In a perfect world you could walk into a big box pet store and be able to have all your questions answered but it's hardly a perfect world. The animals would be well taken care of and everyone would be happy. It doesn't always work that way. It sucks but it's the way things are. I'd just stay away and save yourself the grief. Nothing will change. Every time you "rescue" one of those dying bettas or skinny snakes you contribute to the problem. I do think Petco is a notch above Petsmart though. When the gf goes to Ulta, I slide into Petco next door and play with kittens. I walk past the reptiles and go right to the kitten room. lol