keeping a snake habitat at a constant 86 degrees isn't necessarily a negative. If I'm not mistaken, there are quite a few keepers who do the same through space heaters and not heating individual cages. Thing is, if the stores followed policy, you'd find stores like the petco you visited (minus the anole, as that should have been spotted by an associate before a customer). When Policy isn't followed, you get stores like the Petsmart you went to. So, back to the original quote... Breaking policy means you won't be able to make much of an impact. Following policy, and helping customers gain valuable information is a much better use of time and energy on the animals behalf.

But... word of advice, don't skip class, you won't get anywhere in life with that attitude.

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Originally Posted by Gooseman

But... word of advice, don't skip class, you won't get anywhere in life with that attitude.

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Ditto everything Ben just said. Especially that last bit.

Really, there isn't much you can do to change the bix-box pet stores. Many have tried and failed. If the conditions are THAT bad, which it doesn't sound like they are, you could try contacting the corporate office as a "concerned customer" but they will most likely thank you by not changing anything...

But for real, go to school and study hard and you'll have a lot more tools and ammo to help make a difference where you can.

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Originally Posted by Gooseman

Then don't expect to have your job for long. Chain pet stores have very strict rules as far as housing the "product" is concerned. The animals are given habitats that are sufficient enough for the animals to survive, but little else. There is really nothing you can do to impact the number of animals per cage. The stores lose all their profit in having all those cages cleaned and bedding replaced twice a week if each animal had their own cage. Ever think of why big breeders use more basic paper bedding in rack set-ups than expensive aspen in glass cages? If they kept all their snakes individually in "fancy" cages, they'd be in red ink fast. Thus Petco has given maximums per cage, and for ball pythons, I believe that number is 8. If you started to work at petco, and used up all the alotted bedding for that store housing the snakes how they should be caged, there will be no bedding left for the small animal cage cleanings, the animals that truly are sick and need to be set-up in wellness. Other animals that come in as overstock. Because each Petco is only allowed 6 bags of carefresh and 2 bags of aspen per week, and believe it or not... that's barely enough to get by housing the animals as is. Further tearing apart the habitats and putting even fewer per cage... you'd run out of bedding, quite simply. The problem is much greater than individual pet stores, but the bureaucratic red-tape of the corporation and loss prevention teams. Unless Petco was to purchase snake racks for their snakes (which they won't because racks don't sell all the other products as vivariums do), there is no cost efficient way to house the snakes. And the stores would have to stop carrying the snakes all together. Which is actually being looked at by Petco. There is a very good chance Petco will stop carrying animals all together. Many are losing their bird habitats, and most other animals sections are shrinking or "right-sizing". However, I believe this to be a very negative thing to the animal community, and even for the ball python community. How many new members to this site bought their first ball from a breeder? How many from a store like Petco? Petco and other chain stores are the cost efficient/easy way to get into pet ownership. And if the team is knowledgeable about the animals, they can point out that there are better ways to house animals to the customers while understanding the necessity of the current housing conditions. Not great, but could be worse. I believe there are individual stores that need work, just as in any business, but temporarily housing 8 snakes in one cage isn't the worst scenario. Keeping a snake habitat at a constant 86 degrees isn't necessarily a negative. If I'm not mistaken, there are quite a few keepers who do the same through space heaters and not heating individual cages. Thing is, if the stores followed policy, you'd find stores like the petco you visited (minus the anole, as that should have been spotted by an associate before a customer). When Policy isn't followed, you get stores like the Petsmart you went to. So, back to the original quote... Breaking policy means you won't be able to make much of an impact. Following policy, and helping customers gain valuable information is a much better use of time and energy on the animals behalf.

But... word of advice, don't skip class, you won't get anywhere in life with that attitude.

