Pet Planet, a locally owned store in Mountainside Plaza in Ahwatukee, advocates for the adoption of shelter animals rather than buying from and supporting large chain pet stores. Chain pet stores tend to support puppy and kitten mills, establishments that breed animals on a large-scale basis for commercial sale. Conditions are often inhumane, and may result in physical abnormalities or behavioral issues in man-made “designer” breeds.

Opened by a mother and daughter for the first time in Calgary, Pet Planet grew to other locations, and opened in Ahwatukee in 2011. It functions mainly as a small-scale pet store, selling pet supplies and food, but on weekends hosts adoption services. They also sponsor a couple of charities and foundations; Kali’s Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds awareness programs and supports research on cancer in animals. They also sponsor the Guardianship Movement, a pledge that shoppers can sign to show their support for animal rights.

On Saturday Nov. 7, the adoption agency hosted was the Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue, and an upcoming adoption event will be hosted on Nov. 28 with the Giant Schnauzer organization, from 11 am to 1 pm.

With Pet Planet, their principles ensure not only a long term friend that will keep adopters company, but also a clean conscience, as supporting an animal shelter over a pet store decreases the alarming rate at which puppy and kitten mills operate. Pet Planet opts for a more ethical approach by helping their customers in adopting a happy and healthy pet.