Complaint Review: Petland

On August 31, 2004 my mother purchased a female American Eskimo puppy from Petland as a gift for me. We went to pick her up. We discussed the warranty information, and I had asked the owner where the puppies come from, he proceeded to inform me that they all come from a broker who buys the puppies from licensed USDA breeders. They also informed me that I could take my new puppy to their Veterinarian at no cost for a check up within 5 days of purchase. Petland will cover 50% of any cost of illness (testing, medication, treatment, surgery, if needed)

After the Labor Day weekend, I made an appointment with their Vet. On September 8th. I had the Vet do a fecal and Urine test (100% at my cost) to determine if the puppy had any type of infection (s). Veterinarian comes back in to tell me that in fact the puppy has Giardia, and a Urinary Tract Infection. Both which can be treated and they are common Petland will cover 50% of this. I was then informed by the Veterinarian that Giardia a "common" parasite if transmissible to Humans and other pets.

On September 10th, I had to take my 13-month-old son to the Pediatrician much to my dismay that he had been infected with a parasite that has symptoms of diarrhea from 2-6 weeks. After these findings, I found it nearly impossible to care for a sick puppy and 13-month-old son.
I decided that it was time to contact Petland and let them know what was going on and that I am returning the puppy because I cannot take care of her.

I also explained that she is sick and my son contracted this illness. They were very hesitant in taking the puppy back, but they finally did with a "restocking fee" of $200. Petland assured me that they would isolate this puppy and treat her until her medication is gone not offer her for sale or play.

On September 11th, I had my brother go to Petland to see if they had in fact taken her into isolation and nurse her back to health. It was horrifying to hear that she was back in the cage with a clearance sale price of $299. He asked to take her out to play. They did not hesitate at all. The worker put the puppy in the play area with my brother and answered some questions he had, I.e.. "Is the puppy on any medication?" Worker answers "no, perfectly healthy, ready to go home".

Together we can end pet store puppy sales.

Danielle
Lake Villa, Illinois
U.S.A.