Location: West Monroe, LA
A West Monroe pet owner, Rikki Shackelford, is alleging that her two poodles were injured and mistreated during a grooming appointment at PetSense in West Monroe, prompting veterinary treatment and multiple complaints to store management and corporate representatives.
According to a series of Facebook posts and my interview with Shackelford, she dropped off her dogs at the store around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and prepaid for grooming services. She said the dogs were not ready for pickup until after 7 p.m.
Shackelford said she was immediately alarmed by the dogs’ appearance, describing extensive hair removal and visible skin irritation. After returning home, she claims both dogs showed signs consistent with razor burn across their bodies.
In a follow-up post, Shackelford further alleged that a woman who was inside the store during the grooming appointment contacted her after seeing the original post. According to Shackelford, the woman claimed she witnessed one of the dogs being handled roughly by the groomer, including forcefully holding the dog’s mouth shut while the animal was panting heavily.
Shackelford also reported noticing swelling on one dog’s face and abnormal mouth movement later that evening. She said a veterinarian confirmed swelling beneath the dog’s left eye but found no fractures. Both dogs were reportedly prescribed antibiotics, with one also receiving pain medication.
Shackelford described multiple interactions with store staff and management, stating that a refund was eventually issued but that she was dissatisfied with how the situation was handled. She said a regional manager told her there were no cameras inside the grooming area and advised that any further action would require legal counsel. According to Shackelford, corporate representatives offered to cover veterinary expenses.
PetSense has not publicly confirmed the allegations, the presence or absence of surveillance cameras in grooming areas, or any personnel actions related to the groomer named in the posts.
Animal welfare experts encourage pet owners to document injuries, seek veterinary care promptly, and report suspected mistreatment to appropriate authorities.
Animal care professionals note that certain breeds, including poodles and poodle mixes, require frequent and consistent grooming as part of their overall health care. Regular grooming helps prevent painful matting, skin infections, and mobility issues, and it also relies heavily on trust between the animal and the groomer. Experts say repeated positive grooming experiences are essential for reducing stress, preventing injury, and ensuring that animals remain calm and cooperative during future appointments. When that trust is damaged, it can have lasting effects on both an animal’s physical health and behavior.
This story remains under investigation. PetSense and its parent company, Tractor Supply Co., have been contacted for comment.
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