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Covid - 19

In response to COVID-19, our clinic is taking the necessary precautions to keep our clients and staff safe. We are currently conducting ALL services curbside while our front lobby is closed for your safety. Please call the front desk when you have arrived for your scheduled appointment time to be checked in 206-878-4111. Our wait times are longer due to the new process of check in. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding.

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Des Moines Veterinary Hospital

Des Moines

Veterinary Hospital

Call Us Today:

(206) 878-4111

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Pet Shop

  • Created in Choosing Your Pet, Finding Your Pet
Image of puppies sleeping in a cramped wire cage on a hard wire floor.

A pet shop is a place where dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, fish, and other animals not born and raised on those premises are kept for the purpose of sale to the public. While many people are very satisfied with the pets they acquire from pet stores, critics of pet stores argue that there are numerous problems with the way most stores acquire, care for, and sell animals.

Many stores acquire most or all of their stock from large-scale commercial breeding operations that may also supply animals to industries that pet store patrons could find morally objectionable (such as cosmetics testing). Though not all of these facilities breed dogs, most are essentially the equivalent of puppy mills for other species. Overcrowded cages and long, stressful journeys via air or truck can cause the spread of disease, resulting in sick animals arriving in the store. Critics of pet stores argue that there are numerous problems with the way most stores acquire, care for, and sell animals.

Large pet store chains frequently house sick animals in plain view with their other stock. Store employees are sometimes inappropriately educated in the handling of animals; picking up fancy rats by their tails, for example, is a common pet shop practice even though it is known to be painful to the animal. Due to the nature of the store environment, animals are not usually properly socialized by the time they are sold to their new owner. This can result in frustration for the owner and even the eventual abandonment of the pet.

Some pet stores have a screening system and attempt to counsel or interview potential pet owners. Reputable stores may refuse to sell a pet to someone who appears irresponsible or otherwise unable to care for the pet they wish to buy. However, most stores do not abide by this policy, and even reputable stores may mistakenly sell pets into homes where they will be abused or abandoned. Many animals are purchased on impulse (especially as pets for children); these animals suffer when the novelty of the new pet wears off.

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Office Hours

Closed On All Major Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Labor Day, 4th of July, and Memorial Day.

Monday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "We have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA
  • "Dr. Anderson has always gone above and beyond for the care of our family's pets for several years. We always feel questions are welcome, and Dr. Anderson spends whatever time is required to provide answers, whether we are in the office or just speaking on the telephone. Dr. Anderson always knows our pets’ special needs and personalities to provide them the best possible care."
    The Miller Family

Featured Articles

Helpful Reading

  • Skunks

    Home and Veterinary Care for Pet Skunks If you're an adventurous pet owner, you may love exotic animals such as skunks. You'll be happy to learn that skunks can indeed make excellent domestic pets, but only if they receive the proper care to enjoy a happy, healthy life. Your veterinary team can help ...

    Read More
  • Sugar Gliders

    Thinking of getting a sugar glider? These tiny marsupials are energetic and friendly, making them popular choices as pets. Though they weigh less than a half-pound, they're more closely related to kangaroos than they are flying squirrels. If you think a sugar glider would make an ideal pet for your family, ...

    Read More
  • Flying Squirrels

    Much like sugar gliders, flying squirrels make affectionate pets when purchased young and raised by their owner. Unlike sugar gliders, however, flying squirrels are rodents that need veterinary care specific to the species. Your veterinary team can help with the care and treatment of flying squirrels. ...

    Read More
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