Terms & Conditions
We welcome you and your dog to be groomed and cared for at Maple’s Dog Grooming under the following terms and conditions. In booking your dog with us, by telephone, in person or any other method, you do so accept our full terms and conditions. Please read our terms and conditions fully prior to your appointment.
1.0 Agreement
1.1 All customers are to sign a Client Consent Form before any client can be accepted.
1.2 By accepting your appointment, you are agreeing to adhere to all Terms and Conditions laid out by Maple’s Dog Grooming.
2.0 Consultation
2.1 On your first visit to Maple’s, please allow 10-15 minutes for a consultation to discuss your pet’s welfare, temperament, and grooming requirements for that day. All customers are required to sign a customer record and consent card. A photograph pre- and post-grooming may be taken for comparison of ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures and may be used on our Social media pages or website with your permission.
3.0 Well Being Check
3.1 A general ‘visible’ health check takes place before any groom. Whilst bathing or grooming, if we find anything that we think you should be concerned about, we will inform you when you collect your dog.
3.2 All pre-existing health conditions must be made clear and discussed with us before grooming.
4.0 Fleas
4.1 If you think that your dog has fleas, or you suspect them, or if you know that you have them, DO NOT bring your dog to the salon. You must treat them at home, and only then, after a period of a few days, can your grooming request take place. You can call for a consultation regarding this problem.
4.2 If your pet is found to have FLEAS when they come to the grooming salon, there will be an automatic charge of £10 added to your bill. This is to cover the costs of flea products we have to use as we have to bath them in flea shampoo and deep clean the salon with flea-specific sprays to kill any fleas that have escaped, prevent their eggs from developing and maintain salon hygiene.
5.0 Vaccinations, Fleas and Worming Treatments
5.1 All pets must be up to date with their vaccinations, and worm and flea treatments prior to grooming.
6.0 Full Groom
6.1 Grooming is a basic requirement for your dog and is a major part of ownership. Dogs need physical maintenance. Regular grooming is vital to health and comfort.
6.2 The price given is an estimated price for the breed and your requirements. We will discuss the pricing when you bring your dog and after consultation. Dogs which require additional time due to the condition of their coat or are difficult to handle will incur an additional charge. We reserve the right to alter the price given these circumstances.
Anal Glands
6.3 We do NOT empty anal glands. This is a veterinary procedure.
Shaving/Matting Policy
6.4 It is the OWNERS duty of care towards their dog to maintain their dog’s coat from day one of ownership – either by grooming the dog themselves or committing to professional grooming.
6.5 We will ATTEMPT to de-matt or comb out a couple of knots in a coat only if we feel that the dog will not suffer pain, and the procedure will take a few minutes. If it will take longer or is too much, then we will shave the area(s) involved. Shaving the coat is quicker and gentler on the dog. Many dogs are traumatised by unnecessary hours of de-matting, putting them off grooming for life. We consider shaving an act of kindness. See our shaving policy.
7.0 Safety
7.1 Health and Safety is a priority for both the groomer and dog during the grooming process. You must inform us prior to grooming if your pet has previously bitten someone, is aggressive, has been muzzled previously during grooming or any other questionable behavioural instances. Owners will be held liable for any bites or scratches and the damage caused to the groomer, loss of working days and wages and will also be expected to pay prescription charges or other charges incurred from any injuries. Any property damage caused by your dog will also be chargeable. We will stop the grooming process if we feel your pet’s behaviour is compromising their safety or ours, and you will be requested to collect your dog, finished or not. The full charge of the groom could apply.
7.2 As much as we don’t like to, we also reserve the right to muzzle your dog if it represents a danger to itself or myself. Any dog that shows a high level of aggression could result in not being accepted for grooming. Please let me know beforehand if your dog has behavioural problems. Please let me know beforehand if your dog(s) are aggressive and present a risk of injury to itself or myself; we reserve the right to refuse to groom them. The Welfare of Animals Act (2006) states that we will not force your pet to undergo a grooming session.
7.3 Under the Dangerous Dogs Act (2014) you may be prosecuted if your dog is out of control in a public or private place, and this includes a grooming salon.
8.0 Veterinary Care
8.1 You authorise us that if your dog’s health causes concern or they become ill or if the services of a veterinarian are required, to obtain treatment at your expense if you are not contactable.
9.0 Distressed/Elderly Dogs
9.1 If your dog becomes particularly distressed, your dog will be taken outside for a toilet break, and then it will be given a rest period. This may prolong the overall grooming time. Elderly dogs are welcome at your own risk. They are always given extra time and great care. The Welfare of Animals Act (2006) states that we will not force your pet to undergo a grooming session.
10.0 Puppies
10.1 If you would like us to groom your puppy, it must have had all its vaccinations. If it hasn’t yet been vaccinated, it will not be groomed until one week after the last vaccination is given. The price depends on the size of the dog and will be considered a puppy until 24 weeks old (6 months), after this, they will be considered a full groom.
11.0 Sick Animals
11.1 No dog will be groomed if they are obviously sick.
12.0 Cancellations, missed appointments and deposits.
12.1 We request 48 hours’ notice or more if you need to cancel your dog’s grooming appointment. If you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment, we reserve the right to charge you a cancellation fee of up to 50% of the total price of your pet’s groom. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, we reserve the right to charge you a cancellation fee of up to 100% of the total price of your pet’s groom. Please either telephone or text. We are more than happy to reschedule.
12.2 If you fail to show up for your appointment and have not cancelled or re-scheduled the full cost of the groom will be payable. No further appointment will be given to you until this fee is paid in full.
13.0 Time Keeping
13.1 Due to the nature of dog grooming we work by appointment only. Please be punctual. If you are late more than 20 minutes for your appointment this can result in the appointment being
rescheduled. Most grooms take 1-3 hours or more depending on the size and the temperament of the dog, and its coat condition. When you leave your dog whilst the groom is taking place please be back by the allocated time given by your groomer.
13.2 Our estimated finishing times are just an estimate. You may have to wait a short while if your pet is not totally ‘finished’ upon your arrival. Dogs should be collected within 10 minutes of the appointment end time otherwise additional charges may apply.
14.0 Customer Complaints
14.1 When you collect your dog, and you see your grooming result, please advise us before you leave the salon if you would like the face, tail or whatever slightly tweaked or shorter, etc, so that we can do this straight away. This is never an issue, and we would rather you say there and then so we can tweak it at that time.
By having your dog groomed with us, you are accepting our terms and conditions, so please
read them all carefully when booking your dog in.
We do hope you and your beloved pet have the most relaxing and enjoyable experience using
Maple’s Dog Grooming.