The Illegal Pet Shops Selling Dogs in Caracas

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 27 December, 2022

The Animal Protection and Welfare Management in Venezuela has been very active recently. They are clamping down on pet shops selling dogs illegally.

In different operations, officials found many animals that weren’t even old enough to be sold. Others didn’t have the necessary vaccines, and others were in bad health and overcrowded conditions.

The authorities that seized these animals took them to a veterinary clinic where they are receiving the necessary attention.

Limiting age for the sale of dogs

In many places around the world, authorities have set 3 months of age as the minimum age at which animals can be sold.

People that buy underage animals contribute to their maltreatment and keep the demand going. You should always check where pet shops selling dogs source their animals from before buying.

On different occasions, non-profit organizations such as AnimaNaturalis International and the Animal Protection Association (APA) have called for more attention to be given to certain areas in the world where animals are especially marketed and dogs are sold in cruel conditions.

Frequently, in these illegal pet shops the animals they sell are already sick due to the conditions they keep them in. Also, in some pet shops there is evidence that dogs and cats live in overcrowded conditions and are underfed.

But what about you? How can you make sure that the animal you’re buying has been humanely treated and comes from a legal, respectable pet shop or breeder?

Requirements for pet shops selling dogs

For all animals that are sold or marketed, especially those sold by large companies, pet shops need to comply with a series of administrative and health requirement. Either if animals are shown or sold in pet shops, or if they are kept for a time in animal shelters, these places must comply with a set of laws.

When you want to buy a pet, the first thing to think about is whether it will be able to adapt to your way of life. A pet needs your time and deserves a space in your home and life when you make a conscious decision to take one in.

The animal that you take into your home needs your care, protection and concern for its well-being. It doesn’t become a throwaway item just because it behaves incorrectly. Neither is this the case when it grows old, lives longer than you, loses its value as a fun plaything, or has health problems.

Purchasing on a whim: beware of pet shops selling purebred dogs

You should be very careful not to buy a pet on a whim. If you do so, you’re encouraging the market of animals that are just bred and sold for caprice and show.

It’s not good to buy an animal just for show. It would be preferable to adopt an animal that really needs a home.

Purebred animals

If you do decide to buy a purebred animal, you should contact an authorized and honest breeder. Usually these breeders are affiliated with certain clubs of the specific breed of animals. They have a commitment to maintaining the health of the animals they breed over generations. They have also selected their animals to be free from genetic diseases.

It would be a good idea to actually go to the different clubs and veterinary centers. You can request information and a list of recommended breeders in your area.

A good standard to keep in mind is that when you find a purebred animal, you should also be able to see at least one of its parents. You should also be able to get a record of the medical history and behavior of both parents.

Before getting a purebred dog or cat, check first with the vet for any possible hereditary problems before you buy.

If the breeders really are professionals, they should be able to offer you the necessary evidence to demonstrate that the animal really is purebred.

A visit to the vet: what you should check

When buying a dog, it’s necessary to make an appointment with a vet. You should take along all the information you have about the animal’s previous care. It would also be a good idea to prepare some questions to ask the vet. He or she will be happy to clear up any doubts you have.

It would be very useful to your vet to take along a stool sample. This is because parasites such as worms are not uncommon in dogs. With diagnosis and proper treatment you can eliminate parasites in your dog.

Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations when they are young. They will sometimes also need booster doses each year. Some animals may also need personalized preventative measures to avoid certain diseases in some cases.

Another important step is to make sure you have your pet neutered as soon as your vet recommends it.