PetSmart BUTCHERED my baby

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by yougetthesmiles

why cant these places respect your wishes?? how can they get away with doing what they please? So far I have never used a groomer, I have thought about it, but hearing stories like this I think I will just continue to do my own grooming, I do take her to get a nail trim but thats about all.
So sorry for that happening to you! I hope you got your money back!!

You've just got to read this!

PetSmart can't groom small dogs?

by Tabitha M. written to PetsMART
Posted Mon May 31, 2004


Animals are an important part of my life, but after an incident regarding staff attitude/knowledge, I felt compelled to write and let you know how upset this made me feel. The store I'm referring to is on Merrit Blvd. in Dundalk, MD.


After being helpfully informed on two separate visits to your store that you offer dog grooming services, I made an appointment for my 4-month-old poodle's first grooming with your store. My mother also made appointments for her two puppies and a grown dog owned by my grandmother. At the time we made the appointments (Sunday, May 23rd), we both informed the appointment setter that this was the puppies' first grooming appointment and were told to bring copies of their shots records with us. No other instructions or qualifications were given and my mother was given a price of 38.00 per puppy.

I arrived on Monday, May 24 at 2:30 p.m. with my puppy, Sophie. When checking in, the gentleman helping us said "So, she is here for the puppy package, right?" I did not know what that was and asked for details. He showed me a sign and described the package which consisted of brushing her teeth, bathing, trimming nails- basicaly all of the grooming I have done the last four months myself. I stated that was not what I wanted and showed them the picture my husband and I had printed out of what we wanted the dog to look like. I also stated I understood the price to be much higher than the 15.00 the puppy package cost.

At this point, one of the groomers (a young, blonde girl) entered the conversation and said that they could not groom a dog that small and definitely not in the "extensive" cut that I had in the photo. I stated that my vet had requested the puppy not be sent to the groomer until she was 4 months but that after that she could be groomed. I also stated that I wanted her hair cut because she was suffering in the unseasonably hot weather and asked if they would at least hand-cut her hair (since the issue seemed to be using the clippers). The groomer stated that she would not do this because hand-cutting is very expensive and also said that my dog was "too small" to be groomed. After a little discussion between myself, the groomer and the check-in guy, the groomer stated that if I wanted to pay for a full cut, she would "do her best" with my puppy. After being told that my dog was too small and it was not possible to clip her to my specifications, then that she would "do her best" but couldn't guarantee what my dog would like, I must admit alarm bells went off in my head. I stated that I would have to discuss what to do with my husband since she is basically his dog and he chose the haircut and to please cancel the appointment. I thanked the employees, took my dog and left.

On the way out, I was stopped by a fellow customer who had overheard the comment that my dog was "too small" and given the name and address of a local, independant groomer who she suggested I call since it was "nonsense that any dog is 'too small' to be properly groomed".

I went to that shop, relayed the experience at PetSmart and got astonished looks out of the ladies at the shop. They stated that my dog was more than old enough to be groomed, that her size was irrelevant and that they would see her the next day. They also said that, in their opinion, PetSmart simply did not want to be bothered with doing a proper job on a puppy so small since puppies are often nervous and require additional care and time for their first grooming. Thinking back over the details of the conversation with the PetSmart groomers, I must concur with this assesment.

I had planned to use PetSmart's training services after Sophie turned 6 months old but considering the experience with the grooming services I have elected to hire an independant trainer instead. In addition, my mother and grandmother later cancelled appointments they had made with this store for their puppies and dogs as well.

Although I, my mother and my grandmother will not be using PetSmart's grooming or training services, I definitely will continue to recommend you to other pet owners for other purchases. I will continue to buy your company's products.

Here's what I think you should do to fix this problem: Please properly train your grooming staff to handle small animals and young animals. I do understand that the puppy package is intended for young animals and I appreciated that they at least were honest enough not to take my animal and botch the job but I did not appreciate that this was presented as "impossible" when the vet, a fellow customer and another groomer all stated it was not an impossible request.

If it is to be PetSmart's corporate policy not to offer full grooming packages for animals under a certain age or size, it would behoove you to simply state that when customers call for appointments. I would not even have been upset with the employees if, when I arrived and the misunderstanding came out, they had simply stated PetSmart does not fully groom animals of that size and/or age or that the particular groomers working that day were not capable of doing such a job instead of trying to tell me that it was not possible. At least that would have been completly honest and made it clear that, although they could not help me, another groomer could.

To be fair to everyone concerned, your employees were unfailingly polite while we discussed this matter and they did apologize when I chose to cancel the appointment and offer to let me use the phone if I wished to check with my husband on what to do (I knew he couldn't be reached so I declined the offer).

