Hello, I am pleased to see that the VDACS is considering regulations for pet stores that sell puppies and kittens.  However, I am a little concerned that the proposed regulations do not go far enough to protect these animals.  Animal shelters in Virginia are required to engage a licensed veterinarian to develop protocols for the care of animals in their custody but these proposed regulations do not require the same thing of pet stores.  Also, if a VDACS inspector finds that an animal shelter has violated state law, the shelter faces penalties of up to $1,000 per day, which ensures that issues are swiftly rectified.  The proposed regulations for pet stores have no such penalty, meaning these stores have no motivation to comply with the regulations.  Pet stores already don't often comply with the requirement to provide inspection reports for the breeders from which they get their puppies and kittens.  There needs to be a monetary penalty included in the regulations to ensure pet stores will comply.  The animals in the care of pet stores deserve at least as much protection as what is afforded to animals in the shelter system.  Thank you for your consideration.