Introduction
Many dog owners bring their pets to professional groomers for services like bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and more. PetSmart is one of the largest pet store chains that provides grooming services nationwide. However, over the years there have been some concerning allegations and rumors surrounding PetSmart’s grooming practices. One of the most controversial questions dog owners have is whether PetSmart drugs or sedates dogs during the grooming process without the owner’s consent. This is an alarming accusation that deserves a thorough examination. In this article, we will investigate PetSmart’s grooming procedures, look at customer experiences, and try to get to the bottom of the question: does PetSmart drug your dog for grooming?
Background on PetSmart
PetSmart is an American pet supply retail chain that was founded in 1987. It has grown to become the largest specialty pet retailer in North America with over 1,650 locations across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. PetSmart offers a wide variety of pet products and services including grooming, training, adoptions and veterinary care. According to Zippia, PetSmart had revenues of over $7 billion in 2018 and employs over 55,000 associates.
In addition to their retail stores, PetSmart also operates petshotel boarding facilities, veterinary hospitals under the name VetSmart, grooming salons, and dog training services. They aim to be a one-stop shop for pet owners to get all their pet care needs in one place. With their wide selection of pet foods, toys, beds and other supplies, PetSmart has become one of the most recognizable pet retail brands in North America.
PetSmart Grooming Services
PetSmart offers a wide range of grooming services for dogs and cats at over 1,600 locations across North America. Some of the most popular services include bathing, haircuts, nail trims, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, gland expression, flea treatments, shed-less treatments, and customized styling.
PetSmart groomers are trained at the PetSmart Grooming Academy which requires them to complete 800 hours of hands-on instruction. They use an array of grooming tools and products like clippers, shears, brushes, combs, shampoos, conditioners, and drying equipment. Standard safety precautions are taken such as tying up long hair, using noose poles/loops for fractious pets, and muzzling if necessary.
The grooming process begins with a consultation to go over the pet’s needs. For dogs, a pre-groom health exam is performed to check for any medical issues. The groomer then bathes, dries, and brushes out the pet’s coat before cutting the hair to the desired length and style. Nails are trimmed and the ears cleaned. Optional services like teeth brushing or gland expression can be added. At the end, the groomer does a final check to ensure the pet looks and feels their best.
Prices vary based on the breed, coat condition, and services requested. Pet parents can book appointments online, over the phone, or in stores. Most groomings take 2-3 hours from start to finish. https://services.petsmart.com/grooming
Grooming Sedation Controversy
In recent years, there has been some controversy around the use of sedatives by professional pet groomers. Some pet owners and animal rights activists have raised concerns about the risks associated with sedating dogs for grooming purposes.
One of the main concerns is that sedatives carry inherent risks, especially when administered without veterinary supervision. According to PETA, sedation can lead to breathing difficulties, dangerously low blood pressure, heart problems, and even death in some cases [1]. Even mild sedatives like Benadryl require caution and proper dosing based on the dog’s weight and health condition.
Additionally, sedating anxious or aggressive dogs can mask their natural behaviors and prevent training that could address the underlying issues. Heavy sedation may be traumatic for some dogs and lead to more anxiety about grooming in the future.
While some argue that sedation allows for safer handling of difficult dogs, others counter that sedatives should only be administered by licensed veterinarians who can properly monitor the dog’s response. The risks may outweigh the benefits for routine grooming procedures.
PetSmart Policies
According to their official grooming FAQ page on their website, PetSmart states that they do not sedate pets for grooming purposes without consent from the owner (PetSmart Grooming FAQ). They require all pets to be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and wait at least 48 hours after any vaccinations before grooming as a safety precaution (PetSmart Vaccination Policy).
PetSmart emphasizes that their groomers are trained to handle anxious pets with patience and care. They use positive reinforcement techniques and work gently to make pets feel comfortable during the grooming process. PetSmart states that sedation should only be used as a last resort when a pet is extremely stressed or poses a safety risk to themselves or the groomer.
Owner Experiences
Many pet owners turn to reviews and anecdotes online to learn about other customers’ experiences with PetSmart’s grooming services. On sites like Trustpilot and Reddit, some owners have reported positive experiences, noting that their dogs came back clean, happy, and looking good after being groomed.
