Alternatives to Stores like PetSmart

6/20/2024

Animal companion supply stores (often referred to as “pet stores”) use a range of focuses and marketing tactics. Unfortunately, these tactics can sometimes include selling items that are unhealthy for the physical and mental well-being of the companion animals that many humans choose to share their lives with.

In the United States, one of the most prominent companion animal supply stores is PetSmart. Founded in 1986, PetSmart has become one of the most successful chains, with over 1,650 stores across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In addition to their brick-and-mortar and online stores, PetSmart offers a variety of companion animal services, such as boarding, grooming, training classes, and vet care.

In 2024, the company released a line of Harry Potter-branded fish tank decorations, relying on the popularity of the franchise to boost sales. The novelty of the items resulted in a positive reception among fan collectors - but while the cost of the items is low, there is a much higher cost when it comes to impact being made on the lives of thousands of living creatures.

Luckily, there are relatively simple ways to determine which stores to support - and which ones to avoid. With a little research, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your furry friends - and for the companion animal population as a whole. Read on to find out how!

The Problem with Stores like PetSmart

Although seemingly convenient, PetSmart can’t be considered very “pet smart” when it comes to the overall welfare of companion animals. In addition to supplying a variety of unhealthy product lines, the company sells live animals.

Inhumane Breeding and Care of Animals

Many animals are forced to be bred (predominantly in restrictive, filthy, and disease-ridden facilities) as often as possible by backyard breeders, small breeding companies, or mills. These animals are then shipped to stores by suppliers, taking long journeys in uncomfortable conditions without sufficient access to food and water. The sensitive immune systems of young animals can be easily affected by poor nutrition and close contact with other individuals. By the time they reach the stores, sick animals are left behind with uncertain fates.

While stores like PetSmart display animals in clean cages, some can be overcrowded, leading to animal stress and aggression. All it takes is one look at the wall lined with betta fish in tiny plastic cups to prove that the wellbeing of the animals is not the chain’s top priority. Sick and injured animals are removed from the customer-facing displays, and rather than receiving vet care, small animals are commonly placed into freezers to die slow and agonizing deaths.

Lack of Regulations on Who Can Purchase Animals

Many stores do not have regulations on who they can sell their animals to, meaning individuals whose lives may not be suited to having a companion animal can easily buy them. Often, people who purchase animals from stores do not provide proper care or veterinary treatment for the animals, causing many health problems for the animals and premature deaths.

There are no ways for stores to accurately check or confirm the conditions that the animals will be kept in, or for what purpose - leading to irresponsible breeders purchasing animals. Most small animals sold in stores are too young to be properly sexed, which leads to many “accidental” babies being born with uncertain futures.

Overpopulation Crisis

In the United States, around 63% of households have a companion animal, totalling around 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats. Each year, over 6 million animals are surrendered to shelters, and over 900 thousand are euthanized. There are an untold number of small animals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic species who die from irresponsible purchasers.

While there are millions of animals needing to be adopted from shelters, breeders are ensuring that the overpopulation crisis continues. No matter how cute an animal in a display looks, or how badly you want to “rescue” them from the store, purchasing animals from stores contributes to the demand for animal breeding. That unfortunate animal will quickly be replaced by another the following week. It is an endless cycle as the money pet stores make goes back into buying more animals, funding the breeding and suffering of these innocent creatures.

Unsuitable and Dangerous Products

It can be difficult to discern what items are actually bad for the animals they’re being advertised for. After all, products manufactured for animals and the stores that sell them should always prioritize their best interests - right?

In reality, stores like PetSmart market products that appeal to animal guardians based on their appearances, bright colors, cute imagery, and catchy phrases. Current trends, popular characters, and clever branding are all utilized to influence consumers and gloss over the dark side of the animal breeding industry.

Tiny cages and sugary foods are among the products that line many store shelves. These products can cause severe harm to animals, both physically and mentally. Just like with human nutrition, it is imperative that research is done when it comes to choosing the best enclosures, food, and treats for our loving companions.

The Problem with Fish Tanks

PetSmart’s range of Harry Potter fish tank decorations includes a Hogwarts Castle, Sorting Hat, Harry Potter’s glasses, a Platform 9 ¾ sign, and the four Hogwarts House crests.

Keeping fish and other aquatic species in tanks is both unethical and unnecessary. Most people don’t take the time to learn proper fish care, and even those who do are subjecting the sensitive, feeling animals to a life confined to a tiny space.

