Below is a suggestion to AGS. Some reasoning first. Maybe the US and Canada need breeders spaced not more than two hours drive from buyers. That could eliminate almost all shipping problems. Seriously. If you are not within reasonable driving distance from a good gerbils breeder or pet store, then get a lizard instead. You aren't within reach of a gerbils veterinarian either. Elizabeth Heckert, respected breeder, does not ship gerbils but she will drive two hours to meet a buyer. Europe doesn't have the problem that we in US and Canada face. I sense that in Europe most gerbil transport is by car. IMHO shipping gerbils happens for one of three reasons: ** Animals with special genes. That can go from one good breeder to another, both of whom know what they are doing. Use them as intermediaries if you want a special gerbil. ** Breeders to customers who might live anywhere. Breeders don't often make much money, so why do this at all? Gerbils are nice pets so their popularity will spread. It doesn't have to spread overnight. Savvy critters people will find a responsible way to acquire gerbils. ** Breeder wannabes and casual hobbyists who think shipping looks like fun. Give me a break!! Some people have started new "lists of breeders" web pages. Most of them don't seem to know what already exists. They are spreading confusion. Suggestion to American Gerbil Society: Certify approved breeders, not just register gerbils. Tell us which breeders are reliable and follow good practices. Specifically certify which breeders can meet standard for humane shipping of animals. I realize how tough all that could be -- so perhaps you might start simply by certifying shippers. Until that happens I'll take my chances at the pet store. That way I know whether the animal has been abused by shipment to my home. Maybe it has been abused before it got to the pet store, but I can size up its condition and personality in the store. (This isn't quite true. I live near some good breeders, but that's a coincidence.) Deb Rebel's RideShare project also holds great hope. Maybe someday I *will* choose a great breeder anywhere in US or Canada. But not yet.
