The Bark Side Grooming Policy Agreement
Pet(s) and Groomer Safety
The Bark Side Grooming Policy Agreement
Welcome to The Bark Side. Thank you for entrusting your pet to our care. With nearly two decades of experience and a commitment to year-round continuing education, we are dedicated to providing you and your pet with a positive, safe experience.
Please review our standard policies and procedures below:
Our Approach
As a small facility, we limit our capacity to 9 or 10 dogs per day, scheduled in three-hour time slots with only three dogs per slot. This ensures your pet receives individualized attention and a grooming process that is never rushed.
What to Expect
Every appointment is customized. We select shampoos and conditioners based on your dog’s specific coat and skin needs, including hypoallergenic options. Each pet receives two baths: the first to remove dirt and oils, and the second to address specific health or coat requirements. After bathing, pets are fully hand-dried or, if they prefer, placed in a safety kennel with a dedicated dryer.
The grooming process includes:
- Clipping paw pads and sanitary areas.
- Sanding nails with a rotary tool.
- For shedding breeds: Deshedding with specialized tools and brushing.
- For groom breeds: Body clipping, rounding or shaving feet, and styling the head to your preference.
We prioritize your pet's comfort throughout the appointment. Because some pets require extra time due to anxiety or health needs, we ask for your patience and request that you wait until your scheduled pickup time to arrive.
Our Facility
We use only the highest quality products and maintain our equipment to the highest standards for safety and precision. To maintain a healthy environment, our salon utilizes a hospital-grade air scrubber and a dehumidifier to ensure a clean, moisture-free space.
Our Commitment
My assistant and I consistently update our skills regarding the latest safety protocols, styles, and equipment. We strive to remain at the forefront of the grooming profession to provide the best possible service for your pet.
NEW CLIENT AND PUPPY APPOINTMENTS
We are excited to welcome you and your puppy to The Bark Side Grooming and appreciate you choosing us for your pet's care.
To ensure we have dedicated time to discuss your grooming preferences and care instructions, please arrive exactly at your scheduled appointment time. There is no need to arrive early.
For the safety of all pets, please bring a current copy of your pet’s vaccination records. Per California Health and Safety Code 121690, rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs over six months of age. Additionally, all puppies must complete their full series of DHLP-Parvo vaccinations before their first appointment.
Our goal is to make your puppy's first visits as pleasant as possible. Because grooming can be an overwhelming experience, we focus on simple haircuts and building trust. We ask for your flexibility regarding the duration of the appointment, as puppies often require rest breaks to adjust to new noises and sensations.
Please note that if a puppy becomes nervous or restless, we may prioritize their comfort over finishing a specific cut. Ensuring your pet views grooming as a positive experience is our top priority.
SCHEDULING
At The Bark Side we strive to make scheduling easy by setting up a schedule for the calendar year. When setting up your initial appointment, please provide days and times that will work for you and we will create a schedule for you upcoming appointments. Note: All dogs must be on an every 6 weeks or less schedule. With grooms that are breed-specific, or are kept in very long clips, the appointments will be made every 4 weeks or less. If your pet's coat grows very slowly, a schedule of every other groom (Full Groom and then Mini Groom) can be made.
DROP-OFFS
Please arrive on time for your pet’s appointment to ensure we have sufficient time for grooming and can remain on schedule for all our clients.
While showing up early may seem helpful, it can interrupt grooming sessions already in progress. If you need to arrive early, please notify us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
The Bark Side opens at 8:30 AM. We are in the salon prior to opening to prepare for the day; please arrive at your scheduled time and not before. If you require a drop-off earlier than 8:30 AM, arrangements must be made prior to the day of your appointment. A $1 per minute fee applies to early drop-offs, as this requires us to arrive earlier to prepare the salon. Please note that if you see us working before 8:30 AM, we are assisting clients who have pre-arranged early drop-offs or are preparing for the day's tasks. We will open the doors at 8:30 AM.
If you are running late, please call us immediately to confirm if we can still accommodate your pet. Our schedule relies on precise timing, and late arrivals impact all subsequent appointments. Arriving 20 minutes late may void your appointment; for the first appointment of the day, this occurs after 15 minutes. In the event of a cancellation due to lateness, full payment for the missed session is required before scheduling future appointments. If we are able to accommodate your pet after 15–20 minutes, a "late take-in" fee of $15–$25 will be added to your bill.
