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

[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.

[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.

[Pandora]

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.

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 =]

[RoyalGuardian]

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.

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.

[RoyalGuardian]

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 =]

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.

[Ophiuchus]

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).

[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

[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.

[RoyalGuardian]

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

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.

[ohyeahnow]

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.