I'm in petco and I want to scream!!

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Jacqui

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Yvonne G said:
I've asked this before and I'll ask it again:

What ever happened to the law that told pet stores all across the good ol' US of A that they had to provide a care sheet for every animal, bird, reptile they sell?

I did not know there was such a law. Petco does have care sheets in easy to see locations that your free to take (so I assume that counts). Is it only petshops that have to do this? I have never had a breeder or online tortoise dealer offer me any care sheets at all. A few, but not all sellers at reptile shows have had some.
 

Jacqui

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Yvonne G said:
I guess I have to admit to being wrong once again. ***bows her head in shame!***

Oh NO!! Say it isn't true!!



Yvonne you can't be wrong... 'sides at worse your only a little wrong. :D
 

Yvonne G

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Yeah, only 49 states worth of wrong! A California law, indeed! Humph!
 

Saleama

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stinax182 said:
i think the point is IF an employee feels the need to give advice on how to care for a pet, they then have the responsibility to know what they're talking about. it's as simple as, if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything. if you don't know how to care for the tort, then simply say, "sorry, I'm not very familiar with them. you should do a bit of research first, maybe buy one of our books on tortoise care" i know most of the books are outdated but i understand the employer would frown on their employee telling a potential buyer to leave and do research, possibly loosing the sale. but just the fact that the employee doesn't know how to case for them may make the person second guess their choice. the biggest thing I'd wish they'd advertise better was how long they live....many people have no idea. i feel if the expected lifespan was primarily showed, it would detour a lot of buyers. "Russian tortoise will likely outlive you!"

They "know" what they are told and if they believe their employer, like the customer believes them, why should they try and learn more? Not my opinion just the reality.
 

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Here's what I do: I write a nice letter to the district manager, stating this is what I saw and heard, and adding as a lover of animals I am calling this to your attention for a positive outcome, and that I know their company wants to do the right thing otherwise their profit is tainted, and that I am long time customer and would really like to ask for his consideration to rectify this matter for the sake of the voiceless animals they have chosen to do business with ... then I send it certified. Works like a charm and changes are made, until there is employee or management turnover. Then you do it again. Certified letters to politicians also work by the way. Be the voice! : )
 

AlishaT

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Uh, I was just standing in the store and needed to vent...
 

doletorts

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In response to care sheets. I got my redfoot on friday and weve been going to stores for a month or so and most stores had the care sheets and overall they were helpful but no where near as detailed as they should be, im just glad i found this forum over the summer and did my research. And for the employee issue. I (a 14yr old kid) could tell most employees had no clue what they were talking about, BUT a few who had reptiles did. Although only one employee had the guts to say that he didnt really know anything about torts but another employee who's shift started in a half hour had a sulcata and we could talk to him. And i thank that man because he gave us real info about proper care and used the tanks in the store to show us what not to do
 

sibi

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Stephen, I was not referring to any employees' responsibility to see that pets are placed in good homes. Let's get real here. You know exactly what I was referring to. You stated yourself that stores are in it for the money...that sometimes mean they sell animals that they shouldn't...


Saleama said:
AlishaT said:
smylemaker said:
I was that Naive Mom who wanted to buy a tort for my kids, I am still learning and had a few ppl sort of harsh with their words, but good intentions , tell me everything I am doing wrong.. BUT I also had some really great ppl here take the time to help me, they have so much patients with someone as, (well lets just say not the brightest crayon in the box) :p those petstore chains do have very few staff that DO know what they are talking about (IMHO) but they are far and few... even I who knows hardly anything re: torts now overhear some "innocents" who see or like torts , and being the crazy person I am I approach them and say hey I just got a tort and absolutely love him, but am still learning ... I thought I had somewhat of a clue, but may I suggest asking people who have them for a long time (on this site ) before you spend un-necessary money before you buy :p they either have appreciated what I said or look at me like I am a weirdo.. either way... I would have liked someone to tell me that...

