Terms & Conditons of service

De matting Policy

At Devonshire Dog Spa our main priority is your dog’s well-being. We will abide by the Animal Welfare act 2006 at all time.

Part of our professional grooming services do include removing small knots, tangles and isolated matted hair from the coat which can be achieved quickly without causing anxiety, stress or pain.

However, if your dog requires a large amount of matt removal (which is possible without suffering or stress to your dog) additional charges will apply for the extra time, products and equipment involved in grooming matted coats. A cost of £5 per extra 15 minutes this requires will be added to your standard groom price.

It is the owners duty of care towards their pet to maintain the coat between professional grooms. A well cared for dog which is maintained in a reasonable condition between grooming appointments is usually the price shown in our Price Guide.

Complete coat removal (outside the breed standard)

It is our salon policy to no longer shave heavily matted/felted dogs. Should your dog require complete coat removal due to matting, we will refer you to your veterinary nurse/practice for advice, and to have the coat removed before returning to Devonshire Dog Spa for their pamper!

We want your dogs to enjoy coming for their grooming sessions and maintain a peaceful environment for them. We do not want them to associate coming with severe matt removal. This can cause them to be put off being groomed and can result in difficult behaviour, making it potentially impossible to groom your dog in the future.  Matt removal to this extent also damages our equipment and can be a very long and drawn out process for your dog.

Partial shaving may be considered at our discretion, in the event a dog is presented to us in a less severe matted condition,  it is our policy (with the owners signed permission) to shave the coat using electric clippers with a close blade. To de-matt would cause the animal tremendous stress and discomfort, leave a very thinned and take an extremely long time. Shaving the coat is quicker and gentler on the animal. Many dogs are traumatised by unnecessary hours of de-matting, putting them off grooming for life. We consider shaving an act of kindness.

An additional charge of double the standard groom price will apply for the extra time, products and equipment involved in complete coat removal.

We will always abide by the Animal Welfare Act 2006

Brushing

Effective brushing (routinely brushing the entire coat with appropriate tools from the skin out) of long / double coated and wool breeds in particular can be achieved only through daily care. Neglecting to brush effectively for even a few days will result in matts forming in the coat.

Should you need any advice or help with how to best look after your dog’s coat between grooms, we would be more than happy to advise and show you how to brush your pooches lovely locks.

Dog Behaviour

If we cannot safely complete your dog within the guidelines of the animal welfare act 2006 due to behavior, aggressive or otherwise, we will call you to let you know.

If we have bathed and dried your dog a £25 charge will apply, if not a £15 charge will apply.

Cancellations & No Shows

Late cancellations and no shows really do affect our business.We require at least 24 hours notice for cancellations. No Shows/cancellations on the day will incur a charge of the full groom price payable before another appointment can be made. Cancellations within 24 hours’ notice will incur a fee of 50% of the groom price payable before another appointment can be made.

Appointment times

We kindly request that you arrive on time for your appointment, and pick your pet up in reasonable time once we have informed you that your pet is ready for collection.

Arriving late for appointments will in most cases require re-scheduling and a missed appointment fee of £15.00 is applied

We want to discourage pets being left with us for an unnecessary extended period of time to avoid potential stress and anxiety.

Thank you for taking the time to read

The Devonshire Dog Spa team

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