So many pets are now sold online, that this is a broader issue than simply banning retail sales. The Hawaiian Humane Society urges would-be pet owners to obtain animals from shelters, pet stores who offer shelter animals for adoption, or responsible breeders. Responsible shelters and breeders will welcome animals back if they are not a good fit for their new family. Retail outlets and online sellers may obtain animals from irresponsible local breeders, foreign puppy mills or from the wild. The welfare of the individual animal may not be a priority and many retailers provide no education about the special needs of each animal or possible health concerns. We support regulations that require humane standards of care for the breeding, display, transportation and sale of animals.

Want to know where we stand on animal welfare issues like this and more? Visit our Where We Stand page.