Dear VDACS,

Please significantly strengthen your proposed draft regulations for pet stores that sell dogs and cats so that they are the same as your regulations affecting animal shelters in Virginia, such as the requirement to engage a licensed veterinarian to develop protocols for the swift and effective treatment of sick animals in their care; civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day for each day that a pet store is in violation of state law; and other rules that will guarantee the prompt and aggressive enforcement of animal welfare laws so that pet stores are forced to comply with the regulations.

Thank you very much,

Laura Alexandra McKee 

5501 Williamsburg Boulevard 

Arlington, VA 22207