Villages Pet Villas...once was enough!

[Martysmom]

We took our dog into Villages Pet Villas on LaGrande Blvd after having it recommended to us by a friend. We thought it looked nice and clean so we decided to try it. Our dog has skin allergies so we bathed him at home in his special shampoo and gave him his 10 minute soak. So, when we took him in for grooming, there was no bathing involved. We were told it would be about an hour. We specifically told the groomer NOT to shave him, just trim him up. We went home and after 2 phone calls from them saying he was done when he wasn't (the receptionist got us mixed up with another client) resulting in us driving down there twice and having to go home, 4 1/2 hours later he was declared done. The end result was our full coated Cocker shaved down to the skin with not only clipper marks all over his face and back but clipper burns on his legs, ears and tummy. He is now on medicated spray for the burns and an antibiotic. I know some people here sing their praises but for us, we will never ever go back.

[KittyKat]

Wow, what a fiasco! So sorry for your dog and for you. Did you have to pay full price?

[jrandall]

Thanks for the warning. I have been using The Village Groomers for the past year and have been very happy with the grooming they do.

[Martysmom]

Yes! They charged me the full price with no refund! Can you believe it? I will look into Village Groomers but he sure won't be needing a trim for a LONG time!!

[plimit56]

I take my cocker spaniel to The Dog House on 441 just past the Marion Market on the right hand side. I always wash my dog with special shampoo due to skin allergies as well and dry the dog myself. They do a wonderful job of grooming and have been going there for several years and the staff is very nice and polite. 352-245-2002 for appt.

[alanmcdonald]

We had a similar experience last weekend with our Australian Shepard, in our "other" home in Georgia.

We took her to her normal grooming place and told them to trim her belly to 1 inch. They trimmed her entire coat to 1 inch. I don't think she will need another grooming until we become full time Villagers in September 2015.

[GeoGeo]

Martysmom,

Did you you pay with a credit card? If so, I would dispute the charge with the credit card company.

[Martysmom]

Martysmom,

Did you you pay with a credit card? If so, I would dispute the charge with the credit card company.

No, my husband picked him up and paid cash. He didn't think anything of how he looked until they got home and I let out a scream! :rant-rave:

[echo11]

Lady lake professional groomers are very good. They do not keep your pet all day. One and a half hours is all it takes. We are pleased with them.

[rdhdleo]

I have used the Pet Villas for years and have always hd nothing but quality service from them. My dogs love it there! Just a question, did you talk to them about it, did you ask for a refund? Did you try to let them make it right for you easy to slam a place after one visit then run and not give them a chance. Sorry though you had this experience. But I know The Pet Villas will always bend over backwards to make things right.

[Portia]

We use the pet villas for boarding an grooming..and our Portia loves it there..and Lisa the groomer.is the best groomer we found hands down..and Portia gets so excited when she sees her..so no problem here just praise!!!!

[Susan G]

So sorry your baby was clipper burned. Hair will grow back but an experience with hot clippers can result in a pup being fearful of grooming.
Suggest you try Bone Crazy Grooming 352-330-2663 in 466A near Wildwood. I used Chris for my 17 yr old Cocker and he was always happy & clean when he came out.
Good luck on your next groom. Susan

[John_W]

You might try a mobile pet groomer that comes to your house. I had neighbor who used one all the time and loved it. I was on St. Charles yesterday and saw a big van with Paradise Pet Grooming listed on the side. I think this is their number 352-427-1298, and I've read they charge about the same price as a shop.

[villagetinker]

We had a similar situation with our cat, apparently there was a misunderstanding when we told the groomer to shave her butt (she is a long hair), came in (mobile groomer) looking like a poodle................. Took about 3 months for hair to grow back. While I think we will use the groomer again, we will have them repeat the instruction back to us before the cat go to the trailer.

Since from the sound of the thread it appears there was some confusion, I would suggest a follow-up call to the groomer, and a discussion about a refund or significant credit for future visit, if they offer a suitable explanation.

PS our cat was so annoyed, that she avoided us for about 1 week, and did not speak for about 2 weeks..............
Back to normal now, and ordering us slaves around.

[chevy123]

My parents and i will be moving to buttonwood in a few weeks an i was looking for some suggestion a good vet,we have 2 middle aged cats an a black lab

[Martysmom]

We use the pet villas for boarding an grooming..and our Portia loves it there..and Lisa the groomer.is the best groomer we found hands down..and Portia gets so excited when she sees her..so no problem here just praise!!!!

Ironically, that's the lady that butchered my Cocker! :mad:

[DDoug]

We have two cockers and if a groomer doesnt know how to handle them they can be quite energetic. That can lead to a bad job. Not making any excuses.

[dbussone]

My parents and i will be moving to buttonwood in a few weeks an i was looking for some suggestion a good vet,we have 2 middle aged cats an a black lab

Try Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital off 466. They also have an office on 466A in the Pinellas strip mall. Excellent vets.

[chevy123]

thank you all for the suggestions

[Lynn222]

Are there toys that are made for for blind cats?

[dogpound]

I also had a similar experience with the Village Pet Villas. However I immediately went back with my pet along with my vet bill, and asked then how could they make me a happy customer. They refunded me the full groom, PLUS paid my entire vet bill, and asked that I give them another chance. I have gone back, explained exactly what I wanted done and have been very happy. I will say that I questioned why my pet was dropped off around 8am, and at times stayed until later in the afternoon. They explained that the first one in was the first one out. However if on occasion I needed my pet earlier, they have worked with me. I know you were furious, as I was, but have you called and asked what they can do to make you happy? I know they can't put the hair back on, but we all make mistakes, and deserve an opportunity to make it right.

[ricksvl]

We have used The Village Groomer for approx. 4 years and have never had a problem. Not with our Boston Terrier (deceased) or with our new rescue puppy. I highly recommend them.

[page1612]

Call Paradise Pet Grooming the next time. Megan runs a mobile unit that comes right to your door. She and Sam are great!

[Steph]

After a recommendation on this site, I started using Lady Lake Professional Grooming. Have done 2 grooms there now. Great job. Jackie is great and my Toby is a happy boy. And handsome too I might add.