A national organization is helping pet retailers move away from selling commercially bred dogs and get shelter pets in the store and for sale. In March, the Barkworks store at the Westside Pavilion will "become an official adoption center for rescues," according to ABC7.
Barkworks has been the focus of a protest movement because of their use of puppy mills as a source for dogs to sell.
Pet Connections Inc. has devised what they call a Pet Transport Program, which gets shelter pets into retail stores, so that clientele who do not wish to go to the shelters can still buy a rescue pet. Thanks to the pilot program's popularity, Barkworks at the Westside Pavilion has made the move to make the switch.
"If it goes well at this Barkworks store where rescues will be adopted out for a $300 to $500 fee, owners say they will convert the rest of their stores into adoption centers," notes ABC7, who spoke to Barkworks General Manager Darren Letterman about the change in how they do business.
"I just think it gives us a great opportunity to help the county and the city of L.A. and surrounding areas diminish the amount of dogs that are euthanized every year," said Letterman.