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My schooling is none of your business. I am an adult and can handle myself. If I choose not to go to a class that I know we are doing nothing I will skip. I wasn't expecting everyone to flame on me. I'm going to do my best so that the animals get what they deserve. I can do Quick and accurate unlike some people. I am going to try my very very best to help these little guys out. These stores where I live, their policy is If it dies it dies. I AM going to change that. If I have to buy food for the snakes and a hide a log I will. If I have to go to the store on my days off to check temps and humidity I will. I DO NOT halfass anything I do and sir. If they cant pay for more cages they shouldnt have all those animals. I am going to help owners and potential owners so I know that people arn't buying them with out knowing what they are getting into. I will NOT stand by and watch innocent animals die for nothing. My policies are, Take care of the animals, instruct and help the owners, and by the gods I will save these little lives. I could care less about you haters. To me you arn't worth my time. If you arn't going to support me then you are against me and you are just as bad as they are. You SETTLE, you never ask for more or what it could be. I can change people, animals can change people. I've poured my heart out for these little beasts and I will do EVERYTHING and ANYTHING to help them. What do I suggest. DON'T GIVE UP HOPE! If I've learned anything in my life its that NO ONE tries harder than me if I put my mind to anything. So all of you thinking " Your going to be like all the others... your going to fail.. your not going to save any of them they are all going to die anyway." YOU have given up hope . Not me. NEVER. I'm not there for the money. I'm there for those little flicking forked toungs and those cute little tails. I will not stand by and watch animals suffer because of store policies. You can sit with your healthy snakes and feel sorry for those less fortunate. or you can be like me and actually try to do something about it.

You really need to chill out. I didn't see ANYONE do any flaming except for yourself. Everyone's posts were very well spoken and just trying to inform you of what you're up against. Chances are you will NOT change corporate policy, if you consistantly go against your manager you'll just end up losing your job. If you continue to go in there and raise a scene after they fire you, there's a pretty good chance you'll get banned from the store. As everyone has tried to point out, you'll do more good working within the system than against it.

If I can do it for Show horses I can sure as heck do it for reptiles. ( I used to work at a show horse stable that had started to go broke. I didn't ask for money, instead I paid for bedding and feed for the special needs horses. I helped turn it around and I saved atleast 3 horses lives. I know what hard work is and helping the animals isn't half as hard as getting people to admit they are wrong. Which I've gotten pretty good at doing. )

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Originally Posted by m00kfu

You really need to chill out. I didn't see ANYONE do any flaming except for yourself. Everyone's posts were very well spoken and just trying to inform you of what you're up against. Chances are you will NOT change corporate policy, if you consistantly go against your manager you'll just end up losing your job. If you continue to go in there and raise a scene after they fire you, there's a pretty good chance you'll get banned from the store. As everyone has tried to point out, you'll do more good working within the system than against it.

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If the system is that animals individually arn't important then I will change it where I live. Just because corperate policies are corperate doesn't mean they can't be bended if they are wrong. and as for Petco I didn't see anything really wrong exept for the corn and the anole. As for Flaming. This is text, I can't hear or see you. Once you attack my idea to help animals YEAH you make me really angry. I hear all of you and I am telling you that I CAN make a difference. I have no one even saying good luck or even giving me alittle support so yeah I'm alittle defensive. I am only as stong as the support my friends give me and as my friends I had hoped that you would at least sent some good will my way. But no, you change the subject to my schooling which is none of your business.

Was it a privately owned stable? If it was, that's probably why you were successful. I'm not trying to put you down, but a nationwide chain run by a corporation is a totally different animal. Even if you could convince your manager to put their own job on the line to let you do the extra stuff on your own pay, eventually corporate will find out about it, and chances are you'll both lose your jobs. You've got to remember, corporations generally don't care about the people or animals that they are involved with. The bottom line is how much profit they can make. If the snakes are selling and making them a profit as it is, they won't change their policies. They probably spend only $10 or so for each ball python. Most of the time they get sold for $80 before they get sick or die. That's considered an acceptable loss to the people in power. As far as most of them are concerned, they aren't selling animals -- they're selling product. You would have to convince them that they would make more money by spending more money and time to take better care of the animals. If you really want to try and change the way things are run, more power to ya. But really, you're best bet will be to not make a huge fuss as soon as you walk in there. Take the best care of them that you can with what they give you to work with, and try to make little changes for the better here and there when you can.

luna, honestly.. coming from experience. skipping hurts no one but yourself, your being cheated in the long run and when you get wiser (often with age) you will learn that. You going "oh crap, dads home" admits you know it was the wrong thing to do.. however, your an individual who is going to do what you wanna do. With that said, i worked for two different petstore chains in my teen years and had a great time doing it. I did help with the fish/reptile center for one and equine specialist in the other. There are some situations you can make better but as others have said these animals are nothing but "profit and products" to them. Good luck getting things straightened out with the petstore if you get the job. But remember, education is very very important... that is unless you want to be a petstore worker the rest of your life. (and no im not talking upper management, there is nothing wrong with that so please dont take comments out of context)


ETA: if it was none of our business regarding your schooling, you couldve left that little tidbit of info out of the conversation. By saying something you open it entirely to the entire community... imo its free range, there are many many very wise adults who have been there/done that.. you should take into consideration the things they say instead of getting all huffy about it.

