Policies and Procedures🩵🐾
Your pet is very important to me at Paws & Claws. I will make every effort possible to make your pet's styling experience a safe and comfortable visit. Safety comes first during the grooming process, people and pets combined. For that reason, I have policies and procedures in place that I require all of my clients to read and understand.
Vaccinations
I don’t required your fur baby to have them but I do strongly recommended making sure they are up to date. Here at Paws and Claws we have a variety of pets coming through our door. To keep them safe make sure they are up to date on their DAPP+L, Bordatella, and Rabies.
Health or Medical Problems
Grooming has the ability to expose hidden medical problems or aggravate current ones. This can happen during or after grooming. I, Tristine, will inform owners of any issues exposed during the grooming session. Medical expenses for vet care due to these issues will be covered by the owner after reading and understanding these policies.
Accidents
While accidents are rare, there is always a risk while working with pets and grooming tools. My tools are sharp and although I use extreme caution in all situations, possible risks including nicks, cuts, scratches and quickening of nails can occur. In most cases, this is when a pet is wiggling around. In the circumstance that an accident does occur, Paws & Claws will contact you immediately to notify of the accident.
Vet Authorization-Medical Emergencies
This release gives Paws & Claws full authorization to seek medical treatment from the nearest vet in the case of any medical emergencies while in the care of Paws & Claws. All vet costs and expenses will be the responsibility of the pet owner.
Dangerous/Aggressive Animals - Refusal of Service
Paws & Claws holds the right to refuse services at any point during the grooming process. If your pup becomes too stressed or becomes dangerous to groom I will stop grooming services immediately. My main focus is to keep pets and myself safe.
Allergic reactions
Paws & Claws takes great care in researching and providing the best products on the market for your fur babies skin and coat health. I always consult with owners at drop off to any new/pre-existing health conditions that would determine specific product use. If a reaction does occur please make sure to let me know within 24 hours from your visit.
Grooming Interruptions
We ask you not to interrupt during the grooming process for the safety of your pup. Most dogs get “jazzed/antsy” to see you arrive and no longer cooperate once you are in sight. It puts the pup at a higher risk of an accident and it makes the grooming process take longer overall. You are more than welcome to call/text me, Tristine, for an update on your pet. If you arrive early before notification that your pup is done, I, Tristine have the right to end your grooming session before completion and you will be charged the full grooming price.
Matted Pups - Humanity over Vanity
Dogs with severely matted coats require a significant amount of extra attention. Mats cause the coat to grow tight and pull on/damage the skin. It can restrict blood flow and be a breeding ground for parasites unseen to the naked eye. Paws & Claws will not cause unnecessary stress to your pup by trying to “de-mat” them. Severe matting can only be humanely removed by shaving the pet. Removing a severely matted coat holds its own list of potential issues including nicks, cuts, scrapes, hematomas, etc. Moisture can be trapped under matting as well revealing an abundance of skin problems. In some severe cases, dogs can even exhibit behavioral changes after removal. Prevention is the best defense against matting, regular appointments every 6-8 weeks is recommended. If your pet needs to be shaved due to extreme matting by agreeing to these policies you acknowledge the risks associated with this process. There will be an additional fee for severe matting - it is a time consuming process and causes extra wear and tear on grooming equipment.
Cancellations
Please provide a minimum of 24-hour cancellation/rescheduling notice. Failure to do so will result in a charge equal to 50% of the reserved service amount. We provide a 24 hour courtesy text message reminder in advance for your convenience. We do understand that “life happens” and all fees will be at groomers discretion to the circumstances.
No Show
No shows or cancellations on the day of grooming appointment will be charged 100% of the reserved service amount. Clients who have previous infractions will be asked to pre-pay their future appointments in full. In order to rebook with us all fees must be paid in full.
Late arrival
Late arrival is considered more than 10 minutes after your scheduled appointment time. I make it a priority to best serve all my clients. Putting me behind affects all consequent appointments for the day. As I don’t work alone it also throws my colleagues off as we share a space. Late arrivals are up to my discretion on whether or not you will still be serviced that day. There will be a fee of $15 (+5/ additional dog) for tardiness. If your appointment has to be canceled due to late arrival you will be subject to the no show policy above.
Late pickup
Dogs that are at the salon beyond the groomers stated end time for that day will be charged a daycare fee of $15 (+$5 for each additional dog) for every hour they wait once I have left the salon as this means my colleague have to watch and check you out. If I’m at the salon I do not charge this fee.
Payment
Payment is due at time of pickup. We accept cash, check, and Venmo. *Credit/Debit Card coming soon!
Satisfaction
Your satisfaction is important to me. If there is anything you are unhappy with and would like to have adjusted please let me know at time of pickup. I will be more than happy to make any adjustments you’d like. You will have a 24 hour window to let us know if there’s any adjustments that need to be made. Beyond that all return visits will be treated as a new appointment and will be charged accordingly.
Photographs
This release form authorizes, Paws & Claws, to take photos of your pet for client file and for company website and Facebook page. All photos are the property of Paws & Claws.
Duration of Services
We strive to get pets in and out as quickly as possible. On average, you can expect them to be with us for 1-2 hours. Cats vary between 30 mins to 2 hours. All services and their duration depend upon the services chosen, coat condition, behavior, and age.
Some Things to keep in mind:
Some pets are more sensitive to certain parts of the grooming process, such as drying or nail clipping. In that case, we go at a pace your pet is comfortable with, which can significantly change the duration. Because of this I ask for 3-5 hours.
Females in Heat:
Female dogs that have not been spayed and are in heat at the time of the appointment will be charged if not discussed at drop off as this can be difficult to work around in an open salon where we don’t kennel our fur friends unless need be.
Can I Leave a Tip?
Many pet owners are not sure if tipping is something that happens with dog grooming. Whether it's your first time with us or you've had a hard time finding a groomer of your standards - we love to feel appreciated and know that we are doing a good job. Gratuity is not required, but humbly accepted. It doesn't always have to be in the way of money. A card or note expressing your gratitude goes a long way. Small gifts or gift cards are also welcomed. We love to see how creative our clients are with their support so please show it to us in whatever way suits you. Thank you in advance.