[SheridanPDC]

Recently, we decided we wanted to get a couple of pet rats, one for myself and one for my five year old. We live in a small town, and only have one small locally owned pet store (aside from being able to buy pet food and fish at walmart/grocery type stores). For the last decade or so, a very nice family has run the pet shop.

I knew as soon as I walked in the door a few weeks ago that the ownership had to have changed. It was so awful!!! The SMELL!!! The place was beyond filthy, there were rabbits running loose peeing a pooping everywhere, half the shelves were bare, half the lights were burned out, everything was stacked haphazzardly here and there. Then I walk back to where the small mamals are kept. Cages so filthy it turned my stomach. Too many animals per cage. The rats especially. The new owner came over to see what I needed and I told her I wanted to pick out two female rats to be pets. She told me all the rats were intermixed as she couldn't tell the difference between male & female. There was an obvious population explosion due to this woman's ignorance, because there were about 10 rats per filthy tank and the tanks were slightly smaller than 10gal. There were probably 4-5 tanks. I was disgusted & irritated but no way I was going to walk out of there without rescuing a few rats from those conditions (wish I could have taken them ALL). So I pointed out female from male rats and finally we found two that (hopefully) are too young to be preggo. If they do end up giving birth I will hand raise them and find them all good homes. She had no clue what to suggest as far as other supplies and simply said "I don't really care for rodents so I don't know much about them."

I should note that all the animals appeared to have food and fresh water, but beyond that... yikes. So sad to see the place go so far downhill. It was such a well kept little store in the past, always clean, always a pleasure to drop in. Way things are now I kind of doubt the store will be open much longer...

[steelstress]

If you'd be willing, call the local animal control to inspect the conditions of the store. Maybe that'll make them clean up their act, or close.

[flkingfan]

I'd agree with steelstress. Maybe they need a little push in the right direction. It might only get worse if not reported.