Terms & Conditions

Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming

Terms & Conditions

By booking an appointment with Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions. These are in place to protect the welfare of the dogs in our care, our customers, and the groomer.

1. Pre-Groom Preparation

Please ensure your dog has been exercised and had the opportunity to toilet prior to their grooming appointment. This helps ensure your dog is comfortable and relaxed during their groom. While we understand that accidents can occasionally occur, avoidable discomfort may impact the grooming process.

2. Appointments, Timekeeping & Late Collection

Each appointment is carefully scheduled to suit the individual dog and service, allowing for a calm, unhurried and safe grooming environment.

• The appointment time given is the time your dog is due to be admitted.
• Early arrivals may be asked to wait if the groomer is not ready to receive your dog.
• Late arrivals may result in the groom being shortened or refused on welfare grounds and may incur a fee.
• Arrivals 30 minutes or more after the scheduled time will be deemed a no-show and charged 50% of the grooming fee.

Late collection impacts subsequent appointments. Dogs not collected within one hour of the agreed collection time will incur a late collection fee of £5 per hour, charged in full or part hours.

3. Cancellations & Missed Appointments

We understand that emergencies arise. Where possible, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations.

• Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed entirely will incur a 50% fee, payable before any future bookings are accepted.

4. Identification & Legal Requirements

In accordance with the Control of Dogs Act 1992, all dogs must arrive wearing a collar with an ID tag displaying the owner’s name and address. Collars will only be removed for the duration of the groom and replaced immediately afterwards. Dogs without appropriate identification may be refused service.

Under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, all dogs must be microchipped unless exempted by veterinary certification. Dogs without a microchip will not be groomed.

5. Vaccinations & Medical History

Owners are asked to confirm that their dog is up to date with vaccinations including canine parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, infectious canine hepatitis and kennel cough. Proof of vaccination must be provided at the first appointment.

Any changes to your dog’s medical condition, medication, or behaviour must be disclosed prior to each groom so records can be updated.

6. Infectious Disease & Quarantine

If a dog shows signs of a suspected zoonotic or highly infectious disease, grooming will cease immediately. The dog will be isolated and the owner contacted for prompt collection. The grooming area will then require full sterilisation to prevent cross-contamination.

7. Elderly, Pregnant or Medically Compromised Dogs

Grooming can be physically and emotionally demanding. Elderly dogs, pregnant bitches, and dogs with known health conditions are groomed entirely at the owner’s risk.

8. Fleas & Parasites

All dogs are checked for fleas during the pre-groom consultation. If fleas are found, your dog will receive an immediate flea bath and treatment, for which an additional charge applies. The grooming environment must also be treated to prevent cross-contamination. Owners are responsible for treating their dog and home environment.

9. Grooming Results & Expectations

Every effort is made to groom your dog according to your instructions and professional judgement. However, no guarantee can be made that the groom will meet visual expectations.

Coat condition, behaviour and previous grooming history all affect results. In some cases, it may take multiple grooming sessions to achieve a desired style. Grooming records are kept to support continuity and coat improvement over time.

10. Accidents, Injury & Liability

All grooming equipment is maintained to a high standard, and every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure your dog’s safety. However, grooming involves sharp tools and dogs may move unexpectedly.

Possible minor injuries include nicks, cuts, scratches or nails being accidentally cut to the quick. These incidents most commonly occur when a dog moves or resists handling.

Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming cannot be held liable for injuries resulting from:

• A dog’s behaviour or temperament
• Pre-existing medical or skin conditions
• Undisclosed health or behavioural issues
• Matters outside the groomer’s reasonable control

If a dog becomes distressed or unsafe to groom, the session will be stopped in the dog’s best interest.

11. Matting, Shaving & Welfare Decisions

Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming operates under a “humanity before vanity” policy.

Where coats are severely matted or neglected, it may be kinder and safer to shave the coat short in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (Section 4). This process may incur additional charges due to time, care required and equipment wear.

Shaving a matted coat can expose existing skin conditions, cause irritation, or result in coat changes during regrowth. Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming cannot be held liable for these effects. Owner consent will always be obtained before proceeding.

12. Behaviour & Aggression

While experienced in handling difficult dogs, Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming reserves the right to use a muzzle under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act if necessary for safety.

If a dog becomes aggressive or poses a danger to themselves, the groomer or others, grooming will be halted immediately. Full or partial grooming fees may still apply.

13. Emergency Veterinary Treatment

In the event of an emergency, and if the owner or nominated emergency contact cannot be reached, Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming is authorised to seek immediate veterinary attention for your dog.

All veterinary fees and associated costs are the responsibility of the owner.

14. Photography & Records

Photographs may be taken before, during and after grooming for record-keeping and training purposes. With owner consent, images may also be used for advertising or social media. Please notify us in writing if you do not wish your dog to be photographed or featured publicly.

15. Collection Procedure

Owners are asked to wait until contacted before arriving to collect their dog. Early arrival can cause distress to dogs still being groomed and interfere with safe completion of the groom. Grooming times vary depending on coat condition and behaviour, and schedules cannot always be exact.

16. Payment & Right to Refuse Service

Payment is due in full on collection of your dog unless agreed otherwise in advance. Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming reserves the right to refuse or terminate services at any time where continuing would compromise safety or welfare.

17. Owner Responsibility

Owners are responsible for providing accurate and complete information regarding their dog’s health, behaviour and history. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in refusal of service, early termination of the groom, and the full grooming fee remaining payable.