I never said anything about whether or not I still work as a vet tech. I am sorry to say in this day and age not many people can afford to have just any one average job alone. Especially with the price of everything going up except for most average salaries. Plus many people like to have a more of a hobby job or a job that is a little bit more fun and where you can get to know other people and see a lot of exotic animals outside of a veterinary clinic.

Oh, just so you all know by the way the distribution center in Joliet is almost back to what it should be. They have painted the warehouse and it is looking better. That is the info that my boss has given me.

Yes, you will, and I use many of them. Not always happily, but I do use them.

But after the events of the past year and a half, carrying almost exclusively dog and cat toys made in China, or any amount of cat or dog food or treats made in China, is inexcusable and indefensible.

And as bad as the whole recall was, I have to trust that all the regulatory services we have in this country are doing their job and keeping things “safe”.

I can only say, after the events of the past year and a half, I find that statement absolutely breath-taking.

And I say that despite the fact that I do, in fact, believe we’d be even worse off without those agencies, even in their current crippled and corrupted form.

“Gina - No offense or anything but I have previous knowledge on what foods and things are good for pets. I am also a certified vet tech. Just an FYI.”

Well THAT explains a lot.

BTW, Sarah - so am I. Don’t get me started on the various reasons why I left the field . . . . . .

Hey, well, as someone who has been covering food safety issues pretty much non-stop for more than a year, let me just say:

Good luck with that.

After reading all of this, I have come to this conclusion….both PETCO and Petsmart have their pros and cons. The same is true for any competing company in any field. Yes, you will still find products “made in China” in both stores. The fact of the matter is you will still find TONS of things we use on a day to day basis made in China. And as bad as the whole recall was, I have to trust that all the regulatory services we have in this country are doing their job and keeping things “safe”.

Regarding the knowledge of staff at the stores, yes, there are many “young kids” who aren’t very knowledgable, but there are also people who have been with their company for years and do it simply because they like the work. So I think saying someone who was a vet tech before and now works for a retail store did it for “obvious reasons” (not exactly how it was worded, but how I took it at least) is a bit harsh. I am in the pet industry and work with someone who has 2 masters degrees and worked for the government and now works with us simply because she loves animals. So suggesting that someone has the intelligence to only get a retail job is a bit rude.

As far as taking the word of a vet or someone online, its really hit or miss too! I have friends that have told me vet recommended feeding her animal SD, which is full of fillers and one of the low end “premium” foods, in my opinion.

Where PETCO and Petsmart have much of the same foods in their store, I have found that PETCO has more “natural and organic” foods. PETCO exclusively sells Solid Gold (which I feed my dogs), Halo (a relatively new brand to the major retailer market), and Wellness (which I feed my cats and is one of the most sought after holistic foods). They also sell Natural Balance which is very popular, however I dont feel is one of the higher quality foods like Wellness or SG. Those 2 brands bring me to the store as I don;t have many “mom and pop” stores near me.

Colorado Transplant- I agree with you about the snakes, I HATE them too!

As I walk down to first aisle to get to the pet food, usually canned cat food, I have to pass all the snakes in their cages, hoping one is not running around loose. That has happened in the past.

I scream when I see snakes. I do not want to scream in a public place. Also, there was a little critter loose one time and we had to ask the clerk to put it back in the cage. I forget what kind of critter it was.

I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THOSE SNAKES, PETCO, do you hear me—even if you did, you would probably say I was a nut case, albeit a nice nut case.

In fact, given the perspicacity you’ve shown here, leaving the veterinary field for retail was probably a good career move for you.

Well do tell! Is Nutro your recommended food?