Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with petstore

Can they afford to live?

Nattie — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:50:42 -0800

How do pet stores handle sick animals, especially when the cost of care seems like it would be more than the cost of the animal? I often see seriously ill birds at pet stores. (I'm quite experienced with birds so I know the difference between a bird resting/sleeping or being seriously ill. I'm not accounting for the birds that could be ill but are not yet showing it, or birds which might be pregnant.) More often than not, it is finches or budgies which are ill... which happen to be the cheapest birds.

I know I can report pet stores if they are not caring for their animals properly, and I do that. That's not my question.

Today I saw a terribly ill Zebra Finch. It cost $20. It got me wondering... the cost of vet care for the finch, at least for a pet owner, would be far more than $20. How do pet stores handle this? Do they have some sort of bulk deal or flat rate with vets? Do they have their own vets? Or if the cost of an animal's medical care would wipe out their profits or cost them money, do they just let it die?

Where can I go from here?

d13t_p3ps1 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:28:05 -0800

Where can I go from here? I switched jobs (from waitressing to working at a pet store) a month ago, and plan on staying at the pet store for about a year. What can I do with pet store experience? Will I need to go to school to do anything with a vet or a larger animal care facility like a zoo or animal sanctuary?

Heeere fishy fishy fishy

chihiro — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:57:25 -0800

How long can our fish live in the plastic bag from the pet store? I promised my 3-year-old a fish once she was potty trained, and today was the day. We brought home the tank, 4 guppies, and a blue mystery snail, who are waiting in the plastic bag from the pet store until their tank is ready. The instructions said to cycle the tank with the dechlorinating solution and filter for 48 hours, but it occurs to me that the fish might die in their bag before that time. How long can they live in the bag, and do we really need to let a 2 gallon tank cycle for 48 hours? Thanks!

Burma Shaved Cat?

Rothko — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 17:10:11 -0800

My partner and I are looking into a Burmese cat and were wondering a few things: • whether there is a significant personality difference between males and females
• if shedding is a problem
• whether it is better to buy a Burmese kitten from a pet store or breeder (in terms of long-term health); and,
• where a good place would be to go to around the Philadelphia area to purchase said kitty.

Solid advice from cat owners on good literature is appreciated. Thanks for all informed answers, especially from cat lovers.