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PetSmart review: grooming-policy 5

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8:42 pm EDT
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Took my dog in to get her nails done like I have every month for the last two years. Today, prior to the groomer taking my dog, I informed her that I needed to put a muzzle on her (like every time I have her nails done) just as a precaution. The groomer stated that she needed to be the one to put the muzzle on. Now, would you attempt to put a muzzle on a dog that does not know you? I informed her that I preferred to do it as if anything were to happen, I did not want to liable. This dog has never bit anyone, just being cautious. Anyway, told her to get the manager, and he stated that this was policy. So, it's their policy to subject their employees to potential harm by having them muzzle a stranger's dog. Never been advised of this in the past, so I told the manager that they just lost a customer.

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TdC2
Bowie, US
Oct 21, 2022 5:38 am EDT

Interesting!

My dog is a Maltese, age 18 months and 10 pounds. She is being denied service because she nips at the clippers and some other comment they have put in her file. Trying to get main office and the store I have taken her to explain the policy and why a lap dog is too much for trained staff. The run around and no answers but they have my dog's file noted so it is a problem getting her seen elsewhere. These dogs are known to be playful and excitable for a number of reasons but they are small enough to be managed you would think by "trained" staff like they claim to have. Looks like the updated grooming protocols they made in 2018 after complaints of mishandling pets was a show or handling small dogs is not a skill set at the location near me. Whatever the problem is, my dog needs to go somewhere and flagging a puppy that does not bite is extra and a bit much.

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mandykins
, US
Mar 11, 2013 10:50 pm EDT

I work at petsmart. Policy is we can not take in dogs with heart murmurs or cats since they can get stress and it can cause a health issue. We have to muzzle the dogs ourselves if we can not perform something called HOP "hands on pet" at check in then we can not take in the pet. Here is the thing the policy depends on the grooming associate. I been told no you can not let the owner put the muzzle on the dog, or I am told let them put it on. The policy is what it is but its never followed to the T

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Militarymomma
Plantation, US
Jan 05, 2013 1:43 pm EST
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I had a similar experience with Petsmart. I had been taking my Chi there for years now and having his nails trimmed. Months ago they decided to "reinforce policy" and stated I needed to show the rabies certificate. I understand it but why not post the policy at the entrance or mail the customers? Why do they want our email if they won't use it? I was denied services all of a sudden because a groomer was recently bit by a dog. Just today, they denied services because my dog has a heart murmur. So, no dental brushing or nails trimmed because of a murmur. It wasn't a problem in the past! They said, "It's our policy. It just wasn't being reinforced in the past.". Reinforce your policies across the USA and get it right people!

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angrycustomer1980125
S Charleston, US
May 15, 2011 2:12 am EDT

I agree with you about being able to muzzle your own dogs.Why did they say they had to do it?Was there any reasonable explanation?I was discriminated against and told my dog couldn't even be muzzled by me OR them because it was a Chihuahua.I told them they lost my business too.Maybe one person doesn't make a dent in their wallet, but more people together will

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xxjaimo33
, US
Apr 11, 2011 1:21 am EDT

That policy is created to ensure the safety of you and your pet. If a groomer cannot safely get a muzzle on your dog, then that dog should be groomed by a vet. If your dog is too stressed to allow a groomer to get close enough to muzzle it, the service should be done with a vet.