Georgia Woman Takes Dog to Petco for Grooming. Now He’s Fighting for His Life After 30 Minutes in Their Care: ‘Immediate Lawsuit’
A woman took her dog to get groomed at a Petco in Stonecrest. She returned to find her dog “fighting for his life” and called it a “nightmare experience”.
TikToker Queens on a Mission (@queensonamission) posted a viral video with 4,600,000 views. It captured heartbreaking footage of her dog’s critical state and the creator’s desperate search for answers.
What Happened At This Petco Grooming Appointment?
The clip started with the creator explaining that she received an urgent call from Petco. On arrival, she claimed to be shocked at the dog’s state after only 30 minutes in their care. An employee held the dog in front of a fan hoping to improve his condition.
The video then cut to footage that appeared to be previously captured. Another Petco employee is seen trying to revive the listless dog. He is unable to stand and can barely lift his head.
Then they try honey to boost his blood sugar. Although the dog ate the sweet substance from the vial, it did not appear to help.
The video then cut to the creator at the veterinarian’s office.
She continued narrating her experience. She explained that she ended up at the vet a day later, after the dog’s condition did not improve.
The camera then panned to the vet coaxing the dog to stand and walk. The dog appeared to struggle with basic coordination. He could not hold his head up or walk straight or unsupported.
The vet concluded that there seemed to be neurological damage. The exam also found fluid in the dog’s lungs.
The video ended with the TikToker begging viewers for help. She also stated that Petco did not respond.
What is neurological damage?
Neurological damage occurs when the brain, spinal cord, or nerves are injured. This disrupts the signals that allow a dog to move normally. Dogs may struggle to stand, lose coordination, or become unable to walk.
Trauma is one possible cause. A fall, twist, or a forceful blow can damage the spinal cord, which can lead to symptoms appearing within 48 hours.
However, it is important to note that in cases where symptoms appear during grooming, the timing alone does not prove that grooming caused the condition.
Apart from injuries, nervous system disorders can have many causes. Birth defects, inherited disorders, infections, and poisoning are also some of the known causes.
People urge her to get law enforcement involved
Thousands of viewers flooded the comments section.
Many viewers felt the dog was obviously injured.
“They dropped that dog off the table I bet you,” said one user.
“Neurological damage,” said another.
Many urged the creator to get the police involved. They claimed that it was the first step to formally document the situation, especially if she wished to seek legal action.
Other viewers pushed the creator to ask for the store’s camera footage. They believed only that could unravel the mystery.
Some questioned why it took so long for her to get to the vet.
The creator responded that his vet was closed.
“His vet was closed and I was able to aid him to the am he is fighting and making improvements.”
Did Petco have similar incidents?
Through the years, similar incidents of pet injuries at Petco have been reported.
A Reddit post described his dog receiving an injury while being groomed. Like the TikToker, he received a call during a grooming session. Fortunately, Petco chose to take responsibility, informed him that his dog fell and took the pet to the hospital. The user updated that his dog was fine and applauded Petco for their swift action.
Another Petco incident went differently.
ABC 7 News reported a Petco grooming injury in the Bay Area. The pet owner, Hannah Hartman, claimed her dog dislocated his hip while being groomed. The dog required extensive surgery and rehabilitation, leaving her with over $7,000 in medical bills.
Petco eventually settled the case.
Does Petco have a grooming safety/emergency policy?
Petco prides itself on maintaining a high standard of care and safety.
The company claims to maintain grooming policies under veterinary supervision and works with industry organisations to maintain safety standards.
Their website provides a list of guidelines used to ensure safety. It includes a 7-point pet check on entry, ramps and accessible equipment, using professional restraining and positioning tools, a clean environment and no contact with other pets.
Petco also has a Code of Ethics and Conduct that mandates proper care for animals. It further states that mistreatment or neglect is subject to disciplinary action.
The company also has employee training and internal policies.
A user identified herself as a former Petco groomer. She claimed the store did not handle the situation according to their own internal policy.
“I USED TO GROOM FOR PETCO. Considering Petco’s policy they should have immediately sent him to the vet. they aren’t allowed to do what they did with the honey or holding him in front of the BUSTED OPEN KENNEL DRYER. petco will pay for your vet expenses as long as the vet says petco is at fault. from what it looks like hes suffering from neurological damage/head trauma,” they wrote. “Those girls should be written up and so should the manager.”
Did Petco respond?
In the comments, Petco finally posted a message: “Hi there, we deeply regret to hear this, and we’d like to investigate it further. Please send us a DM with more information so we can look into this.”
Without footage from the grooming session, it may be hard to conclude what caused the dog’s condition. But Petco’s own policies state the dog must pass an initial 7-point check on entry. Additionally, a former employee agreed that the emergency protocols were not followed. This may further support that Petco may bear some responsibility.
@queensonamission @Petco in #Stonecrest worse nightmare for my baby kentrell I don’t know what to do. I’ve just been trying my best to help him fight through it. He is strong every day I see him pushing, but he still is not eating. He’s been throwing up mucus. I’ve never been through anything like this before, but I’m grateful that I’m able to aid him but something needs to be done. It’s just a lack of assistance. After the fact I requested information. They said they don’t have cameras, so I just don’t know what to do at this point #petco #animalcare #veterinarian #Fyp ♬ original sound – Queens On A Mission
The Mary Sue reached out to the creator @queensonamission via TikTok direct message. We also reached out to Petco for comment via email.
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