important information & policies

Conditions under which dogs are accepted for grooming.

1. The dog is fit and healthy. Grooming of sick or elderly dogs is entirely at the owner's risk. Grooming may expose underlying skin or health problems for which we cannot be held liable.
2. The dog is vaccinated, and vaccines remain up to date. An unvaccinated dog puts itself and others at risk.
3. The groomer will not be held liable or responsible for any mishap caused by non-disclosure of a pet's medical condition or behaviour.
4. It must be clearly understood and agreed that whilst every care and attention is given to your dog(s), they are accepted at the owner's risk. Our first concern is for the welfare of your dog, so in the event of injury or illness, a vet may be called in and unless it can be clearly shown that we are liable, all costs in connection with, and in the carrying out of the vet's instruction, shall be at the owner's expense.
5. Payment will be made on collection of the dog. Estimates are based on an average dog of the breed or type, but owners must remember that some dogs will require extensive extra work due to the coat being matted or the behaviour of the dog. This will be charged for in 15 minute increments. Owners must collect dogs at the time stated. Uncollected dogs will incur a sitting fee.
6. Shaving of dogs will dramatically change their appearance and their hair will be very short and close to the skin. This may expose pre-existing skin complaints. If the dog has to be sheared like a sheep due to matting, we cannot be held liable for the clippers accidentally cutting the dog.
7. As the customer, you agree to your dog's photograph being taken and used on our website or social media sites.
8. We store data about clients to ensure we can contact them by mail, telephone, text or email, e.g in an emergency; for booking reminders; informing of any special offers, or dog collections. Any data we hold will not be shared with any other person or business except as required by law. If you wish to withdraw your consent, please contact us directly at info@thepawpadgrooming.co.uk

We reserve the right to refuse a dog that presents a risk of injury to itself or our staff

If serious matting requires a shave off / smoothie

When extremely matted, brushing out of the coat can be too traumatic and painful for the dog. The only realistic solution is to entirely clip off the neglected coat however, dense matting pulls, twists and puckers the skin, almost unavoidable causing the clippers to graze, catch, mark or even nick the skin. When presented with a coat in this condition, we cannot be held liable for accidentally nicking the dog. It also takes longer to do a coat in this condition therefore, this will incur an extra charge. When you signed your  registration card, you will have already given your written permission to shave off a matted coat therefore, no further written consent will be required. You will however, be consulted before work commences.

If biting / aggressive pets require handling assistance

If your pet is hard to handle, bites, or is aggressive towards staff or pets, we may need assistance to control it therefore, there will be an extra charge for this service as it could take 2 or more groomers to groom the dog. If at our discretion, treatment needs to be stopped for the safety of the groomer and the dog, your pet will be required to be collected promptly. You will be charged for work completed up to that point.

If your pet's coat is excessively overgrown

If your pet proves to have a seriously overgrown coat, it will take much longer to groom than a coat that has been kept in reasonable condition by regular cutting / brushing / cleaning therefore, an extra charge will be incurred.

De-matting a matted coat

De-matting a coat will extend the grooming time and consequently, incur extra charges. Animal welfare legislation prohibits discomfort or pain, so if de-matting looks likely to take too long then it is generally recommended to be done over a few visits or alternatively, to clip off the whole coat and start again. After all, the hair will grow back very quickly, as you may already know.

Failing to show up for an appointment

Failing to show up for an appointment and last minute cancellations are not helpful. We have allocated a time slot for your dog to be groomed so if you do not show for this appointment, or cancel last minute, then you have wasted valuable time that could have been given to another client. We need at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or a cancellation fee of £20 will be incurred.

**Where flea treatment is required, this will incur and additional charge**

De-matting a severely matted coat causes your dog tremendous stress and discomfort. We will only groom humanely therefore, if a dog is presented to us in this condition, it is our policy to shave the coat off. Your written consent will be required to shave off a matted coat. (This is on your registration card which you will be asked to sign upon registering your dog)

Shaving of dogs will dramatically change their appearance and the hair will be very short and close to the skin. This may expose pre-existing skin complaints. If a dog has matts that are so close to the skin and consequently has to be sheered like a sheep, then we cannot be held responsible for accidentally cutting a dog in this condition.

A dog that has been shaved may act differently afterwards, some dogs hide, others jump for joy! It is important that you don't show any negativity towards their groom; try to make them feel beautiful, no matter what. Hair grows back, very quickly. It may also take your dog a few days to adjust to their new found freedom of movement. In very cold weather a coat will be beneficial.

We strongly recommend the setting up of regular appointments to get your dog's coat back into shape; now is the time to start a regular home-grooming routine. When deciding on your dog's coat length in the future, take into consideration your lifestyle and your dog's lifestyle, and try to do what's best for you both.

The shaving off of a severely matted coat is an act of kindness and your dog will thank you for it!