Pups ‘N Suds LLC (DBA Harness the Fur) Policies and Grooming Waiver
For the purpose of this document, “Our,” “We,” and “Us” refers to Pups ‘N Suds LLC (DBA Harness the Fur). “You” and “Your” refers to the person contracting services for one or more domestic animal.
We value your pet and want to ensure you that we will make every attempt to make your pet's grooming experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. During the grooming procedure, everyone's safety comes first, both the people and the animals.
You will only need to sign this once, and it will apply to all pets you already own as well as those you may acquire in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
1. Our Philosophy is Humanity Over Vanity
a. We do our best to offer a stress free grooming experience for your dog. Each pet is groomed thoroughly; receiving our full, undivided attention. We pay special attention to older pets and pets with health issues.
b. The safety and comfort of your pet is always our first priority.
c. We will not perform any grooming procedure that causes pain or excessive levels of stress (including nail trimming in certain situations). In situations where your pet’s behavior does not allow us to do certain procedures, we may need additional assistance from you to hold your pet.
2. Senior Pets & Matted Pets
a. Senior pets will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort. Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one.
b. If your pet cannot be humanely de-matted, we may have to shave the mats out or completely shave your pet down. This may leave your dog with holes in their coat or leave them very short. Our philosophy is “humanity over vanity.” Severe matting causes your pet to be at greater risk of injury, stress & trauma. All precautions will be taken. However, problems occasionally arise, during, or after grooming such as nicks, clipper irritation, abrasions, hematomas, hot spots, fungal infections & stress. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine under the matted coat which can cause mold, fungus, or bacteria growth that is not previously visible until the matting is removed. Removing close to the skin matting on ears can cause a hematoma due to the matting causing loss of blood circulation then the blood flowing back quickly once the mats are removed. This sensation can cause the dog to shake and blood can pool at the tips of the ears and often break open.
c. Harness the Fur shall not be held liable for any issues or injuries caused due to the matted condition of your pet.
3. Medical Conditions
a. You will advise Harness the Fur of any medical, physical, emotional issues, allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing conditions before service. These may include prior surgeries, hip or joint issues, warts, moles, ear infections or skin problems.
4. Behavioral Problems
a. If your pet has behavior problems, please let us know.
b. We reserve the right to use a muzzle on your pet for safety purposes. Muzzling your pet is very harmless, and it protects both the pet and the groomer. Muzzling a scared animal can sometimes even calm it down, allowing the grooming process to continue. If your pet continues to be harmful, we reserve the right to terminate grooming services at any time and charge a service fee. We don't muzzle unless your pet specifically needs it. Other techniques of calming your pet are explored first, and muzzling is only used as a last resort. Dogs who require muzzling will be charged at a higher fee than usual. This is due to the fact that grooming aggressive or frightened dogs takes significantly longer and puts the groomer at risk for injury. In some cases, a muzzle does not work on all dogs that need one. Some panic and try very hard to remove the muzzle which can cause injury to themselves by clawing at their face or flailing on the table.
c. You will be held liable for any bites that require medical treatment and for any property damage caused by your pet.
d. Occasionally, a dog’s behavior makes nail trimming difficult. Dogs have a vein that runs down the center of the nail. In rare cases, a dog may kick their leg as the nail is being trimmed causing too much of the nail to be cut. This can cause the nail to bleed and styptic powder will be applied to stop the bleeding.
e. Harness the Fur will not be held liable for injury your dog inflicts on itself due to behavioral issues.
5. Accidents
Although accidents are extremely rare when working with animals, they do occur. Grooming equipment is sharp. While we employ extra caution and care in all cases, cuts, nicks, scratches, quickening of nails, and other issues are possible. This is most likely to happen when an animal is wiggling or moving around. The safety and comfort of your pet is our first priority. In the unlikely event that an accident occurs, you will be alerted. If we believe the situation is critical and the owner is unavailable, we will seek immediate veterinary care for your pet at the nearest veterinarian clinic.
6. Appointments, No Shows & Cancellation Policy
a. We give a 2 hour window to arrive between for appointments and text when we are on our way. However, sometimes situations occur that will disrupt the daily schedule of the groomer. This includes traffic, weather, mechanical difficulties, another client canceling, spending additional time with an older/younger pet or a difficult pet. The pet’s safety will never be compromised by rushing to meet a schedule. You will be called and advised of an arrival time when schedules change beyond our control.
b. We require 48 hour cancellation notice (2 business days).
• There is a $35 fee or 50% of the full groom cost, whichever is greater, per pet for missed appointments with less than a 48 hour notice for cancellation. This must be paid before we can reschedule you. If you cannot make a scheduled appointment, please call or text and let us know.
• Habitual cancellations are not a good fit for mobile grooming. There are routes and schedules that need to be kept. With a reoccurring client base (usually every 2, 4 or 6 weeks) in specific areas, there is no cancellation list to pull from to fill that spot. The cancelation notice is required to allow enough time to plan that day’s route accordingly but there is still a loss of income. After 2 cancellations, the full cost of the service needs to be paid in full by the date the original service was to occur before it was cancelled to keep you on the schedule for your next appointment.
c. Harness the Fur requires confirmation before each appointment. We send out reminder texts typically the day before each appointment. Please respond so we know you are still expecting us. Lack of confirmation results in a last minute cancellation and the fee stated in paragraph 6b applies.
d. Harness the Fur offers straight through, one on one service. If we arrive and no one is available to give the pet to the groomer and arrangements were not made for the groomer to enter the home to retrieve the pet, there will be a charge of $5 for every 5 minutes the groomer waits with a maximum of 10 minutes before the groomer must leave. This fee will be added onto the cost of the groom. If the groomer must leave for the above reasons, 80% of the full groom price must be paid before rebooking.
7. Pricing
a. Pricing varies for each pet and is determined by breed, size and condition of your pet’s coat. Due to increased business expenses, pricing is subject to annual price increases without notice.
b. Additional charges may apply due to the pet’s temperament and behavior during the groom as well as for de-matting or removing packed undercoat.
c. When coming to you with the mobile unit, if it is determined we are unable to groom your pet due to behavior, health issues or any other reason, a $50 trip fee will be assessed. Depending on the progress of the groom, any other charges will be determined on a case by case basis.