My dog was shaved down without my permission by a different groomer than requested.

Question

I took my full coated Pomeranian to a groomer. I requested the groom to be with the owner. They didn't tell me a brand-new person was grooming him. She shaved his back leg down to the skin which must have hurt him and then shaved his body down; I assume so it wouldn't look so bad, but they cut him down so much it caused post clip alopecia. I have taken him to vet specialist who put him on melatonin and now an implant, but it's been a full year and it won't grow back. I want to know if I can sue them for deceptive trade practices, or should I do negligence since I found out later the owner had retired, they never divulged this information. She also forfeited her LLC in 2023, and her son is still running the business under the LLC name. This is in Texas where pets are considered property.

Texas, USA

Answer

I cannot predict the outcome of any given case, but failing to tell customers that there is a new owner of a business would not normally constitute a deceptive business practice. However, people can allege more than one cause of action in a lawsuit.

Complaints about deceptive business practices can also be made to the state’s Attorney General and consumer protection agencies and organizations. Some municipalities require groomers to have permits and adhere to standards. In these municipalities, complaints can also be made to the licensing agency.

People who believe that a groomer’s negligence caused harm to their animal can sue for monetary damages, such as veterinary bills. It will be necessary to prove negligence and damage caused as a result of the negligence. A veterinarian’s testimony may be helpful. Sometimes people choose to file a claim with the groomer (on their own or through an attorney) before suing since groomers often have insurance policies and may settle for a mutually acceptable amount of money.

I hope your dog makes a full recovery.