TARA D.
HORRIBLE
Booked a grooming appt for my dog at the Holt Rd Webster, NY location (first time trying PetSmart grooming) and I walked out. While checking in, my dog barked at another dog (wow, shocking) and the one girl asked if he is “dog reactive”. I said, “sometimes he barks at other dogs, sometimes he doesn’t, but he’s been groomed before, goes to daycare, goes to boarding, and does just fine and plays well with other dogs.” She proceeded to tell me “that wasn’t barking, that’s aggression, this probably isn’t the best environment for him.” Mind you, when he barked, I pulled him close to me, told him no and said sit, which he did. The girl checking me in said, “it’s also really busy here today, maybe if he came at less busy time…” Well how should I know when they are busy or not? I booked this appt online and it was my first time going there, which I only did because I couldn’t get him in to Pet Supplies Plus, where he usually goes, until April. I told them to forget it and walked out. The girl who said “this is my salon…” made it pretty clear my dog was not welcome there. So they lost my business. I had a $68 appt scheduled and I’m a very good tipper. I called to speak with the manager about this to let him know how upset I was. He did try to offer me a discount and said he can book an appt when no one else is there, but if the groomer tells you “this probably isn’t a good environment for him”, would you ever want to have him groomed there? And are you telling me as a groomer, you don’t have dogs who bark? The manager said he watched the video and agreed my dog was showing aggression by “lunging and trying to jump over the counter”…WHAT?! I was right there and holding him so that is complete bull. When a dog barks, a lot of times they jut forward a bit which is what he did and once I said no to him he was fine. I don’t appreciate people telling me my dog is “aggressive” when I know him better than anyone. Not to mention I’m not an idiot, if I felt my dog was aggressive I would never put anyone in harm’s way. He is actually very sweet and a big baby despite his large size. His vet has told me several times he has a great temperament and a sweet demeanor. I’ll listen to her over a groomer who didn’t even work with him. Wanna be a groomer? Wanna work at a pet store? Then don’t be surprised if a dog barks once in a while. I will NEVER go back there and I will tell ALL of the many pet parents I know about this experience. Just going to wait for an appt at Pet Supplies Plus where is he loved and adored by all of the employees!

