Puppies and kittens sell business exacerbate the homeless overpopulation of companion animals. Municipal and nonprofit animal shelters in Virginia are held to high welfare standards. For-profit businesses, like pet stores, should be held to at least the same standards in order to protect animals and consumers alike. I am speaking up for puppies and kittens in Virginia by asking that the proposed regulations be amended to require stronger standards of care in pet shops and meaningful penalties for animal welfare violations.