Petsmart Horror

[Pamela]

I took our almost 4 year old black doodle to Petsmart this week.  OMG, they told me they would call me in 2-3hrs.  FIVE hours later I called them.  When we picked him up I was in shock.  The online price was 79.00.  I was charged 100.00 for a SHAVED POODLE CUT.  It really does no good to argue I took my dog and paid and left. 

Cooper was pretty long, but he was so cute.  His nose, body and half of his tail is now shaved SHORT and for some odd reason they left the top of his head very long.  Like a bowl cut.  Again, I guess the poodle look.  There was very very few knots on him and there was NO reason to keep my dog for FIVE hours, pure laziness not calling me. 

The next day I purchased a set of Andis trimmers, and a very good pair of scissors. I vow from now on I will scissor cut his body and trim his beautiful, expressive face.  I will learn how.

I am so upset with myself.  I should have come here first and got advice.  I honestly thought that a big chain like that would have professionals that know what they are doing.  I was wrong.

I could go into much more detail...oh yes, I specifically said to keep his eye brows.  They're gone.  But they took it upon themselves to give him a gotee.  Yes, like a goat. 

I hope my bad judgement helps one person not make a bad grooming decision.

~Pam & Cooper

[Nicole and Teddy]

So sorry, Pam! I had the same experience at Petsmart- even gave them a 2nd chance after thoroughly explaining the 'doodle' cut that I wanted. They still didn't get it, plus they charge way more than this awesome groomer I found afterwards who does a great job. Good luck with taking care of him at home!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

THE BIG CHAIN STORES ARE THE WORST, but then you've found that out.  If you paid with a card, I'd try to stop payment disputing the bill.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Petsmart is now a professional place--any groomer worth their salt would be in business for themselves--the Petsmart people do not have much of a reputation--the reason the poor dog was there so long is that they bathe them first and then put them in a cage and let the blower dry them--this could take a while...in the meantime, they have to groom as many dogs as they can to make enough money--that means that they must do the shaving to speed things up! The worst part to me is that if you bathe a dog that has any mats before clipping, the mats settle in like cement--so then they HAVE to be shaved! They do keep the head long and I think it is because the owner will be happier if that part stays doodle-y--to me, it looks ridiculous.

I would suggest that you keep the pup mat-free--combing to the skin as he grows out--then bathe him one day, let him dry and clip him the next day. There is lots of advice in our grooming group and also on Youtube--good luck!

[Marianne Kay]

Yes, Petsmart is notorious for not trying to get any matts out to preserve the look of the coat. I had gone when my groomer had a medical procedure and was out for 6 weeks. Never again.

[Pamela]

Thank you everyone. He's still out same goofy Cooper and his hair will grow back. I learned a good lesson!!

[Sherine]

I was told to never take my doodle to Petsmart for grooming. However, I had a coupon for a puppy bath so I figured $7 for a bath, why not?!?? My sister picked her up and brought home a new dog. She was super fluffy but had been shaved between the eyes and along the top of her snout. I LOST it. I called them and they said they did it so that she could "see". Then I spoke to the manager and she said she had a mat in between her eyes (lie). The manager then started yelling at me. She did not apologize what's so ever. I literally cried because I did not recognize my pup.

Now I take her to a groomer who specializes w doodles. I won't trust anyone else!

I'm sorry to hear you went through a terrible experience as well.

[Kassie Millwood]

Wow! I am very lucky because my PetSmart groomer is amazing!! My Doodle loves going to see her! I have actually watcher (unbeknownst to the groomer) her interaction with him & she is wonderful. Always clips as I ask her too & she talks to & loves on my baby as she works. The longest he has ever been there is 2 hours. Sorry to hear others not have a good experience. She also does a great job on my Yorkie.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Kassie, there are wonderful groomers everywhere; it just seems that the ones at the stores are usually less skilled.   Good for you to have found one of the gems.  I would ask her for her personal phone number or e-mail or give her yours because when/if she leaves you can follow her to her new job.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Awww...so sorry for your experience.  I think most of us doodle lovers have had some "learning" curves with our babies.  Thanks for sharing.  

[DonMarie and Picco]

I've never used Petsmart or any stores like that but I've always thought that it is a place for new groomers to get started and gain some experience.  They seem to always be hiring and prices on the low side.  There is nothing wrong with asking how much experience a person has no matter what shop they work at.