Top 7 Tips for Visiting a Pet Store

Are you thinking of getting a new pet for your family? Then maybe a trip to the pet store is in order. But before you make your way to the pet store, make sure to keep these top seven tips for visiting a pet store in mind. By following these top 7 tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect pet for your home and avoid any potential headaches down the road.

No.1 – Do your research before you go.

Prior to visiting a pet store, it’s important to research and prepare what you’re looking for in a pet. While many pet stores offer a broad selection/variety of expertise, some pet stores may only focus on specific types of animals. Keeping this in mind, it’s important to choose a store that not only carries the kind of pet you’re in search of but is also knowledgeable on the proper care and treatment needed of those pets. This is why researching is at the top of our list,

Research helps you understand the specific needs of the pet you’re interested in, including diet, habitat, and care requirements. It can also help you choose a reputable store with a respectable reputation in excellent and ethical animal welfare practices. Researching can also help you estimate how much your potential costs will be in obtaining your pet, any supplies needed, and any vet visits that need to occur. Researching which pet stores best serve your needs can be a bit overwhelming and time consuming, but in my opinion, the payoff is worth it.

No.2 – Bring a list of questions.

It can be quite overwhelming, when visiting a pet store, to decide on the pet you want. Bringing a list of questions will help you to make more informed decisions while shopping for your pet. With all of the research you’ve completed, a list will help you to keep track of any questions you had while ensuring that no questions get forgotten. The questions on your list should pertain to recommendations on food type, suggestions on the best toys, how often your pet will need exercise, and other questions that relate to providing your pet with quality care.

When visiting a pet store, your list of questions can be crucial in helping you focus, stay prepared, and save you on time during this process. Although it can sometimes feel overwhelming to approach the pet store’s staff with question, reduce your risk of wasting money. The thoroughness of your list can also improve the quality of your conversation, as well as, help to avoid any potential misunderstandings.

No.3 – Ask about the store’s return policy.

An essential part of visiting a pet store is to ask about a store’s return policy. Getting clarification of the store’s return policy will help to protect you as a consumer and ensure that you’re preparing yourself if the sale doesn’t work out the way you anticipated. You’ll want to make sure you understand how the return policy applies to any products you purchase, your new pet, as well as any services you may receive.

As an example, let’s say you purchase a parrot; however, you notice that your parrot becomes lethargic after a week of caring for them. You take your parrot to the vet and you’re informed that your parrot has a bacterial infection. Before purchasing this parrot you confirmed that this kind of situation is covered under the store’s return policy. Although it may feel terrible having to return a pet that you’re started to bond with. The plus is that the return policy has protected you and helped you to reduce your financial losses.

No.4 – Pay attention to the staff’s knowledge level.

Not to be judgmental, but I think it’s important to gauge the knowledge level of the pet store’s staff. It is important that you’re able to ask the staff any question related to any of the animals they offer in their shop. If they’re unable to confidently answer your questions without hesitation, you may need to find a different pet store. This is often common in some of the larger chain stores.

Obtaining inaccurate information, or no information at all, could harm your overall pet’s care and well-being. A store that has well-informed and knowledgeable staff, reflects on their ability to care for the animals they are caring for in their store. And if they’re providing quality care to the animals in their store, it indicates that this is a safe place to purchase your pet.

No.5 – Watch out for pushy salespeople.

No matter how much pressure they may apply, avoid pushy salespeople if possible. Dealing with pushy salespeople can lead to you feeling rushed and selecting a pet that does not fit your personality. If you’re feeling pressured, just walk away and visit a different store.

Our goal is to find a pet that fits our needs and personality, so ideally, we’ll want to have an overall positive and memorable experience. A great salesperson can help make that possible. Usually they encourage you to spend time with the pet, answer any questions you may have, and most importantly they’re very patient.

No.6 – Don’t forget about supplies.

Our 6th tip for visiting a pet store is to get supplies! We must not forget the supplies. In addition to the obvious supplies, such as, food, food/water bowl, litterbox, potty bags, and leashes. You also want to make sure to get some commonly missed supplies. Depending on your pet they may need a bed, grooming supplies (such as shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/paste, comb/brush), cleaning towels, enzyme-based stain and odor removers, first aid kits, and toys of course!

This may not technically be a supply, but I’d add a new-pet exam to the list. Also, it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with a vet to ensure they are at peak health. If not, unfortunately, you may want to consider returning the pet to the store. And lastly make sure to include all of these costs into your budget. You don’t want to leave anything out.

No.7 – Inspect the animal carefully before you buy it.

As mentioned earlier, you’ll want to have a vet thoroughly examine your pet after purchasing the. However, prior to buying your pet, visually inspect your pet an ensure there are not visible signs of illness or injury. In the time you spend with them, carefully check its behavior, their eye health. It’s also a good idea to ask about the store’s health guarantees prior to making your purchase.

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Paws for One Last Thought

Visiting a pet store can be an overwhelming experience, but if you follow these seven tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip. Do your research before you go, and bring a list of questions to ask the staff. Make sure to inspect any animals you’re thinking about buying closely, and pay attention to the staff’s knowledge level. Be wary of pushy salespeople, and don’t forget about supplies like food, water bowls, and bedding. Most importantly, have fun! Pets can bring a lot of joy into our lives, and choosing the right one is an important decision.