Dog Dies While Being Groomed At Petsmart
Posted: 01 Nov 2007 09:00 AM CDT Janie Phillips of Bakersfield, California is mourning the loss of her nine-year-old dog Tanya. Phillips went to a Southwest Bakersfield Petsmart to have Tanya’s nails clipped. And the last thing Phillips ever expected was Tanya to die during her grooming appointment. She believes the muzzle that was used on her Cocker Spaniel may have been too tight and caused Tanya to suffocate. But Petsmart said the muzzle was on correctly. Tanya was rushed to the vet, but unfortunately she died. Phillips decided to not do an animal autopsy, and when she changed her mind, Tanya had already been cremated. Petsmart offered to pay for all of the costs and sent over a house plant to Phillips’ house as a condolence. “That plant is not going to keep me company. I can’t pet that plant,” said Phillips. She said her best friend can never be replaced. Petsmart is still pursuing an investigation into what happened with Tanya’s death. |
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| Oh! How sad.............. I think that there have been a couple places on the forum about the experience (or lack of) of the the people who work at Petsmart. |
Wow!   That is awful!!! Poor thing! |
| What a horrible thing to have happen! I hope not everyone will pass judgment on Petsmart without knowing the facts. Many very capable and responsible groomers work at Petsmart, Petco or other big name stores because that's where the jobs are available. I'd bet many fabulous groomers got their start there. (no, I am not affiliated with any of these stores but know people who are.)
We recently had a 6 yr. old rescue pass away at the vet's office after minor surgery. I trust my vets and their staff completely and felt terribly for them because they, too, were devastated. In this case, it was most likely a blood clot or mitral valve collapse. The dog was from a puppymill so draw your own conclusions to the type of problems he may have had. I took Nelson to be groomed at Petsmart once and thought this particular groomer was very cautious and caring. Since then I've learned to do my own grooming. I hate leaving my boy with anyone if I can help it. |
| I hate BOTH petco and petsmart and have had nothing but bad experiences here, central TX, and in OK. I'm never taking a chance at another one. I think it's easier to screw a dog up there too since there are so many people working there at once. I like smaller places. The person checking in your dog is rarely the person grooming him/her, so things you wanted or didn't want don't get passed on.
Here they give any joe off the street a book and say "okay, you're hired." That's from ex-employees that now work at a different place. Not to mention the employee I saw that hit the dogs. This is even with the clear glass where you can watch everything from the store. When asked, I always tell people to choose a different place. |
| That just makes me sick !!!!!!!!
I do NOT go to pets mart anymore (and I use to love to go with my boys). I never brought it up till now but .... I went into pets mart a few months back and it was slow but a few people at a register . I turned to my right like I always do when I would walk in and look at the doggies being groomed through the window. What I seen made me yell ! A groomer (maybe 20 year old) Was choking a young dog with both her hands around the dogs neck and shaking it !!!! I let out a yell for someone to look at what she was doing ,well she then smacked the dog in the head and that was it ,I flipped. I started yelling to get a manager up here NOW and everyone just looked at me like I was nuts. By the time I could say what I seen the groomer looked and seen me yelling and pointing at her she turned her back to the window and tried the block the dog and calm it down . When the manager came up front he was asking me to calm down since I was making a scene ( you're dam right I was !!) Well, he said to me he could not do anything since he did not wittiness it happen . Ok~now I am really making a scene !!!!!!!!!! I left and stayed for a hour out front waiting for the owner of the dog to pick it up so I could tell her they almost killed her dog but no one came and I was so mad I was shaking .... For 3 days I called Corporate pets mart and filed complaints till the Owner of the chain here in Tennessee called me back directly and promised he would take care of it . I did not know what else to do ,I thought of righting a letter to the news paper and telling what I seen but since I seamed to be the only one who seen it I thought with my luck they would have a slander suite put on me !!!!!! I will never go to pets mart again ! Sorry to vent but man this pisses me off . Antoinette |
| W e have taken Barney to Petsmart to get groomed before (actually, he's there right now!). I am very cautious and wary about where I leave him, so I've scouted this place out and I've never seen anything bad go on. I even saw one groomer calmly try to reassure a dog that kept snapping at her. I've seen the same groomers each time I go, which I think is a good thing because it means they've been there for a while.
This is a very nice petsmart and I have no problems taking him there. |
| My heart goes out to that family. The death of a loved one is heartbreaking, especially when it’s unexpected. What a terrible thing to have happen.
