Peace, Paws & Harmony Pet Grooming Policy Agreement
Every family will be asked to read and abide by the Policy Agreement as follows:
Dropping your pet off with us implies agreement and adherence to our policies.
I do hereby entrust my pet(s) to Peace, Paws & Harmony for the purpose of grooming my pet(s). I am aware that all due care will be taken with my pet(s) for the safety of the pet and groomer. I certify that my pet(s) are current on the rabies vaccine for the safety of my pet and groomer.
Matted Coats:
I am aware that neglect of my pet’s coat can be a cause for problems after grooming. If my pet is wiggly or doesn’t remain still during the grooming procedure accidents can happen such as cuts, nicks, etc., from clippers or scissors. After-effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations (rubbing/scratching/licking) or abrasions and failure of the hair to regrow. In some cases, pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes. If your pet needs to be shaved to remove matting, by signing below, you acknowledge that you agree to this procedure, and any risk.
I am aware that if my pet’s coat is matted my options are:
1. If I want to save the coat, but do not want to pay for demat charges, I will brush out the coat and Peace, Paws & Harmony will book a return appointment at a later date to groom my pet, however I will incur a $40 appointment cancellation fee, as we held this appointment specifically for your pet.
2. I will let Peace, Paws & Harmony brush out my pet if possible and safe, at a fee of $1 per minute, or a minimum charge of $20 in addition to my regular grooming fee.
3. My pet will receive a shave down and start over (additional fee for shave down.) Closely shaved pets are also prone to sunburn and should either have sunscreen applied daily or should be kept out of the sun until the hair grows sufficiently to protect the skin. In some cases, pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes. In certain breeds and coat types, the coat may not grow back the same. As the owner, I am responsible for the condition of my pet’s coat and I will not hold Peace, Paws & Harmony responsible in the event of adverse effects of mat removal and/or shaving.
If I choose this option and would like to keep my pet’s ears and tail long, I understand that I must pay a minimum demat fee (in addition to regular grooming fee and shave down fee) to keep them long.
Extremely Matted Ears:
Ears can often get mats tight enough that it cuts off blood circulation. Once this occurs, it is a very delicate process to relieve the ears of the matting. Often hematomas will occur even with as much precaution as possible. If the ears are too tight we will recommend seeking out a vet to shave the matting. Should I opt to have the groomer shave the ears, I understand the risk and do not hold Peace, Paws & Harmony liable for hematomas or vet treatment.
Fleas and Ticks:
Flea and tick infestations will NOT be tolerated. Owners are responsible for keeping their pet(s) flea and tick free. If Peace, Paws & Harmony finds an infestation of fleas or ticks on my pet, I will be charged a $50 cleaning fee to debug the grooming salon. [This fee is in addition to the groom fee].
Nail Trims:
We will take off as much length off the nail as we can, trying to avoid the quick (vein) inside the nail whenever possible. A “quicked” nail will bleed but can easily be remedied at home, or by the stylist. Although “quicked” nails are rare, this is a risk when dealing with animals. In most cases this can happen when an animal is wiggling or moving around. Grooming equipment is sharp, and although we use extreme caution and care in all situations, it is possible that your pet’s nail may bleed temporarily. In the event a “quicked” nail does occur, a mild styptic powder will be applied to stop the bleeding. We will never return a pet with an open, actively bleeding nail. By signing this release, you acknowledge that you fully understand the risks of nail clipping/grinding and are allowing Peace, Paws & Harmony to perform the service, while releasing Peace, Paws & Harmony from any injury, loss, liability, claims, damages and/or otherwise which may arise directly or indirectly as a result of the service.
Anal Glands:
We can express your dog’s anal glands externally (we are able squeeze the glands outside of the dog’s anus). We will only do this if we feel it is safe for the dog. If we are not comfortable doing this for any reason we will recommend seeing your vet for proper maintenance and care. We do not offer an internal expression (which involves going into your dog’s anus).
Ear Plucking:
We only pluck ears when asked to do so. We will only pluck for maintenance, if your dog has excessive build up or deep condensed hair, we recommend having your vet alleviate the build up and we can continue to maintain. I understand that plucking hair from my pet’s ear canal may irritate the ear canal, as well as create many tiny wounds in a closed environment, which makes this pet susceptible to ear infections. I hold harmless, the groomer and Peace, Paws & Harmony from any liability or financial responsibility arising from any injuries during or directly afterwards as a result of the ear plucking on my pet.
Dogs In Heat:
We do not groom dog’s in heat as it can be stressful and uncomfortable for them. Dog’s can be more irritable and the grooming process is generally more difficult. Other dogs can also react to the scent of the hormones. We recommend waiting a minimum of two weeks after any discharge before grooming. We do not offer grooming services on pregnant pets.
Senior Pets:
You should not expect a “show quality” groom on a senior pet. Senior pets will be allowed to sit or lay down which can make the grooming process more difficult and cause uneven hair lengths. When a senior pet becomes too stressed or uncomfortable, we will return the pet to the owner in an attempt to reasonably avoid injury.
