Terms & Conditions

1. Please ensure that your pet has had a walk and been to the toilet before having its grooming service. Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming want your fur babies experience to be as pleasurable as possible, we do not want them to feel uncomfortable because they have had an accident that could have been avoided. Whilst Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming understand that some accidents cannot be avoided, a good walk also removes some of their energy, making it easier to groom more reluctant dogs.

2. Each appointment slot is timed to each individual dog/service to try and prevent any overlapping. This ensures there is no rushing to complete your dog’s groom and the atmosphere is kept calm and safe. The appointment time given, is the time Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming expect to admit your dog for its grooming service. If you are early for your appointment, Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming may not be in a position to grant you immediate access. Likewise, if you are late, Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming may have to refuse to groom your dog on welfare grounds. This may incur a fee. Customers who are 30 minutes or more late will be deemed to be a ‘no show’ and charged 50% of the appointment fee. If you leave your dog at Pads Paws and Claws, and are late collecting, this will also incur a fee, as it will impact on the next customer. I ask that everyone shows the same courtesy afforded to you, to others. Dog Parking will be charged at £5 per hour, starting 1 hour after they are due to be collected. 

3. Whilst Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming understand that sometimes appointments have to be cancelled due to an emergency, Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming ask that you give at least 24 hours’ notice where possible, prior to appointment cancellation, as this slot can be filled with another dog in need of a groom. On the occasion that you have missed your appointment, Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming reserve the right to charge a fee of 50% for appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, payable prior to any future booking.

4. Under the Control of Dogs Act 1992, all dogs must arrive for their groom wearing a collar with a name tag, displaying the name and address of the owner. The collar and tag shall only be removed for the duration of the groom and placed back on immediately after the groom is finished. Dogs that do not have collar and tags may not be groomed. Under the Microchipping of Dogs Act 2015 (Section 3), no dogs will be groomed without a microchip, unless a veterinary surgeon certifies, on a form approved by the Secretary of State, that the dog cannot be microchipped due to a health condition.

5. Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming ask owners to verify their dogs are up to date with vaccinations for canine parvovirus, Kennel cough, canine distemper virus, Leptospirosis and Infectious canine hepatitis. Proof of Vaccination should be provided at the first appointment, when the record card is filled in and signed. Any changes to medical history, should be noted at the time of groom, so records can be updated.

6. Should your dog display symptoms of a suspected zoonotic or other highly infectious disease, grooming will cease immediately and your dog will be placed in a quarantined area awaiting your prompt collection. The parlour will then need to be thoroughly sterilised to avoid cross contamination.

7. Grooming can sometimes be a stressful procedure. Elderly dogs, pregnant bitches or those with serious health conditions, will be groomed at the owner’s risk.

8. A check for fleas will be carried out during the pre-groom consultation, you will be advised if your dog needs to be treated. Any dog found to have fleas will go straight into a bath with special shampoo to remove the fleas, there will be a small extra charge for this service. The parlor will also need to be treated to prevent cross contamination.  You will be advised to treat your pet and your home environment to eradicate the problem.

9. Every effort will be made to groom your dog and meet your expectations. It must be made clear however, that no guarantee can be made in this regard, and Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming accepts no responsibility for the groom being carried out according to instructions, but not to your visual expectations. Records are kept in order to track progress and it may take several grooming sessions for the coat to grow to certain desired styles.

10. There is always the possibility of an accident occurring. Grooming equipment is kept sharp, even though extreme caution and care is used in all situations. Possible problems that could occur include cuts, nicks, scratches and nails being accidently cut to the quick, causing the nail to bleed. In most cases this can happen when a dog is wiggling or moving around. We make every effort to ensure your dog is groomed as safely as possible, but if your dog does not accept the process it can be dangerous to continue the groom. Pads Paws & Claws Pet Grooming will not be held liable for any accidents that happen during the grooming process.

11. Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming practice humanity before vanity. Should your dog be presented with a matted or neglected coat, if it will be kinder, more humane to shave the coat back completely, this will be done in compliance with The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (Sec 4. – Animals are to be protected from pain, injury and unnecessary suffering) This incurs extra charges due to time and extra wear and tear on equipment. In instances where the above is necessary, it can lead to skin irritation and other conditions. On some breeds the coat may not grow back in the same manner. Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming will not be held liable for any effects which may arise from this. This will not be done without gaining consent from the owner first.
 

12. While Pads, Paws & Claws Pet Grooming have a great deal of experience and success in the grooming of difficult dogs, Under the Dangerous Dogs Act (section 3) a muzzle will be used should a dog display aggressive behavior and the grooming process will be halted should a dog become aggressive to the point of being a danger to the groomer, other dogs or to his or herself. Full or part of the grooming charge may apply.

13. Photos are taken of each dog before, during and after the groom, which are kept on file to assist in future grooms. Some photos may be used in advertising and/or post to social media sites. Most clients enjoy seeing their fur babies featured. Please let me know beforehand if you do not wish your dog's photos to be made public. Any such request not to be photographed, will be detailed in writing on the dog grooming record card/customer consent form.

14. We please ask owners to wait until you are contacted before arriving at the parlour to collect your pet. Your pet will not understand why they cannot leave with you, causing them to get distressed and pose difficult for the groomer to finish the groom. We recommend calling the parlour for an update. Most grooms take on average 2 hours, however a groomer rarely runs to schedule due to the nature of the work.