"Customer Service (SSG)" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Subject: PETsMART Response Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 11:30:23 -0700 From: "Customer Service \(SSG\)" To: "FerretMomJC" Dear Customer, Thank you for writing to us with your concerns regarding the sale of ferrets at PETsMART. Right now, PETsMART is testing the sale of ferrets in four stores in the United States. We decided to test the sale of ferrets because our customers have expressed a demand for them and because we believe they can make good and appropriate pets for those who appreciate and understand how to properly care for them. Ferrets sold during our test period are spayed or neutered, de-scented, vaccinated against rabies and have received their first set of distemper shots. The testing period will run through January. Once the tests are complete, well make a decision as to how well move forward, doing whats in the best interest of pets. Again, we only will sell pets that we believe make good and appropriate family members. Adoption is still a top priority. We allow local humane agencies to bring in various pets for adoption, such as small animals, even though the same kind of pet may be in-store for sale; many of our PETsMART Charities Adoption Centers already partner with local adoption groups to find homeless ferrets lifelong, loving homes. Our goal is to help all potential pet parents to fully understand the responsibility they are assuming for the health and welfare of their pet to help them make an informed decision. PETsMART associates are trained to educate customers about feeding techniques, daily care requirements and typical behavior patterns of small pets, including ferrets. Bringing a pet ferret into a family is a significant decision, requiring dedication and commitment. Our customer research shows that we attract customers who think of pets as family members and care for them accordingly. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with us. If you wish to discuss this issue further, please contact Customer Service Manager, Jim Davis, at 623-587-2513. Sincerely, Anna Customer Service -----Original Message----- From: FerretMomJC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 10:50 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Sale of Ferrets in Your Stores? Tell me it isn't true. Rumor is, PetsMart is going to start selling ferrets in their stores. As the operator of a ferret shelter and member of the world-wise ferret community, I cannot tell you how much I object to this. Using your own policy as the reason why: "At PETsMART, we are passionate about pets. We believe that every pet should have a loving family and healthy, happy life." "For this reason, we made a conscious decision to not sell cats or dogs. Rather, we dedicate space in every store to more than 2,700 local animal welfare organizations to help homeless dogs and cats find loving homes. " There are literally thousands of ferrets sitting in ferret shelters across the United States. The day you sell the 1st ferret in your stores will be the day that you begin contributing to the problem of shelter over-population as they are given up by impulse buyers who did not research the pet before purchasing from you, by families who learned the hard way that a pet is not the way to teach responsibility to a child, by people who lost interest, who think they smell, who can't afford the medical bills, have allergies, move to no-pet apartments.....just like it happens with cats and dogs. When you sell ferrets, will you take the time to explain the unique needs of the animal? Will your buyers be told that 75% of US bred ferrets will get one of a few different kinds of cancer and will require at least one surgery in their lifetime? Will you tell them that the largest breeder, from whom you will undoubtedly be buying, also breeds ferrets for laboratory use? Will you explain that they must have at least a couple hours of interactive play time out of their cage daily to stimulate their highly developed little minds? Ferrets are the number 4 most popular pet in the U.S. now. I emplore you to take the exact same stance that you have on cats and dogs. Work with the hundreds of ferret shelters across the country and involve them in your adoptions programs. Make the statement that you will turn your back on the revenue potential from selling ferrets but rather choose to support adoption efforts, education, and to make your revenue through the sale of quality ferret products. And lastly, be aware, there are tens of thousands of ferret owners, rescues and shelters across the U.S. who currently shop at PetsMart. We have a mighty strength in our numbers and we are an extremely connected community with daily digests, message boards and web links. We can turn the purchasing habbits of the ferret community on and off like a faucet. We will do whatever is in the best interest of the ferrets as we value ther welfare over the dollar. We, as a community, look forward to your thoughtful response. Jerri Carel Louisville, KY [Posted in FML issue 4693]