PICK UP
Standard bath appointments are scheduled for two hours and grooming appointments for three hours. This timeframe may vary if your dog is oversized, requires a breed-specific cut, or needs special handling. If your pet is finished early, we will call or text you immediately.
To maintain a low-stress environment in our facility, pets with morning or mid-morning appointments must be picked up within one hour of their scheduled completion time. Pets staying beyond this window will incur a $15 daycare fee. Please make arrangements with us prior to your appointment if your pet needs to stay longer.
For 12:30 PM and afternoon drop-offs, appointments are scheduled for 2.5 hours. As these are the final appointments of the day, early completion is generally not possible. Because our salon closes at 3:00 PM, prompt pickup is required. Late arrivals will be charged a daycare fee of $1 per minute past closing. If a pet is not picked up within 30 minutes of closing and we cannot reach you, your pet will be kenneled overnight with food and water. This will result in a $25 boarding fee in addition to $30 for after-hours care.
Please note that during lighter scheduling periods, a morning drop-off may become the final appointment of the day. In these instances, the pickup time will coincide with the time of completion, and we will notify you during the scheduling process.
COMPLETION TIME
Please ensure your pet is picked up at the scheduled time. If you are unable to make the agreed-upon time, please call or text us immediately so we can adjust our schedule.
Late pickups are subject to the following fees:
- Late Pickup: A $15 daycare fee may apply if a dog is not picked up within one hour of their scheduled time.
- End of Day: The last pet of the day will incur a fee of $1 per minute if not picked up on time.
- Overnight Boarding: If a pet is not picked up within 30 minutes of their scheduled time and we are unable to reach you after several attempts, your pet will be housed overnight. This will result in a minimum $25.00 boarding fee plus a $30 after-hours care fee.
We strive to keep our appointments running smoothly. A typical groom takes approximately three hours; however, oversized pets or those with behavioral or skin and coat issues may require more time. If you need your pet returned by a specific time, please inform us prior to your appointment so we can schedule accordingly.
Please note that we do not have waiting facilities. For the safety and comfort of your pet, we ask that you do not arrive early or stay during the grooming process.
In the rare event that unforeseen circumstances cause us to run late, we will contact you to arrange a later pickup time. Please ensure we have a current cell or home phone number where you can be reached.
RESCHEDULING
While we strive to confirm appointments in advance, it is the pet owner's responsibility to remember their scheduled time. Please review our updated policies regarding rescheduling and cancellations:
Notice Requirements & Fees
- Standard Appointments: We require at least 48 hours' notice for rescheduling. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice will incur a fee of 50% of the scheduled groom. Cancellations made with 24 hours' notice or less, same-day cancellations, and missed appointments will be charged the full grooming cost.
- Multiple Dogs: Clients with multiple pets must provide at least 72 hours' notice.
- Emergencies: Rescheduling due to emergencies (e.g., illness or unexpected events) will result in a $35 fee added to your next bill.
- Overdue Grooming: If an appointment is rescheduled to 8 weeks or more after the previous groom, an overdue fee will apply: $30 for small dogs, $40 for medium dogs, and $50 for large dogs. $15 per week is added after 8 weeks
Schedule Management
If you choose to wait until your next pre-scheduled appointment rather than rescheduling a missed one, 50% of the missed grooming fee will be added to your next bill to cover the extra time required for an overgrown coat. Please note that service may be terminated for repeated rescheduling or cancellations.
We book your pet’s appointments for the entire year and will email the schedule before the new year begins. You will have one week to review and request changes. While individual appointments can be rescheduled throughout the year, a new year-long schedule will not be recreated once this period ends.
Communication
Our business cell phone remains at the salon after hours. For urgent matters regarding an appointment on the next business day, please contact us via email. All other inquiries will be addressed during standard business hours.
LATE or "NO SHOWS”
Please be advised of our policy regarding "no-shows" and last-minute rescheduling. These instances are subject to the full grooming fee, which must be paid prior to scheduling your next appointment.
As a by-appointment business, we ask that you please be respectful of our time. Timely notice allows us the opportunity to offer that opening to another client.
