Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa has found itself at the heart of a major controversy after disturbing videos surfaced online, allegedly showing a staff member abusing dogs during grooming sessions. As of July 22, 2025, the community in Mooresville, North Carolina, remains shaken as details continue to unfold.
Table of Contents
Key Points Summary — Quick Takeaways for Busy Readers
- Viral videos show an employee at Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa mistreating dogs during grooming.
- The groomer caught on video has been fired; the owner’s public statement called the acts “unacceptable”.
- Iredell County Animal Services is investigating both the former employee and the business itself.
- Outrage has led to over 1,500 petition signatures demanding the facility’s closure.
- The name of the fired employee has not been released, and no arrests have been made as of today.
Community Uproar After Viral Videos
The crisis began when videos posted on Facebook showed a Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa employee violently slapping and, in some instances, aggressively handling dogs during grooming appointments. One video captured a dog being jerked and punched while visibly terrified, while another clip appears to show a dog being physically slammed onto a grooming table. These videos, allegedly filmed by a co-worker, quickly went viral, racking up over one million views within days.
Many locals expressed disbelief and outrage, especially those who had trusted the business with their pets for years. Comments from concerned pet owners echo the shock and emotional distress these actions have caused. As one long-term client put it, “I’ve trusted them for three years. Watching the video was heartbreaking. It’s not what you expect from a place that’s supposed to care for your dog.”
Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa — Under Investigation
Timeline of Recent Events
In a statement issued on Facebook the day after the videos spread, the owner of Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa called the behavior “totally unacceptable” and clarified that the involved employee “no longer works at the business”. The owner pleaded for the public not to judge the entire facility by one person’s actions, insisting, “I hope that the actions of one bad egg do not reflect on Classy Critters and the entire staff.”
Despite the apology, public frustration intensified. A Change.org petition, launched just days after the videos appeared, has quickly surpassed 1,540 signatures. Petitioners demand the immediate shutdown of Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa, citing both the visual evidence and allegations that the owner failed to intervene until the violations became public.
Ongoing Official Investigation
Authorities from Iredell County Animal Services have confirmed there is an “active investigation” into both the fired groomer and the business practices at Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa. As of now, officials report that neither the employee nor the owner has been arrested, and the case remains open pending further review of the evidence. Local law enforcement encourages anyone with additional information or past experiences at the facility to come forward.
Community Reactions & Next Steps
Public opinion remains divided. While some regular customers told local stations that they would continue to use Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa, believing the abuse was an isolated incident, others have called for the business to lose its license. Social media channels are filled with heated discussions and personal testimonials, highlighting just how much trust has been lost.
Animal advocacy groups are calling for stricter oversight of pet grooming businesses, and many feel that this case should serve as a wake-up call for the industry as a whole.
This heartbreaking situation at Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa has left a lasting mark on the community. What do you think should happen next? Share your thoughts below—your voice matters in conversations about animal welfare and community accountability.