HappyTails & HappyHearts,
Karen & the Jacksonville Jive
@ The Bridge, Jubilee and the Scruff You Gang
http://ferretlover97.terrabox.com/HappyHeartsFerret.html
http://www.petitiononline.com/fer8hapy/petition.html
Big this was not accepted as too long so I am sending it in two parts.
Here is what Petsmart wrote back. Two seperate letters. Apparently
Jenifer had to go higher up for an appropriate answer. The last email
received from them does invite further input from shelters and organized
groups. Ya'll know who you are.
First letter:
Dear Karen,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us at PETsMART.
We are forwarding your email to the appropriate parties to ensure that
your concerns and questions are addressed appropriately and promptly.
You should be receiving a response from PETsMART within the next 1-2
business days.
Should you have any other concerns regarding our PETsMART stores please
contact our PETsMART Store Customer Service Department at
[log in to unmask], or you may call, toll free, 1-800-738-1385
extension 2518.
Once again, thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Customer Service
PETsMART.com-Where Pets Are Family!
1989 Transit Way
Brockport, NY 14420
1-888-839-9638
http://www.PETsMART.com/
second letter:
Dear Karen,
Thank you for writing to us with your concerns regarding the sale of
ferrets at PETsMART. Under the direction of our in-house team of
veterinarians, we are conducting a small pilot of ferret sales because
our customers have expressed a demand for them and we believe they can
make enjoyable and appropriate pets for those who appreciate their
nature and understand their needs and how to properly care for them.
We recognize that bringing a ferret into a family home is a significant
decision, requiring dedication, commitment and time. We also are keenly
aware that our good name depends on two things: our ability to provide
healthy pets that are properly raised, transported and cared for; and our
ability to properly educate prospective pet parents of the special needs
of these pets. That's why this pilot is so important. We'll only
continue if we can prove to our customers and ourselves that we can
deliver in those areas.
It's also why we've worked hard to establish a supplier who meets our
strict standards regarding all aspects of breeding and rearing of
ferrets. These standards mandate cage sizes to prohibit overcrowding
and strict cleanliness and sanitation requirements. And like all of
our small pets, our ferrets are shipped only by ground transportation
directly from vendor to store in special climate controlled vehicles.
We also train our associates so they can properly care for these pets
and educate potential Pet Parents of their special nature and specific
needs.
PETsMART is testing a detailed training and education program designed
to help associates fully educate prospective Pet Parents of ferrets
regarding this special pet. We have developed and provide a
comprehensive ferret Care Guide to prospective and new ferret Pet
Parents. This Care Guide is designed to assist the prospective Pet
Parent in making an informed decision regarding ferret ownership and to
educate the new ferret Pet Parent in the care and needs of their new
family member. PETsMART has designed and built a habitat specially
designed to house and stimulate these special pets. The pilot will help
us make sure we can do all of these things to exacting standards of
quality.
Part of the pilot also is designed to help us better understand ferret
adoption issues. PETsMART Charities already partners with several animal
welfare organizations that rescue ferrets by providing funding and grants
to improve their quality of life, and we continue to seek additional
partners. Adoption remains a priority. We believe a balance of adoption
and the responsible sale of ferrets serve the best interest of all
ferrets, our customers and the community.
Our customer research shows that we attract customers who think of pets
as family members and care for them accordingly. Ferrets offered during
our pilot period come exclusively from our own carefully selected
supplier, are spayed or neutered, de-scented, vaccinated against rabies
and have received their first set of distemper shots. We also will not
sell them until they're at least 10 weeks old. As best we can, we'll be
tracking the pet ferrets we sell to better understand retention issues
and the relationship between these pets and their pet parents over time.
Once the trial is complete, we'll make a decision as to how we'll move
forward, doing what's in the best interest of pets. We only will sell
pets that we believe make good and appropriate family members.
We welcome input from legitimate animal welfare organizations and ferret
advocacy groups, and from individuals who share our desires to properly
inform customers and provide appropriate homes for ferrets. If you have
additional concerns or suggestions, please contact me at 623-587-2513.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with us.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Customer Care Specialist
Store Operations
HappyTails & HappyHearts,
Karen and the Jacksonville Jive
http://ferretlover97.terrabox.com/HappyHeartsFerret.html
Say no to PETsMART Petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/fer8hapy/petition.html
[Posted in FML issue 4741]
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