Animals sold in pet shops often originate from supply chains with poor welfare standards. The welfare of animals in retail environments varies enormously and deserves consumer attention.
Pet shop animal welfare encompasses both the conditions within retail environments and the welfare of supply chain origins. Animals from intensive commercial breeding face poor early life welfare regardless of how well they are kept in store. Welfare-conscious consumers and regulators can drive improvement by supporting adoption partnerships, demanding supply chain transparency, and advocating for source standards.