Pet stores that sell animals for thousands of dollars, often financed through the high interest loans that they promote, should be held to at least the same standard that Virginia's animal shelters are held. Animal shelters in Virginia are required to engage a licensed veterinarian to develop protocols for the care of animals in their custody, yet the proposed pet shop regulations include no such requirement. Additionally, if a VDACS inspector finds that an animal shelter has violated state law, the shelter faces civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day until the issue is corrected. But civil penalties are not included in the proposed pet store regulations, and of course, a business will not comply unless there are penalties for failing to do so. Both of those issues should be addressed in the regulations.

Virginia's animal shelters, which are overburdened due to the animal overpopulation crisis, should not be subject to more regulation than the private businesses that massively profit from importing puppies from breeding mills in other states. 

Thank you.