I understand that if my pet(s) have a medical condition(s) and/or is/are senior(s) and I am aware that grooming can cause stress that can exaggerate or expose new problems, or even lead to a serious medical event or death. I understand there are mental and behavioral changes in senior dogs or dogs with medical conditions, and they are groomed for comfort only and not appearance.
I release Peace, Paws & Harmony from any liability should any problem/medical issues occur. I am solely responsible for any and all medical bills related to my dog should an emergency arise. I understand that Peace, Paws & Harmony has the best interest of my pet in mind and will do everything to keep my pet safe.
If Peace, Paws & Harmony feels that grooming will be too stressful for my pet, the groom will be stopped immediately, and I will be contacted.
Completion of Grooms:
Peace, Paws & Harmony will not subject any pet to unacceptable levels of stress. If during the grooming process your pets should find any part of the grooming process too stressful, that part of the grooming will not be completed. Senior pets, aggressive pets or pets displaying signs of stress, may not be safe to groom. If, at any time, our groomer feels they cannot safely complete the grooming process they will contact the owner for immediate pick up. We will not put a pet or groomer in harm’s way to complete a service. Payment will be due for the portion of the groom that was completed (time involved). Under no circumstances can we guarantee the completion of a groom. Each pet can react differently each time they are groomed. We groom each pet to the owner’s specifications, as far as the pet will tolerate and the coat condition and coat type allows.
Touch Ups:
We prefer to make any grooming adjustments to your dog’s haircut or nails at pickup. If you find there needs to be an adjustment to the groom after we depart, we allow 48 hours after the groom takes place to be notified of a need for complementary adjustments. If it has been over 48 hours there will be a touch up fee priced according to how much adjustment is made.
Photos/Pictures:
Photos, pictures, or videos may be taken of my pet before, during, or after grooming for use on the Peace, Paws & Harmony Website, Facebook, Twitter, or for any other marketing or advertising purposes. Pet Parents are not allowed in the grooming area during their pet’s spa time and we keep our entry door closed and locked for insurance and safety purposes.
48 Hour Notice to Cancel Appointment:
In the event I need to CANCEL or RESCHEDULE my appointment: I understand that I must notify Peace, Paws & Harmony at least 48 hours prior to my scheduled appointment. Leaving a voicemail, sending a text message, or e-mail is fine. I am also aware that should I fail to do so I will have an additional $40 Service Fee (Per Scheduled Pet) added to my next grooming appointment, or charged or billed to me if another appointment is not set.
If I cancel within 24hrs of my appointment time or no-show my appointment, I will be billed for the entirety of the booked grooming service.
Should I not be on time for my appointment, and the groomer is required to wait for me to start my pet’s appointment, there is a 10 minute grace period. After 10 minutes, Peace, Paws & Harmony will need to reschedule, as this delays the remainder of the day. I am subject to the no-show policy and the fees associated.
This fee is to cover Peace, Paws & Harmony loss of income since they will not be able to fill my appointment time with another appointment that takes a similar amount of time (that my pet was scheduled for).
Please do not arrive earlier than 10 minutes of the appointment time. The groomers will be tending to other dogs and are not prepared to take in dogs earlier than that for their scheduled appointment.
Peace, Paws & Harmony May Cancel Appointment:
On rare occasions, Peace, Paws & Harmony may need to cancel appointments due to weather, sickness, road conditions, equipment failure, etc. Every effort will be made to contact you in advance to reschedule.
Returned Checks:
There is a $40 fee for NSF/returned check. If a check is returned, I will be expected to pay for all future appointments with credit card or cash at the time of service.
Aggressive/Difficult Pets:
Safety comes first for everyone during the grooming process, people as well as pets. You must inform us prior to grooming if your pet has bitten someone or has aggressive tendencies. Peace, Paws & Harmony has the right to refuse service in the event of a pet that can NOT be handled safely. The use of muzzles, e-collar, slings, straps, etc. are acceptable safety measures. Grooming services can be stopped mid-groom if necessary for the safety of my pet or groomer and I understand I will pay for the portion of the groom completed or a $40 service fee whichever is greater.
Zero Tolerance:
Peace, Paws & Harmony does not and will not tolerate harassment, bullying, assault, or threatening behavior from clients to our staff. Service will be immediately terminated and we will not offer future services.
By keeping my appointment with Peace, Paws & Harmony, I do understand and agree to the above terms for the grooming and maintenance of my pet(s) and in consideration of the grooming services of Peace, Paws & Harmony agree to hold harmless from damage, loss or claims arising from any known or unknown pre-existing condition of my pet(s). The terms, special services or handling shall include but are not limited to veterinarian emergency services in the event I am not available.
I authorize Peace, Paws & Harmony to act as my agent in the event emergency veterinarian services, care-taking, and/or transportation is necessary and I agree to pay all costs. Any/all damages, loss or claim shall include but not limited to death, injury, or shock. Said pre-existing conditions shall not be limited to advanced age, extreme nervousness, neurosis, illness, previous injury, skin or coat conditions, or mental conditions.
Forum Selection:
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising under this agreement or relating to any services provided by——shall be submitted to, adjudicated by, and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Circuit Court in Waukegan, Lake County Illinois and governed by the procedural and substantive laws of the State of Illinois.
