THE SHINY MUTT HUT  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

All new clients are asked to sign this form as a declaration that you, the customer, agree with the terms and conditions therein.

If you could please read this prior to your dogs first groom I will ensure there is a printed copy for you to sign when you arrive.

 

 

YOUR PET'S HEALTH AND WELFARE

Please inform me of any changes in your pet's health or temperament or your personal details to allow me to always ensure a seamless service and to keep your details up to date.

Whilst your pet is in my care its health and welfare are my primary concern. I will groom your dog to the level of its tolerance and, if required, breaks will be given to ensure he/she does not become distressed or anxious at any point during the grooming process.

If, during the groom, a pre-existing condition is discovered I will notify you of this so that you can seek veterinary advice if this is what seems the best option.

 Although extremely unlikely, accidents can happen during grooming. In the event of a medical emergency or an injury, by signing this declaration, you are authorising me to seek veterinary assistance either at your own vet or one more local dependent on urgency. You will be informed immediately of any such emergencies.

 

 PRICING

There are basic prices that can be given prior to your dogs groom but you must be aware that there are many things that can vary that final price.

 What will add to the cost of my dogs groom?

• Poorly maintained, matted or, in extreme cases, pelted coats. A pelted coat is very   distressing for your dog as the coat becomes very tight to the skin preventing airflow which can be a breeding ground for many skin conditions and/or parasites as well as pain and discomfort for your dog.
  • Pets which are difficult to manage or uncooperative during grooming which results in a much longer grooming time and the potential to have to reschedule the next dog due in.
  • An aggressive dog which needs to be restrained to be able to continue with the groom as this can also be a time-consuming process which can result in rescheduling of other dogs.

 

NEGLECTED & MATTED COATS

When a dogs coat needs to be completely clipped off due to a matted or ‘pelted’ coat this can cause issues for the exposed skin. Dogs can lose the natural protection of the coat and be susceptible to skin irritations which can lead to chewing the skin. It can also cause sunburn and in extreme cases even skin cancers. Your dog is also losing its natural insulation from the cold but in warmer summer months this can cause overheating as the coat can also act as a barrier from the hot summer temperatures. Groomers do not ever want to clip a dogs coat off completely but for the welfare of the animal there is at times no alternative. A matted coat will only be worked on for a limited period in the salon, approximately 20 minutes, as any longer will put the dog under too much pain and suffering. In accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 all animals are lawfully protected from any pain, injury and suffering. You, as the owner, will be informed of this decision and should you choose for me not to go ahead with clipping your dog then you will be asked to collect him/her immediately and advised to consult a vet for further advice on your dog’s coat.

The owner of the dog that has been shaved down needs to understand that this measure can cause problems with the coat afterwards. Your dogs coat may not grow back the way it was before, this can include issues such as;

• Delay in hair growth or a difference in colour in the regrowth
• Bald patches
• Loss of the top layer ‘guard coat’
• Being susceptible to sunburn
• Heatstroke due the protective layer of coat having been removed
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin
• Clipper burn
• Hematoma’s. Tight matting on your dogs ears in particular can result in the delicate blood vessels in the dogs ear rupturing causing hematoma’s. When clipped this will allow blood to again flow to the newly clipped area and this can result in the skin being weaker and thinner and may split if the dog starts to shake its head or scratch at its ears. I will not be held responsible for any such injury if your dog was brought to me in a heavily matted condition but I will ensure all measures are taken to help avoid this should clipping be necessary. Please ask if you would like more information on this process.

 

The owner agrees that by signing this consultation record they are taking full responsibility should any of the above-mentioned coat concerns come to fruition due to the requirement of a ‘shave down’.

AS A RESULT OF THIS PROCESS THE GROOM THAT YOUR DOG WILL RECEIVE WILL BE AT THE DEMAND OF WELFARE AND NOT VANITY

ADVICE ON BRUSHING YOUR DOG CAN BE GIVEN ON REQUEST

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

  Your pet may be photographed before, during and/or after its groom for the purpose of advertising my services. If you do not wish this to happen, please make me aware and I will ensure that no photographs are taken.

 

 

 TIME KEEPING

I ask that you are please punctual to your arranged appointments. I take in one dog at a time as I am a solo groomer so by being late for your appointment it may result in me having to cancel my next appointment which is not financially viable for me.  I will send out appointment reminders 48hrs before the groom so please be sure to keep a note of this. The same request applies for collecting your dog once I have let you know he/she is ready. I am unable to provide boarding for your dog so would be grateful if you could collect as soon as possible.  We all get caught out at times and end up being late but if this is a repetitive issue I may need to consider removing you from my client list or charging for the delay in collection.

 

 

 CANCELLING YOUR DOG'S APPOINTMENT

I would be incredibly grateful if you could let me know of an appointment cancellation no later than 24hrs prior to the groom as this will give me a chance to re-book the appointment.

 

 

 NOT SHOWING UP AT ALL/LATE CANCELLATIONS

 A fee of £10 will be charged for a ‘no-show’ or a late cancellation, less than 24hrs notice.  This will be added to your account and you will be required to pay this in full before the next appointment.

 

 

ATTENDING APPOINTMENTS

My grooming salon is situated in my back garden at my home. I ask that all my clients park in the driveway and not in front of neighbours houses. This makes it a safer option for unloading your dog from the car and also allows me to respect my neighbours privacy. The property has numerous CCTV cameras located at the front and back of the house and within the salon to provide a level of safety for you, your dog and the groomer.

 

Should you wish to discuss any of these Terms & Conditions before signing the declaration please call, email or message me and I can answer any questions you may have.