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Originally Posted by atinsley  It sounds like they trained you well at PetSmart. That's where I do most of my shopping for my cats. Is that the norm there, well-trained employees? I know it's not the case at some other big chains but I've never had to ask a PetSmart employee anything because I research everything myself before I go.
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I can't speak for other PetSmart stores, but my store and the managers I work for have been very good about training and providing proper, up-to-date information to all the employees. However, that doesn't mean that everything they say is automatically correct -- there are many things that I have been "taught" that go against my opinion. For example, PetSmart's stance is that dry cat food is better for cat's teeth than wet or moist food. And, though this subject is still very much up for debate in the verterinary field, a large majority of individuals, pet owners, and vets feel that wet food is, indeed, the better option. And, there are still products on the shelves that I feel are inappropriately marketed. But, as a whole, I can honestly say that PetSmart does have the best interest of animals and their owners in mind. That's something I cannot necessarily say of other chain-type stores.
When I started working at PetSmart, I was appalled by how little about some animals I really knew -- or, rather, understood. I have always had small animals, cats, and dogs in my life. I have only just recently familiarized myself with birds (and now have a cockatiel and parakeet to prove it!) and I had no true working knowledge of reptiles or fish. With the exception of bettas and having a fish tank in the home I grew up in, I never had an interest in fish. I certainly didn't know the amount of care they required! But, through training and working with others who "specialty" was fish or reptiles, I've learned a lot. The wonderful part of working for PetSmart isn't that they trained me well (which, given their limitations, they did). Rather, the fact that they are willing to learn from others has been what sets them apart from other stores. As new information is learned, new guidelines are set in place -- PetSmart isn't married to any one idea. To me, that's what makes me want to shop there.
Feel free to talk to your local PetSmart pet care specialist. Or, really, any of the managers. While their answers should never replace your vet's instructions or your natural instinct, it is possible that they'd be able to assist you in some way, shape, or form. And give them information too -- trust me, it's much appreciated.
Wow, that really sounded like a plug for PetSmart
. It wasn't meant to come off that way -- it's just that a question was asked and that was (and is) my opinion. I never thought any pet store was worth their weight in salt, but working for one has changed my views somewhat. But, I suppose, with everything, it's "take what you want and leave the rest."
!) is with Barney.
But I was soon to be married (Oct 10, 
) and with moving and such I didn't think it was a great idea to get another but now we're all settled into our house I might just have to rescue another from the W mart.
