DOGS BY THE SEA GROOMING TERMS & CONDITIONS
 
By booking and using our dog-grooming services, the owner confirms that they have read and understood these Terms & Conditions and agree to provide accurate and relevant information about their dog.
 
1. Owner Responsibility & Information
The owner must provide accurate information about their dog’s:

• medical history;

• allergies or known sensitivities;

• skin conditions;

• previous reactions to grooming products;

• medication or veterinary treatment;

• behavioural or handling issues;

• previous grooming experiences;

• injuries or areas of discomfort.
   

The owner must notify the groomer of any changes to the dog’s health or behaviour before each appointment.
Failure to disclose relevant information may affect the groomer’s ability to safely carry out the grooming service.
 
2. Health, Skin Conditions & Veterinary Treatment
The groomer will carry out a visual assessment of the dog’s coat and skin before or during grooming where reasonably possible.
The groomer is not a veterinary professional and cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions.
If the groomer discovers significant inflammation, open wounds, infection, unexplained lumps, lesions, severe irritation, parasites or another condition which may make grooming unsafe or inappropriate, the groomer may stop or modify the service and recommend veterinary advice.
Where a veterinary condition or treatment may affect grooming, the owner may be asked to obtain veterinary advice before grooming proceeds.
 
3. Shampoos, Conditioners & Grooming Products
The groomer will use products considered appropriate for the dog’s coat and grooming requirements and will use products in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Owners must disclose any known allergy, sensitivity or previous reaction to grooming products.
Although reasonable care will be taken, individual dogs can occasionally develop skin irritation or sensitivity following the use of grooming products, including products previously tolerated by the dog.
Where appropriate, the groomer may choose an alternative product or modify the grooming process.
The groomer will not knowingly use a product where the owner has disclosed a previous reaction to that product.
 
4. Skin Reactions Following Grooming
If the owner believes that their dog has developed a rash, irritation or other reaction following grooming, they should contact the groomer as soon as reasonably possible.
The owner may be asked to provide photographs and information about when the symptoms appeared and any other relevant circumstances.
The groomer will record the reported incident and, where appropriate, the products and grooming procedures used during the appointment.
If symptoms are severe, worsening or concerning, the owner should seek veterinary advice promptly.
Symptoms requiring urgent veterinary attention may include significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse, severe swelling or a rapidly developing/widespread reaction.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions prevents the owner from seeking veterinary treatment.
 
5. Existing Skin Conditions
The groomer cannot accept responsibility for deterioration of a pre-existing skin condition which was present before grooming.
Where a condition is visible before grooming, the groomer may document it and discuss it with the owner before proceeding.
If grooming could reasonably aggravate an existing condition, the groomer may decline or modify the service.
 
6. Matting
Severely matted coats can cause discomfort and may conceal irritated, bruised or damaged skin.
Where a coat cannot reasonably be brushed out without causing significant discomfort or distress, clipping may be recommended rather than extensive de-matting.
The owner understands that removing severe matting may reveal:

• redness;

• irritation;

• sores;

• bruising;

• skin folds;

• previously hidden wounds;

• parasites or other skin abnormalities.

In rare circumstances, the skin beneath severe matting may be more fragile than expected and may be susceptible to irritation following removal.
The groomer will take reasonable care when removing matting and will prioritise the dog’s welfare.
 
7. Handstripping & Coat Condition
Where handstripping is requested, the groomer will assess the maturity and condition of the coat.
Handstripping depends upon the individual coat being ready for removal. Hair which is not sufficiently mature may not release readily and should not be forcibly removed.
Where a dog has been left significantly beyond its normal stripping cycle, the coat may contain hair at different stages of growth.
The groomer may therefore:

• remove mature coat which is ready to come out;

• leave immature or firmly attached coat;

• modify the stripping technique;

• recommend a gradual return to a regular stripping schedule.

The final appearance may therefore differ from a groom performed on a regularly maintained coat.
If the coat is unsuitable for safe or appropriate handstripping, the groomer will discuss alternative options with the owner.
 
8. Behaviour & Handling
The owner must inform the groomer of any known aggression, fear, anxiety, previous biting, snapping or difficulty with handling.
The groomer will use reasonable handling techniques appropriate to the dog.
If a dog becomes excessively distressed, aggressive or unsafe to groom, the groomer may stop the service.
The dog’s welfare and the safety of the dog, groomer and other people must take priority over completing the requested style.
Additional charges may apply where a grooming appointment requires substantially more time due to behavioural or handling difficulties, provided these charges have been communicated appropriately.
 
