Alexandria PetSmart Staff Not Charged In Dog Deaths Investigation

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Charges will not be sought for dog deaths connected to the Petsmart PetsHotel in Alexandria, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria said.

The animal welfare organization announced the investigation finding after consultation with the Alexandria Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. The investigation had started on July 1 after the death of a dog named Clark following a stay at the PetsHotel. Two other deaths of dogs (Blu and Lily) who stayed at the PetsHotel were soon reported to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

A necropsy, which is an autopsy for a dog, found Clark had bacterial pneumonia related to an E. Coli infection with possible sepsis. Due to the severity of infection, the investigating veterinarian believes the illness was likely present before Clark stayed at the PetsHotel.

The veterinarian who performed the necropsy found Clark’s illness was advanced with a poor outlook regardless of boarding location. Bacteria was located in his lungs, thymus, liver, spleen, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, kidneys, heart, bladder, and brain. According to the veterinarian, physical symptoms from the illness could appear suddenly and worsen quickly.

"It was determined that since Clark had a pre-existing medical condition and that medical care was sought by PetSmart staff for Clark, there is insufficient evidence to charge PetSmart or any of its staff with a violation of the Virginia animal care codes and no criminal proceedings will be filed in this matter," the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria said in a statement.

Necropsies could not be performed on the two other dogs, Blu and Lily, because their owners had them cremated. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria does not know what led to Blu's death. Lily's cause of death is also unknown but may be related to her old age.

Even though PetSmart and staff will not be charged, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria believes the PetsHotel should have safety improvements. The pet hotel had a high animal-to-staff ratio — 100 to 160 animals with 4 to 5 care staff.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria recommends increasing staff or limiting animals to provide one staff for every 15 animals. Other recommendations include having a licensed veterinary technician on staff to monitor health and regularly train staff on responding to animal medical concerns. The organization reminds pet owners that animal boarding facilities do not received annual state inspections, unlike animal shelters. These facilities get an inspection if a complaint is filed.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria directed pet owners to its tips on choosing a pet boarding facility.