PetSmart
reviews and complaints

I have been keeping my 2 dogs at petsmart pethotels for several years and when I went to book with them yesterday they told me there is a new policy that my 2 dogs need to be kept in seperate kennels (because they are not neutered). They are a breeding pair and companions. I have a breeder's license from APRI. In the odd chance that they would mate what possible harm is that to me or them? Not that they can breed continously all year long! In addition, I was told the bordetella shot must be given 48 hours before bringing them in. The girl started our conversation telling me not to be late picking them up as they were heavily booked. Because of these new policies and this girl's rudeness, they have lost this customer.

I just picked up my golden retriever from the Bethesda, MD location and he was covered in urine. He smelled horrible and was totally matted and sticky. He was only there 4 days, and it looked like he was a homeless stray by the time I picked him up. There was no effort on their part to clean him up unless I prepaid for a bath. This is another example of Petshotel not carring for the well being of the pets that stay with them.

I will never take any of my pets there again. This is unacceptable neglect.

Its hard for me to leave my pet anywhere. My 2 yorkies got kennel cough at a VCA and I wasnt told till I noticed it. i called them up and they said they'll give them shots for about $300 each.
Its a pain either way.

I take my dog to a boarding facility that does not require the Bordetella shot. He's been there 4 times this summer..with over 80 other dogs...and has had no problem. Kennel cough is exactly like the common cold and they haven't come up with the vaccine for a cold yet.There are over 10, 000 different strains of the bordetella virus yet the shot only proctect against about 1, 000 of these. So 6 months is way too much.

Vets will fight Petsmarts 6 month policy to death for no reason. Many studies have been done that it has to effect on the dog, and for the average dogs life span, the immunity to the shot doesn't dimminish. If you actually understood the sheer amount of dogs the facility holds every day, you'd understand why the shot is needed so frequently. Imagine what would have happened to your dog if he only had the shot once a year. The infection he got could have been much worse then just a common cold for dogs (which is exactly what kennel cough is). A matter of fact, New Jersey is one of the few states that still doesn't require vets to give that specific shot every 6 months, but this is also in the process of change. I challenge you to go find another boarding facility that will allow you to bring your dog with just the annual vaccination. Brush up on your facts and I recommend getting another vet, if you even knew anything about Bordatella, you would know the symptoms can be very very hard to detect. The dog may only cough just once in a day until the infection has spread. This can take up for 3-5 days for the virus to spread sufficiently through the lungs, and chances are you've already checked out your dog. Before you decide to complain about something try to learn everything you can about the situation. Go out and see some of the other boarding facilities in the area then talk all this guff you want on the Petshotel. Cleanliness and safety is about 1/16 of the care Petsmart gives the dogs in their facility.

Now I'm grateful that their staff personnel was so off putting. She claimed we'd never been there before. They gave my 5 month old puppy a bath and nail grind the first of March; but, this "groomer" told me no, not at this store. Then she said they needed to see his Rabies certificate and I told her that I'd shown that when he got his first bath and that the tag was on his collar. Then she tells me that "Yeah, no, we need to see the certificate because those tags can be switched." Because ALL I have to do is cruise neighborhoods looking for random dogs with Rabies tags to steal and then lie about. Never again. Never.

My dog fell off the grooming table at PetSmart and fracture his left hand leg can I sue? If so does anyone know of a lawyer in Illinois?

Similar thing has happened to my dog this week. Took him (small 3 year old, 10 pound chihuahua) to the Petsmart groomer perfectly happy... when I went to pick him up he wasn't himself and just looked tired. I figured it was normal and took him home. The next morning, my poor little dog was in SOOOO much pain. He could not sit or lay down, could not use the bathroom, didn't want to go for a walk or move at all... I took him to the vet! Vet did fecal, urine and blood sample tests. Found that he hadn't eaten anything bad and didn't have any toxins in his body rather his condition was the result of someone roughly handling him and his nails being cut too short. Today i found out that the groomer let my dog fall off the table, held him down aggressively, and muzzled him! My dog loves people, loves kids and other dogs, and is very obedient, so I have no clue why a petsmart groomer would do this to my small dog. Also on his "report card" the groomer wrote Mav did great! LIE OF THE YEAR! So far, I talked to the manager of the store and he didn't seem to care about the abuse my pet clearly suffered :( The vet gave my dog a shot for the pain he has around his hips and on his back, muscle relaxers, and anti-Inflammatory pills.

what did y'all do?

First off i'm terribly sorry about your dog, however i also noticed that you harped on petsmart for hiring felons, which is wrong.There are many evil people who have done alot of evil things but have never been caught, while someone could've gotten caught the first time they did something and decided to stop and change their life, however what they did will stick with them for the rest of their life and they will lead a much harder life than you. my cousin is a felon for having an oz of pot on him while he was in college and now its almost impossible for him to get a job even with a degree, about your dog sueing is not always the answer just push them to pay for damage done remember ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN not everything should be punished for an honest mistake. if your dog didnt feel clean its probably because animals and people excrete oils when they're in pain or under duress.

Petsmart is liable, and is suppose to pay.