I know Petsmart is trying to do everything they can to ease the pain for this heartbroken family. We are all dog lovers and never want to see something like this happen in any grooming salon. Unfourtunatly, it does. Sometimes it’s due to stress, bad breeding leads to medical conditions, and sadly sometimes the groomers loose there patience. It is our number one duty as a pet professional to NOT loose our patience no matter what. If the dog is too much for us, put him up and give yourselves a rest. Then we can call the owner and ask them to help or ask another groomer to take over for a while. Petsmart has a very strict no toloranc policy. In my eight years there I have seen people get fired for being too rough on a dog. That being said sometimes it’s hard to tell what exactly you’re seeing thru the glass. There are dogs that scream, bite and thrash about when you bring a toe nail trimmer or a clipper near them. Often times it looks like we are killing them in there when in reality the dog has not been properly exposed to the grooming environment. As a matter of safety we only muzzle if absolutely necessary and for 15 minutes. If we can’t get it done in 15 minutes safely, it won’t get done. We don’t want the dog to overheat and we don’t want to get bit. Company wide we all have a set of rules and regulations to follow. However, each salon has a manager who chooses how to run it. At my salon we are required to check in and out our own dogs. It creates that personal touch with our clients. This is how we get request customers. Just like we do with our own hairstylist, mechanics and doctors, we spend time researching there specialties. The same should be done with your groomer. Take the time to feel them out and give them a chance. Petsmart offers schooling for those interested in becoming a bather or a groomer. The have great benefits including 401k, stock options, and tuition reimbursement. They give me three weeks paid vacation each year as well as sick days and personal days. So… yeah I stay. |
gromingodess wrote: That being said sometimes it’s hard to tell what exactly you’re seeing thru the glass. There are dogs that scream, bite and thrash about when you bring a toe nail trimmer or a clipper near them. Often times it looks like we are killing them in there when in reality the dog has not been properly exposed to the grooming environment. I can understand where you are coming from since every pets mart is not the same but " I know what I saw through the GLASS". 
This girl was not trying to calm down a stressed dog she was pissed cause a young dog was busy turning to try and see everything going on ! I know what I seen !!!!!!!!! The dog was maybe 15 lbs ,if she could not handel him she need to go home. Also I don't get shaken up and sick to my stomach for just thinking I seen something bad . I think pets mart should have cameras in the grooming station LIKE my groomers place does. So then we can see what really goes on . Maybe then people would be fired. Antoinette |
| I- for one- will NEVER take Max there again. Not only rude- but a poor job of grooming.
Of course- I can only speak for the one store we used. So sad... |
He was a regular there at Stockton Blvd Petsmart in Sacramento/Elk Grove, CA. A loving, obedient German SHephard that everyone loved. He had bad hips which I always inform and it's on his records. WHen I came to get him from the groomers they told me they were just going to call me ( no one called me) and that he fainted while she did his back nails. SHe bathed him and while still wet proceeded to do front nails. I asked why she didnt dry him first and she said if she did dry him first then he would think he was done and give her a hard time with the nails ( not true-he's obedient and tolerant) SHe said she called for her manager and he got BAinesfield Vet to come get him. The Vet said he was near death when she arrived. After what happened after I got so many conflicting stories and lies. They said they would pay for BAinfield to do necropsy and cremation. I couldn't think I was stunned. I decided to remove him from there the next day and was told he was no longer there that they had taken him away. I asked who took him and where and they could not tell me. They only said to call in the morning and speak to the vet. I called in the morning and the girl at Bainsfield said he was there and would get picked up on Wednesday after lab results for cremation  . I later got a call from the vet telling me he was not there and that I could not pick him up. He couldn't tell me anything only that I am not allowed to get him. I told him did he want to lose his license over this and keep telling me the lie that he wasn't there? Then he went off saying things that did not pertain saying that if I came to get the dog that he would call the police. He was very admant about calling the police. I left and called the police myself on the way and met the Sheriff there to help me get my dog out of there. Petsmart gave the Sheriff trouble, not giving or answering what he asked and he got so mad he said he used to take his dog there but will not again after what they put him through. He said it's like everyone was hiding something. They pushed the immediate autopsy on me to have it at Bainfield and I should have taken him to another hospital had I could think better. They never offered anything else or go over any other alternatives. The sheriff and I waited there 1.5 hours trying to rtetreive the dog and kept getting answers like I can't say or give you this. The vet has to (and she wasn't there) The vet working that day that lied and told me Daz wasn't ther wanted to speak to the Sheriff but refused to speak in my presence and only in private with Sheriff. Daz's eyes were pushed outward and his tongue stuck out. I am told by others that that is a sign of aphixyasion- oxygen cut off to the brain as in strangulation . Preliminary tests showed no tumors. ( i was able to get initial test results of Bainsfield autopsy). He was a strong healthy dog when brought in that day.
There is more to what happen in the way of deceit and lies and resistence from Petsmart and Bainesfield but I'm suffice at this. I was able to eventually leave with Daz in my car. I could use help on this - It's one thing to maybe have a possible accident and it's another to hide info, lie, threaten to cover whatever tracks they are covering. Just because they are a big corporation that can afford fighting a lawsuit they continue to put the little shops out of business with their cheap prices while having no regard to the safety or care of our animals. People need to be aware of this. Daz was our protector and companion and he's suddenly gone. He was a good dog and gave no one trouble with his fine obedience. We miss him and our lives are suddenly upset. I feel "assaulted, lied to and left to repair on my own". |
| I am the one that posted the post as a guest. I am now a member and if anyone would like to email me regarding my experience with Petsmart grooming death they now can. " cmysmile00@aol.com "
Thank you. |
| I am sorry for your loss of Daz. |
| I am very sorry for your loss.
