Thank you for the opportunity to comment on these important regulations which will improve the care and safety of dogs and cats sold by pet stores and provide greater confidence to the consumer in considering the purchase of a companion animals.  

While the proposed standards are a good start, I feel that commercial pet stores that sell dogs and cats should be subject to the same requirements that public shelters must adhere to.  This would include having a veterinarian on retainer to conduct and/or develop protocols concerning wellness/pre-sale exams and required vaccinations/medications and civil penalties for regulatory violations.   In addition, a store that has its permit revoked should be subject to a waiting period plus provide proof of corrective action before it can reapply.  It should go without question that a store found to have committed an act of cruelty should not be allowed another permit. 

Finally, the provision of water should be done in a species-specific manner.  Drip bottles, frequently used by stores for their convenience, is not appropriate for the hydration of dogs and cats, which lap their water.