A TikTok video showing a visibly distressed poodle during a grooming session at PetSmart has gone viral, raising concerns once again about how the pet care chain handles animals.
On June 8, TikTok user @toypoodle.lilly shared a video showing her dog looking uncomfortable while being groomed at a PetSmart location. The text over the clip reads, “When PetSmart was so rough with my girl, and then later told me about how she didn’t like being brushed.” As of Friday, the video has been viewed more than 4.1 million times.
What Happened?
In a follow-up post, the user explained she had arrived at the store to pick up her dog after receiving a call from the groomer. The session was nearly finished when she noticed how roughly her dog was being brushed—so she began recording.
“I started recording because I was shocked by how rough they were, and I wanted to have proof in case I needed it,” she wrote.
“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.”
Viewer Backlash
The video quickly sparked outrage in the comments.
“So glad you posted this,” one commenter wrote. “My daughter was going to take our dog there—no way now!”
“PetSmart is the worst for grooming, and most of the groomers are new,” another claimed.
A third added, “They have so many lawsuits for pet injuries and even deaths.”
A Troubling History
This isn’t the first time PetSmart has come under fire for its grooming practices. In 2022, AJ Ross, a Pittsburgh resident, filed a lawsuit against the company after her dog Kobe died during a nail trimming appointment.
Ross alleged that the improper use of restraints caused her dog’s death. Court documents included video evidence showing two tethers around Kobe’s neck that restricted his movement—shortly afterward, he passed away.
Not Everyone Agrees
Some TikTok users defended PetSmart, pointing out that not all groomers are the same.
“Not all PetSmart groomers are abusive,” one commenter wrote. “Private salons can be just as bad. My salon treats animals with love. I’m really sorry that this happened to your baby.”
Both @toypoodle.lilly and PetSmart were contacted for comment by The Mary Sue, but no public response has been shared as of yet.
As the video continues to circulate, it’s adding fuel to ongoing concerns about pet grooming safety—not just at chain stores, but across the industry.