9. Puppies, Elderly Dogs & Dogs With Additional Needs
Young, elderly or medically compromised dogs may have a reduced tolerance for grooming.
The groomer may alter, shorten or stop a grooming appointment where continuing would appear inappropriate or unsafe.
Owners should provide relevant veterinary information before grooming where their dog’s age or health may affect its ability to tolerate the service.
 
10. Fleas & Parasites
If fleas or other external parasites are discovered, the groomer may contact the owner and discuss appropriate action.
Additional cleaning and treatment procedures may be required to protect the grooming environment and other dogs.
Any additional charge will be discussed with the owner where reasonably possible.
Where a dog presents with a contagious condition, the groomer may refuse or postpone the appointment and recommend veterinary advice.
 
11. Accidental Injury
Although reasonable care will always be taken, grooming involves handling equipment and an animal which may move unexpectedly.
The groomer will take reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of injury.
If an injury or other incident occurs during grooming, the groomer will take appropriate immediate action and contact the owner where necessary.
Where veterinary treatment appears necessary, the owner will be contacted as soon as reasonably practicable.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes liability which cannot legally be excluded.
 
12. Grooming Equipment
Professional grooming equipment, including clippers, scissors, dryers, brushes and other tools, will be maintained and used with reasonable care.
Dogs which are particularly sensitive to noise, heat, dryers or handling should be identified by the owner before grooming.
The groomer may modify the grooming process if a particular piece of equipment is causing significant distress.
 
13. Appointments & Cancellations
Appointments are reserved specifically for the owner’s dog.
Please provide at least [24/48] hours’ notice if an appointment needs to be cancelled or rearranged.
Repeated late cancellations or missed appointments may result in a cancellation fee or deposit being required for future appointments.
Any cancellation charges will be communicated clearly to the owner before they become applicable.
 
14. Late Collection
Dogs should be collected at the agreed collection time.
If the dog remains at the premises for an extended period following completion of the groom, a reasonable additional care or waiting charge may apply where this has been communicated to the owner.
 
15. Payment
Payment is due upon completion of the grooming service unless otherwise agreed.
The groomer reserves the right to require payment before future appointments where previous invoices remain unpaid.
 
16. Photographs
With the owner’s permission, photographs of the dog may be taken for grooming records, before-and-after documentation or promotional purposes.
Photographs will not be used for promotional purposes where the owner has specifically declined permission.
 
17. Records
The groomer may maintain grooming records for each dog, including:

• grooming dates;

• services provided;

• products used;

• relevant coat condition;

• skin observations;

• behavioural or handling notes;

• incidents or reactions reported by the owner.

These records may be used to help provide consistent and safe future grooming services.
 
18. Right to Refuse or Stop a Groom
The groomer reserves the right to refuse or stop a grooming service where they reasonably believe that continuing may compromise the welfare or safety of the dog, the groomer or another person.
This may include circumstances involving:

• severe aggression;

• extreme distress;

• significant health concerns;

• contagious conditions;

• severe matting;

• unsafe handling;

• undisclosed medical conditions;

• or any other circumstance where grooming cannot reasonably be carried out safely.

Where appropriate, the owner will be advised to seek veterinary assistance or an alternative professional service.
 
19. Owner Consent
By booking a grooming appointment, the owner confirms that:

• the information supplied about the dog is accurate to the best of their knowledge;

• relevant medical, behavioural and grooming history has been disclosed;

• known allergies and sensitivities have been disclosed;

• the groomer has permission to carry out the agreed grooming service;

• they understand that individual dogs can respond differently to grooming products and procedures;

• they understand that the groom may need to be modified if the groomer’s professional assessment indicates that this is necessary for the dog’s welfare.
   

20. Liability
The groomer will provide services with reasonable care and skill.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude or restrict any liability that cannot legally be excluded or restricted under applicable law.
These Terms & Conditions are intended to establish clear expectations between the groomer and owner and to promote the safety and welfare of the dog.
 
CLIENT DECLARATION
I confirm that I have read and understood these Terms & Conditions.
I confirm that I have disclosed any known medical conditions, allergies, skin sensitivities, previous reactions, medication, behavioural issues and relevant grooming history relating to my dog.
Owner’s name: __________________________________
Dog’s name: _____________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Groomer’s name: __________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________