Policies

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Punctuality, Cancellations, and No Shows

Please be on time for your appointment, as my 1-on-1 back-to-back system relies on punctual drop off and pick up by everyone for the day to run as scheduled. Excessive tardiness throws off the entire schedule and will push back all appointments after yours. If you fail to show up within 15 minutes past your appointment time, your appointment will be cancelled and you will be required to pay the cancellation fee before another groom may be scheduled.

To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please text at least 48 hours in advance. Failure to provide adequate notice for cancellations or failure to show up to your appointment will result in a cancellation/no-show fee to be paid via mobile app transfer before another appointment may be scheduled. The cancellation/no-show fee amount will equal 75% of the total groom fee for your dog. In the case of a no-show, in addition to the 75% fee, a deposit will be required to schedule another appointment.

Pricing & Payments

Pricing varies based on the services requested and each dog’s breed, size, coat type, coat/skin condition, temperament, and/or special handling needs. Any pre-quoted grooming prices are estimates only and are not final until after the groom is completed. All services must be paid in full upon completion of the groom at the time the dog is picked up. 

No Owners On Site

For the safety of both the dogs being groomed and the groomer, I do not allow owners to stay during their dog's appointment. It is very important to prevent interruptions or distractions while working. Dogs tend to be anxious and excited to see their owners and may jump around or try to hop off the table to get to their owner, making it extremely difficult and even dangerous to groom them. Some dogs can also be protective of their owners and will exhibit aggressive behavior towards the groomer in their owner's presence, and this behavior usually subsides as soon as the owner is out of sight. 

Matting & Shave Policy

Dogs with severely matted coats require extra time and attention. Mats in a dog’s coat grow tight and can eventually damage and tear the skin, leading to a variety of health issues: parasite infestations, infections, irritated/sensitive skin, scabs and sores that are hidden beneath the tangled hair, foxtails/burrs imbedded in the skin and ears, and many more. Heavy matting can also trap moisture near the dog’s skin, allowing mold, fungus, or bacteria to grow, producing skin irritations that exist prior to the grooming process. Removing a heavily matted coat can cause nicks, cuts, or abrasions due to skin growths trapped in the mats. 

I will not cause serious or undue stress to your dog by de-matting excessively matted or pelted coats. Although I will do my best to keep as much coat as possible, the severity of matting may require the dog to be shaved, as the only way to humanely remove matting is to clip the coat off all the way down to the skin. After-effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions, and failure of the hair to regrow. Dogs will usually scratch and chew on themselves after grooming because the skin can breathe and feels different. If your dog needs to be shaved to remove matting, you acknowledge that you agree to this procedure and any risk presented. There will be added time and cost required to slowly and carefully tend to matted coats. The owner is responsible for the condition of the dog’s coat and the adverse effects of mat/pelt removal. 

Pre-Existing Conditions

I will not be held liable for any pre-existing conditions and injuries that may be aggravated during the grooming process. I take every effort to handle, move, and restrain your dog safely and comfortably during the grooming process, but owners are responsible for disclosing and notifying me of any pre-existing conditions and known or suspected injuries their dog has. Conditions and injuries include, but are not limited to, the following: neck or back issues, orthopedic issues such as arthritis, previous surgeries, seizures, breathing, or heart issues, skin issues, etc. 

Senior Pets

Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful, especially for senior dogs or ones with health problems. I use extra care and patience for older dogs; however, I will not be held responsible for any reaction due to the mental or physical stress of the procedures. Older dogs will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress. If in my judgment, brushing or clipping is determined to cause too much stress to the pet, I will modify or terminate the haircut. 

Accidents & Injuries

Your dog’s safety and comfort is my number one priority. Although accidents are very rare, there is always a risk when handling animals. I use extreme caution and care in all situations, but grooming equipment is sharp and possible problems could occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, kwiking of nails, etc. In most cases, this occurs when the dog is wiggling, and moving around. In the event that an accident does occur, you will be notified of the accident. If I feel it is necessary and the owner is not on site, I will seek immediate veterinary care for your dog with the closest vet clinic.

Aggressive Animals & Refusal of Services 

Owners must disclose any previous dangerous behavior exhibited by their dog. Restraints such as muzzles may be used to perform grooming services to ensure the safety of the groomer, and I will not continue working, or may skip stressful procedures, if your dog’s behavior is compromising their own or my safety.