Similar to babies, pets require undivided attention. The security that animals gain from the adoption process only comes from screening. The majority of pet owners do not take care of their animals in the way they need to. When asked whether or not they treat their pets efficiently, owners will come up with random excuses that seem to validate an attempt to ensure they care for the pet. Any lie could allow the animal to suffer in a harmful environment. Pet stores must evaluate potential pet owners to ensure the safety of innocent animals adopted.

“I didn’t even know about the process of animals going through the adoption process. When I found out I was shocked and obviously felt bad for all the poor animals who don’t make it out of those stores. It would make sense for companies to maybe do an advertisement on dogs in need, somewhere where everyone will see it and be interested,” dog owner Aura Sotomayor said.

An alarming amount of pet stores buy their animals through mills; these institutions mass produce puppies and other pets, making them marketable for a certain market: future pet owners. These bred animals typically do not spend enough time with their mother and siblings, and usually, only spend time together until they pass the regulations needed for someone to adopt them. The process of adopting or buying happens quickly as well, as a variety of people and families constantly adopt animals. The process of adopting an animal requires a quick information sheet entailing one’s living conditions, and another sheet to make sure that one can provide for their new responsibility. Sometimes the workers ask if children live in the household of the buyer in order to suggest any recommended furry friends suited for kids. Companies and businesses should improve their background checks on buyers to ensure the safety and overall well-being of the animal.

“When I got my turtle, the man who helped us barely asked any questions. I thought that he would ask a bunch of questions and give us good recommendations. All he did was ask if we wanted any specific color tank or accessories for the inside of the tank. The process was also fairly quick for the store to just give us the turtle,” sophomore David Achamaja said.

The adoption process happens too quickly and must efficiently evaluate a potential pet owner. It does not feel moral for a stranger to come into an adoption facility and take home an animal in less than an hour. Animals deserve better and pet companies should improve their easy adoption regulations to prioritize their animals’ safety in their new home.