Petsmart, a popular pet retailer, has faced numerous questions regarding their animal care practices, particularly how they handle deceased pets. This article aims to shed light on Petsmart’s policies and procedures, as well as delve into the concerns raised by employees and animal rights organizations.
Petsmart has a “deceased store-owned pet policy” in place to handle dead animals. The policy requires the staff to wrap the deceased pet, store it in a refrigerator or freezer, and sent to a veterinarian for cremation within a week. However, some employees have reported that these guidelines are not always followed due to understaffing and lack of resources. Petsmart has faced criticism for these practices, and the emotional impact on their staff is significant. The company has implemented several initiatives to improve animal care and prevent deaths.
Petsmart’s Protocol for Handling Deceased Animals
Petsmart has a specific policy in place known as the “deceased store-owned pet policy”. According to this policy, when an animal dies in their care, the staff is required to wrap the deceased pet in a paper towel, place it in a plastic fish bag, seal the bag with rubber bands, and store it in a refrigerator or a freezer. Petsmart’s protocol stipulates that deceased pets must not be left in the freezer for longer than a week or in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours. It is also required that deceased animals be sent to a veterinarian for cremation at least once a week.
However, some Petsmart employees have reported that due to understaffing and lack of resources, these guidelines are often not followed.
Legal Regulations and Ethical Implications
While there may not be specific legal regulations that Petsmart must adhere to regarding the handling of dead animals, their internal policies and guidelines are in place to ensure proper handling and disposal of deceased pets.
Despite these policies, Petsmart has faced criticism from animal rights organizations and employees alike. Reports of neglect and improper disposal of dead animals have raised ethical questions about the company’s practices.
Emotional Impact on Staff
Petsmart employees have revealed that dealing with deceased animals can take a toll on their mental health. Some have reported being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing sick and dead animals in the store. It is crucial for Petsmart to address these concerns and provide support for their staff, possibly through offering counseling services, mental health resources, or implementing better policies and practices to ensure the well-being of both the animals and the staff.
Petsmart’s Preventive Measures
Petsmart has implemented several initiatives to prevent the death of animals in their care. These include investing in 1.5 million hours of training for associates in pet care positions, partnering with leading independent AAHA-accredited veterinary practices, offering dog training classes, and revising their adoption policies.
However, despite these efforts, there have been reports of animal deaths and neglect at some Petsmart locations. It is important for the company to continually evaluate and improve their policies and practices to ensure the health and safety of the animals in their care.
In conclusion, Petsmart’s handling of deceased animals is a complex issue with many facets. From following proper disposal protocols to addressing the emotional impact on staff and improving animal care practices, Petsmart has a responsibility to ensure the ethical treatment of the animals in their care. With increasing scrutiny from the public and animal rights organizations, it is crucial for Petsmart to uphold their commitment to animal welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a pet dies while being groomed at Petsmart?
If a pet dies while being groomed at Petsmart, the company’s policy is to immediately stop the grooming process, inform the pet’s owner, and take the deceased pet to the nearest veterinary clinic for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
Does Petsmart have a policy for managing sick animals in their care?
Yes, Petsmart has a policy for managing sick animals. They are required to isolate the sick animal and provide appropriate veterinary care. The company has partnerships with AAHA-accredited veterinary practices to ensure sick animals receive the necessary medical attention.
How does Petsmart ensure the health of the animals they sell?
Petsmart ensures the health of the animals they sell through various measures. These include providing training for associates in pet care positions, establishing partnerships with leading independent AAHA-accredited veterinary practices, and revising their adoption policies to ensure animals are going to responsible and caring homes.
Does Petsmart euthanize animals?
Petsmart does not euthanize animals in their stores. If an animal is sick and requires euthanasia, it will be transported to a veterinary clinic. Euthanasia is considered a last resort and is only conducted under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian.
What training do Petsmart employees receive to handle animals?
Petsmart employees receive substantial training to handle animals. The company has invested in 1.5 million hours of training for associates in pet care positions. This training covers a wide range of topics including animal handling, feeding, health monitoring, and emergency procedures.
