Kay’s Boutique Dog Grooming Policy

1. YOUR PET’S HEALTH AND WELFARE: We always do everything we possibly can to make sure your pet’s time in the salon is as pleasant as possible. Grooming can occasionally expose a previously hidden medical issue or aggravate a current one. This can happen during or after grooming. You must confirm to the best of your knowledge that your dog is fit and healthy and up-to-date with vaccinations. Grooming of sick or elderly dogs is entirely at the owner’s risk. We don’t take responsibility if your dog develops an allergic reaction to shampoos, conditioners or any other grooming products. Please bring your own medicated shampoo if you are unsure. It is extremely rare but Kay’s boutique will not be responsible for the accidental death of a pet as a result of any pre-existing health condition.

2. STAFF’S SAFETY: We reserve the right to muzzle your dog if it represents danger to any other dog or person. Please let us know beforehand if your dog has any known behavioural problems. By signing this contract you agree that you will be held solely responsible for any injury, harm or damage caused to staff/property by your pet. Upon booking you should truthfully inform us if your pet has ever bitten another animal or human so we can take precautions to avoid this occurrence at the salon.

4. GROOMING ACCIDENTS: Please be aware that if the dog does not respond to the groomer and does not remain still during the grooming procedure accidents can happen such as nicks from clippers/scissors or toenail clippers. If your dog has particular behavioural issues that make them at high risk of getting injured, we reserve the right to stop the groom if we feel it is too dangerous to continue. If the groom needs completing at a later date the owner will have to pay for a second session for the groom to be completed or if the dog is sent home full payment may still be charged. We don’t accept liability for any injuries caused due to a dog’s difficult/ bad behaviour during the grooming process. Should Bark in the Park Kay’s boutique determine, at its sole discretion, that urgent veterinary care is required by signing this contract you agree to pay all associated fees and costs.

5. NEGLECTED & MATTED COATS: We don’t accept liability for any other effects during or following the treatment of a matted dog. This includes but is not limited to irritation, haematomas, redness or nicks. By accepting an appointment you agree to our terms of this contract and are giving us permission to shave off a matted coat. If your dog is accepted into the salon and matting is discovered after consultation/drop off we will call you to discuss the course of action we will have to take. Shaving down a matted/neglected coat is of course our last resort. It is understandable that it does not look attractive to some owners but the Animal welfare Act of 2006 states we are legally not allowed to cause an animal any pain, discomfort or stress. Shaving down a matted coat is the kindest option when left with no other option.

6. EAR PLUCKING: Removing the hair can irritate the delicate skin of ear canals and lead to ear problems. Plucking the hair from a dog’s ear canal leaves tiny openings where bacteria can settle more easily potentially causing infection. We only pluck ears if it is requested by the client.

7. ULTRASOUND TEETH CLEANING: Our teeth cleaning service is a maintenance service. It is suitable for dogs with no, mild or moderate tartar build up. It can help remove plaque and tartar and freshen breath. The staff members at Kay’s Boutique are NOT veterinary professionals therefore we cannot diagnose any animals with dental health issues. This service is NOT a substitute for veterinary treatment where an animal requires dental work beyond cleaning. By signing this contract you understand that a staff member at Kay’s Boutique will be using an ultrasound toothbrush on your dog which has no vibration, no movement and no noise. You also consent to the use of a tooth descaler on your dog’s teeth to remove any loose tartar, plaque or staining. You also understand that the staff member can stop the teeth cleaning session if they feel veterinary assistance is needed such as: suspected loose teeth, the animal becomes stressed or uncomfortable, obvious abnormalities are visible or suspected in the mouth such as a foreign body embedded in the mouth, oral warts, oral injuries or tumours. You also understand that there may be some minor bleeding of the gums during and after teeth cleaning as the tartar and plaque is removed.

8. FLEAS/TICKS: If your pet is found to have fleas we can treat him with a flea treatment bath for an extra £10. However we must decline any other types of service until your pet’s flea infection is treated after that particular session.

9. ANAL GLANDS: Kay’s Boutique does not perform anal gland expression as part of any service offering. This process should be only performed by licensed veterinary professionals, and only when medically necessary.

10. TIME KEEPING: Please be punctual. If you are more than 20 minutes late your appointment will be rescheduled. Most grooms take 1-3 hours or more depending on the size and the temperament of the dog and their coat condition. You will be advised or phoned what time to collect your pet. Pets must be collected within 30 mins after phone call/text message. If you need more time to get here please let us know. Pets not picked up within 30 mins after the message or phone call will be subject to fees unless agreed or discussed prior to the appointment.

11. CANCELLATION: We request 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel your pet’s appointment. We may charge an administration fee of up to 50% if cancellation is made without at least 48 hours’ notice. No-shows and same day cancellations will be charged full priced deposit before booking their next appointment.

12. PAYMENTS: Payment can be made on collection or drop off of dogs. We can accept payment by cash or card. Estimates are based on an average dog of the breed or type but owners must remember that some dogs will require extensive extra work and that this will be charged for on hourly basis.

13. GROOM FEEDBACK: If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your pet’s groom please let us know within 24 hours (preferably before you leave). Reasonable requests to alter the trim will be dealt with immediately or changes noted for the next groom. Please don’t leave negative feedback anywhere without contacting us first.

14. PHOTOGRAPHS: Your dog may be photographed before, during and after its groom. Photographs may be used on our website and social media platforms. Please let us know if you are not comfortable with us using your dog’s photos on our website or social media platforms.