TERMS OF SERVICE

Updated 24/05/2025 Rewritten terms to reduce word count. No change in substance of terms.

Updated 29/01/2024 11:38 Inclusion of terms for promotion: 10% new customer grooms in February 

Updated 26/06/23 18:05 (Section called 'Coat Condition and Matted Coats' updated to say max. of 30-mins dematting per grooming session.)

Updated 27/02/23 18:05 (Section called 'Prices' updated to include full groom time frames for SML dogs, and additional fees.)

Updated 02/05/22 23:10 (Section called 'Coat condition and matted coats' updated to include de-matting policy and surcharge.)

Updated 23/01/22 (Section called 'Drop-offs and Collections' updated)

Updated 03/01/22 13:23

Updated 10/11/2021 18:27

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Consent-Based Grooming

The Artful Dog Grooming Parlour prioritises your dog’s comfort and emotional wellbeing over aesthetics. Our goal is to help your dog(s) see grooming as a positive - or, at least, tolerable - experience. In practice this means we will not push a dog through a process before they are ready for it, or if we feel there will be a long-term detrimental impact to their trust in grooming. This means we aim to complete each groom in full but can’t guarantee it. If your dog is unable to withstand a grooming process (e.g. nail trim, face trim) because of nerves or anxiety, the full grooming fee still applies.

Every dog is different—some appointments may require more time than usual or may not result in the usual finish. We’ll communicate any changes or concerns. To help your dog get used to grooming we may recommend splitting a groom across multiple sessions, familiarisation and training sessions, coat maintenance routines, and/or regular schedules (at a cost).

Anxious or Reactive Dogs

You must inform us of any triggers or sensitivities that may cause your dog to become anxious or reactive during the groom. We do not force grooms or use muzzles to complete a task if the dog is stressed and likely to bite. However, we may stop a groom and apply a muzzle if there’s a safety risk. In such cases, full grooming fees still apply. Customers are liable for any injury, damage, or associated costs caused by their dog’s behaviour.

Accidents & Medical Issues

We take every care, but grooming equipment is sharp, and dogs may move unpredictably which carries risks (e.g. nicks, cut quicks, irritation). First aid will be given if needed, and incidents will be logged and communicated. If urgent veterinary care is required, you authorise us to act and agree to cover all costs. Customers are responsible for disclosing any pre-existing health conditions; we are not liable for issues resulting from these. We also expect customers to tell us of any changes in their dog’s health since their last visit, that may affect our ability to complete a full groom.

Vaccinations

All customers must ensure their dogs are up to date on vaccines (parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis) and agree to provide proof on request.

Cancellations & No Shows

If you need to cancel or move your appointment, we need at least 2 working days (48 hours Mon–Fri) notice. Late cancellations or no-shows incur the full fee, and future bookings must be prepaid.

Drop-Offs, Collections and Late Fees

We ask clients to drop and collect their dog at the door, unless invited inside, e.g. for a Meet & Treat.

Late arrivals (5 mins over start time) incur a fee for every 5 minutes delay, and we may not be able to complete all the groom in the remaining time. After 15 mins late with no notice, the appointment will be cancelled, and full fees apply. We may ask for payment in advance of your next appointment. Repeated lateness may result in a service ban.

Collections must be within 30 minutes of notification, or late fees apply for every 5 minutes delay.

Collection by another/unknown person must be pre-approved.

Home Collection/Drop-Off

We do occasionally provide a door-to-door collection/drop-off service. Priority is given to the elderly, disabled, and parents of young children. Estimates supplied on request.

Coat Condition & Matting

The customer is responsible for maintaining the condition of their dog’s coat. Sometimes the true condition of a dog’s coat only becomes apparent during the bath & dry stages of the groom and may require a different grooming approach, or more time than expected. We will communicate this. In the case of matted coats, the dog may require shaving, which carries risks (e.g. irritation, nicks, haematoma, hidden injuries being exposed.) Severe matting incurs a surcharge that starts at £25 to cover the cost of re-sharpening blades that are blunted by a shave off. The cost may be more depending on time taken, and tool wear: every blade blunted will be charged for @ £12.50/blade (price correct at time of publishing and may change).

We are not liable for injury or undesired appearance resulting from poor coat condition. You consent to coat removal if deemed necessary, even without prior contact.

Manual de-matting, if feasible, is charged at an hourly rate, max 30 mins per session.

See this post for detail on matting and our approach:

https://www.artfuldoggrooming.co.uk/post/matted-coats-all-u-need-to-know

Elderly & Pregnant Dogs

Senior pets are groomed for comfort using low-stress techniques. We do not groom pregnant dogs.

Parasites

We don’t accept dogs with fleas, ticks, lice, or infectious conditions. These appointments must be rescheduled, and customers must provide written proof that a vet has signed their dog off as parasite-free. If fleas are found during a groom, the session ends immediately, and a surcharge will apply to cover lost income for appointments that are cancelled because of grooming areas being infected, plus the cost of disinfecting. There is an extra charge for tick removal.

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Pricing

Quoted prices are estimates based on how long the groom is likely to take. The actual price will be confirmed on completion of the groom. Estimates are based on the breed of dog, its coat condition, the type of groom wanted and the dog’s temperament and behaviour. Charges apply for:

• Extra grooming time above estimate

• Late drop off or collection

• Late payment

• Shaving matted coats

• Manually dematting coats

• Tick removal

If a groom is cancelled with less than 48 working hours’ notice, or stopped due to behaviour or health, full fees still apply.

Payment

We accept payment by cash or bank transfer at the end of the appointment.
Payment (or proof thereof) is due by 6PM same day at the latest.

Late payments incur escalating fees. See schedule.

Summary of Fees

List of surcharges is available here

Media

We may take photos/videos during grooms for records, health issues, or promotion. These may be shared with vets or used in marketing. Media and usage rights are fully owned by The Artful Dog Grooming Parlour.

Privacy

See our full privacy policy.

You must read and accept the Terms of Service before your dog can be groomed. You can do so either in writing (by email, text or WhatsApp) or by clicking the button below.