I totally agree that I was also that mom buying a tort for my kids. I think what frustrated me the most was the fact that I had been in his shoes and I wish there had been someone to say "whoa! Slow down young lady and let's make sure you're prepared to bring this little guy home!" I don't think the fault is either the customer or the employee. I think very few of us had any idea what we had just done. It really is only because of this forum and all the expert advice that poor Walter isn't dead. Education is key here and every time an employee hears (in kindness) information they also can help to pass it along. I think we all need to just remember why each of us is here and be glad we all share the same goal of helping these creatures we love so much. Isn't that all that really matters?

Except that the sales persons job is to sell, not make sure the animal is going to a good home. Also, part of that job is to sell the items the store sells, not to make recomendations about buying plant saucers for water dishes etc.., Whether we like it or not, pet stores are still stores and they have to operate at a profit. Sometimes that means they sell animals they shouldn't and keep them in ways that don't look very good. Everyone LOVES their Russian Tortoise but we all hate where they come from and the reality is, most of them are wild caught animals sold at these stores. I have three Russians that I rescued from people who jumped into them and then realized what a huge responsibility they are. One I got and the people gave her to me in the box they had got her in from petsmart. They were good and kind enough to realize quickly that they could not give her what she needed and now she lives in a big garden instead of a small tank. My point is, the store is going to do what it does and sometimes all we can do is advise and maybe catch the rescues because we certainly can not get into all the homes and educate people about what they are doing wrong. Print up some fliers with this forum address on them and ask to hang it on the bulletin board at your local store. They will let you. And keep caring! There are far to few people who do that these days! :)
 

sibi

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[split] I'm in petco and I want to scream!!

Stephen, I couldn't respond to you earlier because I'm dealing with an emergency rescue. My response is: I was NOT referring to any employees' responsibility to see that pets are placed in good homes. Let's get real here. You know exactly what I was referring to. You stated yourself that "stores are in it for the money...that sometimes they sell animals that they shouldn't...and keep them in ways that don't look very good." Sorry to disappoint you but IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY! Stores are accountable for the animals they sell, how they keep them, and responsible for their employees. That means that if an employee gives bad information, and a customer comes back and complains, often the store manager has to compensate the customer for whatever damage was done. Sometimes, it even goes to court. So, don't try to skew the details because you are wrong! Accurate care sheets are required by law to be provided to customers. And while there is some allowances for size of enclosures, etc., profits can't take priority when it comes to live animals. And, all you out there who defend the practices of petco or petsmart stores I say, SHAME ON YOU!!! I'm not alone either. The law sees to it that stores don't mistreat animals over profits, although some still do. Do you honestly think that these stores would voluntary provide care sheets and take care that they don't abuse the animals if they weren't forced to? Remember, I'm not the enemy here. I'm for the enrichment of the lives of animals who can't defend themselves.

Having said that, let me just clarify something. I AM NOT AGAINST EMPLOYEES OF PETCO OR PETSMART! I'm not against profits except when it comes to lives of people or animals. I have seen improvements in pet stores when it comes to providing hides, lighting, water and food. But, more improvements are needed nationwide in local pet stores. Flyers and care sheets should be provided with this forums website so that people can be educated on care of torts and reptiles everywhere.

Saleama said:
AlishaT said:
smylemaker said:
I was that Naive Mom who wanted to buy a tort for my kids, I am still learning and had a few ppl sort of harsh with their words, but good intentions , tell me everything I am doing wrong.. BUT I also had some really great ppl here take the time to help me, they have so much patients with someone as, (well lets just say not the brightest crayon in the box) :p those petstore chains do have very few staff that DO know what they are talking about (IMHO) but they are far and few... even I who knows hardly anything re: torts now overhear some "innocents" who see or like torts , and being the crazy person I am I approach them and say hey I just got a tort and absolutely love him, but am still learning ... I thought I had somewhat of a clue, but may I suggest asking people who have them for a long time (on this site ) before you spend un-necessary money before you buy :p they either have appreciated what I said or look at me like I am a weirdo.. either way... I would have liked someone to tell me that...

