Skinny Pigs At Petsmart

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

I'm disgusted to report that not only is Petsmart selling regular guinea pigs (like P@H for those of you in the UK), they have begun to sell Skinny Pigs. It really bothers me that there is no distinction on the very vague "how to care" for card on their tank, yes, tank. Which is tiny. It's bad enough that they have no useful info on the regular pigs tanks, but they make no mention of how Skinnys are much more vulnerable to basically everything. The only difference? Their prices. Skinnys are $30 more. I'm so angry right now. I wish there was something I could do, but with such a major retailer what can be done?

 

[Julesie]

Oh thats so sad.
Can you send an email and complain about the fact they are selling skinny pigs and state why this isn't a good idea and there should be a note of the strict difference between them and fluffy guinea pigs over the tank...

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

I mean, I guess I could. But the frustrating part of the situation is that it's such a huge corporation. If it were a more locally owned business, I might actually be able to make a difference. But realistically speaking, I doubt that anyone high up, or at least anyone who makes decisions about merchandise (isn't that disgusting? because that's what those sweet little animals are. merchandise to make a profit), would even read my email. Maybe I could approach the store manager, but even then who knows. It makes me want to cry. Those pigs need a voice, and here I am, a pissed off customer (the only place I can get oxbow food! another sore spot) with a loud one, and I don't know if they'll listen to me. Maybe I'm just cynical?

 

[KittyandNancy]

Ugh! I had made a complaint to corporate petsmart a couple months ago and they did respond to me and took care of the issue. I would say give it a shot you won't know unless you speak up. You might just be that voice the pigs need.

 

[MochaMoo]

I hope they listen if you do make a complaint. It's so frustrating to see more specialist pets being sold in shops.. Obv. it's sad seeing any pet in a shop, but the ones that require specialist care even more so. Can't expect Joe Public to do the research needed into these poor piggies. I know how you feel though, when it's a big corporation like that, it just feels like your one tiny voice won't make a single bit of difference. Hopefully, there are other people who have complained & combined, you can make some real waves!

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

These people who are so cruel to animals and sell them with INCORRECT knowledge, can just drop dead to be honest. Sorry if it sounded harsh, but all animal abusers are asking to be punished.

 

[MycuteBoys]

Pets shops should not sell pets pronto in my view...they should have a huge rehoming board in each and every pet shop listing info from proper nearby rescue centres looking to re home animals.

I would email them about your this if I was you about the skinny pigs

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

@KittyandNancy If you don't mind me asking, what problem did you report, and what was the response you got? Just curious. I think I will say something, someone needs to make some noise, and it looks like it's gonna have to be me!

 

[KittyandNancy]

@KittyandNancy If you don't mind me asking, what problem did you report, and what was the response you got? Just curious. I think I will say something, someone needs to make some noise, and it looks like it's gonna have to be me!

They had 5 boars in one cage and two of the larger ones were being very aggressive and about to fight. The cage next to them was empty.
The girl in the store that I told didn't seem to care.

I told them the situation and they thanked me for letting them know and said it would be taken care of ASAP and it was the next I went in.

I know it's different than your problem, but honestly if I see skinny pigs in the store by me with no info. I'm going to ask an employee about their needs and see if they know and if not I will write a letter to corporate and explain why I'm concerned.

 

[Caviequeen]

I agree it's appalling what pet stores do they put a label on the pets but do not specify how to look after them properly and they also put on the rodents cages beginners which makes me so mad because I'd never say that a guinea pig is right for just any ordinary beginner like a child, how they treat the animals is appalling, I've always wanted a skinny pig what are they like?

 

[CavyCrazy]

That's disgusting. Those poor pigs... it's sick that companies can get away with things like this. Surely there's some welfare for guinea pigs, or rodents, somewhere that would pay attention?!

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

I agree it's appalling what pet stores do they put a label on the pets but do not specify how to look after them properly and they also put on the rodents cages beginners which makes me so mad because I'd never say that a guinea pig is right for just any ordinary beginner like a child, how they treat the animals is appalling, I've always wanted a skinny pig what are they like?

I don't know much about skinnys, but I do know that they are not as hearty as regular pigs, and therefore need extra special attention as far as food, bedding, staying warm, and health precautions go. Which means that they certainly aren't for beginners as the tag says!