A viral TikTok video showing a visibly distressed dog during a grooming session at PetSmart has sparked renewed scrutiny of the company’s treatment of animals.
On June 8, TikTok user @toypoodle.lilly posted a video where it appears her dog was visibly uncomfortable at the forceful motions by a PetSmart groomer. The video’s text overlay reads, “When PetSmart was so rough with my girl, and then later told me about how she didn’t like being brushed.” The video has received over 4.1 million views as of Friday.
In a follow-up video, the user provided more context as to what exactly was happening in the viral TikTok. “Just to clarify, the groomer called me to pick up my dog—and by the time I arrive, the groomer was about to finish up with the brushing,” wrote @toypoodle.lilly in text overlay.
“I started recording because I was shocked by how rough they was, and I wanted to have proof in case I needed it,” they continued. “I shared the video to raise awareness and protect other pets from going through the same thing. If I hadn’t held my phone up, nobody would’ve known.”
Viewers are livid
The video has caused outrage among many TikTok users in the comments, stirring up discussion of PetSmart’s history of mistreating pets.
“So glad you posted this,” wrote one commenter. “My daughter who adopted my dad’s pup was going to take him there. Oh hell no!”
“PetSmart is the worst for grooming, and most groomers are new at it,” alleged another user.
“PetSmart and Petco have so many lawsuits for injuries and [death] of pets,” claimed a third commenter.
History of lawsuits
This is not the first time that PetSmart has been accused of not taking proper care of pets who are taken in for grooming services. The national chain has a notable history of lawsuits around the mistreatment of pets.
In 2022, Pittsburgh-based AJ Ross sued PetSmart and two employees when her dog, Kobe, passed away following a nail trim. Ross claimed that the forceful and negligent use of the restraints used on Kobeled to her dog’s passing.
@toypoodle.lilly ♬ Oh my God. – Quinny?
According to the civil lawsuit, video footage shows two tethers placed around Kobe’s neck, preventing him from moving his head upwards. Shortly after, Kobe passed away.
However, some commenters defended PetSmart, claiming that not all experiences mirror the one seen in the viral video.
“Hey, so… Not all PetSmart groomers are abusive,” wrote one user. “And private salons can be just as bad! My salon is very caring for animals & I’m sorry that someone was being rough to this baby.”
The Mary Sue reached out to @toypoodle.lilly and PetSmart for comment.
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