Those of us accustomed to spending time at PJ's Pet Stores "just to have a quick look at the cute puppies" will soon have to pursue that guilty pleasure elsewhere! PJ.'s, a Canadian pet store chain carrying a full line of pet supplies and live pets, has announced that they will no longer be selling puppies obtained from breeders.
Noting that puppies sold from breeders prevent more homeless dogs from finding homes, the chain will be helping to locate homes for dogs from shelters and humane societies, assisting with adoptions from now on.
"The company is reaching out to a long list of groups that it hopes will take advantage of and benefit from this program", a press release from the company recently stated.
A Sign of the Times
The idea is not new and has been a successful program offered at PetSmart stores across North America. At one PetSmart location in Whitby, Ontario, for example, cats from nearby shelters and humane societies can be viewed in a section at the back of the store. Regularly scheduled adoption weekends are also offered where people can get acquainted with cats and kittens of all ages, then apply to take one home. The PetSmart website also offers information and links to adoption agencies around the continent.
Historically, PJ's has often accepted kittens from local individuals hoping to avoid placing them in shelters. The chain will continue to sell felines. From now on, however, only a few of their stores will kennel puppies on the premises -- solely obtained from local animal organizations.
Keeping Up With Changing Trends
PJ's (known as "Pets Unlimited" in the Maritimes) has been well-known in parts of Canada for over four decades. Despite their claim that the puppies they use come directly from accredited breeders, the chain has fallen under criticism over the years for selling puppies some believe are obtained through brokers using puppy mills. Critics have also pointed out that some puppies purchased on impulse from pet stores like PJ's end up in shelters when owners change their minds.
Animal adoptions are not taken lightly by the organizations that offer them. Generally, there is a rigorous application process and often a "cooling off" period in order to prevent the possibility of impulsive decisions. Not every adoption is successful but shelter personnel believe the decision is a serious one and this is conveyed to potential animal owners before they agree to adopt.
Recognizing that shelters across North America are struggling to find good homes for dogs, the PJ's program was first started in the Atlantic region where the chain has been successfully placing dogs and puppies for the last few months. It will begin in Ontario on September 1st.
“It’s a new era for PJ’s. It’s been part of our business for 40 years,” says Stacey Halliday, director of marketing. She added that puppies made up 7 per cent of the chain’s overall business, even though only six of 41 stores actually sell dogs.
Until now, the average cost of purchasing a pup from PJ's has been in the neighbourhood of a $1000.00, with "financing options" available. While there is usually a fee associated with animal adoption from most animal rescue agencies to cover vet expenses, micro-chipping,food, and shelter, it is well below the cost of PJ's puppies.
PJ.s plans to make brochures and advertisements, along with pictures and descriptions of adoptable dogs, available in dedicated areas of the stores.
"We applaud what PJ's Pets and Pets Unlimited are doing in giving up puppy sales to help organizations like ours find homes for more pets," said Kristin Williams, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia SPCA. "Far too many animals are without a home, but this program will help to alleviate the burden and add vital capacity to our network of Branches. Collaboration is critical to resolving welfare issues and saving more lives and this is a remarkable example of what can be achieved by working together".
For further reading:
- The Toronto Star
- PetSmart adoptions
- PJs Pet Stores
- CTV News Report
Jennifer Wilson - By the time you've marched around for five decades and earned a few degrees, you've learned a few things about a few things....
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