Why don't vets also report problems to the BBB?

Of course, Barbara, I have the same opinion of the vet boards you have. I don't think much of the consumer ability to "appeal" there -- just spent the weekend reading state sunset commission reviews of the Alabama vet board. Even some of the vets are complaining that the board does nothing, so that speaks volumes (similar comments in Oregon as well, on a survey). I'm sure lots of vets assume that dismissed complaints are "invalid" ones but you and I know that is not true.

As for pet stores, I called animal care and control to report horrible conditions at a local pet store, I am sure they did nothing, because I went back and things were just as bad. Kittens sick and in filth. BBB only mediates disputes as I understand it -- but if you want nothing from the business (i.e., refund, etc) then it's not up BBB's alley. So in the scenario discussed here, if you had actually purchased from the store, and wanted to take the animal back or get a refund for vet bills incurred due to illness, then BBB might help -- but if you are just horrified at conditions and want to report, like I did, BBB is not the place.

They have another store here, a different one, another horrible store called "Just Puppies" where the dogs are all in cages that have the wire/mesh bottom and nothing soft in there. Its because all the dogs have diarrhea, so these poor babies diarrhea can drop through the grates. They all look terribly sad, the employees are totally disinterested, and the puppies -- which cost over $1,000 typically - who start aging out go on "discount." Depressed, mentally damaged puppies (with diarrhea, no less) on sale for $600-$800 deep discount because they are now over 6 months old. You can imagine the look in the eyes of these dogs.

The store allows no cameras -- big surprise. There are puppy mill protesters locally who spend all their time at another store, but no one bothers with this one. I don't know how they keep operating. But I can't write the BBB about them because I've bought nothing from them and therefore, there is nothing the BBB can try to mediate over. Although my county is wealthy, the Animal Services Division (Animal Control) which oversees violations of that sort (and also runs our shelter which is famously lousy) is known for its lack of commitment to mission and doing nothing. Nowhere to turn -- except the press, which does happen sometimes.

Consumers can also file complaints about businesses with the state's attorney general's office.