The Pampered Pet Grooming and Shop Policies
February 2010
In an effort to provide every customer with consistent, quality service, the following will be the policies that we will adhere to. Updates will be made as necessary.
Scheduling:
Normal shop hours are 8:30 am to 6 pm. All grooming is done by appointment, typically during those hours. Arrangements can be made for earlier drop-off times as needed.
Please be prompt for your appointment. I schedule each pet at specific times to insure adequate time to assure the dog is relaxed and make the grooming session much more enjoyable. Rushing could result in injury to a pet and shoddy grooming quality.
If you are running late for an appointment, please call before your appointment time. I work by appointment and if one client is late, it puts me behind schedule and can create a stressful environment.
Pick-up times are based on my ability to complete the task in a safe and non-stressed atmosphere. I request that customers not arrive more than 10 minutes early for the designated pick-up time. I am generally in the process of adding the finishing touches to your pet during this time. If your pet senses your presence, he can get extremely excited and make the finishing touches almost impossible to complete safely. Bear in mind that scissors and a squirming, excited pet are not a safe combination!
Re-scheduling and Missed appointments: If you find you cannot keep your pets’ grooming appointment, please call. There may be another client who would like to schedule that time. I try to be understanding about missing appointments, but would appreciate a call as soon as you realize you missed an appointment. Due to the inconvenience missed appointments cause, if 3 appointments are missed without a call I will not schedule any further appointments for that client.
General Grooming Policies:
Please inform me of any health conditions, sensitive areas, or other issues your pet may have so that I can treat your pet in the gentlest manner possible. Pets with medical conditions will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress level.
No Bath, No Groom: There is no substitute for a thorough bath with soap and water! In order to insure the highest quality grooming for your pet, a bath with be provided before every grooming. In addition, a dirty coat will expose my equipment to unusual wear and tear.
Aggressive Pets: Please inform me if your pet has bitten or is aggressive to people or other pets. A muzzle may be used, if necessary. Muzzling will not harm your pet, and protects both the pet and the groomer.
~I will reserve the right to refuse or stop service for such pets at any time. ~
Sedation: NO pet will be groomed under sedation. Sedated pets should be very closely monitored for their safety, and is best done by a veterinarian.
Fleas: I take every precaution to insure that the Pampered Pet is a flea-free environment. If you suspect that your pet may have fleas, please inform me at the time you schedule your appointment. This is to limit exposure to other clients’ pets, and so that I may allow ample time to properly prepare before and after your appointment.
Flea treatment is in addition to the regular grooming and bathing service provided, and there will be an additional charge of $4.00. If you are not aware that your pet has fleas, I will make every attempt to contact you to make you aware of the situation.
Flea treatment is NOT guaranteed. To fully treat a flea problem, the entire environment must be treated, not just the pet.
I further recommend that you seek veterinary advise on a regular flea preventative protocol to protect your pet. There are many places your pet can be exposed to fleas, so it is best to protect them at all times.
Pets with Matted Coat: Your pets safety and comfort is my FIRST priority. Therefore, I will not attempt dematting if, in my experienced, professional opinion, the procedure will cause your pet undue discomfort and/or possible trauma to the skin.
Please bear in mind that there is no "magic" involved in dematting. It is very time-consuming and can be very painful and stressful for your pet.
Dematting of younger pets can make them dislike grooming to the point that they become very difficult to work with.
Dematting older pets can be so mentally and physically stressful for them that it places their health in jeopardy.
Please be aware that there is always a risk of minor nicks when stripping a severly matted coat. This is due to unseen warts, moles, or skin that can be pulled up into the mats.
When there is heavy matting, moisture can be trapped near the skin, allowing molds, fungus or bacteria to grow causing skin irritation. As mats get tighter, they can eventully pull out of the skin, causing bald spots and very sore skin.
It is also common to find pre-exsisting conditions such as hotspots, sores, and other skin issues once the matted coat is removed. There is also a chance that your pets skin may become irritated from being clipped so close. Skin irritation can also result from self-inflicted damage by the pet (excessive licking or scratching).
Ear bruising due to excessive head shaking after removal of mats can also occur.
In some cases, pets can also expereince brief behavioral changes.
If you have a long-haired pet and wish to maintain the length, there is no alternative to keeping it combed and brushed out between regular groomings. I am happy to discuss proper tools and their use to help you maintain the coat.
Accidents: Every precaution is taken to insure that your pet is groomed in the safest manner possible at The Pampered Pet. However, there is always the possibility an accident can occur. Grooming equipment is very sharp, and a wiggly, excited pet can be dangerous to work on.
Common problems that could occur include clipper burn, cuts, nicks, scratches, or quicking of the nails.
The best way to insure your pet has a safe, stress-free experience is to get them accustomed to the grooming experience at a young age. The more frequently they are groomed, the more they will understand and accept the procedure. Also, please be realistic in your expectations. A young, unexperienced, wiggly puppy will not understand that he is to hold still with a stranger weilding noisy, sharp equipment. Allow your pet the time he needs to understand the process, and the end result will be the clip you desire.
Vaccinations: Wisconsin State Law requires every pet to be vaccinated against Rabies. If your pet bites anyone, including your groomer, you will be required to show proof of Rabies Vaccination.
I do not require proof of other vaccinations but I highly suggest you consult your veterinarian regarding other vaccinations necessary for your pet to insure their continued good health.
Payment: Payment is expected upon completion of service. The Pampered Pet accepts cash or checks. No credit or debit cards are accepted.
A return check fee of $30 will be charged for any check returned by your bank.
~Additions will be made as needed.~