All of the employees in that store are exceedingly polite and these two were no exception. My complaint is not with them exactly but with the fact that specific guidelines were not given over the phone (during either call) regarding size and/or age for full grooming and that the groomers are either misinformed or not sufficiently trained in the handling of small and/or young animals.

For the record, the puppy in question weighs 4 lbs and is approximately 6 inches tall. The cut Sophie was given was a simple, short clip with "poodle feet" and shaved face and the groomers who handled her commented on how exceptionally well-behaved and mild-mannered she was. The other puppies were taken to them as well and we have decided not to return to PetSmart's grooming services with any of the dogs.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I hope you can respond soon to this very concerned pet owner.

http://www.planetfeedback.com/index....opic_id=260346

[yorkieusa]

Now, this is directly from a petsmart groomer:

we get sent away to grooming school for one month. after the month, we come back to petsmart and do 100 dogs under supervision from our salon mgr. - then we make our portfolio to send away to corporate.

*****

another petsmart groomer:

I worked part time at Petsmart a couple years ago to make some extra cash. MISTAKE! My co-workers weren't team players, the grooming was horrible. I could give countless examples. (dogs being finished wet being one of them.. ugh!) The city I live in has 3 Petsmarts and one Petco-- All with the same reputation-- Overpriced crappy grooming. period. Undertrained groomers. Managers who know nothing about grooming and sloppy work ethics. I lasted for 5 weeks then couldn't stand it anymore. I felt the dog owners were being taken.
Also.. the shop I work at now has had quite a few groomers from Petsmart come to us and ask to be retrained to learn how to do it right. They can see the difference too. Some people are born for it. Grooming is an art and isn't for just anyone. http://www.terrificpets.com/forum/21105_2.asp

[Tillys_mom]

I'm glad I am finding this out. Awhile back mom and I were gonna take the girls to Petsmart because our groomer was out sick. I'm so glad we didn't. Something told me not to. The place that did the girls as a fill in was probably no better though. Tilly was cut way to short and Baby was all knicked up in places. She had this one long piece of hair that drove us nuts! We took them back and asked if she could fix the girls up. We watched her do it then. We did learn from our mistake and they haven't been back since.

[candybaby]

Girl, we had a thread about petsmart groomers and everyone agreed petsmart sucks on grooming.
I took my little girl to get her ears shaved only and they trimmed all the hair around her eyes and shaved all the hair off her ears when I told them to only cut a 1/3 down. I wanted her hair to grow long where it lays down around her eyes (if that makes since) and they cut it off she kind of looked like an owl with big bat ears for a couple of months. I didn't even pay I walked out on them because I specifically told them only the ears.
I should of stayed in the room while they did it but I ran to buy some dog food for her real quick and came back and she was shaved. I never went back to them again and never will and will never recommend them to anyone.

[typerk]

I have been going to petsmart for over a year and have no problems. My dog's groomer have given her everything we have asked for. From keeping the hair long to keeping the hair on the face long and the rest short to cutting all the hair all the way down for the summer. Don't blame petsmart, blame that particular groomer.

[mylittletigger]

Originally Posted by typerk

I have been going to petsmart for over a year and have no problems. My dog's groomer have given her everything we have asked for. From keeping the hair long to keeping the hair on the face long and the rest short to cutting all the hair all the way down for the summer. Don't blame petsmart, blame that particular groomer.

I TOTALLY AGREE!!!!

my dog always looks wonderful when he leaves their grooming and that's nonsense about the size issue. Tigger's right at five pounds and they always do him. I've even seen them do much smaller.

[LUVMYORKIES]

I too have had bad experiences with Petsmart. Someone told me that petsmart groomers are usually people who are just learning and are there to gain experience. Something like new to that field and working their first job as a "groomer"Anyways, after my experiences and after someone told me that it kind of made sense and i go to a private groomer now, but i do agree that its the same as it is for us people; you have to find one that works for you and does a good job according to what you want. Anyways, good luck!

[ginnysanchez]

Originally Posted by irishawk

My poor baby...

Oh, that poor baby! And I can just imagine what you felt like when you got him back--between the bad haircut and the fact that his hair is growing in lighter than his "puppy fur" it must have taken you a moment to recognize your own dog! While Google's first grooming was a good haircut, I was still shocked at having dropped off a black and gold puppy and picking up a silver-blue and gold puppy. LOL

But, bad as that haircut may be...he still looks cute as a button--put a t-shirt on him so he won't feel "naked" and you're good to go!

