Groomer not required to pay vet costs after owner claims dog was badly burned: CRT

A groomer won't be required to pay thousands of dollars in vet fees following a B.C. tribunal's decision, in spite of the owner's claim their dog was badly burned during an appointment.

A groomer won't be required to pay thousands of dollars in vet fees following a B.C. tribunal's decision, in spite of the owner's claim their dog was badly burned during an appointment.

A Civil Resolution Tribunal posted a decision Thursday about the dispute between the owner of a dog named Tara and a Vancouver-based grooming shop.

Tribunal member Eric Regehr said the decision was made based on the balance of probabilities, meaning one scenario was more likely than not.

The tribunal heard that while Tara was being groomed in late June 2021, a "blackness" apparently began forming under her skin. The groomer stopped the appointment and called Tara's owner, advising they take her to the vet.

The grooming company said Tara had "several chronic conditions, which made her susceptible to skin injuries." It also said the owner signed a waiver before the appointment.

Regehr wrote in his decision that Tara's owner provided a photo from the day of the grooming appointment.

"From this photo, it is possible to see slight dark discolouration on Tara's skin, although it is obscured somewhat by her short, white fur. It appears similar to a bruise," he wrote.