The Doghouse reserves the right to refuse to groom any dog for the health and safety of the groomer and/or the dog. A muzzle may be used. Services may be discontinued if The Doghouse determines that a dog presents an unsafe condition. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, behaviour issues, health problems and parasites.

The owner agrees to inform The Doghouse prior to grooming if the dog has ever bitten any human, another dog or has any aggressive tendencies whatsoever. You understand and agree that you will be held solely liable for any harm, injury or property damage caused by your dog.

Hygiene Clip

A hygiene clip is included in all Doghouse grooming services, apart from bath & brush, for all dog coats which may require one (excludes smooth coats such as Labradors, Pugs, Rottweilers, etc). The hygiene areas include under the armpits, down the stomach, around the groin and bottom. When clipping these areas, the risks of nicks, cuts or abrasions increases due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in any mats. Once the coat is removed, the skin can be red due to a lack of air circulation and dirt accumulated underneath, which a pet may scratch and rub & this may lead to infection if not kept clean.

The Doghouse will not be responsible for any vet bills which result from shaving out these mats/knots as it is the owner’s responsibility to keep these areas free from knots/tangles and matts. Should your dog require veterinary treatment due to clipping/de-matting in the hygiene areas, you are responsible for any associated costs.

Accidents & Behaviour

Grooming equipment is sharp and even though The Doghouse uses extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, clipping of nails, etc. In most cases this can happen when a pet is wriggling or moving around. The owner is responsible for any associated veterinary bills resulting from an accident such as a cut at The Doghouse and agree that every effort will have been made to groom as safely as possible.

Cancellations

If you have to cancel your dog’s appointment, you must notify The Doghouse more than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours or don’t show up, a £15 cancellation fee will be payable as your appointment may not have been filled. If two cancellation fees have been charged, a 50% deposit will be taken for future appointments.

Parasites

It is your duty to make sure your dog is free of parasites before entering the salon. If your dog is found to be carrying fleas, you agree to pay the associated costs of £15 which covers the extra time spent bathing your dog to remove fleas, the use of flea defence shampoo and extra clean up time including flea removal and application of prevention products in the salon.

Veterinary Costs

The Doghouse has your permission to do whatever they feel is appropriate for the wellbeing of your dog. Should The Doghouse determine that veterinary care is warranted, the owner agrees to pay all associated fees and costs. If your veterinarian is not readily accessible, The Doghouse is authorised to use a veterinarian of their choice.

Photos/ Videos

You give The Doghouse permission to take photos/videos of your dog during the grooming process; these photos may be posted on social media and might be used in promotional materials.

Data Protection

You give The Doghouse permission to use your details for confirming appointments via text & email and for marketing purposes.

Collection

The Doghouse will give you a collection time and for every 30 minutes you are late, you will incur a £5 day care fee. If you fail to pick your dog up by business closing time of 5pm, extra charges will apply (£10 per 15 minutes) to cover the extra staff costs of remaining open.

Matting/ Clipping Policy

The Doghouse groom humanely and will attempt to de-mat a coat if we feel that the animal will not suffer pain. The Doghouse have specialist equipment in the salon and this will be our first port of call before considering shaving the dog’s coat. However, The Doghouse will abide by the Animal Welfare Act.

It is the owner’s duty of care towards their pet to maintain the coat between professional grooms. If the owner fails to attend to their pet’s coat then, in the interests of the animal, The Doghouse will shave off matted coats to prevent unnecessary suffering.

When de-matting is necessary, either 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 The Doghouse are not responsible for any vet bills.

A SEVERELY MATTED DOG CAN SUFFER A FEW CONDITIONS AFTER A GROOM:

• Hotspots and sores– 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, The Doghouse advises to consult a vet. I agree that The Doghouse is not responsible for any veterinary bills associated with the groom and the de-matting procedure.
• Clipper Rash– Due to a matted coat, the blade can get very close to the skin and can become very hot as the equipment has to work harder to get the mats removed. This may cause rashes and is something The Doghouse cannot always help as a matted coat can be very thick and difficult to remove.

NOTE: IF THE DOGHOUSE HAS TO DE-MAT YOUR DOG THERE WILL BE AT LEAST A £10 CHARGE INCURRED FOR THE EXTRA TIME TAKEN TO GROOM.