Wags & Whiskers Salon Agreement

The following grooming agreement pertains to clients of Wags & Whiskers Salon.


Grooming Requirements
Pets are accepted for grooming only under the following circumstances:
The pet is fit and healthy and able to withstand the grooming procedure, which includes but is not limited to bathing, blow drying, brushing, hair removal, toenail clipping, and being asked to stand for most of the grooming process.
Grooming that takes place on an elderly or infirm pet will be at the owner's risk.
Grooming may expose pre-existing health or skin conditions for which Wags & Whiskers Salon cannot be held liable.
The pet's rabies vaccine must be up to date, as required by law, unless otherwise discussed.
In the event of an emergency, in your absence, you authorize Wags & Whiskers Salon to contact the nearest veterinarian and authorize the veterinarian to treat the pet as necessary at your expense.
Payment is to be made at the time of service. Payment may be made by cash or credit card. No checks will be accepted.
We offer a cage-free environment for your pet(s). However, we reserve the right to place your pet in a kennel if there is something to be concerned about, such as aggression or illness. We also place pets in our cage-free cubbies on a first-come, first-served basis. If all cage-free areas are full, your pet will be placed in one of our clean and comfortable kennels.


Satisfaction Guarantee
The groomer will go over what will be done and discuss options and additional services that may be needed. We take pride in the quality of our styling. However, sometimes corrections need to be made.
We welcome pet parents to bring anything that does not meet their expectations to our attention at the time of pick-up. Corrections can be made at the time of pick-up only.


Aggressive Pets
If your pet bites, has bitten, or is aggressive toward people, other pets, or during specific grooming procedures, you must notify the groomer.
Muzzles may be used if necessary. Muzzling will not harm your pet and helps protect both the pet and the groomer.
Wags & Whiskers Salon reserves the right to refuse or stop services for any pet at any time before or during the grooming process and may charge a handling fee for aggressive dogs in addition to the regular grooming charge.
If the pet bites, the owner agrees to be responsible for any and all related medical bills, recovery costs, loss of income, and equipment damage.


Mat Removal
Pets with matted coats require extra attention during their grooming session. Mats left in a pet's coat can grow tighter, constrict the skin, cause sores, and even tear the skin open.
Depending on the severity of the matting, de-matting can be painful and uncomfortable for pets. Therefore, we will do whatever is in the best interest of the animal, including, but not limited to, completing a shave-down if necessary.
This can drastically change the final grooming appearance, but we will make every effort to salvage as much of the pet's coat and style as possible.
If the pet becomes excessively stressed, is too aggressive, is in too much pain during the process of removing mats, or shows signs of medical compromise, the groomer will stop the process and you will be contacted immediately.
The groomer will use her best judgment to determine whether the pet can be humanely de-matted or if shaving out the mats is the best plan of action for the pet's physical and mental safety. The best defense against matting is scheduling regular grooming appointments and regularly brushing your pet at home.
I understand that de-matting fees are an applicable additional charge when a customer requests that we de-mat their pet. These services include, but are not limited to, special products needed to detangle matted hair, removing tangles or mats, extra brushing and blowing out, de-matting shave-downs, impacted shedding coat removal, removal of caked-in bodily excretions, or behavioral/handling fees as needed.
Your pet may have a reaction to the de-matting grooming process that could include licking an irritated, sensitive, itchy, or red area. An outfit covering such areas to prevent licking or scratching or a cone collar to prevent licking may be needed to protect the pet from further irritation.
If you allow your pet to continue to lick or scratch their body, it may cause further injury, irritation, or infection.


Accidents
There is always the possibility that an accident could occur. Pets who are matted and/or pets who are not groomed regularly, generally every 4–6 weeks, have a greater chance of injury during grooming.
Grooming equipment is sharp, and even though we use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur, including cuts, nicks, scratches, etc. In most cases, this happens when a pet is wiggling, moving around unexpectedly, or when working through a matted coat.
Every effort will be made to ensure your pet is groomed as safely as possible. We reserve the right to end the grooming session if we feel it is no longer safe for the dog or the groomer, even if the groom is not completed. The full grooming price will still be charged.
By signing this agreement, you agree not to hold Wags & Whiskers Salon responsible for any accident or injury, including possible reactions and irritations that may occur at home after the grooming process.


Parasites
If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, you must notify the groomer. Flea infestations can lead to tapeworms and other health problems.
We offer effective products and can apply treatment if requested. If fleas are found during the grooming process, your pet will receive a Capstar flea treatment as well as a flea bath with a medicated shampoo. An additional $10 charge will be applied for each.
Ticks found will be removed, and an additional charge may be applied. If ticks are found, we strongly suggest having your pet tested for Lyme Disease or other tick-borne illnesses.
Please note that parasites are a health hazard to your pet as well as to humans.


Appointment Reschedules
We follow Abilene school closures as they pertain to inclement weather. We try to work as long as conditions are not dangerous. If you are unsure, please call us to confirm.
Every effort will be made to reschedule at a time convenient for both the client and the groomer.


Cancellations & Rescheduling
We require 48 hours' notice prior to your existing appointment to cancel or reschedule.
If the appointment is canceled or rescheduled within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment, we will charge 50% of the scheduled grooming services in order to protect our groomer's livelihood.


No-Shows
No-shows are subject to a fee of 50% of the scheduled grooming service.
Please be respectful of our groomer's time. Groomers are paid by appointment, so when a customer does not show or cancels too late for us to schedule someone else, the groomer loses the income they would have made from that appointment.


Late Pick-Ups
Please be on time to pick up your pet(s). We work by appointment and do not have the staff or facilities for your pet to stay after the groom has been completed.
To enforce this policy, a $20 fee may be added to your invoice if you pick up your pet more than 30 minutes after you've received notification that your pet is ready for pick-up.


Social Media Release
Our groomers may take before-and-after photos or videos of the dogs they groom for use on various social media platforms. Photos and videos may be used on Wags & Whiskers Salon's social media pages.
If you prefer that we do not use your dog's photo or video, please let us know in writing or via email. Otherwise, by signing this agreement, we will assume you have given permission.


Hold Harmless Agreement
By signing this contract, you agree to hold Wags & Whiskers Salon, its owners, and employees harmless from any damage, loss, or claim arising from any condition of the undersigned pet(s), either known or unknown to Wags & Whiskers Salon.


Rabies Vaccination
By signing this contract, owners verify that their pets are current on their rabies vaccination.
A note from your veterinarian must be provided if your pet(s) has a condition that prohibits them from receiving vaccines. Proof of vaccination shall be provided when scheduling your grooming appointment.