I have never felt so disappointed and disgusted by a grooming experience.
I have brought my dogs to this Petco location for grooming in the past, and there was never an issue. Today, however, I was suddenly told that they would not groom my elderly dog because of the medications he takes. What makes this even more frustrating is that I was previously told the restriction was specifically for dogs taking trazodone -- and my dog does not take trazodone. The medications he does take are the same medications he has been on for the past four years, and they have never been a problem during his previous grooming appointments.
If Petco has changed its policies, that is one thing. What is incredibly upsetting is the inconsistency and the way this situation was handled. After years of caring for a senior dog, I know that older dogs often require a little more patience and understanding. Instead, I was left with the distinct impression that his age and medical needs made him an inconvenience.
Senior dogs deserve care, dignity, and compassion too. They are family members, and they should not be treated as disposable simply because they are older or require medication.
I find it heartbreaking that a place I trusted to care for my dogs would turn away my elderly dog rather than work with me to find a safe and appropriate solution. If Petco no longer wants to provide grooming services to senior dogs with medical needs, then customers deserve to know that upfront -- not after years of bringing their pets there.
After this experience, I will no longer be using this location for grooming, and I will no longer be shopping at this Petco. I would encourage other pet owners, especially those with senior dogs, to think carefully about whether this is a business they feel comfortable trusting with their pets. read more