For example, one 5-star Trustpilot review states “We were very impressed with the PetSmart grooming prices and the quality of services we received. Rachel was really thorough with Mom too. She did an excellent job and Mom smells so good now!” (Source)
However, other owners have complained about poor service, accidents and injuries during grooming, and rough treatment of their dogs. Some have accused PetSmart of drugging or sedating dogs without the owner’s consent to keep them calm during grooming. On Reddit, one owner claimed “They 100% sedate without asking. I’ve walked in mid service and my dog looked totally drugged.”
These negative reviews reveal there is controversy around PetSmart’s policies and practices when it comes to grooming sedation. While some locations may have stellar reviews, others clearly need improvement according to customers.
Expert Opinions
Veterinarians discourage sedation for routine grooming and warn about the risks involved.1 Sedation introduces unnecessary medical risks and doesn’t address the root of anxiety issues. Dr. Patricia Khuly, a veterinarian in Florida, explained that sedation is not a sustainable solution: “Sedating fractious pets so that they can be groomed sets up an unhealthy cycle. Pets need to be acclimated to grooming gently and with proper behavioral modification.”2
Veterinarians may prescribe sedation for specific medical procedures, but warn that routine grooming sedation can be dangerous. Dr. Gary Richter said, “I never recommend sedation for a routine grooming unless prescribed by your veterinarian for a specific medical reason.” He added that sedatives like acepromazine do not relieve anxiety and can increase risk of injury: “Acepromazine is not a sedative or anesthetic. The dog is still completely awake and aware.”1
Alternatives for Anxious Dogs
If you have an anxious dog who struggles with grooming, there are some calming options to try before considering sedation. The first step is to work on desensitizing your dog to the sights, sounds and sensations of grooming through positive reinforcement at home. Create a calming environment by playing soft music, using pheromone diffusers and giving praise and treats for tolerating brushing, handling feet, ears and nails. You can also ask your groomer about scheduling at less busy times of day or allowing the dog to observe another dog being groomed first.
Some groomers specialize in working with anxious or reactive dogs and use fear-free techniques to make the experience less stressful. Look for mobile grooming services that come to your home or groomers accredited by the Fear Free Pets program. There are also calming supplements made with things like melatonin, L-theanine and hemp that may take the edge off without sedation. Get your vet’s advice before giving any medication or supplement. With time and positive experiences, many anxious dogs warm up to professional grooming.
Sources:
https://wagntails.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-anxious-pets-for-grooming/
https://www.meadowvistavet.com/site/blog/2023/02/15/grooming-anxiety-dogs
Making an Informed Decision
When deciding on a groomer, especially for the first time, it’s important to ask the right questions and look for certain signs of a quality establishment. Here are some tips:
- Ask about their training, certifications, and affiliations. Look for groomers certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America or affiliated with programs like AKC S.A.F.E.
- Ask how long they have been in business and working as a groomer. Experience matters.
- Ask about their specific policies on sedating dogs. Reputable groomers will have clear protocols in place.
- Tour their facility and observe how they interact with the dogs. Look for signs of patience, gentleness, and competence.
- Ask for references from other pet owners. Check online reviews as well.
- Ask how they handle anxious or difficult dogs. Look for solutions like calming treats rather than jumping right to sedation.
- Trust your instincts. Make sure you and your dog feel comfortable with the groomer.
Taking the time to find the right groomer can make all the difference for your dog’s grooming experience. An informed choice leads to better outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, while there have been some concerning allegations about PetSmart groomers sedating dogs without owner consent, the evidence is largely anecdotal. PetSmart maintains that they do not condone or support this practice, though individual groomers may occasionally act against policy. As a pet owner, it’s important to find a groomer you trust, communicate any anxiety issues your dog has, and confirm sedation policies before dropping them off. Consider alternatives like mobile grooming services or fear-free salons if your dog is very nervous. With the right planning and precautions, you can likely find a stress-free grooming solution that works for both you and your dog.
When evaluating grooming options, focus on your dog’s specific needs and do your due diligence into sedation practices. Clear communication with the groomer is key. If your dog emerges from grooming heavily sedated without your permission, find a new groomer. With some care taken to find the right match, professional grooming can be a safe and positive experience for pets.