I am sad, disappointed and worried about our dog, and other animals that might be boarded here. The experience we had is utterly disappointing and should call attention to the policies that Petsmart has in place and how they relate to how they will care for your animal should the animal get injured while in their care.
Our dog was staying in the Petshotel for about 3 weeks while my family went on vacation. About half way through we received a call from Michele Warner, the supervisor or leader at the hotel. Michele stated that our dog had licked wounds on his legs that resulted in them taking him to their on premises vet. The vet stated he needed ointment and a stitch on one leg, followed by a cone for his own protection. However, Petsmart policy states they cannot house a dog with a cone on. Therefore, they could not treat him. This was around 5 PM. My father, who was out of the state contacted me to handle the situation as I live about an hour away from the Petsmart.
When I spoke with Michele, she offered little sympathy with the situation and stated that the dog needed to be picked up. I questioned that and she stated that "when you signed the contract you said you would have an alternative boarding option should this issue arise" and furthermore she said "your father said supposedly you would be able to pick the dog up."
Yikes. This is getting serious. I acknowledged that I could pick the dog up, but whats up with this policy? For the dogs own safety they cannot house him, in his own cage, with a cone on. So they just left the dog to bleed? They shaved both legs where the wounds were and just left it (what it appeared happened when I arrived). He had no cone on. I had to clear my schedule, drive an hour, find an alternative option and deliver him there. On a side note, I did find one, Washington Boulevard Animal Hospital had NO issue with housing him with a cone. In fact, they were stunned by the actions of Petsmart.
It gets worse. Upon checking in to his new location at Washington Boulevard, they asked if he had his medicine at Petsmart that morning. I didnt know so I called them, by this time it was 11 AM. The person at Petsmart stated no, he didn't have his medicine. I asked what time medicine is given, she said 7 AM. I asked again why he didn't have his medicine since it was now 11 AM and she said "oh its really busy and nobody here can do it. Only managers and supervisors can give the medicine." So, you have NO supervisors in the store? My dog has a heart condition and could have died from this mistake. This was a TERRIBLE response to the already outrageous situation.
So now, we give him his medicine at the new place. Later in the day I got in contact with a manager at Petsmart who said "oh no worry, we actually did give him his medicine."
I was SO upset. Now we had double medicated him because of an employee error. I was informed that an employee from a different area was put in this department that day due to a call out. I have worked in retail for many years, I understand call outs. But, the employee in this department with such a speciality needs to be cross trained.
The manager then goes on to state she would call me in a few days to refund me, or give me future credit. I have never received any calls back.
Why did Petsmart allow the wounds to get SO bad they recommended stitches? Why is there a silly rule that doesn't allow the cone for his health and safety? Are the cons of the cone worse than not wearing the cone at all? Show me the research. Why aren't there any supervisors? Why do the employees not care?
I am blown away by this and will NEVER EVER EVER return to a Petsmart. Not for boarding, food, treats, anything. In addition to this Yelp review, we have called the store manager and written a detailed, professional letter to Petsmart Corporate. read more