[AmberC727]

I took my Shih Tzu to the vet to be groomed yesterday. This was the 3rd time I have used this groomer, and have never had any problems. I took in a picture of him showing how I wanted him to be groomed, and wrote very specific instructions as well. When I went back to pick him up, they had me pay while they went to get him. When he was brought out to me, I noticed that he looked nothing like the picture I had taken in. Two hours later, he couldn't keep one of his eyes open. I have to take him back to the vet in a couple of hours to get checked because of his eye problem. I'm very aggravated, because I paid $42 to have him groomed, and not only was he not groomed to my specifications, but he was injured. I didn't ask yesterday because it was closing time and there were so many people waiting in line behind me. I know I should have said something then, but I didn't want to make a scene in front of that many people, and I didn't know he ws injured till we were home. What do I do?

[searching_please]

Call them today and let them know what happened and that you expect your $42 to be refunded. If they refuse to refund, take them to small claims court and file for the vet expenses and pain&suffering for your pet too.Good luck!

[larey]

Sounds like they should definitely do something for you. You did everything you could by providing a picture and instructions for how you wanted him clipped. I would definitely ask for a refund or free grooming next time. As for the injury, I would bring a copy of the invoice/bill from the vet and speak with the manager of the grooming place--don't bother speaking with the general employee's since they can't do anything for you anyway. Also, if you could get a written statement from your vet about how recent the eye injury was that will help you. Basically, approach the manager in a very calm voice and without any emotion. Rationally explain exactly what you did to insure that your dog was properly clipped and exactly what happened when you picked him up. I am sure that the manager will try to correct the problem. As a former pet store manager, the only reason I wouldn't try my best to help correct a problem a customer had with my store was if they approached me angrily about the problem without even giving me a chance to do the right thing. I expect any customer that feels that they have been wronged to be upset, but anger has no place in the conversation. Of course, if the manager refuses to do anything at all, feel free to get angry. Good luck!

[pitbullmommie122106]

They should refund you your money and they should also pay for your vet bill (if, infact it was the groomers that injured your pup!)... I would suggest that you go see your vet first. Tell your vet what you think happend and see what he says. If he agrees that it was infact the groomers that injured your dog, you need to go to the groomers with your vet bill and your receipt from when you got you dog groomed. You need to tell them that you want your money back and that they should pay you vet bill!... I hope your pup is okay, and good luck!

[squeaker]

definatly ask for your money backtake the picture in with you and show the vet also if the vet doesnt refund your money and make this trip free as it was their groomers fault i would get a new vet

[Purplex15]

ok ok ok. i am new to this site and am really shocked at how people will just say "sue em" when that is the most ridiculous advice. first of all most grooming salons (all 3 that i have worked for) will NOT give refunds. most of the time a groomer works on commission and if they give a refund then that groomer just worked for 3-5 hours for nothing. when i worked for petco there were no refunds at all, even if the customer wasnt happy. the best they got was 10-20% off that groom or the next groom. i will say that you are a customer that groomers probably cringe to see. it is pretty insulting to us when customers are so picky as to bring a picture and specific notes. i will say that if your groomer NEEDS a picture and specified notes then you arent going to the right one. they should be able to understand what you want. And every shop i have worked for has been very good about telling people to let them know if something about the haircut is off so we can write it down for next time ( especially for new customers). if you can prove the injury took place at the salon (you will have to have vet write a statement that he believes it happened there) then they WILL be liable for that injury and most groom salons will have no problem paying for it as long as its proven. but i can gaurentee you will not get your money back

[justagroomer]

I agree with Purplex here as most places won't give you a refund but will offer a discount of some sort. Another thing is, that when I get dogs in I always talk through with the owner about what is to be done on the dog. If what you wanted to be done isn't possible, I talk through as to why it can't and come to an agreement with the owner. Therefore there really isn't any excuse to what happened with your groomer. However if you wanted your dog long (for example) and your dog was matted, it may have been the only option for your groomer to go shorter. If this was the case your groomer should've said something and spoken to you so you know what was going to have to be done.
Sometimes I can't make it to the front counter to greet customers and look at their dog so the receptionist (who has considerable knowledge in grooming) has to take the dog in for me. Every now and again I'll get a dog that the owner wants off on, say, a #4 and the dog is matted solid! I have no other option but to take the coat off on a #7 as there's nothing else I can do, BUT, I will always ring the customer back and let them know what has happened, what is to be done, if their happy with that and to appologise for the incident. Most are happy and appreciate the call. Truth is it shouldn't have happened, but we try and fix it with best intrest for both dog AND owner, not just hand the dog back at the end of the day with a completely different trim to what the owner wanted

[lil mutt]

Let them know... since you've been their customer for how many times now... its your right... they need to explain what happen to your dog.