puppy question/pet store question

DH and i are looking for a puppy...i want to adopt but we stiooed in a pet store that had a sign for puppies so we stopped in i figured maybe they had a few to adopt with a small adoption fee. They had a really cute cocker spaniel mixed with a beagle which surprisingly looked like a lab. It was 12 weeks old and had its first set of shots. It was microchipped as well. The puppy was $800...$500 if we paid cash. They said it came with a one year health guarantee. Does this seem shady to anyone else? As adorable as the puppy is i am inclined to adopt. Any input?

Re: puppy question/pet store question

I know I posted on NFR too, but I just wanted to point your attention to the first post here on the pets board. It gives alot of info about pet stores and puppy mills

Re: puppy question/pet store question

This sounds incredibly shady mainly because any kind of retail establishment that sells (I don't consider what they do adoption) pups is totally linked to either some kind of back yard breeder or puppy mill.

It's a shame that there are places out there like that and I'm sure it seemed like a great place too...

Re: puppy question/pet store question

do NOT get this puppy. who in their right mind will spend that much on a MIXED breed dog? you will only find puppy mill/backyard breeder dogs in shops. no way around it. responsible breeders want to interview you and know where their puppies are going. they are their children for 3 months and don't want just anyone buying them. please, just wait it out and find a great dog to adopt. try the local shelters, try petfinder. you will find a great dog and save a life

Re: puppy question/pet store question

Think about it this way -
You are getting a Mutt, which you could get for approx. $50 at a shelter.

The dog is already microchipped, which would cost you approx. $50 at Petco when they have the microchipping or the shelter may already chip the dogs.

You are supporting a shady business, lowlife backyard breeders, there is no health guarantee and you are paying 5x what you would pay for the dog if you got it at a shelter.

It's really not a decision, IMO. I think what these pet stores do is horrible. They act like they are giving you some kind of deal for a mutt...$800!! You could get a purebreed dog from a breeder for that kind of money......

ETA: The one year health guarantee is a joke. When the dog has something (kennel cough, pneumonia, etc.) they will tell you the dog got it after you took it home and their vet gave it a clean bill of health. They will NOT reimburse you for anything. A shelter, on the other hand, will cover any medical bills and/or take the dog back and get it better for you.

Message edited 3/23/2009 8:37:15 AM.