Sue sue sue. Thats all anyone talks about. Dogs blow out there acl all the time. Especially dogs who already have hip issues to begin with. It happens, and yes, orthapedic surgery is expensive. Honestly, if it was the groomers fault this time, it probably would have happened regardless. I know a surgeon that comes to our clinic to do knee surgeries for us since honestly, its not that our doctors cant do it, but wouldnt you want someone that is a specialist? If you are paying $3000 to fix a knee or a hip, dont you want it done right the first time? Not that I dont have confidence in my doctors at my clinic, but even they prefer someone who has been doing this surgery for 40 yrs. Creating a new joint isnt as routine as a spay or neuter and most doctors understand that a seasoned set of hands is worth it. As far as whether its the groomers fault. Who knows if poor sandee got spooked or something. Maybe it was just time for that knee to go. Take her to a groomer you know and trust and then there wont be a doubt as to whos fault it was. As for the spiral fracture, dogs do get those from jumping from someones arms, Im not sure why you wouldnt believe that. You think your dog was beaten? If the groomer hit her it wouldnt probably cause a spiral. But as you said, you work at a law firm so its convenient for you to have someone else pay for her surgery. Its good to know that the cost of grooming will go up and the protocol will change because corporate gets sued. I hope you have more proof than you have a hunch. Knowing our society you would probably win just to avoid bad press, which is too bad. The poor groomer will probably get fired and maybe she didnt actually do anything wrong. Maybe the puppy did just get away from her. But you will have your money so it doesnt really matter right?

That's terrible. :( Very sad. I hope she is better now... seeing as this post is old. And I hope you sued PetSmart

Poor Sandy. Next time you will take a senior dog with hip problems to a vet for grooming instead of a groomers busy and possibly stressful salon, maybe?

known felons work at petsmart as groomers..i know one who works at the store in macon georgia and she does drugs..sue the store..get a lawyer... never buy anything from petsmart

before you take your pet to petsmart ask if the groomer is a known felon.. i know in macon georgis a groomer thats a well know con artist/ felon and she has her job... i would never buy anything from petsmart...

I used to work for Petsmart. It is extremely LOUD in the back (bathing and holding area) room. Not only from the forced air dryers but all the dogs want to hold a "who can bark the most and loudest contest" when they are in the holding cages. It's nothing we do to provoke them, they just get EXCITED with all the other animals that they don't get to see often. It's very stressful for a puppy who is used to the quiet, stable home environment where no other dogs are barking at them and nothing new or exciting happens to them. That's why the policy for puppies is to keep them there for the shortest amount of time they can. The 2hour express service. Nobody would be working there if they didn't like puppies. At the Petsmart I worked at we had water for each and every dog contantly because they can get over stressed and dehydrate, but sometimes they are too nervous to drink the water. I wish they weren't so nervous but they do get "used" to coming with subsequent visits. Kind of like a kid with the dentist, they have to get it done but they hate going. Also we had a over 12 weeks policy because they have to have their puppy shots "kick in" so they won't catch something. I do not like Petsmart anymore, because the greedy management and gossipy groomers (blah), but it hurts my heart when a customer accuses a fellow groomer of abuse or neglect without understanding their point of view. Again I do not know the details of your experience, but just give us groomers some slack because most likely we do care about your animals as much as you do and we have more experience with animal behavior and issues.

I'm not taking my dog to Petsmart any longer for the exact same reason. I have a 7 year old golden retriever who loves going anywhere including the vet. Whenever we get to the Petsmart grooming salon he pulls and refuses to go into the back room. This past week I took him again. That same night he began throwing up and it didn't stop for 2 days. He was lethargic and dehydrated. Several months before we had the same experience but I thought it was something he ate. Now I know better. I don't know if they're sedating them in the back or if it's something else that causes them to experience emotional trauma but never again will he be groomed at petsmart.

Grooming can be VERY traumatizing to a puppy. There are loud dryers, vibrating clippers, scissors, and barking dogs everywhere. So yes grooming can cause stress for a puppy but at the same time, stress does not cause those symptoms. Most likely your puppy was sick when you got it. Probably from a pet store! Do you think that people who have devoted their lives to animals would purposely be cruel to such a tiny innocent puppy!?!? Can we say paranoid!

your dog more than likely got sick, what do you think they did to him? Raped him? ###

