I just want to say that the local chain store I work at has a training program for the live pet workers that usually takes about three days to complete (at least) and teaches them about the pets in the store (how to care for them etc.) and the info, while not hugely in depth is really pretty good. THen, there is a special test/trainging for birds and for fish. O.k., so not everyone really learns whats in the program after going through it, and I didn't get enough time to complete the program. However, that is because the department was practically empty when I was hired, and I did know about most of the animals already--I'd had tons of pets etc. For the most part we try to hire only people with pets to work in our department, and usually they are 'experts' with at least one type of animal. Now, I'm sure that not each of the stores in our chain is as good as this (even though they are SUPPOSED to be according to corproate and the policies we must follow). The other thing that is a little frustrating, is that corporate sends a mixed message. We get drummed into us that we are to provide the best care for all our animals, and make sure that our customers know how to provide the best care too. And, we need to make sure the animals are goign to a good home etc. Yet, we are now being told we msut stock animals (fish) for which it is almost impossible to provide a good home. Also, we sell kits labeled as 'goldfish bowls' and customers that see this and don't know fish think we are trying to sell them things they really don't need to spend money on when we want them to buy a big tank, filter etc. for gold fish. And, we are almost never allowed to refuse sales (according to corporate) even though our guidlines (from corporate) tell us we can't sell fish or other animals to inappropriate homes...
Sigh.
Emily