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Originally Posted by ADEE

luna, honestly.. coming from experience. skipping hurts no one but yourself, your being cheated in the long run and when you get wiser (often with age) you will learn that. You going "oh crap, dads home" admits you know it was the wrong thing to do.. however, your an individual who is going to do what you wanna do. With that said, i worked for two different petstore chains in my teen years and had a great time doing it. I did help with the fish/reptile center for one and equine specialist in the other. There are some situations you can make better but as others have said these animals are nothing but "profit and products" to them. Good luck getting things straightened out with the petstore if you get the job. But remember, education is very very important... that is unless you want to be a petstore worker the rest of your life. (and no im not talking upper management, there is nothing wrong with that so please dont take comments out of context)


ETA: if it was none of our business regarding your schooling, you couldve left that little tidbit of info out of the conversation. By saying something you open it entirely to the entire community... imo its free range

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I wish i had left the part of me skipping out but can't change it now. So what ever. I'll do what I do. I'm a 3-D animator that already has 14 companies looking at me and its not because of schooling. I know what I'm doing with my life and the only class that actually matters for my future as an animator I am excelling in. For all the companies that are looking at me only 5 need me to have the rest of these prereqs out of the way. and they arn't even the best or the highest paying.

Wow, please take a deep breath. Nobody is trying to rain on your parade. Just trying to let you know what exactly you're up against, for which I think you should be thankful. Like was posted before, if you go against store policy, you WILL get fired. Every employee at the local Petco that seemed like they actually knew their stuff, ends up not working there after awhile... If they give you accurate advice on how to care for your animals (instead of going by their caresheet) they usually do so in a low voice, and looking around to make sure there's no manager within earshot.

BTW- Did the manager you talked to know you were skipping school? Irresponsibility doesn't look good when applying for a job.

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Originally Posted by RoyalGuardian

Skrew store policies I'm doing whats best for the animals!

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Sadly with chain stores that are owned and operated by a country wide corporation like Petco that kind of attitude will only get you shown to door rather quick. They all have the same standards and policies, don't follow them by the book they will just replace you. I worked at Petco and did get fired just for not doing what they said to do. I also worked at Petsmart and ended up quitting because they are just as bad as Petco. I'm sorry but if I was a 3D animator I sure as heck would not be looking to get a job to Petco who only pays up to $7.50 an hr. Even if it were to "take care of the animals"... sadly I was like you are when I was younger, sadly I also learned that you can't save them all... no matter how hard and long you do it.

I know when I was your age, I too thought "I knew it all". Man was I wrong and had a nice slap in the face one day as a really rude awakening call.

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

Sadly with chain stores that are owned and operated by a country wide corporation like Petco that kind of attitude will only get you shown to door rather quick. They all have the same standards and policies, don't follow them by the book they will just replace you. I'm sorry but if I was a 3D animator I sure as heck would not be looking to get a job to Petco who only pays up to $7.50 an hr. Even if it were to "take care of the animals"... sadly I was like you are when I was younger, sadly I also learned that you can't save them all... no matter how hard and long you do it.

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I have to try.. Animation is what I do.. but Reptiles are what I love... Besides I'm 18 and I need a steady job. all the companies that are looking at me are states away. I still need a job to make ends meat. and 7.50 is better than the 6.50 I'm getting right now.

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Originally Posted by RoyalGuardian

I have to try.. Animation is what I do.. but Reptiles are what I love... Besides I'm 18 and I need a steady job. all the companies that are looking at me are states away. I still need a job to make ends meat. and 7.50 is better than the 6.50 I'm getting right now.

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I can tell you that if you're up for an animation job against someone with a degree, the person with the degree is more likely to get the job than you are. Education IS the key to success in your life.

I have a four year degree, and I was hired at a higher pay scale than my equal co-workers with no degree. And when I was in my interview - the hiring manager even said "oh good! You have a degree - you can't believe how many people don't. That definitely gives you an edge!"