I am being terminated by PetSmart after 1 honest error in 6 years. I have had a high level of success each year with the company and while nothing was proven to be of major consequence I am still being terminated for violation of policy. I was not approached about this error for 3 months and am being termed the week before Christmas as I have seen happen to so many. I have run a #1 store in the company and was well on my way to a second #1 store for the second year in a row (after taking the store over ranked 25 store from the worst). I have been held off for a week and can not wait to see if they also with hold my bonus. They had this initial ambush conversation in a public area of the store, rather than behind closed doors in my office. They also expected me to remember a transaction I approved 3 months prior. I even requested the contact the customer that I had made happy (which is our end goal at all times) and ask them for details. They have not done so. I am being termed on "it just doesn't loOK good". I have consistently had high reviews and have initiated and developed tools for PetSmart hat have been used in our entire region to develop success with regards to customer service aspects. I know of no other manager that has had 2 years of "Circle of Excellence" status in 2 different stores in back to back years. My staff is now leaving the company and very disgruntled. I have spent the better part of the year working closely with my staff and assisting them with personal matters and developing their skills and forward growth, when I was specifically told on numerous occasions to terminate people sent to my store. Instead, I worked with them and corrected their short comings and have gotten them on the right path. To be termed for 1 mistake in regards to confusion and forgetting to follow up during a chaotic time, rather than being issued an action plan (write up), is just ridiculous. 6 years of dedication and loyalty for a company that just like a switch threw me under a bus. Completely unprofessional in the handling of the situation, and not even loOKed in the eye during the conversation by my boss. Merry Christmas to me and my family from PetSmart. They have gotten too big for their own good, and while they talk a big game about caring for associates and customers, in the end it is all about working for Nazi's and being endlessly micro-managed. It's OK to be sexually harassing people, threatening people, and giving raises to certain people for no real reason (which had all been approached) - as long as you are a minority. PetSmart fears minority retaliation and gives reverse discrimination a whole new meaning. I take responsibility for my mistake and would rather accept this decision than work for this company anymore. In the end, I dedicated myself to their mission and led by example. To be targeted for a minute error is just plain wrong.

I worked as a dog trainer there for 2 years and I left because I wanted to advance in my dog training career and I could not do that with them. I left on good terms... I came back to them when I had learned more and I was a better dog trainer. They said that they didn't have any position opens but would contact me when they did. I just found out that they hired a girl for the position I applied for that A) has no experience and B) she used to work for them and they had to fire her because she never showed up for work and when she did she didn't do her job! So they would rather have a person that knows nothing training your pets then an experienced trainer! Don't be fooled by these con artists... They only care about your money not your pet! They hide behind charities while they take your money and run every little guy out of town! They are the Walmart of pet stores... Beware!

they are awful! i know you need to get a lawyer they need to be stopped or made to wake up!

You should write to Gobal & Mail. They will help you...

Suite these baster. I came from Petsmart as well, their Cancian divison is made up of whole bunch of jerks. They will fall flat on their face!

Good to know you get out ...

i don, t thinck anyone should shop at pet smart ever again after what they are doing to animals no if i was president i would have to go to every single store and talck to some costomers and ask them if the store is doing fine and if not close down and if it is running smoothly then i would give them a reward.

My dog's shoulder was dislocated at Banfield Pet Hospital during a routine examination, which I assume happened while restraining him for an x-ray. They put the shoulder back into place the follwoing day, and I'm waiting a couple more days to bring him back for a follow-up to a different location. I spent most of the past weekend filing complaints with all the related bureaus, and received a call from one of their regional managers about the complaint that I e-mailed their CEO. I made it very clear to her that my wife and I will take this case to court and we will sue for the damages and any out of pocket expenses we're going to have to get this taken care of. From what I've seen on line, they don't train their people properly and that's why these things happen. Did you ever get any type of satisfaction from them? I'm sorry to here about what happened to your dog.

I will not shop at Petsmart in Covington as well. Not with groomers, but with the manager, who as previously mentioned, not only could care less but has an attitude when a customer verbalizes a concern/complaint. I asked if the canaries for sale were bred locally. No one could/would give me an answer. Also when I checked out, I was double charged for several items. Upon bringing the receipt to managers attention he proceeded to "quiz" me like I had done something wrong for questioning the total. I had bought over $200.00 worth of merchandise; but with his manner, I simply returned every last thing I has bought. And will never go there again despite I live less than 2mles from it. The drive elsewhere is worth it.

Petsmart groomers suck. Brought my maltese and yorkie and paid $112.00, which was supposed to include the "extras" they promise you for $16.oo. When I picked them up my maltese looked the same, just smelled a little better and his face was clipped. However, he was barely cut (and I requested the puppy cut) and what was cut was all choppy; his butt was not shaved, the hair was not removed from inbetween his paws or his ears. The extra we paid for should have included a scarf, pumpkin scent cologne and a goody bag with greenies and coupons. Upon picking them up, none of this was done and they failed to give me the goody bag until I requested it. When I got home I called the manager, and his lack of concern just floored me. Petsmart supposedly prides themselves on putting pets first and he just brushed it off telling me that it was all just an oversight by not giving me the bag and stuff, and as far as my maltese getting a "puppy cut" - there is no such thing (as if; he gets it done at the vets office). How can they get away with, first of all, charging you more than enough to groom, then adding $16.00 for things they don't even do! It was against my better judgement to bring them there in the first place, but their groomer at the vets office was overbooked and they desperately needed to be groomed. I'll say this, never, ever, never again will I bring my babies there. Take my advice... if you are considering going there for grooming, don't. You will be sorry! This all happened at the Covington, LA. store (FYI). I am still so angry with all of this and I will not let it go until I contact someone at the corporate office.

Have you had any other problems with PetsMart? We have just paid close to 3k taking care of our Chow mix for an ACL incident. Our dog Sandee walked in on four and could not walk out on all four upon picking up from the Groomer at PetsMart. Our dog is close to 13 years old and did not race around like a puppy any more due to arthritis in one hip. However, she could go up and down the stairs several times a day and play catch and keep away, walk to the park and several blocks around the neighborhood. The corporate office in Portland stated she had a pre-existing condition. How does an ACL tear relate to hip.