I totally agree that I was also that mom buying a tort for my kids. I think what frustrated me the most was the fact that I had been in his shoes and I wish there had been someone to say "whoa! Slow down young lady and let's make sure you're prepared to bring this little guy home!" I don't think the fault is either the customer or the employee. I think very few of us had any idea what we had just done. It really is only because of this forum and all the expert advice that poor Walter isn't dead. Education is key here and every time an employee hears (in kindness) information they also can help to pass it along. I think we all need to just remember why each of us is here and be glad we all share the same goal of helping these creatures we love so much. Isn't that all that really matters?

Except that the sales persons job is to sell, not make sure the animal is going to a good home. Also, part of that job is to sell the items the store sells, not to make recomendations about buying plant saucers for water dishes etc.., Whether we like it or not, pet stores are still stores and they have to operate at a profit. Sometimes that means they sell animals they shouldn't and keep them in ways that don't look very good. Everyone LOVES their Russian Tortoise but we all hate where they come from and the reality is, most of them are wild caught animals sold at these stores. I have three Russians that I rescued from people who jumped into them and then realized what a huge responsibility they are. One I got and the people gave her to me in the box they had got her in from petsmart. They were good and kind enough to realize quickly that they could not give her what she needed and now she lives in a big garden instead of a small tank. My point is, the store is going to do what it does and sometimes all we can do is advise and maybe catch the rescues because we certainly can not get into all the homes and educate people about what they are doing wrong. Print up some fliers with this forum address on them and ask to hang it on the bulletin board at your local store. They will let you. And keep caring! There are far to few people who do that these days! :)
 

Saleama

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sibi said:
Stephen, I couldn't respond to you earlier because I'm dealing with an emergency rescue. My response is: I was NOT referring to any employees' responsibility to see that pets are placed in good homes. Let's get real here. You know exactly what I was referring to. You stated yourself that "stores are in it for the money...that sometimes they sell animals that they shouldn't...and keep them in ways that don't look very good." Sorry to disappoint you but IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY! Stores are accountable for the animals they sell, how they keep them, and responsible for their employees. That means that if an employee gives bad information, and a customer comes back and complains, often the store manager has to compensate the customer for whatever damage was done. Sometimes, it even goes to court. So, don't try to skew the details because you are wrong! Accurate care sheets are required by law to be provided to customers. And while there is some allowances for size of enclosures, etc., profits can't take priority when it comes to live animals. And, all you out there who defend the practices of petco or petsmart stores I say, SHAME ON YOU!!! I'm not alone either. The law sees to it that stores don't mistreat animals over profits, although some still do. Do you honestly think that these stores would voluntary provide care sheets and take care that they don't abuse the animals if they weren't forced to? Remember, I'm not the enemy here. I'm for the enrichment of the lives of animals who can't defend themselves.

Having said that, let me just clarify something. I AM NOT AGAINST EMPLOYEES OF PETCO OR PETSMART! I'm not against profits except when it comes to lives of people or animals. I have seen improvements in pet stores when it comes to providing hides, lighting, water and food. But, more improvements are needed nationwide in local pet stores. Flyers and care sheets should be provided with this forums website so that people can be educated on care of torts and reptiles everywhere.

Saleama said:
AlishaT said:
smylemaker said:
I was that Naive Mom who wanted to buy a tort for my kids, I am still learning and had a few ppl sort of harsh with their words, but good intentions , tell me everything I am doing wrong.. BUT I also had some really great ppl here take the time to help me, they have so much patients with someone as, (well lets just say not the brightest crayon in the box) :p those petstore chains do have very few staff that DO know what they are talking about (IMHO) but they are far and few... even I who knows hardly anything re: torts now overhear some "innocents" who see or like torts , and being the crazy person I am I approach them and say hey I just got a tort and absolutely love him, but am still learning ... I thought I had somewhat of a clue, but may I suggest asking people who have them for a long time (on this site ) before you spend un-necessary money before you buy :p they either have appreciated what I said or look at me like I am a weirdo.. either way... I would have liked someone to tell me that...

