Source: MediaNewsWire.com
Thanks to the efforts of local animal advocates, nearly 50 Chicago area pet stores have signed The Humane Society of the United States’ puppy friendly pet store pledge — committing not to sell puppies, but instead support local animal adoption programs or provide literature that helps customers learn how to locate a reputable breeder. The HSUS applauds these independent retailers because their actions prove it is not necessary to support the cruel puppy mill trade to operate a successful pet-related business.
“These stores have set a positive example of corporate responsibility for other businesses to follow,” said Stephanie Shain, senior director of The HSUS’ puppy mills campaign. “Pet stores that profit from the cruel puppy mill industry need to step up and do the right thing by stopping their puppy sales. Shelters and rescues are brimming with all types of dogs in need of homes.”
Store owners and managers who sign The HSUS’ pledge receive a placard proclaiming, “We love puppies; that’s why we don’t sell them,” to display in the store, as well as materials about adopting a dog or finding a responsible breeder. The HSUS encourages shoppers to purchase pet supplies at stores displaying the puppy-friendly sign.
The independent retailers in the Chicago area that have most recently signed the puppy friendly pledge to not sell puppies are:
Animal Feeds & Needs ( Arlington Heights )
Bark Bark Club ( Chicago )
Barker and Moewsky ( Chicago )
Bentley’s Corner Barkery ( Arlington Heights )
Birds and Beasts Pet Shop ( Crystal Lake )
Cody and Carl’s Blvd ( Barrington )
Dog-A-Holics ( 2 locations Chicago )
Doggy Style Pet Shop ( Chicago )
Earth Pups ( Chicago )
Famous Fido ( Chicago )
Fetch! Dog Boutique & Spa ( Chicago )
Follow Your Nose ( Evanston )
Four Legs Pets ( Algonquin )
Groomingayle’s Pet Salon ( Glenview )
Kriser’s Feeding Pets for Life ( three stores in Chicago, Park Ridge and South Barrington )
Liz’s Pet Shop ( Chicago )
Orland Pk Boarding Kennel & Natural Pet Food Center ( Orland Park )
Pans Pet Place ( Morton Grove )
Parker’s Pets ( Chicago )
Paw Lickin’ Good Treats ( DeKalb )
Pawprints of Richmond, Ltd ( Richmond )
Pet Central Inc. ( McHenry )
Pets Etc ( Naperville )
Reeses Barkery & Pawtique ( McHenry )
Ruff Haus Pets ( Chicago )
Suburban Pet City ( Oak Park )
Tails in the City ( Chicago )
The Animal Store ( Lincolnwood )
The Barking Lot ( Chicago and Deerfield )
The Dog House of L.G. Ltd. ( Long Grove )
The Houndry ( Chicago )
Thomas Tails ( Crystal Lake )
Three Dog Bakery ( Chicago )
VIP Pet Salon ( McHenry )
Wet Nose ( Geneva and Oak Brook )
Wicker Pet ( Chicago )
Wigglyville ( Chicago )
Policy Helps Dogs Across the United States
The majority of pet stores that sell puppies carry dogs from puppy mills, which are mass production facilities that churn out large numbers of puppies under inhumane conditions. The breeding dogs at puppy mills spend their entire lives in cramped cages or kennels with little or no personal attention or quality of life. Consumers who purchase puppies from pet stores or over the Internet without seeing a breeder’s home firsthand are often unknowingly supporting this cruel puppy mill industry.
