The welfare of animals sold through pet shops varies enormously and is determined by sourcing, housing conditions, and staff knowledge.
Pet shop animal welfare encompasses welfare during display and the welfare trajectory of animals sold. Animals displayed in pet shops may be stressed by novel environments, handling by multiple people, and housing with animals from different backgrounds. The advice provided with animals significantly affects their lifetime welfare — inadequate information about requirements sets up welfare failures in the home. Legislative restrictions on pet shop sales of dogs and cats have pushed more responsible purchasing channels, but other species including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish continue to be sold in conditions that may not meet their welfare needs.