A California family said they paid $10,000 to have their two Bernese mountain dogs trained, only to receive a devastating call that one of them had died just two days into the program.
The incident drew attention after the family said other pet owners came forward with accounts of similar losses connected to the same business.
Here's what to know
After welcoming another baby in June, Andrew Fedyk and Madeleine White enrolled their dogs, Dunkin and Poutine, in a four-week board-and-train program with Smart Dogs Training Academy. According to Slate, Dunkin died in late August while the company had him in its care.
According to Fedyk, the explanation the couple received was that Dunkin had overheated at a park. Fedyk said that after he spoke publicly, other pet owners contacted him with similar stories involving Smart Dogs owner Jeff Todd and assistant Jalen Hicks.
Among the cases Slate described were a 10-month-old service-dog-in-training golden retriever that reportedly died after being left in a hot van, a dog named Leo who was allegedly returned in such a malnourished condition that he died three days later, and a pet named Dobie that was reportedly put down without the owner's permission. Slate said at least seven families reached out alleging comparable losses.
He also told Slate that, looking back, there were red flags he did not fully recognize at the time, including disabled AirTags and Todd's alleged refusal to show clients where the dogs were being boarded.
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More background
Todd's website said he had trained 25,000 dogs over 25 years, and Slate reported that he also presented himself publicly as an elite trainer with celebrity and K-9 credentials.
Appearing on a TV show, Todd said, "At my company Smart Dogs, what we try to do is make sure that every dog comes in, number one, we make sure it's safe. If we're just going to train the dog or board the dog, we have to keep the dog safe."
For families trying to pursue accountability after a pet dies, the civil legal system can offer only limited relief. Because pets are often treated as property in court, grieving owners may face restrictions on what they can recover.
David Rosengard, managing attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, told Slate that deaths at boarding and training businesses are not unusual. He said owners often extend to those services the same basic trust they would give restaurants to meet fundamental safety standards.
What can be done?
Fedyk, White, and other pet owners are reportedly working with Los Angeles Animal Services as they seek possible criminal accountability. Rosengard said cases involving extreme heat could potentially be pursued under animal-cruelty negligence charges, though prosecutors ultimately decide whether charges are filed.
According to Slate, no state in the U.S. licenses dog trainers, although Los Angeles does require kennels to have both a license and a permit.
Dog training expert Tom Davis said pet owners can still take a few basic steps, such as seeing where their dog would be kept, asking direct questions about temperature control, and paying attention if something feels off.
"It's an interview process," Davis said. "It's kind of a dating scenario. Like if you're uncomfortable and it's not your vibe, then you go somewhere else."
Where can I learn more?
Unfortunately, this isn't the only case of possible animal negligence in the United States.
• In California, remains of 117 dogs were found at a purported no-kill shelter.
• After adopting Sadie, her owners learned she had survived a trailer cruelty case before rescue.
• In New York, the State Senate passed landmark animal protection laws aimed at cruelty cases.
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