Professional grooming involves close handling, specialized tools, and work near sensitive areas of the body. While every effort is made to provide calm, careful care, certain risks are inherent to the grooming process.

Services are performed with attention to safety, comfort, and professional judgment.

What This Means
• Minor nicks, skin irritation, or clipper sensitivity can occasionally occur
• Stress responses may occur during grooming
• Pre-existing conditions may become visible during the grooming process

How Safety Is Prioritized
• Calm handling techniques
• Continuous observation of the animal’s comfort and tolerance
• Adjusting or stopping services when necessary

Why This Policy Exists
Transparency supports realistic expectations and safe, responsible grooming for every animal.

A safe grooming experience depends on accurate health information and a clean, well-managed environment. Grooming decisions are made using the information provided by the pet’s owner at the time of the appointment.

Owners are responsible for sharing medical and behavioral details that may affect grooming and for providing requested records when required. When relevant information is incomplete or not disclosed, grooming risks may increase and services may need to be modified or discontinued.

Health Information
• Disclose medical conditions, injuries, allergies, sensitivities, and medications relevant to grooming
• Share behavioral concerns or handling notes that may impact safety or comfort

Vaccination and Health Records
• Proof of current vaccinations or health records may be required prior to service
• Services may be refused, modified, or rescheduled if records are missing, expired, or if a pet shows signs of illness or contagious exposure

Parasites
• If fleas, ticks, or other parasites are discovered, services may be modified or discontinued
• Additional treatment or sanitation fees may apply when parasite treatment is required

Animals may react unpredictably during grooming, especially when unfamiliar handling, tools, or sensations are introduced.

Safe, humane handling is required for both the animal and the groomer.

Handling Methods
• Safety loops, restraints, or alternative handling techniques may be used when necessary
• Muzzling may be used when needed for safety

When Grooming May Be Modified or Stopped
• Excessive stress, fear, fatigue, pain, or intolerance for handling
• Aggressive behavior or unsafe movement
• Medical, mobility, or behavioral concerns that restrict safe grooming
• Continuing would require forcing compliance or causing unnecessary distress

Senior, Special Needs, and High-Risk Pets
• Older pets, puppies, and pets with medical or behavioral conditions may require modified services
• Some appointments may be shortened, adjusted, or staged over multiple visits to prioritize comfort and safety

Coat condition plays a major role in what can be safely and humanely accomplished during grooming.

Severe matting can cause discomfort, limit safe handling, and may require a modified approach.

Matting Risks
• Matting pulls on the skin, traps moisture, and can conceal irritation or injury
• Removing severe matting may reveal underlying skin conditions that were not previously visible

When Shaving Is Necessary
• In some cases shaving is the safest and most humane option
• The grooming approach is determined using professional judgment and the pet’s best interest

After Mat Removal
• Temporary redness, sensitivity, or itching may occur
• Pets may behave differently for a short time as the coat and skin adjust.

Appointments are scheduled to provide each pet the time and attention needed for safe grooming.

Timely arrival and prompt pick-up help maintain a calm, structured environment.

Appointment Windows
• Appointment times are scheduled service windows and not guaranteed completion times
• Timing may vary based on coat condition, behavior, and what can be completed humanely

Late Arrival, Cancellations, and No-Shows
• Late arrivals, missed appointments, or short-notice cancellations disrupt scheduling and impact other clients
• Fees may apply and repeated occurrences may limit future booking availability

Pick-Up
• Be available for pick-up when notified that grooming is complete
• Late pick-ups may result in additional fees and may affect future booking availability

Photography
• Photos or short videos may be taken for documentation, education, or studio marketing
• Personal identifying information about owners is not shared

Personal Belongings
• Collars, leashes, harnesses, clothing, or accessories may become wet during grooming
• The studio is not responsible for loss or damage unless caused by gross negligence

Unforeseen Events
• Delays or rescheduling may occur due to severe weather, utility outages, or equipment issues