Tell me more about your out come since Dec '07, as it is now July '08.

Did you sign a contract with them? Does it say they are responsible for accidents and/or liable for the pet's injuries? Do you have a list of what they are responsible for?

If you did sign a contract and it states that they aren't responsible it will be hard to do anything.

If the above doesn't apply, you may need to talk to the store manager/owner and/or their corporate head office to see if they will pay for the medical expenses.

Pablo

I took my dog infor x ray at 7:00 am, and they told us he should be done about 4:30. We call they said he was ready tone picked up, and after writing 15 to 20 min. They bring him out, and I how were the X-rays? She said oh, he has some arthritis. On the way homie am looking at our $600, 00 bill, and we get a call asking if we could bring him back in for X-rays. I am beside myself with anger. My other dog died 6 months earlier with a bad heart, which doesn't make sense because he was on their wellness plan.

I have found I hope a place to express my complaint about this hospital in Columbia, Md. I brought my cat in because he had a bladder infection, he was not urinating normally for 3 days . The vet said he had to do all kinds of tests on him because his bladder could have burst. I said he did not show any signs of pain, but he scared me into administering all these tests on him to make sure his bladder had not ruptured. To the tune of $775.00 later he said it was just a bladder infection. I knew this all along but his scare tactics worked and I was out of $775.00. I will never put my foot in that door again. I feel I was conned and mislead and taken advantage of. Just a warning find a good vet . I am looking into one in Fulton, Md. that was referred to me by a church.

I'm sorry this happened to your doggie :(. I would try getting referrals from friends if you get another dog.

Just put your plan to not-renewing, it wont start a new plan after you're up. And the thing on her hip is called rabies site vasculitis--a common reaction in small breed dogs to the ft. dodge rabies vaccine because it is a terrible product

I AHD NO PROBLEM WITH BANFIELD HOSPITAL FOR MY DOGS IN BOSTON AND NEW JESERY, BUT WHEN I CAME TO ALMOST 3 YEARS AGO I HAVE ONLY (ONE) TIME ACTUALLY SEEN A VET WITH MY YORKIE. I HAVE REQUESTED TRANSFERS TO OTHER BANFIELD VET HOSPITALS IN THE AREA AND THE SAME THING?
I REQUESTED 2X TO BE WITH MY YORKIE WHEN SHE HAD HER EXAM AND SHOTS AND WAITED 3 HOURS WITH A SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT AND HARDLY ANY BODY WAITING BESIDE EXCEPT A FEW WALK INS AND THEY WERE SEEN BEFORE ME SO AFTER THE 3 HOURS I WALKED OUT AND GAVE UP.
I AM SO DIAPPOINTED WITH THEM AND THE POOR PROFESSIONALISM. AND TRY AND GET OUT OF YOUR ANNUAL CONTRACT(WHICH I WAS NOT EVEN AWARE OF) I MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE AND WAS GOING TO SELECT SOME PLACE ELSE AND BANFIELD SEND DUE TO BREECH OF CONTRACT YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY THE REST OF YOUR YEAR'S ACCOUNT MONTHLY FEES IN FULL. I WAS FLABBER-GASTED! I SAQID IF MY PET DIED OR WE COULD NOT FIND ANOTHER BANFIELD YOU WOULD MAKE ME PAY FOR SERVICES NOT RENDERED AND ALMOST A YEAR'S BILL OF MONTHLY FEES? THEY SAID YES.
ALSO MY YORKIE NEVER HAD A HAIR LOSS ISSUE AND NOW ACCORDING TO THE "ASSISTANT(A HIGH SCHOOL AIDE) MY DOG HAS HAD A "COMMON" INJECTION REACTION ON HER HIP AREA WHICH IS HAIR LOSS THEY SAID, VERY COMMON. I SAID I HAVE DOGS ALL MY LIFE AND NEVER HEARD OF THIS REACTION. IT GETS BIGGER AND BIGGER EACH YEAR I TAKE HER IT WENT FROM A DIME SIZE TO A HALF DOLLAR SIZE. AND LOOKS AWFUL!
I HAVE TRIED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS BUT I CAN'T FIND ANYONE KNOWLEDGABLE ABOUT SUCH A REACTION-SHE NEVER HAD IT BEFORE BANFIELS IN OTHER STATES JUST HERE IN GEORGIA. I PLAN TO TAKE MY LOVE BUG TO ANOTHER VET FOR THAT INJECTION SINCE I STILL AM UNDER CONTRACT I WILL DO THE ANNUAL BUT LET MY CONTRACT RUN OUT I THINK.

To quote Mr. Krabs of the Krusty Krab "Let me play you a sad song on the world's smallest violin. No, really - it's the world's smallest violin."

