I searched for an animal transport service to transport a newly purchased puppy to my home. I was so impressed with all the positve comments of PawsNClaws of Alabama on their website.I searched the internet but never found any negative comments on them. I suppose I should have tried ripoff Report...
I sent them an email to contact me. I was interested in using their services to transport my puppy. I was contacted within a reasonable time frame..I read their contracts completely, and felt as if they were the service to transport my precious puppy. I spoke with Robin,and at this point I felt comfortable with the information she was giving me on how their service works. My primary concern, was the treatment of the animal. I was assured that they have strict guidelines that are layed out in the contract that they follow.
The customer service of these people and their make shift business practices are of very poor quality. I mailed in the signed contract..I had to make emails and phone calls to say hey is everything set...I need to secure payment, need an invoice...When is the date and time for pickup and delivery...I was not happy at all with having to chase down information.. Unconcerned establishment with customer service!!!
Finally, everything was set, after I was also told that there was a delay for pickup because of mechanical issues with the van...Okay...not, a big issue...so, it was set for a several days later, I can handle that...
They arrived to pick up my puppy from the breeder a few hours early...I could really go into step by step potential issues that the breeder noticed that made her leary and uncomfortable but, Again, she thought as I did at the beginning, I'm just too picky and expecting too much....Wrong!!! Always go with your Gut instinct!!!!
My puppy arrived approx. 6 hours early...Now, if they had abided by their contract that clearly states::::That they stop every 4 hours to let the animals potty and get movement..There is clearly no way, that they would have been here this soon. I can factor in the time and miles of a 10 hour trip..When my puppy was picked up, there were only a couple of dogs in the transport van with him and his brother(according to the breeder) that was also being transported with this service. Both of these 22 pound puppies were placed in one kennel and shipped together. Now, I didn't have an issue with them being placed together, I felt that this would give comfort to both of themand ease the tension of being taken from their surroundings. Until ,they arrived and I saw that the size of the crate!!! It was not adequate and sufficent for two mastiff puppies!!!
I see in the van, all the crates and count, 9 transport animals..Again, breaking their own contract because they were only suppose to contain a max. of 8. My puppy was placed into my arms, and my wife was given all the paperwork from the breeder. I thought, they picked up all these animals, and stopped every 4 hours to give these animals a break..This is not adding up!!
Tab, one of the owners of this wonderful Transport Company...Had a brief conversation with my wife and myself...He stated that the puppy's feet never touched the ground. He was concerned with parvo because he hadn't had all his shots. So, they would just stop and clean up the area and wipe the puppies off when needed. Now, my puppy did not arrive with any poo on him. However, he did have the smell of urine on him. We were told, oh yeah, he ate like a pitbull...Really<??? He's a mastiff!!!! When, I learned that my puppy had not been out of this cramped crate for 18 hours that he shared with his brother, I had immediatly went to place him in the yard to walk....Then off, they went, zoom, zoom, did not tarry around...
First of all, I would like to say that I know all about puppy gate for I was a breeder of bullmastiffs years ago. It took my puppy 4 hours to gain control of his rear end..He could not even hold it up to urinate. He would sit down because he had difficulty in walking. Also, his bladder was spazing and he did not stop the constant river of urine uncontrolable flow for 4 hours...I was not happy at all!!!
No wonder, 18 hours in a small crate, confined movement, how they ate i can't image...
Happily, I can say now, that my puppy after the ordeal, regained control of his bladder,and control of his rear end. He was walking, galloping, and not spazing with his bladder...I gave him a bath, and put my baby to bed for rest from his trauma..........!!!
My first concern, was the puppy....Once he was better, I began to boil!!! How dare these people do this to an animal....I contacted the breeder and informed her of the condition my puppy arrived in...At this point, she made it her mission to check on continously, on the other puppy and his travel... The breeder did contact me, and reported that the other puppy arrived in a better condition than mine did...So, if in some way, this helped him then I am happy...But, one truely doesn't know...Animals can't talk!! If only they could!!!
I emailed a complaint letter to these people and their wonderful business!!! I never asked for any refund....In my opinion, what purpose would that serve!!! The damage was done to the animal!!! As of right now, there has been no response to my email~~~ Okay, So, Here I go to report you as a consumer and an animal rights advocate!!!
After reading the other complaint from a consumer in California, I decided to tell my story, in hopes that someone would read and never use these people~~ I wish I had seen this report first, however, I reasearched as much as I could, and thought I made the best decision for my pet. I learned !!! Thank heaven that we have not had any long term damaging issues with our puppy!!
I now know why they are not a member of the Better Business Bureau!!!
I am also posting the email that I sent Robin, and Tab......Amazing how you can't even trust, contracts, or make shift business kennel breeder owners who say they love animals but clearly love the almighty $$$ most of all~~~
Complaint letter I send to them that has gone to deafs Ear!!!
To whom it may concern,
First of all,
My puppy arrived at 12:30pm on Feb.Monday 20th,2012. He was picked from the breeder in Missouri at approx. 6pm... which means this was an 18 hour trip for him.
When he arrived, he was taken out of a travel crate that he shared with his brother. All paperwork was given,as well as the puppy placed in my arms. The owner and substitute driver were courteous.
Then, my wife and myself were informed by both parties, that the puppy never left the kennel, until he reached me. They stated that they just stopped and cleaned the kennel when needed and the puppies. I do appreciate that courtesy.
I took my puppy into the yard , happily loving him, and placed him on the ground. When he immediately expelled urine and continued for 4 hours. Not little dribbles...Rivers......Which indicates to be as an ex breeder of bull mastiffs that he was holding his urine. My puppy was not allowed out of his carrier every 4 hours as your contract states.
Second, I am very well aware of what puppy gate is...My puppy could not even hold up his rear end to urinate. He urinated in a sitting position instead of a squatting, because he was in a crate with his brother which was not adequate or sufficient for two mastiff puppies.
I was not under any assumption that my pet would be placed in a single dwelling for himself for travel, and allowed breaks every 4 hours..I read it in your contact. I do however, appreciate the concerns for parvo...It was my understanding that a tarp would be place down every 4 hours for my puppy to defecate and receive stretching movement.
I wish to convey to you, that I have credentials as a wartime veteran serving our country,law enforcement deputy serving my community, and in no form or fashion have I over exaggerated what I reported to the breeder and now am reporting to you as well...
I expected your service to abide by your contact that you established for the protection of yourself, the customer, but most of all the animals that are you have in your charge.
I am well aware that you have a business to run,but I also wish to convey not all persons that you deliver to are ignorant..I hired your company to provide the best service for my pet. I feel that my pet and I were let down on your services.
I convey to you this, your errors and or over sites need adjustments..
Kenna, at this time walks quiet nicely and is thriving in his new home.