I totally agree that I was also that mom buying a tort for my kids. I think what frustrated me the most was the fact that I had been in his shoes and I wish there had been someone to say "whoa! Slow down young lady and let's make sure you're prepared to bring this little guy home!" I don't think the fault is either the customer or the employee. I think very few of us had any idea what we had just done. It really is only because of this forum and all the expert advice that poor Walter isn't dead. Education is key here and every time an employee hears (in kindness) information they also can help to pass it along. I think we all need to just remember why each of us is here and be glad we all share the same goal of helping these creatures we love so much. Isn't that all that really matters?

Except that the sales persons job is to sell, not make sure the animal is going to a good home. Also, part of that job is to sell the items the store sells, not to make recomendations about buying plant saucers for water dishes etc.., Whether we like it or not, pet stores are still stores and they have to operate at a profit. Sometimes that means they sell animals they shouldn't and keep them in ways that don't look very good. Everyone LOVES their Russian Tortoise but we all hate where they come from and the reality is, most of them are wild caught animals sold at these stores. I have three Russians that I rescued from people who jumped into them and then realized what a huge responsibility they are. One I got and the people gave her to me in the box they had got her in from petsmart. They were good and kind enough to realize quickly that they could not give her what she needed and now she lives in a big garden instead of a small tank. My point is, the store is going to do what it does and sometimes all we can do is advise and maybe catch the rescues because we certainly can not get into all the homes and educate people about what they are doing wrong. Print up some fliers with this forum address on them and ask to hang it on the bulletin board at your local store. They will let you. And keep caring! There are far to few people who do that these days! :)

I'm done arguing with you. Read the opening comment again please. This ENTIRE thread was about the stores responsibility to ensure the customer could and would care for the animal and it is NOT. Nothing I said indicated that I THOUGHT the store was not responsible for the care of the animal. I stated the reality of the situation. Your not understanding what is being said is not my problem.
 

sibi

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Stephen, that's fine with me. Sorry if you can't defend your own words. You can't go back and try to say you was addressing the original point of the thread because you went BEYOND that in your comments. I'm done here too.
 

Saleama

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Hard to defend them when you consistantly interpret what you read incorrectly. I stated facts about what happens, not opinions about what should happen like you do. There is NO argueing with facts. Now I am done.
 

Yvonne G

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AlishaT said:
Uh, I was just standing in the store and needed to vent...😕

Sorry, Alisha. We've really gone off on a tangent, even though it pertains to the subject matter. You've opened a can of worms, but please don't think you've caused this argument. You posted the thread in the "debatable topics" section, and that gave us the idea that you wanted some pros and cons, so that's what we've been doing.

It's a hot topic, but we can learn from both sides.

Moderator note: I've removed the last couple of comments made by Sibi and Saleama because they were no longer germain to the topic. Both sides made their point. If someone chooses to not understand or agree with that point, that's the end of it.
 

Jacqui

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Ummm Yvonne actually I moved it from general topics to the debate section, because it had become a debate type thread. Alsiha did not put it in here.
 

sibi

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Yvonne, what I wrote was right on the topic. You take liberties with posts that make me (and other members) feel like censorship is at play here. I know you think we are rehashing the same old points, but I don't think so. I was trying to make a clearer point for why I wrote what I wrote. Now, I fully see why members leave or are fed up with mods deleting threads. My posts did not contain any bad language, insults, name calling, etc. So, why don't you allow my comments to be read? What rules am I breaking? Why is there censorship (other than for obvious reasons) at this forum?

I want my comments put back in, PLEASE. Because if you don't allow the comments you don't want in, you might as well close the topic. I'm sure you can do that WITHOUT Alisha's consent.
 

AlishaT

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Jacqui said:
Ummm Yvonne actually I moved it from general topics to the debate section, because it had become a debate type thread. Alsiha did not put it in here.

Whew, glad I didn't start debate![SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]
 
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