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by red98vett

awwwww...he looks adorable - Put a little shirt on him so he doesn't feel so nekkid

and I agree with who said at least he's ok. There's horror stories about groomers and some dogs have actually been cut or killed by the dryers by bad groomers (not necessairily at Petsmart)

all he has is a bad haircut - and LOTS of us have been there....

If it will make you feel better ...here's Chanels BAD haircut picture for ya !!

O man Vee...I never saw that one! It's so bad, it's cute!!!

[BabyFidgette]

I guess you can compare Petsmart to a Barber, and a Groomer to a salon. A barber buzzes off hair, where a salon does a cut and style.

[SnowWa]

I have had several dogs that need to be groomed -- one a Bichon - which by the way makes other breeds look like a piece of cake. They are pure white and as fluffy as a dog can possibly be. They have two coats of hair, and their curly, wool-like hair has to be blown dry and straightened - and then they need to be totally cut with scissors ---- very very carefully. Grooming a Bichon well is not an easy task!

I have taken my Bichon and my other dogs to many different grooming places and to tell the truth - I have had a lot of bad experiences at different private shops. The best cut I ever got was not at Petsmart --but it was at Petco.. much better than any private groomer I ever visited.

So - of course - I have the girl's name and am looking forward to having her give my little Yorkie his first grooming experience.

****** I think the secret to finding a good groomer - is to keep looking until you do find one. Sometimes you're lucky and find one or someone directs you to one right away - and other times it takes longer. I personally have gone to different groomers for years and have certainly thought some were better than others -- but, now I've found one that I really like....and, you know who will be getting my business.

I have a couple friends who go to PetSmart - and they like the groomers they use....... So - I can't knock all the PetSmart stores because some people have have bad experiences -- I've had bad experience with small shops.... go figure!!!!!


Carol Jean

[chestermama]

Im sorry about your experience with petsmart, I take chester to petsmart all the time in lakewood, wa, the gal that does chester has been doing dogs for over 20 years, I have people ask me all the time where he gets his haircut. Alot of groomers have trouble with yorkies because of hair instead of fur, not all petsmarts are bad. Their is a place in tacoma that is way worse, will put several dogs in a crate and everything, I cant think of the name of it right now.

[Sadie's Mom]

Originally Posted by typerk

I have been going to petsmart for over a year and have no problems. My dog's groomer have given her everything we have asked for. From keeping the hair long to keeping the hair on the face long and the rest short to cutting all the hair all the way down for the summer. Don't blame petsmart, blame that particular groomer.

I see that you live in Irving...which Petsmart do you use & which groomer? Just curious if we have the same one.

[Sadie's Mom]

Originally Posted by AprilLove

Hi all,
Just want to give a different spin on this and share my experience. I think not all of the groomers at petsmart are bad. (don't hit me!) When I got my first furbaby (Bichon) I took him there and was lucky to get a girl named Vanessa, who did a real good job. Next time I went in she was not there and I had to have him cut so I just let this other girl do him. OUCH!! He looked like a poodle(no offense poodle lovers)(at the time I thought he should look like a Bichon, first dog, no idea that he probable didn't care! now he just gets short cuts and I love him matter what!) and shaved where he should not have been. Well, I always requested Vanessa after that, and she took on my next Bichon and Maltese as well. Always had happy dogs after they came home. She got her start at Petsmart and about 3 years after starting with her, she opened her own grooming salon and I have been bringing my babies to her ever since (1994) She was excited to do AprilLove for the first time, as she has a 13 year old Yorkie (named guess.... Shampoo!!!) Since AprilLove is so squirmy, I think she did real well on the cut.
So, although I agree in general that private shops are probably better, everyone gets their start somewhere. And I guess, a good way to find a groomer is to get recommendations via word of mouth.

MaryKay
AprilLoves Mommy

I agree that it depends on the groomer & not the store in general. I go to a Petsmart & use the same person every time. She has always done exactly what I've asked & is very good with my Sadie. I've never had the first problem with her. When Sadie's hair was longer, she did get some mats & when I took her in to be groomed, I asked her to please not cut her hair short that I was trying to grow it out but that I did know she had some mats. She brushed them out & you couldn't even tell where they were & Sadie looked great.

I'm saying all this just to prove that not all the groomers there are bad. I'm sorry that some of you have had bad experiences & I would never try to talk someone into going there if they were uncomfortable with it, but I would recommend the girl that does Sadie to anyone else.

[ssguzzy]

I had the same expeirience at petco! I will never use them for grooming again. They claimed she was to matted and had to shave her down when I know for a fact she was not because i had brushed out really good that morining. I found a groomer thru some recomendations and she let me come see when she groomed a yorkie. I was sold on her services when i saw how nice the yorkie she groomed came out.