HAHAHAHa, Are you kidding me? The other owner had the NERVES to Show up with a dog wearing the same Costume? SOMEONE call the president... serious crime being committed. This can not be a serious compliant. How old are you? What was the prize you would have won? A coupon book or a free handkerchief? It was just for fun. GET OVER IT. This can not be for real.

this is the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard.

boo hoo, your dog is ugly

OK, that's ridiculous. For one thing, it's not even a professional contest. It's just for fun. And it's people like this that take all the fun out of it. And do you know for a fact that they were related or was that all in your head like everything else. Stop taking yourself so seriously, take that stick out of your rear and just relax. Have some fun. Besides, that other dog was probably cuter.

How sad does your life have to be when you get this pissed off over losing a dog Halloween contest? Did it ever occur to you that maybe your dog just wasn't that cute?

I was there that day and I know for a fact that you were fairly compensated for your whining and complaining. It was meant for a fun activity not cut throat competition.

Yeah, the prize for those contests are like $10 gift cards! oh my god... is it really that big of a deal? Did you ever think that maybe, even though the other dog was in the same costume, that maybe that dog looked cuter in it. Also, I've been to those contests before and just because you aren't there for the parade doesn't mean you can't be in the contest! That's why they hold it from 6-8 pm, so people can come whenever they feel like it. You can show up whenever you want!

Are you serious? that is the stupidest thing I ever heard its a fricking contest no big deal. Can I tell you what you are you are a person who is obsessed with their pet get over it.

I work for the petcare department and I've had no problems. It takes to work the job to know it and you don't know it. Maybe that store is rubbish, but most managers -or atleast mine- keep you after 3 write ups. I don't know what your source is smokin, but its makin them ###ed.

From a person actually in it, and not a person listening to discruntled former employees, I can tell you that Petsmart is a wonderful place to work. I've never heard of any of the guidelines and procedures you talk about. Maybe some of the people who were fired needed to be. Petsmart has a really high standard in safety and if anyone comprimises that they need to go. Sorry you disagree because you can't get birds you like or food your dog eats. You're an outsider who should judge the source of info. And if you choose not to shop there then please don't. I personally hate dealing with people who have already made up there minds and don't like to look at facts.

As a cashier for PetSmart, personally I can 100% disagree with you here. This company has been one of the best I have worked for and they treat everyone in my store great! The managers are nice and friendly, and the store manager is probably the nicest and jokes the most. I have many personal experiences in which I can vouch for PetSmart. And let me tell you, what is this nonsense of having 65% of customers sign up for PetPerks? Never heard of that, but let me say that I probably only issue 2-3 PetPerks a day...nowhere near 65%. So, maybe things are different up in Canada, but down here in the US, PetSmart is a great place to work!

I can tell you for a fact that it takes alot more to fire an employee than not getting 65% of their customers to sign up for PetPerks. There is a whole write up and warning process, just like any other business. Also, from the way you talk about it... why does it matter that PetSmart is an AMERICAN company?

Umm, win you win a car on Price is right, you have to pay taxes. You go to Oprah and she gives you something, you have to pay the taxes. You win the lottery, you have to pay taxes. BUT no way should you ever have to pay sales tax on a free bag of dog food. Are you kidding me? This is your big complaint? What was it 2.00? For goodness sake! Then we all wonder why the economy is in such bad shape.

that's the law...the other day someone complained about having to pay taxes on grooming bc its a service but the law says that grooming is considered a luxury. blah blah blah. its the law contact your senator no the store manager everytime you come in!

haha, it's the law you ###. Complain about your government, not PetSmart. What are they supposed to do? Break the law just so you don't have to pay tax on your FREE dog food?

How would Petsmart make money on Taxes? They dont, thats the Goverment, not Petsmart, [censored]

Welcome to the 21st Century, where consumers are taxed on their purchases. In the majority of states, the Government requires companies to collect these taxes. If you operate a business that accepts coupons, and you are not requiring your consumer to pay such taxes, you are commiting coupon fraud, by not following the terms of the coupon. Unless your state excludes it, and only a few do, you are also commiting tax fraud. Yes, the coupon that you redeemed said that taxes are the responsibility of the consumer. The manufacturer wrote the coupon, in compliance with local laws, not PetSmart. Pull your head out of your hiney long enough to read, and comprehend how sales tax laws works in your state. Hope your pets enjoyed the bag of food that the manufacturer GAVE you for free, since the tax all went to your state Government. Greedy bast*rd!

Unless you were hiding in a cave in some remote island everybody has heard of paying taxes on most anything you buy. I have never seen a coupon where taxes were not to be payed by the customer. Fast food contests like McDonalds monopoly instant food winner games you even pay the taxes on your mcmuffin. They or any other business is not resposible for that nor should anybody expect them to pay YOUR taxes. Get a grip and be happy for the free bag of food and quit being so rude and greedy.

I've had to pay sales tax on many free things before too. The way I see it is you're getting a free bag of food. What is a couple cents to you? I think I would be happy if I only had to pay the sales tax on the bag of food!

I work at petsmart as a pet trainer but also cashier sometimes. I had the same thing happen to a customer and it took me awhile to read the fine print, but it did say the person was responsible for taxes. I don't think it's fair, but it is the coupon that dictates what happens, not petsmart. I had a time with the customer and understood what he was saying. If it says it is free, then it should be FREE.