Please note the following regarding late arrivals:
- 8:30 AM Appointments: Arrivals more than 15 minutes late will be cancelled.
- Mid-morning and Afternoon Appointments: Arrivals more than 20 minutes late will be cancelled.
In the event of a cancellation due to lateness, the full grooming fee must be paid before a new appointment can be booked. If we are still able to accommodate your dog after the 15–20 minute grace period, a late take-in fee of $[15–25] will be added to your bill.
EXPRESS SERVICES
We offer express services for pets that need to minimize their time in the salon due to mental or physical health needs, kennel anxiety, or your own scheduling requirements. An "Express Service" ensures we begin grooming immediately upon arrival and work through to completion without interruption.
Please note that we may require an express service if a dog is disruptive before or after grooming (e.g., excessive barking, digging at kennel doors, or defecating).
These appointments are exclusively available at 8:30 AM and must be scheduled in advance. The following fees apply in addition to the standard grooming price:
- Small dogs: $20
- Medium dogs: $30
- Large dogs: $40
Please be aware that if a pet is not picked up within 15 minutes of completion, a fee of $1 per minute will be added to the final bill.
ELDERLY PETS
We take extra care and patience when grooming elderly pets, as they require specialized appointments and additional time. Please let us know if your pet requires this service.
Grooming can be physically or mentally taxing for senior animals, particularly those with arthritis or other health conditions. To ensure your pet’s health and safety, we may occasionally need to perform a simpler cut or stop the grooming process altogether. Additionally, an extra charge will be applied for pets who cannot stand for long periods or require multiple breaks.
Please notify us of any health conditions that may affect your pet’s comfort during the bathing, drying, or clipping phases. Please note that grooming for elderly or frail pets is conducted at your own risk, and The Bark Side is not liable for any mental or physical stress caused by the grooming process.
PET HEALTH CONDITIONS
Your dog's safety and comfort are our primary concerns. Please do not bring your pet to an appointment if they are ill, injured, or have become too feeble for the grooming process. If your dog shows signs of illness, has open wounds, or is currently injured, please call us to reschedule.
For the safety of all pets in our care, we will turn away animals that are ill, injured, or geriatric. Bringing a pet in these conditions will be considered a late cancellation.
Additionally, please advise us of any allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing medical conditions so we can provide the best possible care. We also ask that you let us know of any past grooming experiences that were unsatisfactory so we can avoid repeating those situations.
FLEA INFESTATION/SALON SANITATION
Please be advised that all dogs must be on a flea and tick preventative. If fleas or ticks are found on your pet, The Bark Side will inform you immediately and administer a flea/tick shampoo bath to maintain salon sanitation. This treatment is performed at the groomer’s discretion and at the client’s expense.
Please note that if a pet arrives with fleas for three appointments, their schedule will be canceled and the pet will be excused from future services.
*Flea and tick baths are designed to eradicate parasites at the time of treatment and do not act as a preventative once your pet leaves the salon.
MATTED OR NEGLECTED COAT AND SHAVE-DOWNS
Allowing a pet’s coat to become matted is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to serious health issues. While regular grooming appointments can prevent excessive matting, we offer the following solutions if mats do occur:
De-matting
If possible, we will de-mat your pet for a fee of $2 per minute (minimum $10), in addition to the regular grooming fee. Please note that de-matting will not be performed if it causes undue stress or pain, or if the pet is under one year old. This process can be painful, time-consuming, and may aggravate skin conditions.
Shave Downs
If mats cannot be safely brushed out or if the cost is prohibitive, a "shave down" is the most compassionate and economical alternative. Removing mats releases tension on the skin, but the process can be stressful and may result in clipper burn or minor nicks as the pet struggles. The Bark Side is not liable for these occurrences or any pre-existing skin conditions exposed by the shave. The fee for a shave down or spot shaving is $1 per minute (minimum $10).
Note: A shave down will dramatically change your pet’s appearance, as the hair must be cut very close to the skin.
AGGRESSIVE PETS AND PETS THAT WILL BITE FOR GROOMING
The Bark Side does not accept aggressive pets or those that bite. You must inform us if your pet has ever been turned away by another groomer or has shown signs of aggression, including growling, scratching, snarling, or biting. Please note that we consider "nipping" and "snapping" to be biting.
