The U.S. pet industry is a multi-billion dollar business, and there are tens of millions of pet dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, reptiles and other animals in this country. While many animals live as cherished family members, many millions of others’ lives are far from luxurious.

Breeding and sale

Eileen (far right), once starving and sick in a collector's backyard, was rescued by House Rabbit Society. Here, she spends time with her friends.

For nearly all animals in pet stores, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, life begins at “mills”—large, usually filthy facilities that breed and sell animals. Breeding animals spend their entire lives in wire cages or dog runs. Breeding animals can develop matted fur, sores, kennel cough, deafness, cataracts, epilepsy, glaucoma, and more. Babies sold at pet stores can also harbor a host of health conditions. Breeders may kill babies who don’t conform to standards.
 
Pet stores

Most animals in pet stores were purchased from mills before weaning age, which contributes to transport-related deaths. Many stores rely on young, untrained clerks and do not provide veterinary care. Buyers usually receive little or no care information, and there is no screening to ensure the animal goes to a good home.

Overpopulation

Each year, six to eight million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, and about half are euthanized. Countless more rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other small animals face the same fate. Others are set loose and die from starvation, disease, or traffic accidents.

Neglect and abuse

While most of us cherish our companion animals as part of our family, millions are not as lucky. Animals are routinely abused, from starvation and neglect to headline-grabbing cruelty cases.

Some animals are the victims of hoarders, or people who compulsively collect animals but do not provide adequate veterinary care, food, or shelter.

Timber relaxes in his loving new home after escaping from a life on the end of a chain.

Many dogs and rabbits live chained or caged outside, developing boredom, fearfulness, hyperactivity, and aggression. Those who escape may get in fights, contract diseases, get hit by cars, form feral colonies, or may even be stolen by "bunchers”—people who collect stray animals to sell to animal dealers who in turn sell them to laboratories.

Exotic animals

Exotic “pets” such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, tigers, monkeys, and more are often captured in the wild and transported to the United States. Others may be captive-bred in inappropriate conditions. Countless exotic animals languish in cramped housing and suffer from inadequate care.

When their needs become too demanding or the young animals grow into unpredictable adults, they may be turned loose. Animals may also end up at roadside zoos or canned hunting operations.