Terms & Conditions
By booking your dog for grooming, you confirm that your pet is fit, healthy, fully vaccinated, and fully up to date with their flea and worming treatments. You understand that grooming involves some risks, and I will always inform promptly if any issues should arise during the process. You agree that any and all information that you provide about your dogs health, behaviour and condition is accurate and up to date and will advise us of any changes as soon as possible.
Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us, and we are dedicated to ensuring the security of your personal information. We work hard to protect your data while being clear about the information we collect and how it is used.
Personal data refers to any information that relates to you and enables us to easily identify you. This includes details such as your name, contact information, details of your pet and payment details.
Salon Policy
At The Grooming Lodge, the safety and comfort of your dog is our top priority. If we ever feel that your dog is unsafe or uncomfortable during grooming, we will terminate the process immediately and reach out to you to discuss the best course of action. Please note that if a groom needs to be stopped, we may still charge for the time and work already completed. Your pet’s well-being is our utmost concern.
Please ensure to inform the groomer of any medical conditions behavioural issues your dog may have before the grooming appointment. This information is essential for us to provide the best care possible. Depending on the nature of the issue, our groomer may advise that they cannot accept your dog into the salon and will explain the reason for this decision.
The Grooming Lodge is fully trained and experienced in a number of behaviours and conditions found in dogs and have a variety of tools available to them to assist with grooming. Please do not hesitate to speak to me about any concerns so I can accommodate your dog as best as possible.
​
Please note that leaving your elderly or sick dog with us is at your own risk. I will always ensure you dog is made comfortable and adapt the grooming to their needs and inform you of any complications that may arise. If your dog exhibits aggressive behaviour towards the groomer during the grooming process to the point I am unable to continue in a safe environment for myself and the dog, I will need to terminate the groom and you will be required to pick up your dog immediately. As previously mentioned, full or partial payment may still be required for the rendered. ​
De-Matting
The Grooming Lodge will endeavour to help your pet feel as relaxed as possible during their groom by providing the most humane methods of grooming, fully reinforced through positive interaction. I work under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (Section 5 - "all animals are to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease"). We will only attempt to de-matt your dog’s coat if we feel that the animal will not suffer any pain, distress or prolonged discomfort. The Grooming Lodge has specialist equipment in the salon to de-mat a dog’s coat and this will be considered before shaving any matted areas on the dogs’ coat, however, The Grooming Lodge will always abide by the Animal Welfare Act and have your dog’s best interest in mind. It is the owner’s duty of care towards their pet to maintain the coat between professional grooms. If the owners fail to attend to their pet’s coat and matting becomes an issue, then in the best interests of the animal, The Grooming Lodge will endeavour to shave off any matted coat to prevent unnecessary suffering to that animal. We will always advise the owner before this is done, either on arrival or over the phone once the dog has been assessed.
The Grooming Lodge will also advise the owner on how to look after their dog’s coat between professional grooms. The after effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions and in some cases failure of the hair to re-grow.
It is important to remember that de-matting can be a stressful experience for dogs. The process often takes longer than a typical grooming session, and the discomfort caused by tight knots can be quite distressing for them. We will always do our best to ensure the welfare and comfort of your animal comes first but in some cases the groom may have to be terminated and continued at a later date should the dog become overly stressed or show signs of aggression. Please do not hesitate to speak to me about brushing techniques, types of brushing and how to best care for your dogs coat. I am always happy to advise and answer any questions you have.
​
PLEASE NOTE: Our normal grooming rates do NOT include de-matting, any de-matting will be charged for as an EXTRA. The owner of the dog agrees to pay all costs for the grooming of the dog, including de-matting which is an extra cost, whether or not the groomer is able to complete the job.
Shaving Double coated breeds
The shaving of a double coated breed (such as German Shepherd's, Pomeranian's, Husky's etc.) can cause long term problems for your dogs health and coat condition. Dogs with double coats are naturally equipped with insulation that helps keep them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This type of coat not only protects against harmful sun rays but also prevents sunburn. Shaving your dog's coat can lead to a condition known as 'clipper alopecia' or 'coat funk,' where the fur may grow back unevenly and patchy, taking up to two years to fully recover. Additionally, shaving does not stop shedding; instead, it may lead to increased shedding of shorter hair.
Shaving a double-coated dog can lead to an undercoat that appears lighter, duller, and softer. Achieving a smooth shave may be challenging, resulting in patchy areas and visible clipper lines. After shaving, it's crucial to protect your dog from sunlight, heat, and extreme cold to prevent risks like burn, heatstroke, and frostbite, while regular brushing is essential to avoid matting and compacted hair.
​
The Grooming Lodge will not shave a double coated dog for cosmetic reasons. We understand that there may be times when your double-coated breed dog requires a full shave-off based on your veterinarian's advice for a medical condition or age related comfort. In such cases, we will only shave the dog once we receive written consent from your vet. Additionally, you'll need to complete and sign a disclaimer at our salon, acknowledging the potential risks involved. If you have any questions about grooming your double-coated breed or what grooming option is best please feel free to reach out, and we'll be happy to discuss your specific situation.
CANCELLATIONS AND MISSED APPOINTMENTS
At The Grooming Lodge we understand that life can sometimes get in the way. However, missed appointments can be costly and inconvenient for both our business and other customers who are waiting for their pet's grooming. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are free of charge, but please note that cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will incur a 50% charge of the groom price. Please let us know well in advance if you need to cancel or change your appointment, so we can offer that time slot to another client. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
FLEAS AND TICKS
Here at The Grooming Lodge, we prioritise the health and well-being of all pets.
We appreciate that dogs contract fleas easily from other dogs, so you may not be aware at first. Should we discover a significant flea problem after admission, we will bathe the dog using a natural flea repellent shampoo and advise you when you collect your dog. A full extermination of the salon will then be carried out to prevent the spread of the fleas to other client's dogs. No additional charge will be given on the first occasion, however any further accounts of fleas found will occur a £10.00 fee.
We urge pet owners to consult their veterinarian for the best treatment options, as flea infestations can lead to various health risks. Additionally, if a tick found during grooming, we will remove it for a fee of £5, but we recommend a check by a veterinarian afterward.
Toileting
At The Grooming Lodge, we strive to provide a comfortable experience for your pet. To help avoid any discomfort, we kindly ask all owners to ensure their dogs are toileted before arrival. We understand that breaks may be necessary, and we will always provide them if your dog shows signs of needing to go or requires a rest. Thank you for your cooperation!
Marketing
You as the owner give consent for The Grooming Lodge to take photos of your dog during their visit, and you consent to the use of these images on our website and social media platforms. If you do not wish to have your dog’s photograph used for marketing purposes, please provide us with verbal or written notification.