OK Let me cool down and say that I am sorry about the whole getting angry thing.. I don't do well with people shooting down my ideas, especially when it has something to do with hurting animals. In the end I am just scared that you all are right. But I am going to hold my head up and I am going to give it my all. I will work with the system... but not just with it but beyond it. If I get fired for keeping their stock alive then they are retarded. What I'm saying is that I may not be able to change the corperation but I will at least be able to help some animals. I know I can't save them all but I can sure try. I love you guys and I need some support right now. I'm a crazy PMSing teenager that just wants to help animals and by golly I'm going to do you proud BP.net!

And I hear you I hear you... Schooling is important. I know it is but today was just one of those days... I don't skip as a habit.

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These stores where I live, their policy is If it dies it dies. I AM going to change that.

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My policies are, Take care of the animals, instruct and help the owners, and by the gods I will save these little lives.

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As a pet store employee your duties whether you like it or not will be to go by the rules and follow the store’s policies.

Chain pet stores have to follow corporate policies and I can tell you already if you think you change those you are wrong and if you try to change those you will be shown the door.

Those pet stores have for main agenda to sell supply, this is where the money is, the animals are just there to get the customer in the door hoping they will make an impulse buy leading to the sale of supply.

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I will not stand by and watch animals suffer because of store
policies.

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Wrong again, if you do not go by the store policy do not expect to stay employed very long, turn over in this type of industry is very high

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or you can be like me and actually try to do something about it.

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They join your local herp society and do some rescue work

You are young and have a lot to learn about how those stores work again you want to get involved join your nearest herp society.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

As a pet store employee your duties whether you like it or not will be to go by the rules and follow the store’s policies.

Chain pet stores have to follow corporate policies and I can tell you already if you think you change those you are wrong and if you try to change those you will be shown the door.

Those pet stores have for main agenda to sell supply, this is where the money is, the animals are just there to get the customer in the door hoping they will make an impulse buy leading to the sale of supply.
Wrong again, if you do not go by the store policy do not expect to stay employed very long, turn over in this type of industry is very high
They join your local herp society and do some rescue work

You are young and have a lot to learn about how those stores work again you want to get involved join your nearest herp society.

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Yeah I do have a lot to learn. But at the same time I can't just stand by and watch these little guys die. If I can help them which I know I can inside petco's limits then it will all be worth it to me. I wanna give these guys a chance. And if they do fire me for caring then I know I was doing the right thing. I do need to get a membership for my herp society but unfortunatly I have enough things to pay for at the moment. So again I am getting a job at petco to help the animals and to feed myself.

I've noticed in a lot of your posts you have an attitude towards certain things that is completely unnecessary. I'm pretty sure every single user on this site is an animal lover and nobody's insulting or doubting your abilities to care for animals. However, they're trying to save you from disappointment if you go into a workplace with animals having the outlook you've got. If you're an adult, please behave like one without lashing out on people who are simply sharing their opinions with you. You gave us a lengthy post with quite a bit of information and everybody here is responding with their own opinions. If you don't like what you're reading, you shouldn't be sharing it. I am your age so I completely understand how frustrating it can be in your situation both with school, work, and people doubting you; but like I mentioned, your attitude has A LOT to do with how seriously people take you and how smoothly your life will go from here on. I mean this in the sincerest of ways, you seem like a sweet girl, but you're giving some people the exact opposite impression through what you say and how you say it. And before you repeat yourself with the "I don't care what people think of me" stuff, just take some time to think about whether or not you want to be portrayed in a negative manner. We're not here to judge you.

The whole point of my post was to point out that you need not break policy to keep the animals alive. Although policy could be better, it is like government housing, in that, there are worse ways to live, and that it has reached the crossroads of acceptable cost versus acceptable living standards for temporary time periods. If policy is followed, there shouldn't be any excuse for animals dying in stores. But, it's unlikely you'll find a plump ball python in a cage by itself with proper hides. As that is no longer cost effective. I am not knocking your will to help the animals, but I'm just trying to point out that going in and breaking policy won't get you anywhere, your better off doing your best to care for the animals within policy standards and making sure the customers are aware of the difference between temporary petco housing, and permanent housing conditions. I personally work for a PetCo, and have learned many tips & tricks as far as animal care is concerned (and loopholes to get your way, if only for a moment), but there really is only so much a simple associate can do. Remember, in retail, everyone is replaceable, so if you go in and make a scene, you'll find that out first hand.

