It’s difficult to imagine how a dog groomer could misplace a poodle.
But that’s exactly what happened when Salvador Bonilla took his family’s poodle, Gigo, to Jobpops in Houston.
Bonilla received a shocker when we returned to pick up Gigo from her grooming appointment. He was told, “We don’t know where it is,” according to KTRK Channel 13 in Houston The business didn't even offer Bonilla an explanation for how his dog went missing.
The business reportedly made the situation worse by offering the Bonilla family a different dog in exchange for their troubles.
The poodle was a special companion to Bonilla’s 11-year-old daughter, Alexandra. Gigo was a source of comfort for Alexandra since her mother died one year ago from kidney disease, KTRK reported.
Now the family is heartbroken.
This brings us to the importance of screening a groomer or any pet care provider. This is not to imply that most pet care professionals or businesses cannot be trusted. It’s simply to say make sure you know what you are getting into.
First of all, groomers can obtain liability insurance that protects them if a theft, injury or other mishap occurs when a pet while in its care. Secondly, carefully read any agreement or waiver you're asked to sign. It will be more difficult to take action if you sign something that says the business is not liable if anything happens to your pet.
Here are some additional tips to help you find a good groomer:
*Ask other pet owners or your veterinarian for a recommendation. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a good groomer.
*Ask to tour the facility. It should be clean, well-lit and have no oppressive odors.
*How does the staff appear? Are they well-groomed? How do they interact with the pets? Look for a staff that interacts gently and positively with the pets.
*Is the grooming area secure? If a pet got loose from a groomer, how easily could it escape? Be leery of grooming areas that have electronic doors that open automatically.
*Are the pets monitored closely during and after grooming?
*What is the policy for checking pets in and out? What control measures are in place to ensure no one steals a pet?
Before taking your pet to a groomer or any other pet business, look around, ask questions and use your better judgment. If something seems off, it’s probably best to take your business – and your pet – somewhere else.
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