I took my 10-month-old Bernedoodle, Penelope, to PETCO Grooming on June 14 at 7am with Bella. This…read morewasn't her first grooming--she usually goes to Prickly Pup Grooming, where she's always well-behaved and treated with care, though their full-day schedule (8am-4pm) can feel a bit long. Hoping for a shorter appointment and maybe a lower price, I gave PETCO a try. Unfortunately, I ended up paying $30 more than usual and left feeling disappointed.
Around 10am--June 14, I received a call from the groomer, Bella saying Penelope was agitated, barking, and even biting/snipping. This was shocking to hear--Penelope is a sweet, friendly pup who has never barked at a stranger, or been the least bit aggressive, even with my three young boys (10, 8 and 4) who aren't always gentle with her. I figured she might have been overstimulated in a new environment, so I came to pick her up, even though she was only half groomed. I was told I still had to pay but could return the next morning (June 15) for the salon manager, Jackie to finish the job.
The next day's appointment went much smoother. Penelope looked great, smelled fresh, and even got a little bag of treats. She seemed happier and back to her usual self. But when we got home, my boys pointed out that there were small blood stains on her--initially, I assumed she was starting her first heat cycle and used dog diapers, but after a few days of seeing more blood (and none on the diapers), I finally did a full inspection and found a cut on her ear. It wasn't healing on its own, and after trying spray-on animal wound glue with no luck, we ended up needing a vet visit, a few stitches, and a cone to let it heal properly.
I now believe the ear injury happened during that initial appointment with Bella, which might also explain her distressed behavior that day. What's most disappointing is that no one mentioned it to me--whether they missed it or just didn't want to admit it, I'll never know. I would have appreciated transparency, even if it was just an accident. Instead, I was left to figure it out myself after spending extra on products and a vet bill.
The staff at PETCO were polite and professional, but unfortunately, the overall experience left me feeling let down. I'll be returning to Prickly Pup for future grooming--longer appointments or not, I know Penelope is treated with care and consistency there.