So Upset right now! PetSmart pet rant!..... UPDATE

[teegansmom]

I went to my local PetSmart 3 weeks ago to purchase a Mountain Horned Dragon I had seen for my daughter. It was advertised as a beginner reptile from a tropical habitat getting to be about 12 inches long. The associate "helping" me with the dragon explained that the standard tropical kits (69.99) they sold for reptiles was "too small" for it and I should purchase a bearded dragon kit (149.99-199.99) instead to ensure the animal had a happy life. I looked at the size guidelines and information that came on the side of the boxes and was sure that the tropical kit was appropriate for the animals needs, but she insisted on a larger tank and would not take the dragon out of the cage and put in a box for me, until I put a bearded dragon kit in the cart. Then after looking over my tank choice (for the 3rd time) she finally gave me the dragon. She then went to give me a care pamphlet, but stated they didn't have one for a Mountain horned dragon, but the frilled dragon information was close enough. (A frilled dragon can get to 3 feet in length and lives in a different area) Took the dragon home and she did fine for a week. Then she stopped eating. I know that reptiles can go without eating for a while, but it still seemed odd. Fast forward to today. I took the dragon to see a herpetologist because nothing had changed with her. She was in shock at how bad of a condition the dragon was in. She said there was no way it became emaciated to the point of hip bones sticking out within the 3 weeks of having it, and that their vet assurance is a joke. This animal is also NOT a beginner reptile as stated by PetSmart, and putting it in the bearded dragon kit was actually killing it by not adequately meeting its needs and the dragon is too far gone to save. It's past the "14 day health guarantee" so I don't even know if I will be able to take the dragon back, get a refund or replacement or if I am stuck with a dying animal and a tank set up for a tropical animal with desert lights that will need modifications either way to make it usable for another pet


UPDATE:
I called the store on Sunday (and sent e-mail to head office), I was allowed to bring EVERYTHING back for a full refund. Spike (our dragon) perked up a bit once in the store so they put him in an isolation tank in the back (he died 2 days later). I went to a WONDERFUL store (reptile kingdom) and got all the proper equipment for a tropical lizard, and purchased a baby mountain horned yesterday.

[luckbealady]

I would get in writing (or printed and signed form) from the vet what they told you. Then I'd go back to the store and tell them you like to return everything (including the wrong tank) - don't be hostile, if you're calm and explain everything you'll get a lot farther.

No matter what they do (if they give you the refund for the tank and animal) I'd contact HQ as well. This situation is completely unacceptable, and they are endangering the lives of their animals by not making sure they are properly cared for (not just by staff, but by misleading customers).

That is just awful - for both the poor animal and your daughter having to lose a pet so quickly.

[GatineauGirl]

That is just awful. I wish the NEWS would pick up this story. PetSmart needs to be shamed, publicly. Heartbreaking.

[Lyssia510]

Omg, that's terrible! I would be taking this as far up the company as possible.

[Dinobuzz]

This is sad... poor thing! I don't like how the associate refused to give you the dragon until you put the kit in your buggy.... and to give you a pamphlet for another species saying it was close enough is not right. I'd call the manager & see what he/she has to say..... but do it ASAP so they can see the condition of the dragon & hear what your Vet had to say.

[Darth Penguin]

Personally, I loath PetCemetry. everytime I've gone in, they have had dead and dying fish in the tanks...shuddders,,If they can't keep fish , any other animal is going to be suspect.

I agree with the prevous posters who would like you to get a letter from your vet and return both the lizard and kit.

Steps on soapbox...

I wish more people would lok up how to care for a prospective pet and not rely on staff at their local pet store.

Especially when it comes to more exotic pets like lizards and snakes. Thier needs are not as simple as non-specialist stores want you to believe. I've heard of pet store employees recomending live pinkies* to newbie snake owners. The results aren't pretty...**


I specialise in one genus of fish.. Consequently, I know far more than your average fish store worker about this genus. On more than one occassion I have told another customer that the employee gave him/her the wrong advice..tank size, food etc..

Knowledge of what you want to buy and if you are going to be able to keep the animal so it lives a long and happy live is best known before you buy a pet so you can not only purchase a healthy animal but also you are aware of how it it can grow and how big a tank oor cage you are going to need in the long run.


...gets off soapbox..

* pinkies are baby mice
** they don't like being eaten and can cause serious damage to a snake even though they are small...google if you are intereasted..

[teegansmom]

I have previously owned reptiles, just none of this variety. I did try to purchase the right product for the animal, but my choices were refused by the associate multiple times. (This is the main problem) After speaking with the herpetologist, even with the animal being way underweight, it could have been saved if it had been in the proper enclosure to allow it to thrive (my original choice that was turned down for "being too small" and then "not having natural substrate") By putting it in the enclosure insisted upon by the associate, it was the nail in the coffin for this little guy. Even if I had been a more informed consumer (I did tell her that if a bearded dragon gets to be 2 feet and needs a 40-50 gallon, then why would my dragon being 11 inches need one the same size?) I think the purchase would have ended up pretty much the same. (she had the keys to the tank, and didn't open it until she "approved" my choice)

[Poirot]

It's terrible you were sold a sick animal.I would also make a complaint about this person's high pressure tactics and lies.

[SassyAshley]

I would take it all back and demand a refund for everything. As well I would lodge a complaint with HO about the employee who refused to even open the cage until you purchased what she said you needed. I would also demand to know if employees get commissions or bonuses or some sort of incentives on sales because if they do it would seem this is how the employee pads their sales so to say. I would become this company's worst enemy until they make it right, do whatever is needed including if needed getting the media involved because I hate to say it I highly doubt you are the only person this happened too.

[r0c0upons]

i'm sorry for your daughter's loss, and for your baby mountain horned dragon. :'(

they've told me similar mistruths at petsmart- about goldfish!!! i mean, isn't that one of the most beginner pets ever besides a pet rock?! thankfully, a legitimate fish store was next door and they had knowledgeable associates. i totally agree with everything luckbealady said!

[Ciel]

http://www.ontariospca.ca/what-we-do...l-cruelty.html

Who to Call Report suspected animal abuse
To report suspected animal abuse call the Ontario SPCA at 310-SPCA (7722) or email [email protected], or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA Branch, Affiliated SPCA or Humane Society or police.

[teegansmom]

Update in top post, still sad about my little Spike, but issue was handled well by management.

[terry2144]

Wow! What a terrible experience. It's too bad about spike business I'm was happy to read your update. years ago I was ready to purchase a couple of mud skippers, the employee was terrific. They warned me about specific conditions needed and concerns. I wouldn't have been able to give them all that was required.