Center Stage Dog Grooming Policies

Vaccine/Vet Information:

Proof of current rabies vaccine required. I am unable to accept rabies tags as proof. Proof of Distemper and Bordetella vaccine are not required for an appointment but are HIGHLY recommended due the traffic of multiple dogs at my facility.

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Fleas and Ticks:

Flea and tick preventative is required.  I have a zero-tolerance policy regarding fleas. I am a small in-home salon I cannot risk an infestation inside my salon or to other dogs on site. Any dogs showing signs of fleas will be charged an additional $25 and will be subject to a flea bath. I am not responsible for any reactions/allergies to the flea shampoo. Dogs with severe infestation must be picked up immediately regardless of if the groom has been completed or not and will charged full groom price. Rescheduling will not be available until proof of flea and tick prevention is shown.

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Cancellations and No Shows:

Because I book on an hourly basis, same day cancellations leave an empty block in the schedule that could have otherwise been filled. To avoid this, I ask that any salon cancellations are made at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a $25 cancellation fee per dog that will be added to your future appointment should you reschedule. If you do not show for your appointment and do not warn me ahead of time, a $25/ dog no show fee will be added to your future appointment should you reschedule. After one no call/no show or rescheduling last minute, I will require a non-refundable prepayment in order to book an appointment. After two no call/no shows or two same day cancellations, you will be banned from booking with my salon. I understand that sometimes things happen, so please talk to me if you think you will miss your appointment.

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Matted Dogs:

Mats cut off the air flow in your dog's skin and can trap moisture, which can cause irritation and sores on your dog. Even mild matting can be painful, but in severe cases matting can cut off circulation to your dog's skin and cause hematomas.

Here at Center Stage Dog Grooming I strongly believe in "Humanity Over Vanity." Should your dog come to me with mats I will do what is in the best interest of the dog and shave them out. By booking an appointment with me you are agreeing that as your groomer I am not liable for cuts, irritation, bruising, and other such injuries caused by matting, nor am I liable for old injuries that may have been hidden by the matted hair.

The best prevention for mats is to keep your dog on a 6-8 week grooming schedule. I retain the right to turn away pets that continuously come in poor condition to due to mats. Pets that come with severe and extreme matting on more than 30% of their body will be referred to a veterinarian where grooming can be supervised under a Doctor’s discretion due to the high risk of nicks, cuts, skin abrasions, self-inflicted irritation, urine burn, hematomas, fungal and/or bacterial skin infections being present, and other underlying health conditions that occur with matting that severe.

Because dogs that come to me with severe matting puts extra wear on me tools, a matting fee will be added to your bill should your dog come to me with mats.

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Pre-Existing Conditions:

I believe in safety first. I want your pet’s experience with me to be as pleasant as possible. It is important to understand that on occasion grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming. Such pre-existing conditions include, but are not limited to, allergies, matting, behavioral issues, bone or joint sensitivity, heart conditions, seizures, etc.

Because senior pets, obese pets, and pets with health problems are at greater risk of stress and injury, these pets will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress.

In the best interest of your pet, I request permission to seek immediate veterinary care at your expense should it become necessary. We also retain the right to turn away pets or end services at any time should we feel it is too much of a risk for either the dog or the person. To prevent this as much as possible, please make sure to let me know about any health conditions (including medication) and behavioral issues before your appointment, and anything that arises after. Please understand that as your groomer I will take every care and precaution, but I am not liable for injury or death resulting from a pre-existing condition.

If you plan on breeding your dog, please have her groomed before she takes to ensure her comfort and safety during the pregnancy. It is my policy that I do not groom pregnant dogs I do not know. I am also unable to groom females in heat. Please schedule your appointment for when your dog is out of her heat cycle.

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Pick Up/Drop Off:

Please understand I am not a boarding facility and work on dogs one on one. I have a select number of crates and no kennels for dogs. I will be unable to accommodate your dog sooner than 15 minutes from the start of your appointment time unless it is discussed with me beforehand. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment the appointment will be cancelled and considered a no show.

All dogs must be picked up within 30 minutes of the completion text or a $20 fee will be added for every half hour starting from 30 minutes from when the completion text was sent.

There may be all day care available for an extra fee if I have the crate space. Please discuss with me alternative solutions if you are unable to abide by the drop off and pick up times.

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Accidents:

There is always the possibility that an accident could occur. Grooming equipment is sharp, even though I use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, and quicked nails, etc. In most cases this can happen when a pet is wiggling or moving around. If you arrive to pick up your pet and they are still being groomed you will be asked to leave, please do not talk to them or allow him/her to see you. Every effort will be made to ensure your pet is groomed as safely as possible, but an excited pet can be dangerous to continue to work on. If you insist on talking to your pet, or myself, I reserve the right to end the grooming session, even if the groom is not completed and the full grooming price will be charged.

Please check your dog over carefully at pick up and let me know if you want something fixed or noted for future visits. If there are any changes you wish me to make, let me know before leaving the salon. Most requests are reasonable and can be accommodated right then. If there is anything else I can assist you with, I require that you let me know within 24 hours of your service.

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Failure to read my policies does not invalidate them, and they are in full affect at each appointment. If you have any questions or suggestions about my grooming policies, please send me an email at alli@centerstagegrooming.com and I would be happy to help you out.