On the topic of schooling, I really am not trying to bash you. Although you don't know me, your going to have to trust me on this. Get a degree. I know so many bright and intelligent people working dead-end jobs with no upward mobility because they have no degree, yet believe they are too old to go back and finish school. I wish that on no one. Schooling isn't cheap, so don't throw it away if it's at your disposal.

Pandora. I already apologized for being short tempered. I am stressed. I am out of a job at the moment and I am really hot headed. I'm tired of people telling me that nothing I do will come out to anything. Because I lack friends I have a nasty habit of getting defensive. Not to mention I have a personality disorder that I am currently testing meds for. I don't like it very much when people tell me to give up before I have started.

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Originally Posted by RoyalGuardian

Pandora. I already apologized for being short tempered. I am stressed. I am out of a job at the moment and I am really hot headed. I'm tired of people telling me that nothing I do will come out to anything. Because I lack friends I have a nasty habit of getting defensive. Not to mention I have a personality disorder that I am currently testing meds for. I don't like it very much when people tell me to give up before I have started.

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Like I mentioned, I don't think anybody here is out to make you fail or even wish bad things upon you. I'm in the same boat with you a lot more than you'd like to think. I used to suffer from Bipolar Depression and was on 4 different medications at one point, I know what it's like to think the entire world is out to get you so you snap at everybody. I just think you owe yourself better than to fend people off the way you do. Take care of yourself, and relax. Just breathe =]

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Originally Posted by Gooseman

The whole point of my post was to point out that you need not break policy to keep the animals alive. Although policy could be better, it is like government housing, in that, there are worse ways to live, and that it has reached the crossroads of acceptable cost versus acceptable living standards for temporary time periods. If policy is followed, there shouldn't be any excuse for animals dying in stores. But, it's unlikely you'll find a plump ball python in a cage by itself with proper hides. As that is no longer cost effective. I am not knocking your will to help the animals, but I'm just trying to point out that going in and breaking policy won't get you anywhere, your better off doing your best to care for the animals within policy standards and making sure the customers are aware of the difference between temporary petco housing, and permanent housing conditions. I personally work for a PetCo, and have learned many tips & tricks as far as animal care is concerned (and loopholes to get your way, if only for a moment), but there really is only so much a simple associate can do. Remember, in retail, everyone is replaceable, so if you go in and make a scene, you'll find that out first hand.

On the topic of schooling, I really am not trying to bash you. Although you don't know me, your going to have to trust me on this. Get a degree. I know so many bright and intelligent people working dead-end jobs with no upward mobility because they have no degree, yet believe they are too old to go back and finish school. I wish that on no one. Schooling isn't cheap, so don't throw it away if it's at your disposal.

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Your first post made me feel like you were attacking me. I wasn't going to go in there and make a scene in the first place. I was going to make my bettering changes discreetly. I hear you on this second post and can relate to it more. Thank you for your concern.

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Originally Posted by Pandora

Like I mentioned, I don't think anybody here is out to make you fail or even wish bad things upon you. I'm in the same boat with you a lot more than you'd like to think. I used to suffer from Bipolar Depression and was on 4 different medications at one point, I know what it's like to think the entire world is out to get you so you snap at everybody. I just think you owe yourself better than to fend people off the way you do. Take care of yourself, and relax. Just breathe =]

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you understand My new meds are messing with my head. I feel more paranoid than anything. I am all jittery and its true it feels like everyone is judging me and all I can do is defend. I'm sorry that I get this way I'm trying but at this point in my treatment there is nothing I can do.

Here's my $.02 after reading this post.

As a former petsmart employee myself, it is my opinion that you are in a better position to change things as a disgruntled and passionate customer than as an employee. Everyone is correct in saying that trying to buck the system in a big chain corporate (however noble it may be) will very likely be a short-lived, and ultimately futile attempt. Not trying to discourage you and make you feel useless; just laying out the cold, and unfortunate reality of it all.

You have other options that may prove somewhat successful.

1.) Simply never purchase from them and encourage others to do the same. Spread the word.

