We want your pet's experience at Gateway Canine LLC to be as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. It is important to understand that some pets respond to grooming differently, even with the best of efforts. We will make every effort to make it a positive experience. Sometimes pre-existing conditions, unforeseen to us, arise such as skin allergies, shampoo allergies, moles, clipper sensitivity, matting, fleas, fear, behavioral issues, bone or joint sensitivity, heart conditions, seizures, etc. Please inform us of any potential issues prior to grooming.
Fleas, Ticks, Etc: If fleas and/or ticks are found on your pet during the grooming process, treatment to rid pet of fleas and or ticks is mandatory and an additional treatment charge will apply. This is not only to rid your pet of the unwanted pests, but to prevent them from transferring to other pets in our facility, and to avoid an infestation. Fleas can lead lead to tapeworms and other health problems, and we recommend immediately contacting your veterinarian for a preferred treatment, and prevention protocol. We also recommend immediately treating your home and any pet areas. We do not carry nor adminstor any pest preventative. We only have treatments to kill what's on your pet at that time. We do not take pets in who are infested. Please consult your vet for the best in home treatment if your pet is infested.
Aggressive, Dangerous, abd/or Reactive Pets: Owners MUST inform Gateway Canine LLC if your pet(s) may bite, have bitten, or show ANY signs of aggression towards people, other animals, or any specific grooming procedures. Muzzles may be used if necessary. Muzzling will not harm your pet, and protects both your pet, and your pet's groomer. A "Handling Fee" may be applied in addition to the regular grooming charge for aggressive or difficult to groom pets. Gateway Canine LLC reserves the right to refuse or stop services for such pet(s) at any time before or during the grooming process. This is for your pet's safety, as well as for the groomer's safety. We do not administer sedatives or tranquilizers. Please inform us when you make your pet's appointment if they will be coming in medicated for grooming, we prefer to try most pets first without sedatives as some medications can make the dog's experience with us even worse.
Health or Medical Problems & Senior Pets: Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful, especially for a senior pet or a pet with health problems, and can expose hidden medical problems or aggravate a current one during or after the groom. Because senior pets and pets with health problems have a greater chance of injury, these pets will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress. In the best interest of your pet this contract will give Gateway Canine LLC permission to obtain immediate Veterinary treatment for your pet should it be deemed necessary by Gateway Canine LLC. We will do our best to contact you first, then take your pet to your authorized Veterinarian or to the nearest Veterinarian that is available. It is agreed that ALL expenses for Veterinary care will be covered by the pet's owner upon signing this contract. Despite all efforts senior pets also have a higher risk of passing away during grooming. Signing this contract states that you understand this inherint risk with elderly dogs.
Mat Removal: Pets with matted coats need extra attention during their grooming session. A "Dematting Fee" will apply to ALL matted pets. Mats left in a pet's coat only become tighter, and can strangle the pet's skin, or eventually tear it open. Mats can be very difficult to remove, and may require the pet to be shaved. When necessary, removing a heavily matted coat includes the risks of nicks, cuts, and or abrasions due to warts, moles, or skin folds trapped in the mats. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the per's skin allowing mold, fungus, and bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process. Torn skin from mats can also harbor maggots, bot flies, etc. After effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions and failure of the hair to re-grow. Shaved pets are also prone to sunburn and should have caution taken in prolonged exposure to the sun. In some cases pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes. Gateway Canine LLC does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your pet, and will not continually de-mat your pet for you. Prevention is the best defense against matting by scheduling regular grooming appointments. In severe cases your veterinarian may have to shave your pet for their safety.