I know there are other threads on the topic of grooming/vets but I was curious about Petsmart. Anyone recommend them or NOT recommend them because of a bad experience?! We used to go to Cleveland Animal Hospital when we had our other dog, but I like the flexible hours at Petsmart. Do they do well at grooming?
Our dog doesn't need grooming, however he does need his nails trimmed often. We took him there and they did it with the dremel tool which files them down. Even though Bugg was scared to death, his nails were the best and shortest we'd seen them in a long time, and no problems hitting the quick. For something so delicate, I give them an A+ for that part at least.
Always go to Petsmart for my puppy's nails. It's $11 for just the grinding and the nails are short and smooth, so no scratches. Definitely recommend!
Decent grooming, not too fond of the vet I used to work at PetsMart in the grooming department. I'd say the grooming was decent and depending on the store the atmosphere was too. However, many salon managers are forced to focus on production not quality by the store manager. This can lead to stress of the groomers and bathers. This is most notable on weekends and near holidays. They are not my groomers of choice for the holiday season unless you book your appointment for a week or two prior to the holiday. The vet clinic though, I would not recommend (unless it was during their short window of vaccine clinics when they don't charge for an office visit and you only need a booster. If you have a pet with vaccine reactions in their history, I wouldn't recommend them. I also don't recommend them for diagnostic either. Their wellness plans, imo are well priced, but they are hard to cancel after your on them. If you go with a wellness plan, I'd recommend paying the one year thing at once and don't let them do the automated draft. The downside to the wellness plan, is in my opinion, pets really only need a few of the vaccines they give. Over vaccinating has been linked to various cancers. Also getting emergency care there is like pulling teeth from what I've seen. Many regular vets are starting to have evening and Saturday hours.
I used petsmart at White Oak for grooming my shepard/golden mix. They did an excellent job, his nails have always been a problem..they used the dremel and we are BOTH happy with the result. Overall they did a great job.
Love It! My pooch needs a monthly (full) groom. I have gone to Petsmart at White Oak every month for two years. I like the staff, convenience and price. I also foster rescued dogs and they are groomed there as well. Love it!!! My dog(s) are happy and look great! Personally I've tried mobile, vet and commercial groomers in this area that just don't offer everything I get at Petsmart for an affordable price. I already have a vet who is great and loves my pooch so I have no experience with the Petsmart/Banfield vet. Kitty
We have used Petsmart @ White Oak for nails for our chocolate lab. If we get there when they are not busy, they will take him right away and do a great job for around $11. We also have them brush his teeth for an additional charge on every other visit. (he thinks we want to play when momma and daddy try to brush his teeth or trim his nails) We are able to shop in the store while waiting for him, so we accomplish 2 things at 2 time.
I personally know a few people who worked as groomers and vet staff at PetsMart who pretty much said what you did. One even mentioned that even if a dog is freaking out, they must finish grooming the dog - even if they hadn't started cutting them - they aren't supposed to turn away business - even if it is for the safety/well being of the dog. Regarding my own dogs: I have told groomers over the past 12 years - "If he starts freaking out and getting really upset - STOP! I don't care if he's half way done and looking really strange, I'll pay you and not hold you at fault. I don't want my dogs stressed." As one of mine is getting very old now and has two bad heart valves he was born with - some modifications have been necessary to his grooming, as he can't stand up for long periods. I thank God I have JeanS groom them - she knows them well and watches my older boys for signs of stress. They always look cute, smell great and are never placed in a situation that is ignored because a job must get completed no matter what. JMHO I might also add that when the people working on dogs (and cats) are stressed, that anxiety is absorbed by the pet. Dogs can sense a lot, even if the person under stress tries to hide it.
We took our dog to Petsmart at White Oak for a grooming and nail trimming. She had never been professionally groomed before, and as long as we were within her sight, she was good. So we left the store, they were going to call when they were done with her. Before we even got to the car in the parking lot, they called to tell us they couldn't do her, because she had laid her ears back and was freaking out at them. So, we gave up on that idea...... But I was certainly glad that they called us and didn't continue to try to work on her, I wouldn't want anyone hurt.
Yep, that is very true. I never made it to grooming school, I was only a bather (bathed for several years total between PetCo and PetsMart). I really loved what I did, but there were several times when I'd end up with 14 to 20 dogs in a day to groom (I only worked 8 hour shifts and I STILL had to clean ALL of the kennels in the back with little to no help from the 'groomer') and would feel so overwhelmed. Many of the dogs would be large breeds with double coats and only came in once or twice a year and to really get them clean would require more than a 10 minute bath. I really loved my job, but in the end, I was forced to quit because I just couldn't take the stress. I like being able to feel like I've done an exceptional job on every dog but with the volume, I couldn't and it really bothered me. I really like giving the clients the same quality of service I'd give to my own dogs. I wouldn't mind getting back into it for a small private shop with a smaller clientele that would let me handle each dog they way they deserved to be handled and not be too rushed. My girl's are both short haired angels though they're medium sized. I think PetCo at least around here, is less stressful for their groomers and the dogs. Though, that may have changed since I left Raleigh for JoCo. If I go to PetsMart for grooming, I go VERY early in the morning if its a weekend but I prefer to go during the week and avoid the days leading to a holiday completely. Normally, I just go somewhere with a self service dog wash, though I again avoid weekends cause I like to take my time and let the dogs soak in the shampoos and stuff I bring. I've found a little groom shop in Four Oaks that does my two lab mixes for 15 dollars each, they do a pretty good job and it actually comes out cheaper than the drive to Raleigh for the Self Service places. I drop them off after my daughter gets on the school bus and pick them up at lunch. I still prefer to do them myself though, my girl's are my babies and grooming on them gives me an excuse to love them up real good.
Puppy Cuts, its right on 301 in one of the stores between EMS and Edwards IGA. They're right beside a car repair shop in a little yellow building with a pretty small sign. (919) 963-3500 207 E Wellons St I don't know how their grooms are, but I've been pleased with their baths.
