When you buy an animal from a pet shop, even if your intentions are good, and you think that you are “rescuing” that poor animal, all you are doing is making space for another one to take its place, perpetuating the cycle and causing more animals to suffer.

Pet shops that sell animals do not support or promote responsible pet ownership. These pet shops rely on the impulsive buying of companion animals. This is one of the single biggest contributors to our current animal overpopulation problem in South Africa. People who buy an animal on impulse are also not likely to get that animal sterilized as the cost of sterilization was not considered at the time of purchase. And unsterilised rabbits, for example, breed like, well…rabbits.

Animals in pet shops are often at a higher risk of developing health problems due to poor breeding practices and a lack of proper care. This can lead to costly veterinary bills for pet owners and potential suffering for the animals. 

Most pet stores don’t have the resources or knowledge to provide any support if you have questions or problems with your new pet. They will be very happy to sell you loads of unsuitable food and inadequate housing though! 

Animals of the same sex are often housed (and sold!) together, so you may end up with getting a lot more than you bargained for when your “male” rat suddenly has 12 babies. Staff are generally not adequately trained to sex animals correctly.

South African pet shops, pet traders and animal brokers do not have a legally binding code of conduct or ethics, minimum standards or requirements.