Happy Tails Pet Salon Grooming Agreement
Vaccines
All dogs over 6 months of age must have current Rabies vaccination from a veterinarian on file. We require the actual paperwork from the vet. Tags cannot be used, as they do not have the information we need. Happy Tails Pet Salon recommends that dogs should also be vaccinated for Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella. Please talk to your vet for more information on these vaccines.
Aggressive or Dangerous Pets
Owners MUST inform Happy Tails Pet Salon if your pet bites, has bitten or is aggressive to people, other pets or specific grooming procedures. Muzzles or E-collars may be used if necessary. This will not harm your pet, and protects both the pet and the groomer. We reserve the right to refuse/stop services for such pets at any time before or during the grooming process, and charge an Aggressive Dog Fee in addition to the regular grooming charge.
Health or Medical Problems & Senior Pets
Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful, especially for a senior pet or pet with health problems, and can expose hidden medical problems or aggravate a current one during or after the groom. Because senior pets and pets with health problems have a greater chance of injury, these pets will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress. In the best interest of your pet this contract/agreement will give Happy Tails permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment for your pet should it be deemed necessary. We will do our best to contact you first, if contact cannot be made we will take your pet to the nearest vet that is available. It is agreed that all expenses for veterinary care will be covered by the pet's owner upon signing this contract/agreement.
Special Needs
While we will do our best to meet a pets special needs, we have certain safety guidelines we must follow. All pets are not suited for salon grooming. If your pet cannot be kenneled, be around other dogs, has severe aggression, or has sustained an injury where the dog cannot be restrained, you may be referred to a Vet for grooming. House call and mobile groomers are also available and may better suit your pet’s needs.
Puppies
Puppies should have all parvo/distemper vaccines before coming in for their first groom. This is a series of shots and is usually complete around 12-14 weeks old. We recommend coming in several times for puppy packages before having a “full” groom done. This introduces things that puppies might be fearful of in short, easy appointments.
Mat Removal
Pets with matted coats need extra attention during their grooming session. Mats left in a pets coat only grow tighter, and can strangle the pet's skin, or eventually tear it open. Happy Tails does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your pet, and will not continually de-mat your pet for you. Mats can be very difficult to remove, and may require the pet to be shaved. Removing a heavily matted coat includes risks of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the pet's skin allowing mold, fungus or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process. After effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions and failure of the hair to regrow. Shaved pets are also prone to sunburn. In some cases pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes. Prevention is the best defense against matting by scheduling regular grooming appointments. There will be an extra charge for mat removal. De-matting will not be attempted on any elderly dog or a dog with physical health issues.
Accidents
There is always the possibility an accident could occur. Grooming equipment is sharp, even though we use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, quicking of nails, etc. In most cases this can happen when a pet is wiggling or moving around. If you arrive to pick up your pet and he/she is still being groomed, please do NOT talk to or allow your pet to see you. Sit quietly, or step outside for a few moments. Every effort will be made to insure your pet is groomed as safely as possible, but an excited pet can be dangerous to continue to work on. If you insist on talking to your pet, or the groomer, we reserve the right to end the grooming session, even if the groom is not completed, and the full grooming price will be charged.
Parasites
If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, prompt and thorough action on YOUR part is needed. Flea infestations can lead to tapeworm and other health problems. If fleas or ticks are found during the grooming process, your pet will be treated with a natural product to kill the parasites and additional charges will apply. Please note we will not use pesticide dips on your pet. Ticks found will be removed for an additional charge.
Included Services
* Anal sacs will be expressed unless you ask us not to check them. Please note that we are not a veterinarian and will only do exterior anal gland expression. You may still need to take your pet to a vet if problems are still occurring for internal expression.
* Nail clipping will be attempted for every pet that comes in for a bath or groom. If your pet will not allow us to safely clip or dremel nails you will be referred to a Vet to have this done. The safety or your pet and our groomers is always our number one priority.
* Nail grinding is included without extra charge if your pet allows us to use the dremel. Pets will not be caused undue stress if they do not tolerate the noise and vibrations on their paws.
* Ear Hair Plucking and Cleaning will be done for each pet receiving a bath or groom unless we are otherwise instructed. We understand that some pets are more prone to problems with yeast and infection- please let us know at drop off if you have special instructions.
Additional Services
* Teeth brushing may also be requested for an additional $5 charge. This is not a deep teeth cleaning and is only used as prevention for tooth decay with additional brushing at home.
* Hair color, bling, tattoos and nail pawlish are fun ways we can add a little pizazz to our pets but it is not suitable for all coat types and personalities. If you are interesting in some of these special services please talk to your groomer when you make your appointment. Semi-permanent hair color takes a lot of extra time, because we book our appointments based off of groom time not factoring color we cannot add this service at drop off. If you wish to have color you MUST request it when you call to make your appointment.
Pick-Ups
When your pet is dropped off we can offer you an ESTIMATED time of completion. Please understand that this is only estimation and for reasons beyond our control circumstances may arise where grooming may be done early or may take longer than initially estimated. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED when your pet is ready for pick up. For the safety of your pet, we ask that you do not show up before pick time. If you arrive before being called or before the given pick up time and your pet gets too excited we may be unable to finish the groom.
No-Shows & Cancellations
We understand that sometimes schedules change and life happens. However, constant no shows and last minute cancellations cannot be tolerated. Please be respectful of our time as we are a by-appointment business, and another client could have taken your appointment if we had known. Pre-payment for a future grooming appointments may be required after multiple no shows or cancellations.
LATE
Clients more than 30 minutes late risk losing their appointment without notice or if scheduling allows, will be worked into the end of the day and will be the last one out.