Furthermore, a number of states also license and regulate commercial kennels. There is also evidence that the pet industry provides more veterinarian care for puppies than the public at large. After insuring more than 89,000 pet store puppies and kittens and handling health claims from a pool of more than 500,000 insured animals, the insurance company reduced its premiums for pet store puppies and kittens substantially by as much as 22 percent compared to premiums charged for animals from other sources. Pet store puppies receive more veterinary attention during the first 12 weeks of age than any other puppies and, as a result, have fewer claims. The best method to address substandard facilities is for individual states to enact tough kennel licensing and inspection laws, applicable to all types of breeder kennels where puppies are raised for sale irrespective of the class of owner.
Discrimination according to the class of puppy origin does little to protect the animals.
Pet stores are a legitimate source for puppies. They provide consumers the opportunity to choose from a variety of breed and provide a service to the community. As in any community,however, there are some transgressors who choose not to adhere to acceptable standards. Painting an entire industry as bad due to the transgressions of a few is simply not justified. Similarly, consumer warranty remedial measures must be carefully drawn to eliminate abusive and discriminatory treatment.