Some of these maladies can be transmitted to humans. Pet shop puppies are prone to parvovirus and distemper. These diseases are highly contagious and usually fatal. Parvovirus symptoms are not immediately detectable, so a puppy with parvo may share a cage with a healthy puppy. Due to improper circulation, the germs of puppies in the back room are spread throughout the store.
Puppies frequently die or require euthanasia at puppy mills, brokers' facilities, and pet shops.
The American Kennel Club registration papers that ordinarily come with purebred pet shop puppies often impress buyers and provide a false sense of security. AKC registration, however, does not guarantee proper breeding conditions, health, quality or claims to lineage. In fact, California requires pet shops to notify consumers orally and in writing of these limitations. The AKC derives a significant portion of its revenues from the registration of puppy mill litters. The organization registers thousands of puppy mill puppies each year without questioning why so many puppies are born to Midwest breeders.