Pets at Home Harness

bogwoppit · 05-05-2011, 11:42

On Saturday we went camping and as Gruffler has broken his last Halti Harness we went to get him a new one on the way out.
They didn't have any Haltis so we decided to give the Pets At Home anti pull one a go.
Big Mistake!
Gruffler was very whingy putting the harness on after the second day walking in it. We thought it was because he hates having his legs touched and was whinging at being put in the harness. However, on Tuesday I discovered a big pussy welt where the harness had injured him under his armpit.
It fitted him really nicely so I can only determine that this harness is not good!
After I tried it on him and determined it fitted well, I promplty lost the receipt and packaging. It cost about £17 and TBH I'm not really happy with getting a credit note at P@H as I make a point of NOT shopping there and the only reason I went in was to get a harness so we could have some long walks whilst camping and tether him more safely than in a collar.
I have taken photos of his injury (the best I can with a tempermental terrier who doesn't like having his poorlys touched) and am thinking some sort of email/letter.
Any advice? I want a full refund as a minimum but am wondering if I have a leg to stand on with no receipt. I am seeing how his wound goes and bathing with salt water (more kind of sploshing it on as again, he doesn't like too much prodding) but obviously we could potentially incur vets bills if it starts to look infected.
Thanks loads

Rainrescue · 05-05-2011, 11:49

Bogw - Pets at Home have always been really helpful whenever we have had any dealings with them. I think they had a lot of bad press previously - and the management have taken huge steps to try to rectify this.

Ii would go into the Crystal Peaks store and ask to speak to the Manager or the Deputy Manager - we were talking to them both yesterday and they were very good and very helpful. At least if you talk to them, show them the problem and what it has done they are more aware of this product - they won't want to be selling anything thats causing problems I'm sure.

I know there are some harnesses that are good - its just a case of finding out which is right. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
ps - thanks for the loan of dp

ch3quers · 05-05-2011, 11:50

Did you pay by credit/debit card? If so, you may still be able to provide proof that you bought it from them. They should know their own products! I would put something in writing and enclose your photos and any proof you might have of buying it there. Even if you don't have proof (ie paid cash) I would still contact them. I hope Gruffler gets better soon.

Elizabeth13 · 05-05-2011, 11:52

Well.. It's a p@h brand, right? They should know it's there's.
I'd may be try phoning them to speak to the manager, or go in and speak to the manager.

Either take your dog with its injuries or photo evidence, they can't exactly refuse I don't think.
If they do, or they get spotty at you, just inform them promptly that you will tell every pet owner you know (which is a lot) how they have acted in this situation and inform them not to buy from their company as it's potentially dangerous and could cause injury, as well as being horrible management staff.

bogwoppit · 05-05-2011, 12:09

Thanks guys, sounds like I should just go down there and speak to them rather than launching straight down the official route.
I am a bit wary taking Gruffler with me as, like I said, he can get very stressed with (partidcuarly strangers) pokinng his hurtys. However, I might take him and his muzzle and it might make them less likely to ask questions and more willing to just give me a refund and get me out

smudge74 · 05-05-2011, 12:17

I bought my cat a harness from there and she can get out of it in 60 seconds flat!! She's grounded for 3 weeks for wandering too far and playing on the main road to the motorway

Wanted to be able to let her in the garden, especially as the weather is so nice, but she was out of it like Houdini! Back to the drawing board for me, and I think the advice about going in and talking to them is the right way to go for you Bogwoppit. So often complaints don't need to ecalate if all parties are approachable. Hope the little one heals soon

Rainrescue · 05-05-2011, 13:37

I wouldn't stress yourself taking him Bogw, if you don't want to. I think if you just explain and talk to them about it, and see what they say. Tell them you can bring him in if they think they need to see it, and then you know its necessary. If its not, then its not worth upsetting yourself or him.

Like I say - they were lovely with us yesterday - we are doing a fundraising event there this weekend (thanks Mrs Nix), and they are very much trying to support Animal Welfare now after a very tarnished previous reputation. Only once they are aware of your problem and if they then refuse you - do you need to get angry or upset with them.

I had the same experience with Jolley's on Attercliffe some years ago and wouldn't enter the shop if they had goods dropping off their fingers tips. The manageress there was so horribly rude to me and our rescue that she should have been sacked on the spot. There thats my rant over.

We can only speak from what we find can't we, so if they are nice, and usually you need to go by what the manager is like - then you can go one way or the other.

joyh · 05-05-2011, 18:43

It is what it is a Pet Supermarket, but I have always found the staff helpful and polite.I'm sure they would refund if there has been a problem.J

TerryRGirl · 06-05-2011, 20:54

I have a PAH near me and they've always refunded us or anything that needed to go back, I'm sure if you explain your situation they will refund or give a credit note if you've not got a reciept.