Your the one being tacky, not pet smart, good grief, So you got a free bag of pet food and got upset for paying the sales tax. YOU need to educate yourself on business. All company's have to pay the sales tax they collect on every product they sell...they don't get to keep the sales tax, they have to pay it to the state monthly on every product they sell, thats why you had to pay the sale's tax, even though the coupon was for a free bag of pet food, you apparently did not read the fine print on the coupon, never includes free sales tax, someone has to pay the state for sales tax.

Store #: 6134 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando Fl. I took my tiny YorkiePoo to the groomers at this PetSmart, she only weighed about 3 lbs. when I was told she was ready about 35 minutes later. No one said anything to me but gladly took my money.
Seconds later, I was holding my tiny YorkiePoo and her face on the left side was quite swollen, both her eyes were filling with blood. Her Vet was in the same PetSmart at Banfield, I immediately ran in there and they started working on her right away. Her Vet sent an assistant right in to talk to the groomers to find out what happened. They refused to talk, the Vet himself went in to speak to them and was so angry, they again refused to talk to the Vet. The Groming Manager was called and said her employees already called her and nothing had happened.
My tiny YorkiePoo was in critical condition and almost died.
The Grooming Manager was just nasty and refused to talk. We even said we were not trying to Sue anyone, we just needed to know what happened as the Vet was frantically try to save her life. My dog still suffers from trama to her ears.
Stay away from this grooming salon. Several other pets also suffered at the hands of this salon and the grooming manager is useless.

My experience with my two little dogs was far from pleasant at the petsmart Barrie, Ontario, they wrote my phone number wrong, left a message on a wrong number, i was late getting my dogs on a Saturday, one got an ok haircut but my shi tzu got sick he has a bad cough probably from the chocking collar they used and fever, he has no hair under his neck plus very irritated skin, they gave me "pawgress report "saying he was HORRIBlE, and i paid the double of money i pay in the other place, unfortunately they were too busy until the end of the month and we could not wait.
A total lack of respect for us costumers, if they cannot handle a dog they should call the owner and stop hurting the animal, i thought they were professionals since is a corporation but is truly just a business that care just on making a profit.

While in store on 7/26/2010, CASHier informed me that while giving me a grooming card with a treat attachd that I could get my new pup of 2 months groomed for $5.99. I thought this was really a fantastic but questionable price and questioned her for a second time if that was the price. She for a second time said that would be the price. The next day, I called to set up an appointment and the clerk stated that the price I was given was incorrect and the price would be $10.99. I made the appointment for the next day and when I inquired what the price would be, I was for a second time told another of $15.oo. This was indeed a bait and switch game.

I'm about to leave my job as a dog bather at my local Petsmart. I think the groomers deserve a LOT more credit then what they get, because their jobs are so difficult. Also, like me, they all start off as a dog bather. Being a bather I worked along side the groomers, and I give them so many props for the ### they deal with. Being a dog groomer is just like being a cosmetologist for people, with the same amount of complaining and pickiness from a customer, but the client often does not want to cooperate, will bite and spin around the table, and just cause a ruckess like you wouldn't believe. Groomers get paid commission so any misbehaving or late dogs they have to spend extra time working on do not get counted as "over time" if the groomer winds up having to leave way later then they were scheduled to. I can't STAND my job as a bather. We get the biggest dogs, and they have the build of a carnivore with the mentality of a scared toddler. They flail, scream, shriek, and when they are REALLY stressed, will try to bite. They fall off the table, do alligator rolls and bite while we try to blow dry them, and are the absolute worst to do nails on. Imagine being scheduled 8 or 9 bath dogs and then having to deal with walk in nail clips and grinds on dogs that are totally time consuming and uncooperative. Personally, I think walk ins should be banned on weekends or busy days, as all they are are a hindrance. The nails can wait. If it's such a dire issue, go to a vet and quit wasting our time. Bathers wind up quitting every month at my pet smart and I'm barely making it past the one month mark. It sucks even more because the attitudes of our customers. I can understand your frustration, but please, try to put yourselves in our shoes.

We just had our dog shaved at pet smart. The only reason we peed them was because there was an urgent need . In the past, we learned ththat getting a dog groomed at petsmart should only be done in an urgent situation. The staff at our store in KNOXVILLE tn are indifferent at best relating to customer service. The don't seem to appreciate the customer and treat them as if they are just a hindrance or a bother on their time.This is sad because when I worked in a sales position with a children's shoe store, I would have been fired if I was ever rude or disrespected a customer. The customer is why you have a job in the first place ! Our dog was shaved very quickly . They said he would be ready by 3-4 pm...he was done by 1. Not sure what happened but the job was obviously rushed and when my husband picked the dog up, theady told him he didn't do well, not suprised. I usually take our dog to a private groomer who loves dogs and has over 30 years of experience.Most of the groomers I've seen at petsmart are young or youngish, have multiple piercings ( not professional) and come with a snarly attitude as in, bosses don't care . You get what you pay for. Or in the case of petsmart, not always, but the real gripe should be with the managers who hire the rude people and don't train them how to be professional in dealing with customers in the first place. Seek out a groomer you like and don't be naive and believe everyone will give you and your pet wonderful service *yat because they offer grooming.its your responsibility to yourself and your beloved pets.

