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 with us. The following are some everyday policies to ensure a positive and safe grooming experience. Others are policies that will only apply to some pets who do not enjoy grooming as much as others.
The Bark Side is a small grooming facility. We take only 9 to 10 dogs a day in three hour time slots with three dogs per slot. This ensures your pet gets individualized attention and that the grooming is not rushed.
DROP-OFFS
Please arrive on time for your pets appointment to ensure that there is enough time to groom your pet and to help keep our schedule for the day on time. Coming early to an appointment can interrupt an appointment already in process. If you need to arrive early, please notify us prior to your appointment so we can make the necessary arrangements. The Bark Side opens at 8:30 am, we are at the shop prior to opening but that is to get the salon set up for the day. Please arrive at the time of opening and not prior so we can make sure that the salon is ready to receive your pet. If you are running late for your appointment please call us to make sure we can still take your pet for the given day. Our scheduling system relies on accuracy of pick-ups and drop-offs to be able to accommodate all clients for the day - arriving late can negatively affect all subsequent appointments. Arriving 20 minutes or later for an appointment will void your appointment.
NEW CLIENT AND PUPPY APPOINTMENTS
New clients and puppies are always exciting and we feel very lucky to have been chosen by you to care for your pet. We will schedule our day to ensure that you have time to go over grooming and care instructions for your pet. It is not necessary to arrive early and doing so causes an interruption in the grooming of another client and can cause their appoint to go late or cause the pet to become too excited to have their groom finished. Please bring a current copy of your pet’s vaccination records. DHLP-Parvo and rabies are needed for the protection of your pet. (rabies vaccination isn’t required for puppies under 6 months of age). All puppies must have finished their DHLP-Parvo shots before their first appointment.
We want your puppy's first few visits to be as pleasant as possible and will make every effort to do so by starting with the most simple haircuts. To make sure your puppy learns to enjoy grooming we ask for that you be flexible with the time your puppy is at our salon. Grooming is a new and overwhelming experience and lots of puppies need rest breaks during the grooming process. Clippers can also be overwhelming for your young puppy and they also might not have the patience yet for grooming. This can result in a simpler cut than requested or skipping specific aspects of the requested cut. We feel that it is better for your puppy to gain trust and learn to accept grooming rather than finishing a cut that is making your pet nervous.
PICK UP
All of our appointments are three-hour appointments unless your dog is oversized or requires special handling or care. If your dog is finished before the time you have been given to pick up your pet, you will receive a call or text letting you know. Due to our smaller facility and to ensure a lower stress environment for other pets, pets with a morning/midmorning appointment must be picked up within one hour of their scheduled out time. Pets left at our salon beyond that will have a daycare fee of $10 added to their grooming bill. If you need have your pet longer at the salon arrangements need to be made with us prior to your appt.
All 12:30pm drop offs mean your pet is the last pet of the day. Our salon closes when the last dog is finished. You must pick up your dog at their pick up time. Arriving late and a $1 a minute daycare fee will be added to your bill. If you do not arrive for your pet after 30 minutes and we cannot get a hold of you, your pet will be taken to go potty and be kenneled with water and food for the night. A $25 boarding fee will be added to your bill.
Note: sometimes our scheduling is light and a morning or midmorning drop-off could mean your pet will be the last pet of the day and you will be notified of that during scheduling.
PET HEALTH CONDITIONS
Your dog's safety and comfort is our primary concern. Please do not come to an appt with an ill or injured pet. If your dog is showing signs of illness, has open wounds, or has an injury please call and reschedule your appt. For the safety of your pet and other pets we will not groom an ill or injured pet.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Please advise us of any allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing medical conditions so we can avoid aggravating the health issue and even help alleviate the discomfort. Please let us know of any prior grooming history you or your dog may not have found satisfactory. We want to avoid the repetition of poor or unpleasant experiences or situations.
FLEA INFESTATION/SALON SANITATION
If fleas are found on your pet, The Bark Side will administer a flea bath to eradicate the fleas in order to maintain salon sanitation. This is at the groomer’s discretion and at the client’s expense.
