Complaint Review: Petsmart

Thank you mr rik, that is exactly the word I am trying to spread!  They say their employee's are trained to handle situations that occur.  This happened so fast it was a good thing I was back in the salon just as it happened, because both of the groomers  working just stood there watching!  They didnt make one move, get a spray bottle, make a loud noise to distract the dog, anything while Im trying to get an 80 lb dog to let go of a little 6 lb dog!  



Even though Im not well, I am strong, and I do know how to handle my dog.  I also make sure anyone that is suppose to be working on her is told everytime I went in - do not let her near other dogs, she can be agressive - I err on the side of caution because I am a responsible pet owner, there had never been an incident and I didnt want one.  I dont want anyone to go through what I did because of their negligence.   I want people to know that they will except no responsibility for their actions, they know that unless you have a ton of money for attorneys there is nothing you can do.   Well yes there is - I can spread the word, and take my business elsewhere - and others will too!

STAY AWAY! from Pet"smart".

You will get crummy service by inattentive high school kids, and SUED!

And your dog will probably end up looking like this-

believe it or not I contacted the dog whisperer, they don't work in my area and I have had no luck finding a good trainer.  She is actually well behaved, but the girls in the grooming studio loved her so much they were laughing at her running around and jumping up to get cookies, she is a ham so if you laugh at her she will continue to entertain you.   As soon as anyone came in the salon she should have been made to stop, all you have to say to her is "go to jail" and she will stop what she is doing and go in the kennel.  You will not meet a single person that knows her that does not love her, she is very people friendly.

I use a muzzle when I walk her in a public area where there might be other dogs, and the aggressive behavior has not been forever, she is almost 6 and it started about 2 years ago, Im not sure if it has anything to do with my being ill, like she is protective of me when it comes to other dogs not in her pack.  She had never hurt any one or another animal, but just seeing the  occasional aggressiveness starting I took every precaution I could.  When she took the dog off the counter there was no warning,  not one sign of malicious intent, it was like she was just taking it with her,  tail wagging and happy.    Im just frustrated,  had they kept her kenneled or on a lead until I came back in like they should have and allowed the other customer to complete his transaction none of this would have happened.   

I appreciate everyones input - and I hope everyone understand that this post is for everyones protection, it could have been my dog on the receiving end, or anyones pet - people need to be aware that this has happened and could happen to you, and Petsmart will not accept any liability whatsoever on the negligence of its employees behavior, and it doesnt matter that you remind them to be cautious every single time you come in, they will do what they want, and you will be the one that will suffer the repercussions.   If anyone knows of a good trainer in my area feel free to pass the info along, as soon as I am back on my feet I need to start over again with her, and have been unsuccessful in finding a trainer.  Thanks

Buy a muzzle for your dog and USE IT.  You won't need to worry about this ever happening again.

you should hire a "Dog Whisperer."

Sounds like your mutt gets out of control easily...not a good thing.

Actually, my dog is very friendly with people, and when she took the dog off the counter, from what I

could see it was like it was her prize, like the cookies in the bowl.  I always give strict instructions on kenneling her or putting her on a lead if other dogs are around as a safety precaution.  I was over at the front register by the entry doors paying for my services when the other person went into the grooming salon, and his dog was so small I didnt even see her.  So my dog was still in their possession.   I did not obtain an attorney, for what I settled for it hardly seemed worth fighting, and it was a week shy of the date of the incident that I received the demand, so I was caught completely by surprise that the owner had not contacted me directly since he had all my information.   I did call him a week after the incident to make sure everyone was ok, the outcome was all I cared about, that everyone was fine. 



So, basically what I did was call Petsmart, just to make sure they hadn't already paid for anything I was being asked to pay, came to a settlement with his attorney, which was less than the demand, and paid it.   Anyone that knows me will tell you I wouldn't have even asked them to help me out with reimbursement or anything like that a. if the dog had been completely in my possession, say walking down an isle in the store or something or b. had I not been out so much because of medical issues. 



I deal with the other end of the spectrum everyday, WC cases, false claims etc., and personally I cant stand the way people try to "get what they can" for everything.   They had been grooming my dog for close to 2 years, and everytime I tell them the same thing - but because she is such a love they were negligent in doing what they should have done, and crated my dog as soon as anyone came in.  My dog is not vicious, but she can seem agressive and that is why I always reminded them of the rules - they were negligent in allowing her to run around the grooming studio like a greyhound because they think she is so cute, and being at least 30 feet away at the registers I had no control over her, she was still in their care.    They admitted to their negligence the day of the incident, they know what happened.   And it isnt worth going to court, they know that.  I had been out on medical leave and had to borrow the money as it was - so they will just lose customers, alot I hope, because I asked them to step up to the plate and take responsibility for THEIR actions. 

First of all you know your dog is not "dog friendly".  Second you saw the behavior that caused the injury to the other dog and it does not look like you did anything either before it happened. 

Also, if the other customer is going to sue you Petsmart is not going to contact you, it is not their responsibility.  Now, if the other customer didn't contact you first then that is not fair for you to try and make it right.   But unfortunately there is no requirement that you must try to work things out before you sue someone.

You didn't specifically say but I am figuring you were in court and presented your case that they were suing the wrong person, and they should have actually sued Petsmart.  But you lost and had a judgment against you.  So not only did Petsmart say "your dog your responsibility" so did the courts.  I would guess that the main reason you lost is because at some point you probably signed something that states YOU are responsible for anything your dog does, such as cause injury to another animal or person.

It is no surprise the response Petsmart gave you when you requested that they pay your judgement.  The only way that they are going to pay is if you sue them and prevail, but based on the history so far your chances look very slim in prevailing.