2.) Try to contact the CEO or whoever is in charge of the company you're targeting. Complaining to store managers rarely has lasting effects; they may change things that instant to make you happy, but give it a few weeks and they'll go right back to adhering to policy. Don't bother with the worker bees and drones; go directly to the queen (so to speak). Be diplomatic and courteous while still expressing your concerns.

If this proves unsuccessful, resort back to option #1 and drag their name through the mud every opportunity you can. Spread the word (check out planetfeedback.com for such an occasion).

I am now working at a store called pet supermarket, their supposed policy is "pets first."
and store duties, caring for the animals first.
I really have to say, Bullpucky!!
While they do care for the small animals, and birds, the displays for them are horrid, and too small.
They are slowly killing the reptiles, such as the collar'd lizards, and tortoises.
Even worse, is the drawer type pull out displays, and the entire unit is right next to the doors... and here in Wisconsin, our winters are long, and very cold.
They won't/can't move it.
Also the owners want the minimum amount of bedding used. And because reptiles only bring in about 3% of the total sales they don't care too much.
I and a manager have talked to them about using local breeders for snakes, beardies, and geckos. But they feel they must use the Florida based corporate dealers.
A zigzag corn snake for 84 dollars, when they can buy a local albino or normal for 20-15 dollars. Even with a 100% mark up that is 15-40 dollars...
The new manager cares, but they have no sick room and she thinks that "corporate" or the dealers they deal with, quarantine the animals before they come to our store.
We have a sick lion head baby bunny in the back room, which is cold, and can only keep is seperate, and give it some oral meds through water. So its a death watch.
It came in with some other baby bunnies, and the other lion head that came in with it, died within a day or so of coming into the store.
They put new birds in with the ones already on display, and the same with the small animals.

And spending your own money to buy a hide for the snakes, won't help either, when you are not there, some dork will come along and say that the hide isn't part of the authorized set up for the tanks, OR that customers can't see the snakes and will remove it. And then you are out the money for the hide, and you can't find it, cause they put it some where and then it got moved. OR some one straightened the area up and poof its gone.

just to let you know, even the small box stores are bad.

MP

I don't know if this has been said, but it is nice to see your genuine concern. If you work at one of these stores, I would change clothing and shower before getting near any of my own snakes. Good luck with whatever you decide. The store probably won't change.

Whenever I find a knowledagble person at a pet shop, they do not stay long, except for one in town that does take care of ther animals. The employees won't even use the vet that works out of the same building LOL. I rarely buy supplies from these stores, just allways curious when near one as to their husbandry practices. I never handle any animals, and clean any supply I might purchase, shower and change clothes. I do not trust these pet shops due to their husbandry practices.

You have been upfront with your personal issues and that takes strong character. Realizing you have these issues means you can do somthing about it. It is those that don't realize they need to work on things that have no hope. I admire your openess and concern for animals. Hang in there bro, things will get better. I do agree with being discreet. I love questioning managers at these type of stores just to watch them skirm. One local shop, who fired great employees actually asked if customers could email me for advice on snakes. I said yes, not for the store, but for the customers and their snakes.

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Originally Posted by Montessa Python

I am now working at a store called pet supermarket, their supposed policy is "pets first."
and store duties, caring for the animals first.
I really have to say, Bullpucky!!
While they do care for the small animals, and birds, the displays for them are horrid, and too small.
They are slowly killing the reptiles, such as the collar'd lizards, and tortoises.
Even worse, is the drawer type pull out displays, and the entire unit is right next to the doors... and here in Wisconsin, our winters are long, and very cold.
They won't/can't move it.
Also the owners want the minimum amount of bedding used. And because reptiles only bring in about 3% of the total sales they don't care too much.
I and a manager have talked to them about using local breeders for snakes, beardies, and geckos. But they feel they must use the Florida based corporate dealers.
A zigzag corn snake for 84 dollars, when they can buy a local albino or normal for 20-15 dollars. Even with a 100% mark up that is 15-40 dollars...
The new manager cares, but they have no sick room and she thinks that "corporate" or the dealers they deal with, quarantine the animals before they come to our store.
We have a sick lion head baby bunny in the back room, which is cold, and can only keep is seperate, and give it some oral meds through water. So its a death watch.
It came in with some other baby bunnies, and the other lion head that came in with it, died within a day or so of coming into the store.
They put new birds in with the ones already on display, and the same with the small animals.