MATTED OR NEGLECTED COAT AND SHAVE-DOWNS OR
CUSTOM CUTS
Allowing a pet’s coat to get matted is not only very uncomfortable, but unhealthy for your pet. Excessive matting can be avoided with regular grooming appointments. We will de-mat your pet (if possible) at $2 per minute (minimum $10) in addition to the regular grooming fee. De-matting will not be done if it causes pet undue stress or pain or if the pet is under a year old. Excessive de-matting is a painful, time-consuming, and costly procedure that can cause extreme discomfort and can aggravate (or cause) skin problems. In the circumstance where your pet cannot have its mats brushed out or the expense is too much, your pet will receive a “shave down” to remove the mats. Under this circumstance, a shave down is the more compassionate or economical way to groom your pet. Mats are constantly pulling the skin of your pet and are always painful. Shaving them will release the tension and cause pain to your pet, making them struggle and putting them at risk for “clipper burn”, nicks, and stress. The Bark Side will not be held liable if this should arise. Extra charges for the shave down or shaving ears and tail if they are matted are $1 per minute with a $10 minimum.
Shave downs or custom cuts that are outside a basic pet trim or breed standard cut will be discussed and the groomer will perform the cuts to the best of his/her understanding of client’s directions and his/her ability but no other guarantee is made.
*Note: shaving of your pet may dramatically change your pet’s appearance and the hair will be very close to the skin. This may expose pre-existing skin conditions.
AGRESSIVE PETS
The Bark Side does not take aggressive pets or pets who bite for the grooming process. You must inform us if your pet has ever been turned away from another groomer or if they have ever shown signs of aggression such as growling, scratching, snarling or biting. We consider the terms "nipping and snapping" to to be biting.
If your pet is biting and cannot be calmed or safely groomed you will be called to pick up your pet. If you know your pet becomes upset or is sensitive about a part of the grooming process, for the safety of your pet and us, you must inform us before your appointment date. Knowledge of your pets fear of nail clipping, de-matting, drying, etc. helps us successfully groom your pet and make the experience easier and, in most cases, help your pet overcome this fear. Pets who struggle for aspects of grooming are at greater risk for nicks, quicked nails, or a haircut that isn’t quite perfect looking. We always take great care to ensure your pet is not injured during grooming, but pets who are biting or struggling put themselves at greater risk for this happening. The Bark Side will not be held liable for these types of injuries or for haircuts that are less than satisfactory.
PAYMENT
Payment for grooming services is due at the time the services are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made. There is a $30 non sufficient funds/returned check charge and client will be placed on a cash only basis thereafter.
CANCELLATIONS
A courtesy reminder call or text will be sent from 24-72 hours prior to your appointment time. The Bark Side must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment of any cancellations per dog booked (2 pets=48hrs, 3=72hrs etc).This allows us time to try to book a replacement for your vacated appointment. The client will be billed for the full grooming price if 24 hour cancellation notice is not provided. If an emergency cancellation is made there will be a $25 fee added to the next grooming bill. Service may be terminated for repeated cancellations without 24 hr. notice.
LATE or "NO SHOWS”
No shows and last minute cancellations are subject to the full grooming fee. The charge must be paid prior to rescheduling. Pre-Payment will be required before another appointment is booked. Please be respectful of our time as we are a by-appointment business, and another client could have taken your appointment if we had known. Note: Clients that are 20 minutes late or more will have their appointment cancelled and full payment of the missed appointment must be paid to schedule another appt.
COMPLETION TIME
If unforeseen circumstances cause us to be late, we will call and make arrangements for a later discharge. Please be sure to provide us with a cell phone or home number where you can be reached in case we are late. Pets are expected to be picked up as scheduled. If you cannot make the agreed upon time, please call and allow us to alter our schedule accordingly. Dogs not picked up after an hour past their pick up time can result in a day care fee of $10. Last pet of the day not picked up on time will have a $1 per minute fee added to their bill. If after 30 minutes past pick up time and several phone-call attempts your pet will be walked, fed, watered, and housed overnight at our salon for a boarding fee; minimum $25.00.
Every effort will be made to keep our scheduled grooms running smoothly. A typical pet groom can be completed in 3 to 4 hours from the time of your appointment. If your pet is oversized, has behavior issues, or skin and coat problems a longer period of time might be required. If you need your pet returned by a certain time please let us know prior to the appointment. We are happy to work with you as much as possible, but repeated calls to check on the readiness of your pet only causes further delay.
We do not provide waiting facilities for our patrons and for the comfort and security of your pet, it is not recommended that you come in early while we are still grooming your dog.
