GROOMING CONTRACT

You agree, your pet is fit and healthy. Grooming of sick and elderly pets is entirely at the owners’ risk. Grooming may expose underlying skin and health problems that we cannot be held liable for.

You agree, your pet is vaccinated and up to date. An unvaccinated pet puts itself and others at risk.

It must be clearly understood and agreed that whilst every care and attention is given to your Pet, they are accepted at the owners’ risk entirely.

Pooch Wellness is not liable in connection with any injury or health conditions whilst on the premises. We do not pay any vet bills.

Pooch Wellness is not liable for any future injuries or health conditions whilst off the premises. We do not pay any vet bills.

Our first concern is the welfare of your pet. In the event of injury or illness, a Vet may be called. All costs in connection with and in the carrying out of this instruction shall be at the owner’s expense. We strongly recommend Pet insurance. 

Payment policy

Customers are required to pay a £20 deposit to secure their appointment when booking. This can be carried over to future bookings should you wish. The deposit secures against any missed, late rescheduling or cancelled appointments and will not be refunded unless we get over 48 hours’ notice.

The payment will be made by cash or card on collection of the pet.

Prices quoted are only estimates based on an average Dog/Cat of the breed or type, but owners must remember that some pets will require extra work, and this will be charged on a half-hourly basis of a minimum of £10 per half hour.

The groomer on initial consultation cannot always predict this extra work.

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please inform us AT LEAST 48 HOURS before your appointment time, so we have the chance to offer the time to someone else.

Time is reserved to groom your pet (s), so if you fail to tell us you are no longer able to make your appointment, then you may incur a cancellation fee payable before further appointments can be booked.

If you cancel or wish to move your appointment, this can be done at no extra charge if we are informed with at least 48 hours’ notice.

De-Matting Policy

We groom humanely at Pooch Wellness and will attempt to de-mat a coat if we feel that the animal will not suffer pain. 

We have specialist equipment in the salon, and this will be our first port of call before considering shaving the pets’ coat. However, we will abide by the Animal Welfare Act.

It is the OWNERS duty of care towards their pet to maintain the coat between professional grooms. If owners fail to attend to their pets’ coat, then in the interests of the animal, we will shave off matted coats to prevent unnecessary suffering. 

We will be more than happy to show you how to look after your pets’ coat.

When a pet is presented to us in a severely matted condition, it is our policy to shave the whole coat using electric clippers with a close blade. 

To de-matt would cause the animal tremendous stress and discomfort, often leaving a very thinned and damaged coat. Shaving the coat is quicker and kinder to the pet. 

Many pets are traumatised by unnecessary hours of de- matting, putting them off grooming for life. We consider shaving an act of kindness.

When dematting is necessary, both by tools or clipping; removing heavily matted coats includes the risk of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats. If this happens, it will be brought to your attention, and we are not responsible for any vet bills.

There is no excuse for a matted pet, and the groomer will do their best to see that the matts are removed without trauma to the pet. In the case of an emergency, you will be contacted for permission to take your animal to a vet for treatment. In the case you are unreachable, we will take the action that is in the best interest of your pet.

A severely matted coat can suffer many conditions: Flea infestation, Hotspots & sores Fungal & bacterial infections, Yeast infection Moist eczema, Mites & lice urine & faeces, scalding eye and ear infections, severe itching once the coat is removed, the skin can be red due to the lack of air circulation and dirt that has accumulated underneath. 

Occasionally there are sores or infection, this may need veterinary treatment. Dogs tend to scratch, and this may lead to broken skin. If in doubt, please speak to your vet. We will be more than happy to show you how to look after your pet’s coat.

Once the coat is removed, the skin can be red due to the lack of air circulation and dirt that has accumulated underneath. Occasionally there are sores or infection, this may need veterinary treatment. Dogs tend to scratch and rub their skin after shaving. This is normal, however some can over scratch, and this may lead to broken skin. If in doubt speak to your vet.

NOTE: if we can demat your pet there will be a £10 per 30 minute charge incurred for the extra time taken to groom. 

This cost may be even higher if time taken to de-mat or clip off takes an even more extensive amount of time.

I agree that Pooch Wellness is not responsible for any veterinary bills associated with the groom and the dematting procedure.

By agreeing to this contract, you permit us to shave off a matted coat.

Fleas Policy

Please be honest and DO NOT bring your dog (s) in if you know they have flea. Please treat your dog/cat with a suitable product 48 hours before your appointment, allowing it time to absorb into the skin before bathing.

If your pet (s) is found to have fleas, then a charge of £30 will be applied on top of the grooming price as we will need to clean thoroughly, and flea bomb the grooming room to avoid cross-contamination.

Honesty Policy

We operate an honesty policy. Which means we ask you to be honest with us about your pet behaviour at previous grooming establishments (for new clients).

By telling us, we are better prepared in dealing with your pet. In return, we will always be honest about your pets' behaviour whilst in our care.

Late Arrivals & Pick-Ups

Please inform us if you are running late as this might affect other client’s appointment times.

Your appointment time is for you and your pet, and if you arrive too late, then your appointment may have to be re-booked, and you will incur a cancellation fee.

The fee will be half the grooming price, so please be on time.

We may charge a holding fee for late pick-ups as we need the space for other appointments – unless the studio has been notified that the owner will be late.

Conditions under which dogs are accepted for grooming

A Groomer’s hands are their livelihood which means aggressive pets may be charged extra. If your pet (s) are too aggressive and present a risk of injury to itself or staff, then we reserve the right to refuse to groom them.

Photographs

Your pet may be photographed before, during and after its groom. Photographs may be used on our website, social media or other printed materials. 

To demonstrate good practise and as members of the Pet Industry Federation and British Dog Grooming Association, we abide by sector-   

specific charters, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (updated 2010), section 5:

“All animals are to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.