I'm not too keen on brick and mortar pet stores myself. Nor am I a fan of government regulators but these animals do need advocates with teeth.
I recently found a beautiful Siamese mix kitten up in a tree at my parents rural home.
About 10 weeks old, dehydrated, a little malnourished and full of fleas.
He was very affectionate, ate like a pig and knew how to use a litter box.
Unfortunately my parents couldn't take him in because of their health problems and they already have a big fat Manx kitty. I couldn't because my job requires extended travel.
It was a tough ride to the animal shelter after keeping him with me for only three days. I do hope he was adopted.
He most likely wasn’t. 95% of animals in shelters are euthanized. Not condemning you but did you try to give kitty away? I have had a gazillion strays come to my yard and I have got on my local radio trading program and given them away, or found them homes with friends or relatives. We have 3 cats and 3 dogs, all of them strays, and they do cramp our style a bit. We have to hire a petsitter to stay at our house while we go on vacation, etc, but I love them and feel good knowing we saved them from almost certain death. And they bring us so much joy.