Petland is a national franchise where many store owners take a family-owned and operated approach. Some of them have been in business for 20+ years. If there is one in your community, you’ve likely visited to see the latest batch of puppies that are up for sale.

Adopting a puppy at a Petland location can cost $700 or more. That fee is significantly higher than it is for adult dogs ($350), kittens ($125), or adult cats ($100). If you buy a purebred puppy, the price could be $9,000 or more, depending on the breed.

Since Petland franchises are independently operated, these fees can be significantly more in some locations.

You can find most puppy breeds available for sale at Petland, which has been providing animal-related services since 1967.

I Bought My Puppy at Petland

Puppies purchased at Petland come with the name and address of the breeder. Customers also receive a written health warranty for the animal, and some locations provide financing options. Businesses wanting to provide animals for sale must hold USDA licensing and have no direct violations according to store policy.

Petland is the only national pet store chain that still sells puppies. Although the store claims that they only work with breeders who have zero violations on their last USDA report and provide warranties, the Humane Society has conducted investigations that suggest some of the information might not be true.

The company says that all its dogs come from three primary sources.

• Hobby breeders defined by the Animal Welfare Act that raise their dogs in humane ways.
• USDA licensed breeders or distributors who receive no direct violations on their latest inspection report. This source must include vet-documented socialization and exercise, along with evidence of following instructions for coat, skin, and dental hygiene.
• Local adoptions that receive a vet checkup before coming to the store.

Although these steps seem to be part of the company’s culture, the Humane Society notes that pet store puppies have been linked to at least two outbreaks of Campylobacter infections that were so severe that dozens of people required hospitalization.

The Humane Society Investigated Eight Petland Stores

After receiving more than 1,400 complaints about Petland, the Humane Society launched an undercover investigation of eight random locations. What they found were some common practices that customers don’t always see.

All eight stores had sick puppies that showed signs of suffering, including respiratory infections, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some of the dogs were too sick even to eat.

Five stores had dead animals in their freezers, including puppies and rabbits.

Several staff members admitted to the Humane Society investigators that having sick puppies in the store was common. The animals were rarely taken to the vet, and the ones that were often died because getting them the attention they needed was typically a last-second decision.

As a result of the Humane Society’s efforts, a store in Fairfax, Virginia, was shut down by local authorities. The manager was convicted of animal cruelty.

Another location in Frisco, Texas, receive several citations from local animal control officials for violating the community’s welfare ordinance.

A complete review of each investigation is available on the Humane Society’s website.

What Are the Trademarks of a Responsible Dog Breeder?

Although stories like the ones found by the Humane Society are all too familiar in the pet business (because animals are treated as property by the law unless abused or neglected), it is just as likely that you can bring home a happy and healthy puppy from Petland.

Since you can receive the name and address of the breeder that provided the animal, it helps to do a little research on your end to ensure your investment makes sense.

1. Contract Requirements

Reputable breeders require a buyer to sign a contract, whether it’s a family pet or a show-quality dog. You should receive the basics about the animal, including the names of both parents, and if there is an AKC registry number.

If something happens and you cannot support the puppy at home, a reputable breeder requires the animal to be returned to them.

2. Home Suitability

You might want to have a German Shepherd, but a high-energy dog won’t do well in a studio apartment. The best breeders are interested in assessing the suitability of the home environment, including how many people will be around the puppy.

If the first question involves a deposit, you get a clear signal about the priorities of the transaction.

A toy breeder holds their puppies back for up to 12 weeks before sending them along to a loving home. Dogs placed before eight weeks don’t get the time to learn manners, which means there could be behavioral issues to manage.

3. Healthy Habits

Breeders can’t control everything since we know how often dogs like to get into trouble. Nature can also be cruel, which means unforeseen health problems can develop even when everything is carefully planned and considered.

Breeders should use blood tests and x-rays to help confirm that mothers and fathers are free of disease and defects. A strong genetic foundation helps to maximize the lifespan of the puppy. You can also request DNA testing to ensure the animal has the documented lineage.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals maintains a database of the tests that breeders perform. Taking the time to review a puppy’s parents, family ancestors, and siblings ensures you know what kind of investment you’re making.

4. Transparency

Breeders should be happy to let you visit their premises, although you’ll likely need to book an appointment. It would be best if you saw where the dogs are kept and how they’re cared for, including nursing litters.

When visiting a breeder’s premises, the entire area should be clean, cared for, and have obvious signs of canine life.

5. Expertise

The best breeders specialize in one or two dog breeds. They are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they’re doing. If you ask questions about the traits or tendencies of the puppies, you should receive clear and specific answers.

That information should include any potential health issues or breed-specific concerns to manage.

This process shouldn’t stop after a sale occurs. You should continue receiving support after taking the puppy home. Some breeders include a favorite blanket, some toys, and even a little food.

Best Puppy Supplies to Have at Home

If you bought a puppy at Petland (or somewhere else), it helps to have some supplies available to ensure everyone has a “pawsitive” experience.

Here are some of the top items to consider having ready after purchasing your puppy.

Puppy Pads	Most puppies won’t come to your home already housebroken. It’s going to take some time and lots of praise to train your dog to hold it until they can get outside. Puppy pads can help with this transition, providing a designated place inside if an accident is unavoidable.
Chew Toys	Puppies love to chew because it helps them work through the teething process. If you don’t have toys around for them, your furniture will be the target of their attention. Try to have a variety of options, including ropes and balls, to offer unique textures.
Water Bottle	Your puppy needs to go on walks for some exercise and training needs. Their little bodies require more water than you might expect, so this resource works well for those outdoor adventures. Look for a design that provides a canine-friendly dispenser.
Dog Waste Bags	Most communities have laws that require homeowners and renters to pick up after puppies when they go to the bathroom. You’ll also need to remove it from public spaces when taking a walk. Having a roll of biodegradable bags available makes it simple, easy, and clean to do.
Nail Grinder	If you don’t want to hear the crunch and snap of a puppy working on their nails at night, consider investing in this resource. It’s a friendlier way to keep nail size down without inflicting pain.
Transport Pack	Even the greatest good boys and girls out there get tired. Some communities require dogs to be confined in certain public spaces, like a subway. This resource allows you to bring your new best friend along without worrying about how others will react.

Should I Buy a Puppy at a Pet Store?

Pet stores offer puppies for sale as an alternative to the standard adopting practices at shelters, breeders, and other locations. Although it is recommended to look at rescues first, stores like Petland provide an option when finding the right companion is challenging.

I got Sebastian at a pet store when he was about eight weeks old. There were several dogs we were encouraged to meet, so they brought them all out.

All the puppies swarmed, but not Sebastian. He sat patiently at a distance, his tail slightly wagging. “Do you want to come here?” I asked, lightly tapping my leg.

He got a big smile, ran right over, and wanted tons of pets. All the other dogs were yapping and fighting, but his attention was solely on me.

The store offered me a discount since they said the puppy was an unknown mix. I just shrugged. It was clear he wanted to be a good boy. They gave me the vet papers, breeder information, and coupons for his next set of shots.

Sebastian made it to the age of 14. He worked as a therapy dog, loved taking long hikes, and always had boundless energy. Not bad for a discounted puppy at a small-town pet store.

Working with Petland is a choice that is right for some. Before working with any store or breeder, please remember to ensure they’re using ethical practices.