I took my Yorkie to the petsmart groomer in Durham, NC. I dropped him off at 8:30pm so that I would make it to work on time even though his appointment was at 10. I called a head and asked if this was okay and it was. When I picked my dog up after work I was overcharged for services I never asked for and the appointment wasn't made for and much more importantly my dogs eye was injured. I understand soap in the eye can sting, but it was much more than that. His entire right eye was blood red and running so I took him to the emergency vet. $200 later plus the incorrect extra charges from petsmart, which since they did do the services they would not refund me for, the vet told me that my dog had experienced sever trauma of being hit in the eye and his pupil was damaged.
The next morning I went back to petsmart with my medical bills and spoke with the grooming manager who told me that they had no record of my dog getting injured at their location and implied that I hurt my own dog. The words she used were "it's ashamed animals can't speak and that you can't prove anything happened here." The only place my dog was all day long was at the groomers, he was dropped off and picked up there and as soon as I got home and noticed his strange behavior I saw his eye. Not more than 10 minutes passed that he was out of the groomers and the manager had the audacity to imply this was my fault somehow.
Now I have to return to my vet three more times to check his eye and see if his vision is recovering and I didn't get so much as a refund or any compassion from anyone at petsmart. I had been going there for 2 years with my dog and will never go back ever again. Instead of a refund for my overcharge I was offered a free service next time, yeah right, so they can damage his other eye. There was no paperwork at all about my dog, whether he was being difficult for the groomer or not, no documentation-and I was never made aware of any problems he posed in the past 2 years he went there so I don't think this can be blamed on the dog.

Just like the others have said if your running late give the groomer a call don't show up at 11 when your appointment was at 9. Then get mad at the groomer because you were not on time and didn't call. Your the one being rude. I agree the groomer should have never said anything to you about the red box. But there must have been a good reason for you having a red box. Keep in mind your dog should go to the groomers about every 4-6 weeks. Alot of people don't realize by letting those matts get worse on the your dog its cuts of blood circulation. I groomed 2 dogs over the summer who had serious matts on the ears. When the matts finally were removed the blood was able to flow in the veins on the ears again. The ears then began to bleed and become all red. I think all dog/cat owners should read up a little bit more about the health and care of there animal. That way they won't be ignorant and blame groomers for there missed behaving animal for grooming. If you are seeing someone abusing animals say something. If your not saying something was it really happening?! Or are you mad because the groomer wouldn't take you in for showing up 2 hours late for appointment?! And smaller Pet salon are going to have the same type of problems as companies like Petsmart and PetCo. Also if you look up information on dog grooming most deaths from dog grooming happen at smaller salons. Why because they don't have all the polices like Petsmart has. So to those people on here who own your smaller salon don't down Petsmart and Petco. Your not any better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhNxdXTnxtM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw4fc2SPWik

Wow I am amazed at the complaints. I don't have a dog but a himilayan that goes to petsmart and it is great.
My question is why on earth if you see abuse going on don't you say or do something and if employees are rude get a manager. If you were in a park and saw someone abusing a child would you just ignore..I hope not, people lacking in the ability to respond to such situations are part of the reason it continues.
I have been to petsmart when someone comes in late and I was next, when they were advised they needed to reschedule the customer got rude and I told them that if they made an appointment just like with their doctor they need to be ontime.
Clipping dogs and cats is not easy I can do it myself but prefer not and I am ok with that.
I think its great to vent but think out the entire situation and see if it could have been handled different on both sides for the employee, the animal and its owner.
Kathy

I agree that PetSmart grooming isn't very good at all. I live in Reno and I took my Yorkie in to get groomed, I gave the groomer three pictures of exactly what I wanted...I wasn't looking for a champion show dog haircut. All I wanted was for my puppy to look like a cute fluffy teddy bear, and he came out of the groomers looking nothing like one. I'm not really picky about cutting my puppy's hair, but I was really sad...my dog looked like an ugly rat...I made it clear I didn't want them to touch the hair on his face, but I guess I didn't make it clear enough...I previously took my other Yorkie about a year earlier and the same thing happened, but I thought I would give PetSmart another chance, but I came out with the same results. The groomer knew I hated the cut, since it looked nothing like the three pictures I gave her, but I didn't make a big deal out of it...my puppy wasn't matted either. I groom him everyday, and he is mellow around other people since he is really shy. Waste of $45.

