Waves & Wags Dog Grooming - Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 16th March 2025

At Waves & Wags Dog Grooming, we want to make every grooming experience safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for your dog. These terms help us provide the best care while ensuring a calm and stress-free environment for all dogs in our salon.

1. Booking and Appointment Information

1.1 Our online booking form collects essential information about your dog's breed, size, coat condition, and temperament to help us prepare appropriately for their appointment.

1.2 The pricing shown on our booking system is an estimate based on the information provided. Final pricing may be adjusted based on coat condition, temperament, and additional services required.

1.3 Appointment duration varies based on your dog's size, coat type, temperament, and chosen service. We allocate time accordingly based on the information provided during booking.

2. Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy

2.1 To provide the best possible care, we kindly ask that you share any relevant health, behaviour, or grooming history with us before your appointment.

2.2 All dogs should be up to date with flea and tick prevention treatments before their appointment to maintain a clean and safe environment.

2.3 If we feel a dog is too anxious, unwell, or unsafe to groom, we may suggest rescheduling or an alternative approach better suited to their needs.

3. The Grooming Process

3.1 Grooming times vary based on your dog's size, coat type, and temperament. We take our time to ensure every dog is groomed with patience and care. On occasions, more time may be required to complete the groom, and we will notify the customer if this is the case.

3.2 If a dog becomes overly stressed or uncomfortable, we may pause or stop the groom for their well-being and discuss the best next steps with you.

3.3 While we take every precaution, minor nicks or skin irritation can occasionally occur, especially for dogs with sensitive skin or matting. We always do our best to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.

4. Managing Matted Coats

4.1 If your dog has matted fur, we'll take extra care to groom them gently and safely.

4.2 In cases of severe matting, a full clip-down may be the safest option to avoid discomfort. We will always discuss this with you before proceeding.

4.3 Please note: For Wash & Blow Dry services, moderate to severe matting cannot be safely addressed with this service alone. In these cases, we recommend a Full Groom service which allows us to properly and safely address the matting.

4.4 Extra time and care may be needed for de-matting, and an additional charge may apply based on the extent of matting. This is reflected in our pricing structure in the booking system. We are happy to provide coat care advice to help prevent future matting.

4.5 Some dogs may experience temporary skin sensitivity after de-matting. This is normal, and we will always do our best to keep your dog comfortable.

5. Pricing and Payment Policies

5.1 Our pricing structure considers several factors:

Dog size (Small, Medium, Large, Giant)

Coat type and length (Short, Medium, Long, Extra Long)

Coat condition (level of matting)

Dog temperament (which affects handling time)

Frequency of grooming (regular grooming may qualify for discounts)

5.2 Payment is due when you collect your dog. We accept all major payment methods.

5.3 Receipts are available upon request.

6. Health and Well-Being

6.1 If your dog has any medical conditions, allergies, or injuries, please inform us before their appointment so we can accommodate their needs.

6.2 If your dog is unwell (e.g., coughing, vomiting, or diarrhoea), we kindly ask that you reschedule their appointment for when they are feeling better.

6.3 In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, we will contact you immediately. If urgent care is required, we may seek veterinary assistance, and any costs will be the owner's responsibility.

7. Behaviour and Special Handling

7.1 Every dog has their own personality, and we understand that some may be nervous or excitable. Please let us know if your dog has any triggers or behaviours we should be aware of.

7.2 Dogs requiring extra time, patience, or specialised handling may incur an additional charge to ensure they receive the best experience. This is reflected in our pricing structure in the booking system.

7.3 If a dog becomes too stressed or reactive during grooming, we may recommend an alternative approach or rescheduling to ensure their well-being.

8. Large and Long-Haired Breeds

8.1 Certain breeds with long, thick, or high-maintenance coats require significantly more time and attention to ensure a proper groom while keeping them comfortable.

8.2 Breeds such as the Rough Collie, Bearded Collie, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees have dense coats that require additional time for brushing, drying, and styling.

8.3 Due to the extra time and effort involved, these breeds will be priced differently from standard grooming rates. If you have any questions about pricing for your dog's breed, please feel free to ask before booking.

9. Puppy Services

9.1 Our Puppy Spa service is specially designed for puppies up to six months of age.

9.2 This gentle introduction to grooming focuses on creating positive associations with the grooming process.

9.3 Puppies will receive appropriate grooming based on their age, breed, and temperament.

10. Cancellations and Late Arrivals

10.1 If you need to cancel, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice so we can offer the slot to another customer.

10.2 If you fail to attend your appointment without notice, the full grooming fee will be charged.

10.3 If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule your appointment, which may result in a partial cancellation fee. We always do our best to be flexible, so please contact us if you're running late.

11. Our Commitment to Your Dog's Well-Being

11.1 We do our best to spot underlying skin issues, ear infections, or other conditions, but as groomers, we are not veterinarians. If we notice anything unusual, we will inform you.

11.2 While we handle all dogs with care and patience, owners acknowledge that grooming involves some natural risks, such as minor skin irritation or coat changes.

12. Photos and Social Media

12.1 We love sharing happy grooming moments! With your permission, we may take photos or videos of your dog for social media or promotional purposes.

12.2 Your dog's name may be mentioned, but no personal owner details will be shared.

12.3 If you prefer that we do not take or share photos of your dog, just let us know.

13. Keeping Your Dog Looking Their Best

13.1 Regular grooming is recommended every 6–8 weeks for long-haired dogs and every 4–8 weeks for most other breeds. If you're unsure about a suitable schedule, we're happy to advise!

13.2 Dogs that are groomed regularly tend to have healthier coats and skin, and the grooming process is typically more comfortable for them.

13.3 Regular clients may be eligible for loyalty discounts, as reflected in our pricing system.

14. Contact Information

14.1 If you have questions or need to contact us:

Email: waves.wags@gmail.com

Phone: 07731 422672

Final Note

We're here to make grooming a positive and enjoyable experience for your dog. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to chat with us.

By booking an appointment with Waves & Wags Dog Grooming, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.