Under California Civil Code 3342, you are required to disclose if your pet has previously bitten a person or professional. If this information is withheld and your pet bites someone in the salon, you will be held liable.
If your pet bites and cannot be safely calmed or groomed, we will contact you for immediate pickup, and the full grooming fee will still apply. To ensure the safety of both your pet and our staff, please inform us prior to your appointment if your pet is sensitive or fearful of specific processes, such as nail clipping, de-matting, or drying. This knowledge helps us manage the experience and often helps the pet overcome their fear.
Please be aware that pets who struggle during grooming are at a higher risk for nicks, quicked nails, or an imperfect haircut. While we take every precaution to prevent injury, The Bark Side is not liable for injuries or unsatisfactory results caused by a pet’s biting or struggling.
PAYMENT
Payment for grooming services is due at the time the services are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made. If payment is not received on the day of the appointment, a $10 per day fee will be added to the bill until it is paid. There is a $30 insufficient funds/returned check charge and client will be placed on a cash only basis thereafter.
REFUSAL OF SERVICE
The Bark Side reserves the right to refuse service for any pet that is aggressive or too large to handle safely. You must inform us if your pet has a history of biting or displays aggression toward people, other animals, or specific grooming procedures.
While your pet will be groomed by a certified professional in your requested style, your pet’s safety and well-being are our primary concerns. We reserve the right to alter or stop a grooming session at any time if we determine it is in the pet’s best interest or if the pet becomes aggressive.
Please note that The Bark Side reserves the right to refuse service for any reason. In the event that a groom cannot be completed due to these factors, the client may still be charged the full price of the service.
Contacting Us
The Bark Side’s business hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. During these hours, texting is the most effective way to reach us, especially while we are working in the salon and may not be able to hear a voice call.
Please note that we only respond to texts and phone calls during business hours, as the salon phone remains on-site after we close. For communication outside of business hours, please contact us via email. We will prioritize responses to emails regarding appointments scheduled for the next business day; all other inquiries will be addressed during our next period of business hours so that we may focus on our families and friends in the evenings.
By booking our services, the Customer releases The Bark Side from any and all liabilities—financial or otherwise—for injuries to the Customer, the Customer's pet(s), or any other property arising from services or products provided by The Bark Side, including but not limited to veterinarian bills.
I, the undersigned, have read and understand and agree to the above terms and my rights and obligations for the grooming and maintenance of my pet(s) and in consideration of the grooming services of The Bark Side.
I am the legal owner caregiver of this pet.
____________________________________ ______________________. _________
Pet Owner Signature Date. Initial for permission post pictures
of your groomed pet to social media
____________________________________ ______________________
Pet owners printed name Pet(s) Name
Please Check Each Line:
___ SCHEDULING: All dogs must be on a 6 weeks or less schedule.
___ DROP OFF: Please be on time, no need to arrive early saw we will be busy with clients with earlier groom times.
___ PICK UP: Please be on time, arriving early interrupts other clients grooming. You have one hour after given pick up time to pick up your pet.
___ COMPLETION TIME: Time: All appts are 3-4 hours depending on size, groom type, if pet is a puppy or a senior.
___ RESCHEDULING: The Bark Side must be notified at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment if any rescheduling is needed to avoid fees.
___ LATE OR NO SHOWS: “No shows” and last minute rescheduling are subject to the full grooming fee. 8:30 appts are late after 15 minutes appts after that are late after 20 min.
___ FLEAS: We are not a facility that takes clients that are not on a preventative. If your pet comes with fleas it will be given a flea bath at owners expense and will be dismissed if repeated appts pet has fleas.
___ AGGRESSIVE PETS:: We are not a facility that takes in pets that will try and bite us. If your pet just dislikes one area of the body being touched please inform us and we can see if we will be able to safely groom your pet.
We consider the terms "nipping and snapping" to be biting. California Civil Code 3342 requires you to inform a groomer if your pet has bitten a person before. Withholding this information and your pet bites someone in the salon you will be held liable.
___ PAYMENT: We require same day payment at pick up. We accept cash, check, credit card/ATM, and Venmo.
Please print this document and sign prior to your pet’s first scheduled appointment.
