POLICIES
OUR SAFETY POLICY
BEHAVIOUR ISSUES ARE SAFETY ISSUES
To provide the highest level of care for your pet we have a safety policy.
If at any time your pet gets nervous, anxious, scared, aggressive, or even overly silly, we slow down and help your pet to be calm and comfortable. It's very important to us that the pets in our care are kept safe and stress free. We need to use sharp tools and we need to prevent injuries.
We will work with your pet to help them feel comfortable. This will create a positive experience for calm, cooperative grooming for your pet's lifetime. Most dogs can find grooming unpleasant, uncomfortable and/or scary, so the grooming goals at Zen Dog Grooming are always calm, comfortable, and cooperative.
Your pet may not be groomed to perfection today.
We will charge for the time that we spend working with your pet.
Go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com for more information about how to help dogs learn to be good for grooming.
ZEN DOG GROOMING TERMS & CONDITIONS
BY BOOKING AT ZEN DOG GROOMING YOU AGREE TO ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS BELOW
At Zen Dog Grooming we want your pet and every pet, pet owners, and groomers to have a positive and safe experience. Please kindly read our terms and conditions below to ensure full understanding and consent before booking and don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
I acknowledge that I am fully responsible for my pet’s behaviour, including any injury or harm to my pet, other pets, salon staff, or any other individuals at Zen Dog Grooming, and am liable for costs if any are incurred as a result of my pet’s behaviour.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A LEASH AND TOILETING
I agree to use a leash to control my pet while in the salon and toilet my pet before every appointment, even if it is raining. I understand that if my pet has a toileting accident during the groom I may have to pay extra fees should my pet require additional cleaning and drying.
AGGRESSION
I acknowledge that I am required to disclose to Zen Dog Grooming any known aggressive behaviours my pet may exhibit towards other animals or people. If my dog bites, I accept responsibility for any related medical or veterinary bills, loss of earnings, and equipment damage. I understand that Zen Dog Grooming reserves the right to refuse service if my dog poses a risk to itself or others in the salon. If risky problematic behaviours occur during the grooming session, the session may be stopped at any time, and I will still pay an appointment fee.
NERVOUS/ANXIOUS DOG
While Zen Dog Grooming accommodates dogs with nervous tendencies, owners must inform us of any such behaviours to allow us to address their needs effectively.
Grooming fees will be determined by Zen Friend Dog Grooming based on my pet’s behaviour and the time, skill, and equipment needed for grooming.
HEALTH & UP TO DATE VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
I understand my pet must be up-to-date with vaccinations, parasite treatments, and medications before each grooming session. I recognise that grooming can be stressful for some pets and will inform Zen Dog Grooming of any medical conditions or anxieties my pet may have. I understand that grooming may reveal hidden medical conditions or aggravate existing ones, and accidents can occur. It is my responsibility to inform staff of any preexisting health conditions that can affect the grooming process. Some examples of health concerns relevant for grooming are skin allergies and sensitivities, presence of warts, cysts, wounds, scars, hernia, any food restrictions, conjunctivitis, chronic ear infections, joint and/or soft tissues related issues such as arthritis, hip, elbow, and knee dysplasia, breathing, coughing or heart concerns, risks of seizures and pregnancy. I will not hold Zen Dog Grooming or its staff responsible for any adverse health outcomes, accidents or injuries.
SENIOR & SPECIAL NEEDS PETS
I understand that senior, disabled, or special needs pets are at a higher risk of medical issues during grooming. Despite all precautions, grooming may trigger or worsen conditions potentially leading to more severe health issues. I agree not to hold Zen Dog Grooming or its staff responsible for any adverse reactions in my senior or special needs pets. I agree that my pet’s welfare and comfort are more important that trying to achieve a perfect groom and appreciate that the best job will be done while respecting my pet’s physical and emotional limitations.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency, I authorise Zen Dog Grooming and its staff to seek veterinary care for my pet at my expense. Efforts will be made to contact me in the event of an emergency.
REFUSING SERVICE
Zen Dog Grooming reserves the right to refuse or stop service if my pet poses a threat to itself, other pets, or staff due to aggressive or severe health issues. If my pet has fleas, a contagious disease, or is in heat, service may be refused or stopped, and charges for grooming time and a clean-down fee, will apply.
PRICING
I understand that grooming costs vary based on factors such as my pet’s age, coat condition, length, knots, desired style, amount of time since the last groom, and behaviour. If my pet has fleas, I agree that medicated flea shampoo and a clean-down fee will apply. I am responsible for asking for a quote before the grooming starts and agree to the price by handing over my pet. I am aware the price of a groom may be higher than the quote estimated based on any of the aforementioned factors which may make the groom take longer than expected.
CANCELLATION POLICY
I will provide at least 24 hours notice to change, reschedule, or cancel an appointment. Failing to do so may incur a fee of 50% of the booked services. Missing two appointments without notice will require pre-payment for future appointments, with no refund for missed appointments.
LATE ARRIVAL
If I arrive more than 15 minutes late, the appointment may be considered cancelled, and a cancellation fee may apply.
LATE PICK-UP FEE
I acknowledge that Zen Dog Grooming does not have capacity to provide a pet-minding service. If my pet is not picked up within 30 minutes of the pick up time, I understand a late pick-up fee of $15 for each 15 minute interval will apply. A fee of $1 a minute will apply for pets picked up late after closing time.
MATTING
The comfort of my pet is a priority. If my pet’s coat is matted, I am aware the groomer may need to shave out the mats, which may affect the requested length. I agree to my dog’s coat being cut shorter than a length I may have requested if this cannot be achieved comfortably for my pet due to a poorly maintained coat. Matting increases the risk of grooming-related injuries and may reveal pre-existing conditions. Matted coats can also present high risks of skin rashes, irritations, nicks and cuts that may not be noticeable on the day of the appointment. Heavily matted ears can also increase the risks of aural hematoma which may require vet attention. If my dog presents signs of discomfort at home (e.g. excessive licking, rubbing and/or scratching) I will seek veterinary attention at my own cost. I am aware that it is my responsibility to maintain my dog’s coat condition between professional grooms. Zen Dog Grooming can happily provide guidance on coat care and maintenance at home to present excessive mats in future.
CLIPPING DOUBLE COATS
Zen Dog Grooming does not recommend shaving or heavily scissoring double-coated pets unless imperative for their health and will not do this unless it is absolutely necessary at the request of the owner. Risks include changes in coat growth, skin issues, and exposure to the elements. I accept responsibility for any long-term impacts on my pet’s coat from clipping or scissoring.
SOCIAL MEDIA & ONLINE
I consent to Zen Dog Grooming and the groomer using images of my pet for social media and marketing. I will inform Zen Dog Grooming both verbally and in writing via sms if I do not wish to have images of my pet posted online.
CHANGES TO TERMS & CONDITIONS
I can review the current Terms and Conditions on the Zen Dog Grooming website. Zen Dog Grooming reserves the right to update or change these Terms at its discretion. It is my responsibility to check for updates, and continued use of the services signifies acceptance of any changes.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I do not hold Zen Dog Grooming liable for any injuries to my pet(s), myself, or my property while my pet is receiving services or on-site at Zen Dog Grooming and I accept all costs that may be incurred.
Thank you so much for your attention to these terms and conditions. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a positive experience for your pet, as well as all pets, staff and visitors at Zen Dog Grooming. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.