And spending your own money to buy a hide for the snakes, won't help either, when you are not there, some dork will come along and say that the hide isn't part of the authorized set up for the tanks, OR that customers can't see the snakes and will remove it. And then you are out the money for the hide, and you can't find it, cause they put it some where and then it got moved. OR some one straightened the area up and poof its gone.

just to let you know, even the small box stores are bad.

MP

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Yeah... I just wish pet stores actually cared about their animals.. I'll give it a shot working there but if they do fire me for taking better care of the animals I'm going to boycott them and make a youtube video to encourage people to do the same.

Iwas at the Richmond expo show where nice corn morphs were going for $5 two or more averaged about $10 and maxed out at $20. The petco across the street wanted $60 for an inferior looking snake. One nice thing if you worked ther, you might actually be able to provide perspective owners with good advice. Good luck to you.

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Originally Posted by ohyeahnow

I don't know if this has been said, but it is nice to see your genuine concern. If you work at one of these stores, I would change clothing and shower before getting near any of my own snakes. Good luck with whatever you decide. The store probably won't change.

Whenever I find a knowledagble person at a pet shop, they do not stay long, except for one in town that does take care of ther animals. The employees won't even use the vet that works out of the same building LOL. I rarely buy supplies from these stores, just allways curious when near one as to their husbandry practices. I never handle any animals, and clean any supply I might purchase, shower and change clothes. I do not trust these pet shops due to their husbandry practices.

You have been upfront with your personal issues and that takes strong character. Realizing you have these issues means you can do somthing about it. It is those that don't realize they need to work on things that have no hope. I admire your openess and concern for animals. Hang in there bro, things will get better. I do agree with being discreet. I love questioning managers at these type of stores just to watch them skirm. One local shop, who fired great employees actually asked if customers could email me for advice on snakes. I said yes, not for the store, but for the customers and their snakes.

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Thanks :hug: I feel the same way about my snakes. I always take a shower after going to pet stores before i even walk into my room. They are so nasty, I sterilize everything ( I'm such a germ a phob). Thank you for your kind words I needed them,.

No problem have had plenty of problems myself. Still do, LOL. But realizing that fact means we can better ourselves. Kinda like animal husbandry, if one did not know a BP needs appropriate humidity, they will never correct the problem. I hope you get a job, the economy sucks.

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Originally Posted by ohyeahnow

No problem have had plenty of problems myself. Still do, LOL. But realizing that fact means we can better ourselves. Kinda like animal husbandry, if one did not know a BP needs appropriate humidity, they will never correct the problem. I hope you get a job, the economy sucks.

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Thanks so much I hope I get one soon too.:rolleyes:

I worked for PetCo for 3 1/2 years. I was every specialist and also the dog trainer. I worked very closely with the Regional Companion Animal Coordinator and the District Manager for the DFW area ( I still have their cell phone numbers stored in my phone ). I also worked closely with the store vet. All I changed during that time and sucking up to the "higher ups" was that the beardies were no longer kept on sand. PetCo is a business and their products are animals and products for them. PetCo has a cooperate vet and what he says goes. He approves of how the enclosures are. If PetCo has a deal with Zoo Med for sand, then sand will be used in the enclosures. The reason why you see so many snakes in one enclosure is because the more they have, the more they sell. There is no room for separate enclosures. I assure you, there have been several who have attempted what you want to do. And I assure you, if you break store policy you will be fired. PetCo is super strict about following policy and there are no second chances. I'm not bashing you for wanting to try. But don't get your hopes up.

It is nice to see that someone feels so passionately about providing care for defenseless animals, and I fully support you on this. And if you get this job to save 1-2, or even a few more of these animals, you will probably succeed. However, if you are in need of a job, but also want to disregard the policies & procedures of the establishment, you will probably end up losing your job. So you need to think this part through.

Also, my bf is a Video Game Design student. He has thought about dropping out of the uni because it's expensive, he does not see eye to eye with some teachers, etc. But we researched the job market in his field (which is similar to yours) and realized that a degree is a big asset in having as many choices as possible in regards to which company to work for. You can get a job without a degree, but the direction in which these industries are moving will require degrees from candidates in the near future. In addition, I have found that knowledge is one of the most powerful weapons available to all of us. You could change many, many things with a strong will such as yours and knowledge to back it up.