Welcome to The Bark Side. Thank you for entrusting your pet to our care. With nearly two decades of experience and a commitment to year-round continuing education, we are dedicated to providing you and your pet with a positive, safe experience.
Please review our standard policies and procedures below:
Our Approach
As a small facility, we limit our capacity to 9 or 10 dogs per day, scheduled in three-hour time slots with only three dogs per slot. This ensures your pet receives individualized attention and a grooming process that is never rushed.
What to Expect
Every appointment is customized. We select shampoos and conditioners based on your dog’s specific coat and skin needs, including hypoallergenic options. Each pet receives two baths: the first to remove dirt and oils, and the second to address specific health or coat requirements. After bathing, pets are fully hand-dried or, if they prefer, placed in a safety kennel with a dedicated dryer.
The grooming process includes:
- Clipping paw pads and sanitary areas.
- Sanding nails with a rotary tool.
- For shedding breeds: Deshedding with specialized tools and brushing.
- For groom breeds: Body clipping, rounding or shaving feet, and styling the head to your preference.
We prioritize your pet's comfort throughout the appointment. Because some pets require extra time due to anxiety or health needs, we ask for your patience and request that you wait until your scheduled pickup time to arrive.
Our Facility
We use only the highest quality products and maintain our equipment to the highest standards for safety and precision. To maintain a healthy environment, our salon utilizes a hospital-grade air scrubber and a dehumidifier to ensure a clean, moisture-free space.
Our Commitment
My assistant and I consistently update our skills regarding the latest safety protocols, styles, and equipment. We strive to remain at the forefront of the grooming profession to provide the best possible service for your pet.
NEW CLIENT AND PUPPY APPOINTMENTS
We are excited to welcome you and your puppy to The Bark Side Grooming and appreciate you choosing us for your pet's care.
To ensure we have dedicated time to discuss your grooming preferences and care instructions, please arrive exactly at your scheduled appointment time. There is no need to arrive early.
For the safety of all pets, please bring a current copy of your pet’s vaccination records. Per California Health and Safety Code 121690, rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs over six months of age. Additionally, all puppies must complete their full series of DHLP-Parvo vaccinations before their first appointment.
Our goal is to make your puppy's first visits as pleasant as possible. Because grooming can be an overwhelming experience, we focus on simple haircuts and building trust. We ask for your flexibility regarding the duration of the appointment, as puppies often require rest breaks to adjust to new noises and sensations.
Please note that if a puppy becomes nervous or restless, we may prioritize their comfort over finishing a specific cut. Ensuring your pet views grooming as a positive experience is our top priority.
SCHEDULING
At The Bark Side we strive to make scheduling easy by setting up a schedule for the calendar year. When setting up your initial appointment, please provide days and times that will work for you and we will create a schedule for you upcoming appointments. Note: All dogs must be on an every 6 weeks or less schedule. With grooms that are breed-specific, or are kept in very long clips, the appointments will be made every 4 weeks or less. If your pet's coat grows very slowly, a schedule of every other groom (Full Groom and then Mini Groom) can be made.
DROP-OFFS
Please arrive on time for your pet’s appointment to ensure we have sufficient time for grooming and can remain on schedule for all our clients.
While showing up early may seem helpful, it can interrupt grooming sessions already in progress. If you need to arrive early, please notify us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
The Bark Side opens at 8:30 AM. We are in the salon prior to opening to prepare for the day; please arrive at your scheduled time and not before. If you require a drop-off earlier than 8:30 AM, arrangements must be made prior to the day of your appointment. A $1 per minute fee applies to early drop-offs, as this requires us to arrive earlier to prepare the salon. Please note that if you see us working before 8:30 AM, we are assisting clients who have pre-arranged early drop-offs or are preparing for the day's tasks. We will open the doors at 8:30 AM.
If you are running late, please call us immediately to confirm if we can still accommodate your pet. Our schedule relies on precise timing, and late arrivals impact all subsequent appointments. Arriving 20 minutes late may void your appointment; for the first appointment of the day, this occurs after 15 minutes. In the event of a cancellation due to lateness, full payment for the missed session is required before scheduling future appointments. If we are able to accommodate your pet after 15–20 minutes, a "late take-in" fee of $15–$25 will be added to your bill.
