Grooming Policies

1. General Policies

• All services are by appointment only.
• Please arrive on time for drop-off and pick-up so we can keep the day running smoothly for all clients.
• If you are unsure which service your dog needs, we're happy to help you choose at drop-off.

2. Vaccination Requirements

For the safety of all dogs in our care, we require that your dog be current on the following vaccinations:

• Rabies
• Distemper / Parvo (DHPP or similar)
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – recommended

We may request proof of vaccination. By booking, you confirm that your dog is up to date according to your veterinarian's recommendations.

3. Health & Medical Conditions

• Please let us know about any medical conditions, allergies, recent surgeries, or injuries before your appointment.
• Dogs showing signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, lethargy, etc.) may be refused service and asked to see a veterinarian first.
• If your dog becomes stressed or unsafe to groom, we may stop the service early in your dog's best interest. Charges will reflect the work completed.

4. Fleas & Parasites

• If live fleas or heavy infestation are found, we may be required to perform a flea bath and/or end the groom early.
• An additional sanitation fee may apply to cover extra cleaning and disinfecting time.
• We recommend keeping your dog on a regular flea and tick preventative as advised by your veterinarian.

5. Matting & Shaving Policies

Matted coats can be painful and dangerous to work on. Your dog’s comfort and safety always come first.

• In cases of severe matting, we may recommend a short shave-down instead of attempting to brush out the mats.
• Shaving a matted dog may reveal skin irritation, hot spots, abrasions, or parasites that were previously hidden.
• Extra fees may apply for de-matting time or shave-downs due to matting.

By booking, you understand that 4Dogs is not responsible for underlying skin issues revealed by removing mats.

6. Behavior & Safety

• Please let us know in advance if your dog has a history of biting, fear aggression, or extreme anxiety during grooming.
• We reserve the right to stop a groom at any time if a dog becomes too stressed or unsafe for themselves or the groomer.
• A handling fee may apply for dogs that require extra time or assistance due to behavioral challenges.

7. Late Arrivals, Cancellations & No-Shows

• Late Arrivals: Arriving more than 10–15 minutes late may require shortening the service or rescheduling so we don't impact other appointments.
• Cancellations: Please give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
• No-Shows: Repeated no-shows may require a non-refundable deposit for future bookings.

8. Pick-Up Policy

• We will contact you when your dog is ready for pick-up. Please pick up within 30 minutes whenever possible.
• Extended stays after the groom may incur a daycare/holding fee, as we have limited space.

9. Pricing & Payment

• Prices shown online are estimates and may vary based on size, coat condition, temperament, and requested style.
• Final pricing will be confirmed at drop-off or at the end of the appointment once the groom is completed.
• Payment is due at pick-up. We currently accept the payment methods listed at the front desk which include cash, credit cards, apple pay etc.

10. Photos & Social Media

We love taking cute “after” photos of our guests!

• By booking, you give permission for 4Dogs to take photos or short videos of your pet for our records, website, and social media.
• If you prefer your pet not be photographed or posted, please let us know at drop-off and we will happily respect your wishes.

11. Senior & Special Needs Dogs

• Older dogs or dogs with special needs may require shorter or modified grooming sessions for their comfort.
• We may break services into shorter visits or adjust the style to keep your dog safe and relaxed.
• In rare cases, we may recommend grooming be performed at a veterinary clinic if your dog's health requires it.

12. Agreement

By booking an appointment with 4Dogs, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these grooming policies. Our goal is always to provide a safe, kind, and positive grooming experience for every pup in our care.

Questions?

If you have any questions about these policies or your pet's specific needs, please contact us before your appointment. We're happy to talk through anything and make a plan that works best for your dog.