Last Updated on July 23, 2024 by Dogs Vets
Tragedy at PetSmart PetsHotel: 3 Dogs Die After Stays in Alexandria, Virginia Facility”
On July 1, 2024, a heartbreaking incident unfolded at the PetSmart PetsHotel in Alexandria, Virginia, when a dog owner was informed about the death of their canine companion while under the facility’s care.
Shockingly, two more dogs subsequently died during or shortly after their stay at the same PetSmart location.
An investigation is underway, with one of the deceased dogs’ bodies sent for necropsy. Authorities are still waiting for the results to determine the cause of death.
Investigation Launched After Third Canine Death
The investigation began following a complaint by Andrew Noles, who lost his three-year-old Aussiedoodle named Clark. According to ABC 7 News, Clark had been in perfect health, and a vet had recently cleared him just weeks before he was boarded at the PetSmart PetsHotel.
Additional Dog Deaths Raise Concerns
Just days after Clark’s tragic passing, two more dog owners reported the deaths of their pets while under PetSmart’s care. One of these dogs was a seven-year-old Great Dane named Nova Reed.
Her owner, Sara Reed, recounted to NBC4 how Nova was coughing up blood and had diarrhea when she was picked up from the facility. Despite being healthy for the past three years, Nova’s health deteriorated rapidly during her stay from June 28 to July 7.
Health Issues Noticed During Previous Stays
Sara Reed mentioned that she had observed subtle health changes in Nova after previous stays at the PetsHotel. Nova had developed kennel cough and experienced digestive issues after previous visits. However, her most recent stay proved to be the most detrimental, leading to her untimely death.
Animal Welfare League Investigation
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has been actively investigating the situation since July 1. They have sent Clark’s body for necropsy to determine the cause of death, with results still pending.
All three dogs that died had stayed at the PetSmart PetsHotel around the same time and passed away within a week of their stay. The League has been conducting thorough inspections of the facility, with PetSmart cooperating fully with the investigation.
Community and Owner Reactions
The tragic deaths of these pets have sparked significant concern and outrage within the community. Pet owners are demanding answers and stricter regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of animals under PetSmart’s care.
NEW: Animal Control in Alexandria is investigating the death of a second dog that boarded at the Potomac Yard Petsmart in June. A Boxer named Blu stayed there the same week as another dog that died-the dogs died 2 days apart. The owners say the dogs were healthy when dropped off. pic.twitter.com/lTO0bJkyhs
— Tom Roussey (@tomroussey7news) July 16, 2024
Importance of Pet Safety and Vigilance
This incident underscores the critical importance of vigilance when choosing a boarding facility for pets. Pet owners are encouraged to thoroughly research and vet any facility before entrusting their beloved companions to their care.
Conclusion
The investigation into the PetSmart PetsHotel in Alexandria, Virginia, continues as authorities and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria work to uncover the causes behind these tragic deaths.
Pet owners and the community at large await the results and hope for measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
For more updates on this developing story, visit ABC 7 News.
*Namrata Padhee reports on pet and animal welfare issues. The original article can be found [here]..