PICK UP
Standard bath appointments are scheduled for two hours and grooming appointments for three hours. This timeframe may vary if your dog is oversized, requires a breed-specific cut, or needs special handling. If your pet is finished early, we will call or text you immediately.
To maintain a low-stress environment in our facility, pets with morning or mid-morning appointments must be picked up within one hour of their scheduled completion time. Pets staying beyond this window will incur a $15 daycare fee. Please make arrangements with us prior to your appointment if your pet needs to stay longer.
For 12:30 PM and afternoon drop-offs, appointments are scheduled for 2.5 hours. As these are the final appointments of the day, early completion is generally not possible. Because our salon closes at 3:00 PM, prompt pickup is required. Late arrivals will be charged a daycare fee of $1 per minute past closing. If a pet is not picked up within 30 minutes of closing and we cannot reach you, your pet will be kenneled overnight with food and water. This will result in a $25 boarding fee in addition to $30 for after-hours care.
Please note that during lighter scheduling periods, a morning drop-off may become the final appointment of the day. In these instances, the pickup time will coincide with the time of completion, and we will notify you during the scheduling process.
COMPLETION TIME
Please ensure your pet is picked up at the scheduled time. If you are unable to make the agreed-upon time, please call or text us immediately so we can adjust our schedule.
Late pickups are subject to the following fees:
- Late Pickup: A $15 daycare fee may apply if a dog is not picked up within one hour of their scheduled time.
- End of Day: The last pet of the day will incur a fee of $1 per minute if not picked up on time.
- Overnight Boarding: If a pet is not picked up within 30 minutes of their scheduled time and we are unable to reach you after several attempts, your pet will be housed overnight. This will result in a minimum $25.00 boarding fee plus a $30 after-hours care fee.
We strive to keep our appointments running smoothly. A typical groom takes approximately three hours; however, oversized pets or those with behavioral or skin and coat issues may require more time. If you need your pet returned by a specific time, please inform us prior to your appointment so we can schedule accordingly.
Please note that we do not have waiting facilities. For the safety and comfort of your pet, we ask that you do not arrive early or stay during the grooming process.
In the rare event that unforeseen circumstances cause us to run late, we will contact you to arrange a later pickup time. Please ensure we have a current cell or home phone number where you can be reached.
RESCHEDULING
While we strive to confirm appointments in advance, it is the pet owner's responsibility to remember their scheduled time. Please review our updated policies regarding rescheduling and cancellations:
Notice Requirements & Fees
- Standard Appointments: We require at least 48 hours' notice for rescheduling. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice will incur a fee of 50% of the scheduled groom. Cancellations made with 24 hours' notice or less, same-day cancellations, and missed appointments will be charged the full grooming cost.
- Multiple Dogs: Clients with multiple pets must provide at least 72 hours' notice.
- Emergencies: Rescheduling due to emergencies (e.g., illness or unexpected events) will result in a $35 fee added to your next bill.
- Overdue Grooming: If an appointment is rescheduled to 8 weeks or more after the previous groom, an overdue fee will apply: $30 for small dogs, $40 for medium dogs, and $50 for large dogs. $15 per week is added after 8 weeks
Schedule Management
If you choose to wait until your next pre-scheduled appointment rather than rescheduling a missed one, 50% of the missed grooming fee will be added to your next bill to cover the extra time required for an overgrown coat. Please note that service may be terminated for repeated rescheduling or cancellations.
We book your pet’s appointments for the entire year and will email the schedule before the new year begins. You will have one week to review and request changes. While individual appointments can be rescheduled throughout the year, a new year-long schedule will not be recreated once this period ends.
Communication
Our business cell phone remains at the salon after hours. For urgent matters regarding an appointment on the next business day, please contact us via email. All other inquiries will be addressed during standard business hours.
LATE or "NO SHOWS”
Please be advised of our policy regarding "no-shows" and last-minute rescheduling. These instances are subject to the full grooming fee, which must be paid prior to scheduling your next appointment.
As a by-appointment business, we ask that you please be respectful of our time. Timely notice allows us the opportunity to offer that opening to another client.
