Virginia family says pet dog 'baked to death' after being dropped off at Petco for grooming

A Virginia family has blamed a major national pet food and care company for the death of its golden retriever – claiming it was “baked to death” in a drying cage.

Allison Marks, from Powhatan, claimed she dropped off her two-year-old dog, Colby, at the Petco store in Westchester Commons, where the dog was scheduled for a routine grooming. At the time, the dog was in good health, the family said.

But when Ms Marks returned just a few hours later to collect the dog, she was told he was dead. She claimed she that Petco’s assistant manager told her the dog was accidentally left in a heated drying cage for too long.

Ms Marks said last Friday was the worst day of her life since her husband’s death.

“He was my shadow. He followed me everywhere,” she told WTVR. “He was my next soul mate. He’s been going there since he was a puppy.”


A vet reportedly told Ms Marks that her dog had died of heat stroke. She said Petco’s management team was very kind during the ordeal. In fact, she said the assistant manager was weeping along with her at the vet’s office.

Petco issued a statement that claimed all employees were "heartbroken by Colby's passing".

"The health and safety of pets is always our top priority and we take full responsibility for all animals under our care," the company added.

"We are taking immediate action to investigate and understand the situation. Our thoughts are with Colby's family at this difficult time."