To whom it may concern at Virginia Dept. of Ag and Consumer Services,

I'm a resident of Fluvanna County, VA and write in hopes that you will further consider the fate of animals in Virginia's pet stores this holiday season. As a whole, I strongly support VDACS proposed pet store regulations, especially the unannounced inspections, but there are steps you can take to bolster these regulations further for the protection of animals. Please, VDACS, think of the beloved animals you may have in your home and strengthen your proposed standards of care for pet shops. Please impose a requirement that Virginia pet stores engage a licensed vet to oversee animal care, and impose a penalty if regulations are not followed. This is already required of our private and public animal shelters, and it would prevent needless animal suffering due to lack of veterinary care, in addition to protecting public health (for humans and animals alike). 

Pet stores inherently profit off of vulnerable animals, and it only makes sense to regulate their operation at least as much as non-profit animal shelters in the state.

Sincerely, 

Ashley Ridgway