Please note the following regarding late arrivals:
- 8:30 AM Appointments: Arrivals more than 15 minutes late will be cancelled.
- Mid-morning and Afternoon Appointments: Arrivals more than 20 minutes late will be cancelled.
In the event of a cancellation due to lateness, the full grooming fee must be paid before a new appointment can be booked. If we are still able to accommodate your dog after the 15–20 minute grace period, a late take-in fee of $[15–25] will be added to your bill.
EXPRESS SERVICES
We offer express services for pets that need to minimize their time in the salon due to mental or physical health needs, kennel anxiety, or your own scheduling requirements. An "Express Service" ensures we begin grooming immediately upon arrival and work through to completion without interruption.
Please note that we may require an express service if a dog is disruptive before or after grooming (e.g., excessive barking, digging at kennel doors, or defecating).
These appointments are exclusively available at 8:30 AM and must be scheduled in advance. The following fees apply in addition to the standard grooming price:
- Small dogs: $20
- Medium dogs: $30
- Large dogs: $40
Please be aware that if a pet is not picked up within 15 minutes of completion, a fee of $1 per minute will be added to the final bill.
ELDERLY PETS
We take extra care and patience when grooming elderly pets, as they require specialized appointments and additional time. Please let us know if your pet requires this service.
Grooming can be physically or mentally taxing for senior animals, particularly those with arthritis or other health conditions. To ensure your pet’s health and safety, we may occasionally need to perform a simpler cut or stop the grooming process altogether. Additionally, an extra charge will be applied for pets who cannot stand for long periods or require multiple breaks.
Please notify us of any health conditions that may affect your pet’s comfort during the bathing, drying, or clipping phases. Please note that grooming for elderly or frail pets is conducted at your own risk, and The Bark Side is not liable for any mental or physical stress caused by the grooming process.
PET HEALTH CONDITIONS
Your dog's safety and comfort are our primary concerns. Please do not bring your pet to an appointment if they are ill, injured, or have become too feeble for the grooming process. If your dog shows signs of illness, has open wounds, or is currently injured, please call us to reschedule.
For the safety of all pets in our care, we will turn away animals that are ill, injured, or geriatric. Bringing a pet in these conditions will be considered a late cancellation.
Additionally, please advise us of any allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing medical conditions so we can provide the best possible care. We also ask that you let us know of any past grooming experiences that were unsatisfactory so we can avoid repeating those situations.
FLEA INFESTATION/SALON SANITATION
Please be advised that all dogs must be on a flea and tick preventative. If fleas or ticks are found on your pet, The Bark Side will inform you immediately and administer a flea/tick shampoo bath to maintain salon sanitation. This treatment is performed at the groomer’s discretion and at the client’s expense.
Please note that if a pet arrives with fleas for three appointments, their schedule will be canceled and the pet will be excused from future services.
*Flea and tick baths are designed to eradicate parasites at the time of treatment and do not act as a preventative once your pet leaves the salon.
MATTED OR NEGLECTED COAT AND SHAVE-DOWNS
Allowing a pet’s coat to become matted is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to serious health issues. While regular grooming appointments can prevent excessive matting, we offer the following solutions if mats do occur:
De-matting
If possible, we will de-mat your pet for a fee of $2 per minute (minimum $10), in addition to the regular grooming fee. Please note that de-matting will not be performed if it causes undue stress or pain, or if the pet is under one year old. This process can be painful, time-consuming, and may aggravate skin conditions.
Shave Downs
If mats cannot be safely brushed out or if the cost is prohibitive, a "shave down" is the most compassionate and economical alternative. Removing mats releases tension on the skin, but the process can be stressful and may result in clipper burn or minor nicks as the pet struggles. The Bark Side is not liable for these occurrences or any pre-existing skin conditions exposed by the shave. The fee for a shave down or spot shaving is $1 per minute (minimum $10).
Note: A shave down will dramatically change your pet’s appearance, as the hair must be cut very close to the skin.
AGGRESSIVE PETS AND PETS THAT WILL BITE FOR GROOMING
The Bark Side does not accept aggressive pets or those that bite. You must inform us if your pet has ever been turned away by another groomer or has shown signs of aggression, including growling, scratching, snarling, or biting. Please note that we consider "nipping" and "snapping" to be biting.