Stores like PetSmart have been known to stock fish taken from the wild as well as fish who have been genetically modified to “glow” in fluorescent colors.

Why is it unethical to keep fish in a tank?

Similar to keeping dolphins and whales in tanks, fish and other aquatic species should not be confined to an area that is a minute fraction of the amount of space they would inhabit in the wild. By removing these animals’ ability to explore, migrate, find homes, and interact with others, humans suppress every one of their natural tendencies.

Fish are social beings who communicate using low-frequency sounds, but the use of pumps and filters in home aquariums mean their communication is interfered with.

Approximately 95% of saltwater fish who are sold and used as companion animals have been taken from their homes in the wild, with little regard for their natural lives and habitats.

Although guidelines are in place, toxins such as cyanide are often used to capture exotic aquatic species in the wild. These toxins can harm the target and non-target animals and kill surrounding coral.

A large number of aquatic animals die before they even reach the store they are to be sold at, either from stress or from contracting a disease. During their time in the store, many individuals die on a daily basis and are removed from the display tanks prior to the store opening.

Proper education on aquatic species care is not widespread, and many store employees aren’t knowledgeable despite working at the store. Only basic information on each type of animal is required to be known by the employees.

What if I already have fish in a tank at home?

There are ways you can ensure your fish are living as comfortably and happily as possible:

Don’t purchase additional animals and recycle or repurpose your tank once it becomes empty.

Research information on the proper diet, water temperature, oxygen level, and types of plants and substrates to provide. These are different for each species.

Do regular water tests and cleanings, and ensure you have a large enough filter for the size of the tank and number of animals within it.

Upgrade your equipment if needed. The larger the tank, the better - but don’t purchase one new from a store as this continues showing demand for fish tanks. Never use a store’s tank display as a guide for a sufficient enclosure. Some types of goldfish can grow up to 16 inches and require much more space than commonly known.

Only put items into your tank that are specifically made for aquariums. Anything you add to your tank (gravel or decorations) should be rinsed before being added. Sharp or rough objects can harm fish when they swim too close or bump into them.

Be aware of the area surrounding your tank - fish can be sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. Never allow a guest to tap on the glass.

The Solution

At The Protego Foundation, we encourage adopting companion animals from shelters or rescues rather than from animal supply stores and breeders.

ADOPT Your Companion Animal from an Animal Shelter or Rescue

According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million animals are taken to animal shelters each year in the US alone. Of these, over 2 million of them never find a home.

By choosing to adopt a rescued animal as your companion, you are:

Saving a life from potential euthanization and providing them with the love, care, and security that they’ve been lacking.
Helping to prevent the overpopulation of many animal species.
Fighting against the cruelty many animals are faced with in backyard breeding and mill establishments.
Saving a second life by making space in the shelter or rescue, allowing them to bring in another animal.

Shop at Stores that DO NOT Sell Live Animals

If you are looking to treat your companion animal with a new toy, treat, or decoration for their home, the best way to shop is by supporting pet stores that do not sell live animals.

Do your research before you choose to buy from a companion animal supply store to ensure they follow ethical practices and do not sell live animals. This includes online stores, as they may be owned by the same company (for example, Chewy.com is owned by PetSmart).

Many stores that don’t sell live animals are more health-focused and offer better quality food, treats, and toys. Search your local area for stores, as many are smaller businesses. Check reviews and stop in to make sure no animals from breeders are present (some may have adoptable animals from shelters, which is an exception!)

Purchase Ethical Harry Potter-Themed Trinkets

A large percentage of sales that PetSmart has seen with their Harry Potter line had nothing to do with fish at all. Collectors were interested in the items simply for their tie to the Wizarding World, choosing to purchase them with the intent of adorning their bookshelves rather than their fish tanks.

Instead of purchasing from a company that profits off of the mistreatment of animals, we suggest browsing through the multitude of options sold through smaller online businesses. Opt to peruse places like Etsy or directly through your favorite small business sites!

While we love the idea of our companion animals enjoying the magic of Harry Potter with us, the multitude of ethical issues surrounding stores like PetSmart should be enough to cause some serious reconsideration. With plenty of alternative stores and products in the world, let’s band together and ensure that we aren’t supporting animal abuse with our wallets.

By spreading the word and educating our friends and families, we can ensure that all companion animals live the safe, happy, and healthy lives that they deserve.

Written by Grace Hurley and Valerie Short

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