Recent inquiries have brought to light troubling incidents involving the deaths of dogs following grooming appointments at PetSmart. Over the past decade, there have been 47 documented cases of canines succumbing either during their grooming sessions or shortly thereafter. A comprehensive investigation conducted by NJ.com has revealed concerning practices within the organization.
A Distressing Ordeal
In a notable case, a Philadelphia resident named Mark Jennings took his bulldog, Bruno, for a routine nail trimming at PetSmart. What was intended to be a brief visit spiraled into a distressing ordeal that lasted over an hour. Employees eventually transported Bruno to the parking lot due to his inability to walk. Tragically, during the car ride home, Jennings observed that Bruno had ceased breathing and the dog passed away shortly thereafter. “That final glance he gave me is something I will never erase from my memory,” Jennings lamented. “You don’t expect to lose your dog over a simple nail clip.”
Concerns Over Safety Protocols
This incident is one among numerous unsettling accounts shared with NJ.com by pet owners. PetSmart has not publicly disclosed the number of fatalities occurring during or just following appointments, as there is no legal obligation for groomers to report such incidents. In response to the investigation, the company issued a statement asserting that the safety of pets is paramount and that their grooming standards are the highest in the industry. They emphasized that stylists undergo over 800 hours of training and safety certification, working with at least 200 dogs of various breeds and sizes.
Contrary to PetSmart’s claims, former employees have voiced serious concerns about safety protocols. Emma Carter, who groomed dogs at PetSmart for over a year, expressed her disillusionment with the company’s approach to animal safety. “The focus was not on ensuring the well-being of the pets; it was more about maintaining appearances,” she stated. Carter described her initial training as insufficient, receiving a dog and basic grooming tools on her first day without adequate guidance.
Another ex-employee, Sarah Thompson, noted a decline in safety practices as management changed. “After the new ownership took over, there was immense pressure to groom an increasing number of dogs in a limited time,” she remarked. “Amidst the chaos, the welfare of the pets often took a backseat.”
Settlements and Confidentiality
NJ.com’s investigation also highlighted that PetSmart has offered settlements to grieving pet owners, often paired with confidentiality agreements. One such case involved a man whose dog emerged from a grooming session with severe injuries; the company proposed to cover his veterinary expenses if he agreed to refrain from discussing the incident publicly. Another individual, who lost his service dog shortly after a grooming appointment, recounted receiving a financial offer conditioned on silence regarding the circumstances of the death.
A Call for Accountability
As the investigation unfolds, Jennings hopes for accountability from PetSmart, though he acknowledges that no compensation can bring back his beloved dog. “What I long for is to have Bruno back,” he stated. “That is what truly matters to me.”
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Summary
An investigation into PetSmart’s grooming practices has revealed multiple cases of dog deaths following grooming appointments, raising serious concerns about animal safety. Despite the company’s claims of high grooming standards, testimonies from former employees suggest a troubling focus on efficiency over pet welfare. Pet owners have reported distressing incidents and attempts by the company to settle claims discreetly. As more details emerge, the call for accountability continues.