Under California Civil Code 3342, you are required to disclose if your pet has previously bitten a person or professional. If this information is withheld and your pet bites someone in the salon, you will be held liable.
If your pet bites and cannot be safely calmed or groomed, we will contact you for immediate pickup, and the full grooming fee will still apply. To ensure the safety of both your pet and our staff, please inform us prior to your appointment if your pet is sensitive or fearful of specific processes, such as nail clipping, de-matting, or drying. This knowledge helps us manage the experience and often helps the pet overcome their fear.
Please be aware that pets who struggle during grooming are at a higher risk for nicks, quicked nails, or an imperfect haircut. While we take every precaution to prevent injury, The Bark Side is not liable for injuries or unsatisfactory results caused by a pet’s biting or struggling.
PAYMENT
Payment for grooming services is due at the time the services are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made. If payment is not received on the day of the appointment, a $10 per day fee will be added to the bill until it is paid. There is a $30 insufficient funds/returned check charge and client will be placed on a cash only basis thereafter.
REFUSAL OF SERVICE
The Bark Side reserves the right to refuse service for any pet that is aggressive or too large to handle safely. You must inform us if your pet has a history of biting or displays aggression toward people, other animals, or specific grooming procedures.
While your pet will be groomed by a certified professional in your requested style, your pet’s safety and well-being are our primary concerns. We reserve the right to alter or stop a grooming session at any time if we determine it is in the pet’s best interest or if the pet becomes aggressive.
Please note that The Bark Side reserves the right to refuse service for any reason. In the event that a groom cannot be completed due to these factors, the client may still be charged the full price of the service.
Contacting Us
The Bark Side’s business hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. During these hours, texting is the most effective way to reach us, especially while we are working in the salon and may not be able to hear a voice call.
Please note that we only respond to texts and phone calls during business hours, as the salon phone remains on-site after we close. For communication outside of business hours, please contact us via email. We will prioritize responses to emails regarding appointments scheduled for the next business day; all other inquiries will be addressed during our next period of business hours so that we may focus on our families and friends in the evenings.
By booking our services, the Customer releases The Bark Side from any and all liabilities—financial or otherwise—for injuries to the Customer, the Customer's pet(s), or any other property arising from services or products provided by The Bark Side, including but not limited to veterinarian bills.
I, the undersigned, have read and understand and agree to the above terms and my rights and obligations for the grooming and maintenance of my pet(s) and in consideration of the grooming services of The Bark Side.
I am the legal owner caregiver of this pet.
____________________________________ ______________________. _________
Pet Owner Signature Date. Initial for permission post pictures
of your groomed pet to social media
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Pet owners printed name Pet(s) Name
Please Check Each Line:
___ SCHEDULING: All dogs must be on a 6 weeks or less schedule.
___ DROP OFF: Please be on time, no need to arrive early saw we will be busy with clients with earlier groom times.
___ PICK UP: Please be on time, arriving early interrupts other clients grooming. You have one hour after given pick up time to pick up your pet.
___ COMPLETION TIME: Time: All appts are 3-4 hours depending on size, groom type, if pet is a puppy or a senior.
___ RESCHEDULING: The Bark Side must be notified at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment if any rescheduling is needed to avoid fees.
___ LATE OR NO SHOWS: “No shows” and last minute rescheduling are subject to the full grooming fee. 8:30 appts are late after 15 minutes appts after that are late after 20 min.
___ FLEAS: We are not a facility that takes clients that are not on a preventative. If your pet comes with fleas it will be given a flea bath at owners expense and will be dismissed if repeated appts pet has fleas.
___ AGGRESSIVE PETS:: We are not a facility that takes in pets that will try and bite us. If your pet just dislikes one area of the body being touched please inform us and we can see if we will be able to safely groom your pet.
We consider the terms "nipping and snapping" to be biting. California Civil Code 3342 requires you to inform a groomer if your pet has bitten a person before. Withholding this information and your pet bites someone in the salon you will be held liable.
___ PAYMENT: We require same day payment at pick up. We accept cash, check, credit card/ATM, and Venmo.
Please print this document and sign prior to your pet’s first scheduled appointment.