To maintain a safe, low stress environment for all dogs, clients and staff, we have certain criteria all dogs must meet (at every appointment) in order to be eligible to receive services. We recognise that we do not always have the proper setup, equipment or experience to meet the needs of all individual dogs. We will always try to refer clients to the type of facility or groomer we think will be the best fit for their pet.

Dogs must meet all eligibility criteria to receive any grooming service.

• All dogs must be able to enter and exit the lobby without posing a risk to other customers, pets, or employees.

• Dog must be on a leash (6ft max) and under complete control of the owner.

• Dogs that require constant muzzling for handling can not be accepted for grooming. Muzzles or other anti bite restraints/devices may be used for specific portions of the service ( ie. nail clipping, blow drying) but must be able to be put on and removed safely an the employee.

• Dogs that show overt signs of aggression, whether towards humans or other dogs will not be accepted for grooming.

• Active working protection dogs, bite-work dogs, guardian livestock dogs and livestock field working dogs will not be accepted for services due to the risk to other dogs and people.

• Dogs that are over 1 year of age, who have never been groomed professionally will be accepted on a case by case basis with the understanding that they may require multiple introductory visits before a full service can be completed safely and without causing extreme distress to the animal.

• Dogs must be current and up to date on Rabies vaccine (6 mo. & younger excused). Proof of rabies vaccination or titer is required.

• Dogs will not be accepted for grooming if showing any sign of current injury or illness, such as respiratory (runny nose, coughing, discharge from eyes), ear infections, skin infections (including severe hot spots, abscesses, hair loss), and severe tooth and gum infections. This includes undiagnosed injury such as limping, lameness, open wounds or other conditions that have not been previously diagnosed, treated and signed off by a veterinarian to proceed with grooming.

• Dogs with known chronic conditions such as epilepsy, heart failure, blindness, deafness, etc. must be disclosed prior to service and may require veterinary clearance depending on severity.

• Dogs with severe matting may not be accepted if after assessment it is determined that removal of the mats will pose a risk to the animal, or if the animal will require medical treatment during or after removal.

• Dogs must be able to stand on their own unassisted for the majority of the entire service.

• Pregnant and lactating dogs (with puppies under 12 weeks of age) will not be accepted for grooming. This includes pregnancy/maternity clips.

• Dogs in heat/season may be accepted as long as it is disclosed to the salon prior to the reservation. Dogs in heat may be turned away or rescheduled if it poses to much of a distraction, mess or if it is affecting the dog’s temperament and ability to be groomed.

• Dogs with flea and tick infestation will not be accepted for grooming. Proof of flea and tick treatment will be required if parasitic infestation was observed previously.

• Dogs that cause major disruption to the salon may be turned away from service. This can include excessive, constant or unstoppable barking, howling, screaming, jumping from equipment, chewing restraints, over excitability that makes grooming unsafe or the inability for the staff to contain the dog safely for short periods in a kennel or X-pen.

FAILURE TO DISCLOSE PRIOR OR CURRENT ILLNESS, INJURY, OR CONDITION (PREGNANT, LACTATING ETC), AS WELL AS KNOWN OR PAST BEHAVIOR THAT WOULD MAKE THE PET A DANGER TO THE STAFF OR OTHER CUSTOMERS WILL RESULT IN A NONREFUNDABLE SERVICE CHARGE EVEN IF FULL SERVICE IS NOT COMPLETED.