PolicieS

Pets are accepted for grooming only under the following circumstances....

The pet is fit and healthy, Grooming which takes place on an elderly or infirm pet will be at the owner's risk.

The pet's rabies vaccine is up to date unless otherwise discussed.

In the event of an emergency, in your absence, you authorize us to contact the nearest Veterinarian and authorize the Vet to treat the pet as necessary at your expense.

We do offer anal gland expression- only by request of the owner.

Humanity before Vanity- if your pet is matted, we will shave him/her.

“De-matting" or complete coat removal will dramatically alter your pet's appearance.

Pets can experience stress and sometimes need time to decrompress after the appointment.

I have read and signed the Canine Cottage LLC Liability Form

Payments

Payment is to be made at pick up.

Quoted prices are estimates and the CASH DICOUNT PRICE. Our normal prices are $10 higher than given price. Check, zelle and venmo are acceptable forms of payment and will be given the discounted price.

Our rates are based on the SIZE of the pet with behavior and condition being a factor. Weight range is used for general reference.

Pets may be moved into a different size category at check in.

Nail cutting and ear cleaning are part of the service unless the process is too stressful for the pet or too dangerous for the groomer.

1. Cancellations

We try to work as long as conditions are not dangerous. If you are unsure, please call us to confirm.

Cancellation and rescheduling of an appointment, by the client, requires 24 hours notice to waive the appointment fee.

In the event of inclimate weather, a family emergency or any other uncontrollable circumstance, the owner of Canine Cottage has the discretion to waive the fee within the 48 hour period. Repeat of "emergency events" will not considered for a waived fee and repeats of this will be charged the FULL grooming price.

We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a groom if we feel the need to do so. Every effort will be made to reschedule at a time convenient for both the client and the groomer.

2. No-Shows

It is considered a "no-show" when the client is not available at the scheduled appointment time and does not contact the groomer to cancel or reschedule.

We reserve the right to charge 80% to the FULL grooming fee due to the loss of revenue caused by a "no-show". Please make every effort to call and cancel or reschedule when possible to avoid such situations. Repeat no showers will be charged the full grooming fee.

We reserve the right to refuse service to any pet or client for any reason.

3. Late Arrivals

If you arrive after our 15 minute grace period, your appointment will have to be rescheduled

If we take you passed our grace period, there will be a $10 late fee added to your grooming service.

Humanity before Vanity

Here at Canine Cottage, we believe in humanity before vanity. This means if your pet is matted, we will shave him/her. This will require an additional fee. This is because removing matting can be difficult and dangerous. Not only is it hard on our equipment but more importantly it is hard on your pet. To avoid matting in between grooming appointments, we recommend brushing and combing thoroughly multiple times a week. If you would like to maintain your pet’s hair but can’t keep up on the brushing, we recommend more frequent grooming-even if it’s just a Bath&Brush

LEASHES AND KENNELS

Please bring your dog on the ground and on a leash or in a crate.

Please bring your cat in a crate.

This will ensure the safety of your pet and staff. These precautions are so your pet does not jump out of our arms and injure itself or our staff or get loose.

Thank You

Grooming Policies & Liability Agreement

Your pets are important to us. We strive to handle every pet with the utmost care, patience and concern, and to provide the best service possible for our clients.

Attendance & Appointment Policy

Canine Cottage operates by appointment only. Missed appointments, late cancellations and late shows significantly impact our ability to serve clients.

I understand that at least 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations.

I understand that cancellations made within 24 hours or less of my appointment will be charged 50% of the scheduled grooming price.

I understand that no-shows will be charged 80% of the scheduled grooming price- calls made after missed appointment are considered a no show.

I understand that there is a 15-minute grace period for late arrivals.

I understand that after 15 minutes, my appointment may be canceled and rescheduled.

I understand that if Canine Cottage LLC is able to accommodate my pet after the grace period, a $10 late fee will apply.

General Liability

I acknowledge that grooming carries inherent risks, that accidents can happen while working with live animals that may move unexpectedly, and that Canine Cottage LLC is not liable for unforeseen, accidental, or uncontrollable injuries or health events that may occur during or after grooming.

Matted Fur

I acknowledge and agree to the following:

Severe matting may require shaving for my pet’s safety and comfort.

Mats sit tightly against the skin and may hide pre-existing conditions.

Shaving mats may cause skin irritation, redness, sensitivity, or reveal underlying skin issues.

Depending on the severity of matting, hematomas may occur, particularly on the ears, due to restricted circulation and the sudden return of blood flow after mat removal.

I understand that Canine Cottage LLC is not liable for injuries, skin irritation, or hematomas related to mat removal.

Senior Pets

I acknowledge and agree to the following:

If you notice any changes in your senior pet’s behavior or comfort after grooming, please contact us. As pets age, their tolerance for stress can decrease and grooming routines may need to be adjusted. This may include slowing down frequency of grooming appointments, transitioning to Bath and Brush only or even ceasing grooming all together. This is to prioritize your pet’s health and comfort.

Senior pets experience changes in coat, skin, body structure, and stress tolerance over time.

Grooming results may differ from when my pet was younger.

A senior pet’s tolerance and ability to handle grooming may affect the outcome of the groom.

Behavior can also change with age, and some senior pets may become more sensitive or difficult to groom.

Senior pets may have known or undiagnosed health conditions that can increase the risk of reactions during grooming, including but not limited to injury or other health events.

I understand that Canine Cottage LLC is not liable for injury, health events, or sudden death related to grooming stress in senior pets.

Cat Grooming

I acknowledge and agree to the following:

Cats may experience elevated stress in a grooming environment.

Grooming may need to stop if it cannot be completed safely.

Cat skin is extremely thin and may tear even with gentle handling, especially when shaving mats.

If a cat groom cannot be completed safely, the full grooming price may still apply. I understand that Canine Cottage LLC is not liable for injury, health events, or death related to grooming stress or underlying medical conditions.

Behavioral Pets

I acknowledge and agree to the following:

Pets with behavioral challenges may move suddenly, including whipping, thrashing, pulling, or attempting to bite- this increases risk of injury.

Grooming results may vary and may not be perfect due to behavior.

Safety will always be prioritized during the grooming process.

If a groom cannot be completed safely, the full grooming price may still apply. I understand that Canine Cottage LLC is not liable for injury, health events, or death related to behavioral issues.

Creative Color / Hair Dye Services

I acknowledge and agree to the following regarding pet hair coloring services:

Canine Cottage LLC uses OPAWZ semi-permanent, dog-safe hair dye when providing creative color services.

I understand that semi-permanent dye may take time to fade and that, similar to human hair, color may change, fade unevenly, or shift tones over time depending on coat type, color, porosity, bathing frequency, sun exposure, and individual pet factors.

I understand that final color results may vary and cannot be guaranteed.

I acknowledge that some pets may experience mild skin or coat sensitivity and that grooming or coloring may reveal pre-existing or undiagnosed skin conditions.

I give explicit permission for Canine Cottage LLC to apply pet-safe hair dye to my pet. I understand that Canine Cottage LLC is not liable for color longevity, color changes over time, or reactions related to pet-safe dye products.

Media Release

I give permission for Canine Cottage LLC to photograph or video my pet for social media and marketing purposes. No personal owner information will be shared.

Emergency Veterinary Care

I authorize Canine Cottage LLC to seek emergency veterinary care for my pet at my expense if deemed necessary.

Drop-Off by Non-Owner

I understand that if someone other than the owner drops off or picks up my pet, Canine Cottage LLC will follow the instructions provided at drop-off and is not responsible for miscommunication between parties