Summer is a time known for family vacations which ultimately leads to boarding of family's loved 4-legged pets; however, a "luxury" resort and high price tag doesn't always result in good care for your beloved pets.
I boarded my dogs at Spa Paws from June 2-8. While my dogs were there, I requested to have them bathed on Friday before I picked them up on June 8th. I specifically stated not to shave any of the dogs with trimmers because I have had issues before with groomers cutting the dogs lower abdomens. Unbeknownst to me at the time of pickup, Spa Paws neglected my requests and shaved my golden retriever anyway for a sanitary cut down to his bare skin. Shortly after we arrived home, I noticed his lower abdomen had been shaved completely with many cuts, swelling and irritation.
The vet diagnosed my golden retriever with both bacterial and fungal infections of both his skin (lower abdomen) and ears. He must undergo medicated bathes 2x a week in additional to the antibiotics and anti-fungal medications. I have also discovered that many others have had bad experiences with Spa Paws only to be denied anything by the owner Janice. But the truth is, many pet owners in Fort Worth do not realize such problems even occur.
After several attempts of reaching the owner, Janice, I made her aware that my golden retriever was at my vet due to bacterial and fungal skin infections and ear infections. She became very hostile, rude and unapologetic. She argued and denied that any health issues occurred while the dogs were in her care. Specifically she denied that her groomer shaved my golden retriever's lower abdomen. Although the first employee I spoke to on Monday, Amy, told me she watched the groomer shave my golden retriever.
During the tours Spa Paws even leads you to believe they will provide the utmost care for your pets with expensive beds, blankets, dog bowls in every room during their stay. I discovered today after walking around the property that Spa Paws is not at all what you are led to believe it is. Most of the rooms are staged during tours with the fancy beds, blankets, etc. and you are told they will receive such "luxury" items during their stay. But, the reality is the dogs that are boarding are put in the room with only a water bowl, the items from the tour were not in any room with a boarded dog.
It is disheartening to put your trust in a company that claims to be a "luxury hotel" for pets but will not accept responsibility for health issues that arise during their stay. I do not want other Fort Worth pet owners and families who think they are providing the best care available to make the same mistake of trusting Spa Paws due to their deception and false hope only to be duped and result into similar serious health issues and vet bills that I am currently incurring.