Terms and conditions

Shaw's Paws Terms and conditions

Please read the Terms & Conditions carefully before booking an appointment. By signing my new client form, you agree to be bound by these terms, set out here. If you disagree with any part of the terms, then I will be unable to groom your pet.

Health and Welfare

Whilst your pet is in my care, its health and welfare is my primary concern. Shaw’s Paws grooms humanely and will not subject any dog to unacceptable levels of stress or discomfort and all dogs will be groomed in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Your dog will only ever be groomed according to its tolerance of the process. If at any point your dog becomes overly stressed and/or aggressive, the grooming process will terminate and I will ask for a small amount of the total price of the groom*.

I cannot diagnose any conditions, but I may advise the owner on any health problems I find and in some cases to seek veterinary attention. However, I am not liable for any pre-existing medical conditions and problems found during the groom and the owner agrees to pay for all medical treatment incurred due to such pre-existing conditions.

Grooming sick and elderly dogs is at the owners risk but I reserve the right to refuse to groom a dog if I consider them to be too unwell to proceed. I cannot give any medication to any dog in my care.

Matted dogs

Removing matts can be very painful and distressing for the dog. Therefore, during my assessment of the dog if there are too many thick matts, the dog will require a clip-off service** rather than having the matts brushed out. I will never attempt to brush out matts in aggressive, elderly or very young dogs; these will need to be clipped out.

My normal grooming charges do not include de-matting, hence you agree to pay an additional £5 for this service. This is because de-matting or clip offs require significantly more time and labour and can also lead to blunt blades and other equipment wear and tear.

Behaviour

Please advise me of any behavioural problems e.g. aggressive or very nervous behaviour at the time of booking. These dogs may take longer than usual and require the use of a muzzle. By signing this document you agree to the use of a muzzle (if necessary) and any additional charges from added grooming time.

I have the right to refuse to groom any dog at any point before, or during a groom. See Health and Welfare for my terms on payment for aggressive dogs.*

Accidents

Although uncommon, accidents can happen during grooming. Any incident that occurs will be reported to you, the owner, immediately and if necessary we will transport your pet to a vet. If you believe your pet has been injured in my care whilst being groomed, I must be informed within 24 hours and you must seek veterinary advice within 48 hours. I will require a report from the vet stating the cause of the injury being specific to the grooming process in order for me to accept any liability or negligence.

Cancellations

If you cannot keep your appointment please provide at least 2 days notice. Failure to do so will result in you losing your deposit. You will then need to pay a deposit for any future grooms.

Payment

Payment must be made within 24 hours, otherwise it will incur a late fee.

Payment can be made either by cash or card.

Photography

Your pet may be photographed before, during or after its groom. Photos may be used on my Website, social media and other printed materials such as flyers for advertising purposes in addition to my own personal use to keep track of my grooming education/improvement. If you do not agree for me to use photos of your pet, please inform me before your appointment.

General statements

Below are some general statements. By filling in the registration form and ticking the terms and conditions box, you are agreeing to all the statements listed below.

I confirm that my animal is fit and healthy, other than any pre-existing medical conditions discussed directly with Shaw’s Paws and that my animal is fully vaccinated.

I understand that if my dog is especially matted, it may need to have a clip-off service.

If my animal becomes aggressive, I agree to the use of a muzzle. I understand that the groom may have to be terminated and agree to pay for any work carried out up to this point.

Should my dog’s health prove a cause for concern, and I am not contactable, I authorise Shaw’s Paws to contact my veterinary surgeon and obtain treatment at my expense.

I agree to pay for all grooming services on the day of the appointment. I agree to pay a late fee if I am late with payment.

*Price dependent on time spent on location

**A clip-off service is where a short blade is used and the dog is cut to a short, manageable length.