I work at Petsmart, and you definitely should have been treated better! But although we all follow (or are supposed to follow) all the policies and procedures, all shops are different. One Petsmart could have an "I could care less manager", who lets the groomers abuse dogs and be rude, while another Petsmart in the next town over could have a wonderful manager who will not tolerate anything but sweet baby talk and smiles. Groomers in a salon usually emulate their manager. If all/most of the groomers in a salon are yelling, being rude or ignoring customers, it is likely they are following an example. Please don't write off all Petsmarts because one shop was stupid.
You should not have been told you were "red-boxed" (which is not even the term we use over in our district). I do apologize for that. It is not made to belittle customers as you aren't supposed to know about it. It is a warning that pops up when we pull up your information. For example "Fluffy does not like the top kennel-if you put her in one you will not be able to get her out and she will viciously attack you" or "owner has been here 10 times and has had a free groom 10 times. Maybe we should suggest an alternate salon as we cannot seem to make her happy" You should have taken your complaint to corporate because most likely talking with the store managers won't do anything as they see that behavior from their associates all the time and obviously condone it as they are still working there. Corporate customer service exists so that they can try to make each customer happy ("delighted" is the word they like to use which I think is a little overzealous), and prevent them from going online and "red-boxing" petsmart.
I think others have stated it perfectly--it is extremely stressful for you to be watching and in sight of the dog and to have it not be able to "go to mommy". Can you imagine how heart-wrenching that is for a dog? They don't have an opportunity to settle down and accept the groom and get to know the groomer. They just know that mommy is watching, she knows I am upset but WHY ISN'T SHE WITH ME? They do not find it comforting if you are there. I have been grooming for 5 years at Petsmart and not once have I seen a dog calm down and enjoy/appreciate it's parent's presence through a window.
Find a salon you and your dog loves-you owe it to her. But Petsmart is not evil. We are the only place with strict enough and consistent enough policies to prevent the most accidents/deaths to pets. We love animals--our job is extremely stressful and we are not paid enough for it. We must love animals to work there--I know I do!

As a professional cat groomer and cat owner (professional?) let me tell you that grooming a cat is one of the most horrible bloody experiences there can be (for the groomer) Literally, we get bit, scratched, peed on, anal glands sprayed at RANDOM on us, all for 50% of $70 or so dollars. I used to work for Pmart (as i call it). You have to be "cat certified" and most of the time it takes two "cat certified' people to hold a growly, uncooperative monster who is trying their best to KILL US.
That being said, if your cat still has "boots" it's because that area around the joints will get a groomer bit 99% of the time if they try to put a vibrating clipper near it. Persian cats are the best about getting clipped, however I think it's just because their bracycephalic faces make latching on to us with their fangs difficult... I'm sure your cat Boo Boo (cute name btw) was an angel, but give the groomer some slack! They really do work hard. Next time just ask for a redo because the lines (cornrows) on your cat are caused by a dull ten blade (the only blade safe enough to use on a thin skinned cat really) and they could have used a reverse seven blade to take out the lines but that runs more risk of cutting your cat's skin open if Boo Boo were to jerk around suddenly. Was your cat cut? No? Then the groomer did a good job being cautious. And I own a formerly feral cat who is an angel to me, but take her out of her home to the vet or wherever and she becomes Beelzebub. Cats don't like change in their environment or new people with loud equipment shaving their bodies.
Hope this comment helped. God bless you and your cutie Boo Boo.

It's not worth the time grooming a cat. Like someone already said most groomers won't do it and for many reasons. 1. Cats bite and scratch, a cat bite is one of the worst bites you can get from grooming small animals. If your unlucky it's just enough to cause a horrible infection 2. They are reluctant. 3. They stress out much more than a dog. 4. Most people have a cat for 5 years and then decide out of the blue to have fluffywuffums first professional grooming. Those are more than enough reasons. I don't think they tramatized your cat. You never introduced your cat to grooming. How did you expect it to act? Some cats really love grooming but most of them have been slowly introduced to the idea at a young age. You got your money back and nobody got bit.

PetSmart groomers go through a special training program before handling cats. Some of the requirements include:
-At least 1 year of grooming experience
-No safety incidents *at all* in the past 6 mos.
-Studying a special cat grooming manual outlining how to safely handle, bathe and shave cats
-Training under a certified cat groomer for no less than 4 weeks or until they feel you are competent enough to handle cats.
-Having to re-certify every year.

With all that being said, it is corporate rules that the only blade we can use on a cat is a #10 blade. This is a very short blade but the reason for this rule is that cats have paper thing skin. This blade is considered to be the only safe blade to use because no matter how experienced you are, cats are unpredictable. They will wiggle and twist every which way, and its better to have a safe blade that will not cut them if they move around than one with wider teeth that may do more damage.

The reason your cat's legs and underside may not have been trimmed is that generally cats get very upset when you're messing with their rear ends or legs. If I've shaved a cat's body and he or she gets too stressed out, I will not trim the legs. I would rather the cat not look as perfect as it could than have the cat flail about and potentially get cut or get loose and bite me.

Cats that have not been shaved before can react badly to it. I know when I do something as simple as clip my cats' nails, they will run off and hide for hours afterward. Imagine how they feel when you're doing nails, ears, bath and shaving. Of course your cat is mad. Cats in general want to be left alone.

It is unfortunate that all of this was not explained to you before the service. In the future, it would probably be best just to have your cat bathed. He is much better off with the hair as he obviously seriously dislikes being groomed.

The poor groom job was more than likely a case of your cat being unwilling. Dogs are generally more tolerant of being handled by strangers. Not so with cats. Your cat probably struggled quite a bit, maybe even tried to bite or scratch. That's why so few groomers are willing to do cats.