If you have a grooming appointment scheduled with Maria Saldana at Petco, I encourage you to…read moreexercise caution based on my personal experience.
I had a grooming appointment scheduled for 4:30p. Due to heavy rush-hour traffic from the Steel Creek area, I realized I would be about 10 minutes late. While that was my responsibility, I called Petco ahead of time to let them know I expected to arrive around 4:40p and asked if my dog could still be seen.
Maria told me she had sent a text at 3:11p asking if I could come at 4:00p instead because the store closes at 6:00p and grooming normally takes about two hours. I explained that a phone call and voicemail would have been much more appropriate for a time-sensitive appointment. Her response was simply, "Oh well, I tried to reach out."
I then asked why Petco's website allows customers to book a 4:30p grooming appointment if a full groom takes two hours. Maria stated I could still arrive by 4:40p, but not any later.
Because of her attitude, I asked to speak with a manager. Isaac confirmed the salon closes at 6:00p, acknowledged there is no disclaimer during online booking regarding appointment length or late arrivals, and agreed that if I arrived by 4:40p, my dog could still be groomed. He was courteous and even provided me with Petco Customer Service's number so I could report my concerns.
I drove to the store as quickly as possible and arrived within the agreed timeframe. After I entered, another Petco associate (not a groomer) spent time greeting my dog, playing with him, and giving him a treat while Maria remained away from the front. When she finally came over, wearing AirPods, she refused to groom my dog because it was now just after 4:40p. I explained that had she checked us in promptly instead of delaying, we would have been checked in before the cutoff. She dismissed my concerns.
I a manager. While waiting, Maria repeatedly talked over me despite my asking her several times to stop until management arrived. She then stated, "Regardless, I am not servicing him." Because of how confrontational she became, in disbelief I wanted to record the interaction. The moment she saw my phone, she immediately ran to the back and never returned.
When Isaac came, I explained the interaction & filed an updated complaint with Petco Customer Service. During that time, staff told me Maria has a reputation for having a poor attitude and that she had been in the back, not actively grooming another dog. I was also told my dog's appointment likely could have been completed during the amount of time spent arguing and processing complaints.. I was there for over 40 minutes
At that point, I no longer trusted her to care for my dog. Trust is everything when someone is working with your pet behind closed doors using sharp grooming tools.
I completely understand employees wanting to leave on time. However, if Petco closes at 6:00p and grooming takes approximately two hours, 4:30p appointments should not be available for booking. If there is a strict late-arrival policy or grace period, it should be clearly disclosed during the scheduling process.
This was my first experience using Petco Grooming, and unfortunately, it will also be my last. Isaac handled the situation professionally, but my interaction with Maria was one of the most unprofessional customer service experiences I've had. I hope Petco addresses its scheduling system, the professionalism expected from employees representing the company, and disciplinary action for Maria Saldana.
Google doesn't allow you to put zero stars. However, thank you to Isaac, Dime, and Britany who showed genuine concern, love, and care to my pup Bruno! They are the ONLY reason I'd consider returning, Maria is NEVER to be around my dog.