I understand about your condition (or possible condition), and the best you can do for yourself is to try to be as disciplined in all aspects of your life as possible. You will feel much more in control, and will actually have much more control if you get yourself organized and have a routine (this does not mean you cannot have fun. There is always time for that).

You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. You can choose to make the best of that (& not compromise what is important to you, such as ensuring the welfare of animals), or you can easily throw it all away. Ultimately, is up to you. But if you do appreciate the people that listen to what you have to say (like everyone here has done), then cherish that. If we were not concerned about what you have to say and what is going on in your life, then we would just not respond.

This is why i decided against working at a pet store because I knew if I started acting like I knew too much about the snakes proper care then they wouldve gotten annoyed. The stores do whatever they want and are much more worried about making money than having a perfect environment for their animals. As for skipping class, if there is nothing going on that day, it really isn't as big of a deal as some people are making it out to be. I guarantee everyone on this forum has skipped a class or 2 in their many years of education. It happens constantly in high school and especially college. Just shouldn't make it a regular occurence as to where it affects your grade. :snake:

Actually, if you know what your talking about, pretty much any GM or Ops manager at PetCo would love to have you. People who know their stuff are hard to come by at petco pay. They are cool with you as long as you understand the system. Fact of the matter is, most managers actually want to improve conditions for the animals, but their hands are tied. If a district manager or regional coordinator walks in and sees the store breaking policy, it's the manager's head. That is why most of them are quite stubborn in their stance on policy. It stinks, but that's the way of the world.

And as I found out a few days ago, you might seriously need to check the stores policies on giving advice. You may only be allowed to refer them to the books the store sells OR to the pamphlets they offer.
And don't even think about sending them to ANY other store, for anything.. even if it is something your store will NEVER carry. You will need to check any and all policies about that.
I just lost my job over policy... sort of... my ex manager is a nut case I am begining to think.
Just an FYI...
I hope things work out for you.
Carol

First, let me say it is very noble that you are so passionate about helping the animals... but as everyone has stated, you sadly won't be able to do much at all.
I worked for Petsmart...leaving a very good job because I thought it would be great. It sucked. I tried the very things you're talking about doing and nothing worked. I tried telling them about how the enclosures should look - they didn't care because 'policy said they had to look THIS way'. I tried taking the animals out for some handling and excersise when things were slow - they said it was 'bad for business'. They are SET in their archaic system and will NOT change. It's sad, but true. To counter, I told anyone and everyone that was interested in any animal to research it first, where to find good info, and where to go to get better animals and supplies. :D

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Originally Posted by MuzeBallPythons

Also, my bf is a Video Game Design student. He has thought about dropping out of the uni because it's expensive, he does not see eye to eye with some teachers, etc. But we researched the job market in his field (which is similar to yours) and realized that a degree is a big asset in having as many choices as possible in regards to which company to work for.

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I just wanted to say here - If he is really serious about the industry, make sure he gets an internship NOW!
My BF HAS the degree and is having a hard time getting anywhere because of a lack of experience. In the game industry, an internship is essential to success. Just a word of advice. :)

I can only go into those stores, briefly get what I need, & leave. I was at Petco last weekend, I saw 3 ball pythons, they looked great, habitat looked fine. But the bp that was in the front of the enclosure, had mites crawling on him. :-(

Also when I got my iguana in Jan. the person who got him out for me, didn't ask me... if I had any info on iguana's, did I have all the things I needed.
* even though this would be my 3rd Iguana, I knew what to have, but he had no idea that I knew *
My little green man, is growing BIG, eating well, looking good!!! Some attitude, but he is very tame!!


Also my first bp, i got from a petco.(back in 2002) The guy who sold it to me, had no IDEA how to care for it.

It's like going to Home Depot, if you want your customers to be happy & return back. You should know about what you are selling.

But I know how these pet stores are... I think it's wrong, the poor animals/critters, get hurt all while the company wants to MAKE money.

Our petsmart & petco are 25 miles away. We are supposed to get one here in town.. SOON. I am going to apply, def.

:)

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Originally Posted by Argentra

I just wanted to say here - If he is really serious about the industry, make sure he gets an internship NOW!
My BF HAS the degree and is having a hard time getting anywhere because of a lack of experience. In the game industry, an internship is essential to success. Just a word of advice. :)

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Thanks. I will tell him. I have suggested it before, but had not pushed the subject. But I figured it would be a good idea. Thanks again!