As a resident of the commonwealth and an avid animal lover, I support the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) proposed pet store regulations, including requiring unannounced inspections of all pet shops. Holding for-profit pet stores to the same standards as animal shelters is necessary to maintain the safety and health of the animals being sold. Accountability must be taken by stores when animal welfare is neglected. If a pet store fails an inspection, it should lose its permit to hold and sell animals and should not be able to re-apply right away. Just as with animal shelters, civil penalties should be able to be given to those who display regulatory violations. If the shop has been found to have committed harm or cruelty to the animals, regulations should prohibit them from applying/attaining another permit. Lastly, I think that licensed veterinary care should be used to help develop regulations and protocols necessary for the welfare of animals, as done in the case of animal shelters.