Dial a Dog Wash - Would definitely not recommend to any pet lover

derry_kerry

I had the misfortune to use the services of Dial a Dog Wash on Friday. Never again.

Our bichon frise is in a pitiful state as a result of the groomer cutting his paw (and not telling me) when he had gone we noticed the dog was limping and on closer inspection he has what appears to be a scissor cut on his pad. So a costly trip to the vet will be needed today.

His coat looks like a couple of toddlers tried out hairdressing on him with big patches where he has been cut closer to the skin. So I will also have to pay for another groomer who knows what he/she is doing to sort out the mess.

I phoned Dial a dog wash and received what can only be described as a very disinterested attitude from the groomer, so this morning I phoned the head office and spoke to the owner of this organisation Helen James, who kept talking over me and wouldnt let me finish my sentences. She took a very defensive attitude and told me that they were not prepared to intervene.

I toyed with the idea of going to local press out of frustration, but in reality I don't want the embarrassment of it all.

Does anyone know if there is any other course of action I can take to recoup my money and stop this company from ripping off pet lovers.

elona

How about reporting them to the RSPCA?

liz545

Write to them explaining that you're dissatisfied with the service you've received, and ask for a refund of the cost of the grooming, plus any other expenses you've reasonably incurred (getting the grooming re-done, vet's appointment), inclosing photos. In your letter, explain that you'd like a response from them within, say, 10 working days, and if they are unable to address your complaint you will be filing with the small claims court - that's exactly what it's there for!

pinkshoes

Sorry, I didn't know what a bichon frise was, but now I understand the bit about the hair cut!



Trading standards should deal with this sort of thing, and definitely write a letter (recorded delivery) asking for a refund, as well as sending them the vets bill!

hollydays

If it was me,I would be asking about their insurance.Surely they should have it.If not,why not.What did they say about it? A reputable franchise should ensure its members have it.
I think you should also name the area.

KILL_BILL

yes right to them and detail that as a result of their employess negligence your dog sustained injury and that you will be seeking compensation for damages incurred and pain and suffering of the dog

write to them with a pre-action title at the top of the letter and give them 14 days failing which you will seek legal advice for comencement of legal proceedings

asea

Why not go to the press? Why would you have anything to be embarrassed about? It's THEM that should be embarrassed, not you!

Good luck, if it was my pet I would be fuming too!!

lvnlyt

I felt compelled to reply to this post as my dog too has suffered at the hands of Dialadogwash Ltd.

I was told that my dog had been 'nicked' under his leg and in several other places. On closer inspection, the wounds are a lot deeper than I was led to believe and he has large, open, bleeding and weeping flesh wounds. I had signed their form but wish to retract, as I am far from happy! I attached pictures of the wounds in an email to HO.

A few nicks I can live with, but these wounds look to be in danger of
infection if I am not careful. I was told that their insurance would
cover this if I need to take my dog to the vet. So far I have had to pay for a collar so that he doesn't lick the wounds and some anti-bacterial medicated spray.

I do realise that my dog was quite knotty, but surely they have ways of dealing with this without seriously injuring or traumatising the animal? I feel quite sickened as to the extent of these wounds. I was advised by their groomer to put Germolene on them.

I followed all of the advice, as stated above and they have admitted responsibility for the injuries by agreeing to pay for the cost of treatment. However, a refund has not been forthcoming as yet. I do not see the cost as the main problem though, my poor little dog has been left traumatised and has still not stopped shaking. He won't go out of the house without me, whereas he was so adventurous before the incident.

I have contacted the RSPCA but wondered if anyone knows of a governing body covering dog groomers in this country please?

shakemeup

Sounds like I had a lucky escape! I too am in the North West and contacted them a few weeks ago but they couldn't fit my dog in that week so I decided to go elsewhere.

Thanks for the warning. Hope your dog is ok.

HappyMJ

lvnlyt wrote: »

I have contacted the RSPCA but wondered if anyone knows of a governing body covering dog groomers in this country please?

Anyone can be a dog groomer There are no qualifications. No governing body. Nothing. I could buy a van tomorrow kit it out and start grooming dogs for cash if I want. I have no idea how to do it safely.

Fridaycat

lvnlyt wrote: »

I
A few nicks I can live with, but these wounds look to be in danger of infection if I am not careful. I was told that their insurance would
cover this if I need to take my dog to the vet. So far I have had to pay for a collar so that he doesn't lick the wounds and some anti-bacterial medicated spray.

... I feel quite sickened as to the extent of these wounds. I was advised by their groomer to put Germolene on them.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

If the wounds are as bad as this, I would not rely on the advice of what sounds to be incompetent dog groomers and put an ointment designed for humans on them (what happens if the dog licks it off?) but rather would be making an appointment with the vet immediately.