I have used Petsmart for many years and love my groomer there. |
| It happens everywhere unfortunately. My sister's dog died at a small well respected groomers' in her area of Florida and then the groomer called and lied and said the dog rana away. we all looked for her for months before an employee called and tipped my sister off. |
| Oh my, I'm so sorry for your loss. |
These stories are outrageous!!!!  I can't imagine having to deal with a situation like these. What a nightmare. |
I'm so sorry about your dog, I truly can't imagine how you must feel  |
kerry wrote: It happens everywhere unfortunately. My sister's dog died at a small well respected groomers' in her area of Florida and then the groomer called and lied and said the dog rana away. we all looked for her for months before an employee called and tipped my sister off.
Geez, I think that's worse! I'd rather at least have closure than to have hope that I may someday find the dog. That's really rotten. I'd always rather know the truth and not like it than lies that will cause me more pain in the long run. |
ButtersStotch wrote: kerry wrote: It happens everywhere unfortunately. My sister's dog died at a small well respected groomers' in her area of Florida and then the groomer called and lied and said the dog rana away. we all looked for her for months before an employee called and tipped my sister off. Geez, I think that's worse! I'd rather at least have closure than to have hope that I may someday find the dog. That's really rotten. I'd always rather know the truth and not like it than lies that will cause me more pain in the long run. I totally agree with Jill. Especially after losing a dog because he ran away in 1995. Still to this day everytime I see a gray toy poodle I think it's my Scooter. I would rather have gotten closure. Vicki, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you get some answers. |
| It can happen anywhere with any Groomer. I used the same groomer for almost 18 years, she groomed Tasker when he was younger and my cocker spanial for his entire 13 year life. I never understood why she kept the dogs an entire day for grooming. I would drop them off at 8AM and they would not be ready til 5.
I figured it was her grooming schedule because her shop was in her home and didn't think too much about it. Til dogs started dyiny. She lost three dogs in a short amount of time and it hit the news that she would drug the dogs. That was when I switched to Petsmart. I liked the big open area and the windows. I pay the extra for express service (which means that one person handles your dog from start to finish and they are done more quickly). I often hang around and watch. But Petsmart is only as good as the individual running it and I think you need to check anyplace you take your animals too very carefully. |
| Oh my god, what horrible stories!!! Just to think of all these dogs who suffered and then died, it just makes me sick and angry!
As I am learning Dog Groomer I am very much confronted with these problems, our teacher is VERY strict in us following the right procedures (which we want to do anyway!) and is telling us some stories who did happen. Like one she told us was involving an Old English Sheepdog, this story gone right to my heart!: The girl grooming the Sheepdog had him on the table and the phone rang, she only turned around and answered, in this moment the Old English got exited and jumped about and off the table and because he had the leash around his neck he hanged himself! I ALWAYS remember that as if would be my dog! It just makes you aware of what can happen in seconds and we have to be alert at all time! I started the Grooming Course cause I dont trust any groomers, now I can do it by myself and also can clip Charlie's nails etc. etc. So I know 100% that Charlie comes always out the way I want!! My condolence to everyone who lost their dogs in that horrible way!! Money doesnt replace any dog!! |
kerry wrote: It happens everywhere unfortunately. My sister's dog died at a small well respected groomers' in her area of Florida and then the groomer called and lied and said the dog rana away. we all looked for her for months before an employee called and tipped my sister off.
Oh my god - how horrible. And how stupid of them to tell you that about your dog. I think people panic when mistakes are made and just get themselves in deeper and deeper instead of telling the truth and taking the heat. Years ago a neighbor's dog had his leg broken while at the groomers - he had jumped off the table. His leg eventually had to be amputated. they did not allow him to jump off on purpose, it was an unfortunate accident. I think if the truth is told at the beginning it prevents so much more unnecessary heartache. |
Ellie's Mum wrote: Like one she told us was involving an Old English Sheepdog, this story gone right to my heart!: The girl grooming the Sheepdog had him on the table and the phone rang, she only turned around and answered, in this moment the Old English got exited and jumped about and off the table and because he had the leash around his neck he hanged himself!
A perfect example of why dogs should be on breakaway clips while on a table . I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to tell the owners that their dog died because I was careless. |
| Oh, that's sad. We never muzzled (unless the owners brought them in on a muzzle) an animal or chained them up at our shop. Most of the dogs (and some cats) came in weekly so they knew the routine. If we had one that just couldn't be done, we wouldn't do it. It wasn't worth the $25-45 for the hassle it'd cause us and the animal. We always recommended taking them to the vet where they could get some relaxants since it stressed the dog so much.
We did have a 10 year old dog die from a seizure on our table once. It had problems anyway, and I still felt soooo horrible telling her owner. It was so sad. We also had a 16 year old dog die on us in her sleep while we were boarding her. Her owner took an anniversary cruise with her husband, and we called her on the ship. She said she had a feeling it would happen while they were away, and that was really sad too. |
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