So I asked Petco about their Brachypelmas...

[Moltar]

There was a thread a couple of weeks ago talking about buying cheap Brachy's at petco. Why are they so cheap? Aren't they illegal to import? Where are they getting them, etc.

I decided to send the an email about it through their website. I sent a rather accusatory email basically implying that they were obtaining protected species illegally. In retrospect I could have been more professional but I didn't really expect a reply. Whattya want, I was angry...

Anyway, this is the reply I received. I thought it may be of interest to some of you.

Dear Ethan,

Thank you for contacting PETCO.

We have researched this issue, and can assure you that PETCO received their tarantulas of the genus Brachypelma legally. According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species , the Brachypelma genus, of which we sell four species, are on the Appendix II list. This means that provided our vendor has the appropriate exportation permit, which he does, we can legally import and sell these tarantulas. This genus is not protected but is only to be monitored, hence the placement on the Appendix II list and the requirement for an exportation permit. (Only those species on Appendix I are prohibited as they are considered endangered or threatened.)

The specific species that you were concerned about, B. sabulosum, is not one that PETCO sells. We realize that the different species can look similar which can result in misidentification. Our vendor told us that some species of tarantulas we sell are indeed captive-bread; in some instances, that is the only way to get a particular species. As for the “red rump” tarantula, we have not offered that species, B. Vegans, in well over one year.


I hope this information helps. I sincerely apologize for any frustration this issue has caused.

Thank you for your inquiry. Please contact us again if you need any further assistance.


Sincerely,

Chris M.
Customer Relations Coordinator

 

[Talkenlate04]

Ya that seems to be all correct information. I am not surprised they answered you. They care about their image just like any other business.

And anyone can bring in brachys to the US. You just have to complete the proper paperwork and documents proving they are CB and not WC. The buying and selling of CB babies is loosely monitored. But if you tried bringing in some big brown unmarked box from Mexico, that would be different.

 

[Veneficus]

Is this new? I didn't know Petco is selling Brachy(s)? The last I checked, all they were selling were Grammostola or a mix-up of some Chilean species. What species are they selling?

 

[Moltar]

As I recall people were talking about buying larger vagans and smithis there for like, $40. That's what had me wondering... How can anybody make any money selling large t's that grow that slowly for that little unless they're wc?

 

[Veneficus]

As I recall people were talking about buying larger vagans and smithis there for like, $40. That's what had me wondering... How can anybody make any money selling large t's that grow that slowly for that little unless they're wc?

I wouldn't be surprised if they're WC, but they're not going to tell you that.

 

[kupo969]

Petoco's usually sell different animals. But yes, I've only seen B. vagans Florida spp. at mine.

 

[Moltar]

Petoco's usually sell different animals. But yes, I've only seen B. vagans Florida spp. at mine.

How do you know they're florida spp; are they labeled as such? Also how recently? Chris M. says they haven't sold vagans in over a year.

 

[Veneficus]

My husband said Petco has a lot of citations for selling animals illegally. The burden of proof rests upon them on whether they're dealer is getting them from captive bred places or not. I suspect if you're not satisfied with their response, you can contact an organization (not sure which one...or the government) to follow up.

 

[proper_tea]

I can tell you that I did not misidentify my B. sabulosum that I got from them. It was my first T there is no question that I got it from Petco and labeled sabulosum. Whether it's actually B. sabulosum, who knows? But it was labeled as such. They are lying.

 

[Fingolfin]

I wouldn't be surprised if they're WC, but they're not going to tell you that.

Doesn't their letter say that they are entitled to get them imported?

 

[kupo969]

How do you know they're florida spp; are they labeled as such? Also how recently? Chris M. says they haven't sold vagans in over a year.

Yeah this was about a year ago. I've kept both the Florida spp. and the "regular" kind everyone else has. The Florida spp. colors are way brighter. I've also seen them in their native habitat too (I live in Florida).

 

[vvx]

All I ever see at my Petco is the normal Roseas, usually some avic avics, and an occasional lividum/seemani.