Pet store misinformation

[Designer Geckos]

Having a physical gecko storefront is interesting in many ways, but what is maybe most troubling about it is the face to face interactions from distraught customers who bought geckos and equipment from pet stores and are having horrible experiences and animals with deteriorating health.
This is disturbing beyond words, and does the leopard gecko hobby a huge disservice. Lately it has been worse than ever.

Here is a list of some of the recent things people have said when they finally come to our store after having bad experiences at pet stores:

- Keep leopard geckos at 100-110 degrees by using hot lights.
- Feed crickets exclusively, no mealworms.
- Use sand.
- No need to use minerals or vitamins, they get all they need from the insects they eat.
- What is gutloading?
- Do not use a UTH. Use overhead hot lights or hot rocks.
- Leos need a very humid environment...mist frequently.

These are just some of the things we hear. Appalling. I don't understand why these stores don't take the time to learn the proper husbandry for animals they sell.

We often times spend an hour or more of our time educating hobbyists on proper care. Since we work an enormous number of hours per week, this time spent is difficult for us, but we take satisfaction in knowing that we are trying to improve the lives of the geckos they bought, and helping the hobbyists have a good experience.

I just wish pet stores, and in particular the large chains, would spend some time training their staffs. The animals deserve better, and so do their customers.

 

[Dimidiata]

Your answer- $$$ People are either too lazy or stupid to research for themselves.

 

[katie_]

In the pet stores defense, it isnt their job to educate adults on how to look after their animals. Adults need to do their research too.
I try to hardest to educate every single one of my customers, but sometimes I may miss something. This isnt the stores fault.

 

[STUTFL]

I think giving *incorrect* information is more harmful than giving no info at all, since people are less likely to look something up when a "professional" (which is how some do view pet-store staff) has already explained it.

 

[katie_]

Your right, incorrest information is harmful as well.

 

[aaronhome27]

I think giving *incorrect* information is more harmful than giving no info at all, since people are less likely to look something up when a "professional" (which is how some do view pet-store staff) has already explained it.

Exactly. May people feel they are getting the best info they can when talking face to face with a pet store employee who comes off as a highly trained professional. It is a sad truth. Because they work in a pet store and "should" know about the animals they are selling they try to make it look like they actually do. Many people feel that asking questions is the best research they can do and trust in it.

 

[Designer Geckos]

I do think it is a two way street. The store staff should learn about the animals they sell so they can give educated info to their customers...otherwise they should be working at McDonald's or somewhere where technical info isn't a requirement.

I don't put it all on the stores however. I also think the customer has an obligation to research into the care of an animal they purchase...don't know why they don't. But they may be taking the store's info as gospel...until their gecko deteriorates. Then they look for answers. We hear a lot of heartbreaking stories all the time and kids are often devastated by the death of their little friend. It's sad, believe me.

At the very least, the stores should be telling customers to go online to forums like this so they can get educated. Lots of experts inside these four walls......

 

[Dimidiata]

I like it when people use their kids as an excuse to mistreat their animals, or their tradition.
"i cant return all the fish, i promised my kid they could have them"
"But its normal tradition in my culture to remove the fangs from the snakes"

 

[animeavatar]

Dimi I agree. They should consider how the animal feels. They have feelings too right?