REFUSAL OF SERVICE
The Bark Side has the right to refuse service for a pet that is aggressive or too large/heavy to handle. You must inform The Bark Side if if your pet bites, has bitten, or is aggressive to people, other pets, or specific grooming procedures. Your pet’s safety, comfort and well-being are our utmost concern. Your pet will be groomed by a professional certified groomer in the style you have requested. We reserve the right to alter or cease any groom in the event that we determine it is in your pet’s best interest or your pet displays aggressive behavior. The Bark Side has the right to refuse service to your pet at any time for any reason. The client may be charged the full price of the groom even if we are unable to complete it.
ELDERLY PETS
We will use extra care and patience for older pets. Elderly pets are a special appointment and require extra time. Please let us know if your pet needs this specialized appointment. Grooming elderly pets can cause mental or physical stress due to grooming being much more tiring for the pet, especially arthritic pets. Due to this, we will at times have to do a much simpler cut for your pet’s health and safety or stop the grooming process. Pets who can no longer stand for long periods or require lots of breaks during the grooming process will have an extra charge added to their bill. Please be sure to notify us of any health conditions that might make your pet uncomfortable during the bathing, drying, or clipping phases.
Any grooming which takes place on an elderly or frail pet is conducted at your risk and The Bark Side will not be held liable for mental or physical stress the grooming process may cause.
Customer releases The Bark Side from any and all liabilities, financial, and otherwise, for injuries to Customer, Customer's pet(s), or any other property of Customer, which arise in any way from services and/or products provided by or as a consequence of Customer's association with 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 owners signature Date
____________________________________ ______________________
Pet owners printed name Pet(s) Name
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 with us. The following are some everyday policies to ensure a positive and safe grooming experience. Others are policies that will only apply to some pets who do not enjoy grooming as much as others.
The Bark Side is a small grooming facility. We take only 9 to 10 dogs a day in three hour time slots with three dogs per slot. This ensures your pet gets individualized attention and that the grooming is not rushed.
DROP-OFFS
Please arrive on time for your pets appointment to ensure that there is enough time to groom your pet and to help keep our schedule for the day on time. Coming early to an appointment can interrupt an appointment already in process. If you need to arrive early, please notify us prior to your appointment so we can make the necessary arrangements. The Bark Side opens at 8:30 am, we are at the shop prior to opening but that is to get the salon set up for the day. Please arrive at the time of opening and not prior so we can make sure that the salon is ready to receive your pet. If you are running late for your appointment please call us to make sure we can still take your pet for the given day. Our scheduling system relies on accuracy of pick-ups and drop-offs to be able to accommodate all clients for the day - arriving late can negatively affect all subsequent appointments. Arriving 20 minutes or later for an appointment will void your appointment.
NEW CLIENT AND PUPPY APPOINTMENTS
New clients and puppies are always exciting and we feel very lucky to have been chosen by you to care for your pet. We will schedule our day to ensure that you have time to go over grooming and care instructions for your pet. It is not necessary to arrive early and doing so causes an interruption in the grooming of another client and can cause their appoint to go late or cause the pet to become too excited to have their groom finished. Please bring a current copy of your pet’s vaccination records. DHLP-Parvo and rabies are needed for the protection of your pet. (rabies vaccination isn’t required for puppies under 6 months of age). All puppies must have finished their DHLP-Parvo shots before their first appointment.
We want your puppy's first few visits to be as pleasant as possible and will make every effort to do so by starting with the most simple haircuts. To make sure your puppy learns to enjoy grooming we ask for that you be flexible with the time your puppy is at our salon. Grooming is a new and overwhelming experience and lots of puppies need rest breaks during the grooming process. Clippers can also be overwhelming for your young puppy and they also might not have the patience yet for grooming. This can result in a simpler cut than requested or skipping specific aspects of the requested cut. We feel that it is better for your puppy to gain trust and learn to accept grooming rather than finishing a cut that is making your pet nervous.
PICK UP
All of our appointments are three-hour appointments unless your dog is oversized or requires special handling or care. If your dog is finished before the time you have been given to pick up your pet, you will receive a call or text letting you know. Due to our smaller facility and to ensure a lower stress environment for other pets, pets with a morning/midmorning appointment must be picked up within one hour of their scheduled out time. Pets left at our salon beyond that will have a daycare fee of $10 added to their grooming bill. If you need have your pet longer at the salon arrangements need to be made with us prior to your appt.
All 12:30pm drop offs mean your pet is the last pet of the day. Our salon closes when the last dog is finished. You must pick up your dog at their pick up time. Arriving late and a $1 a minute daycare fee will be added to your bill. If you do not arrive for your pet after 30 minutes and we cannot get a hold of you, your pet will be taken to go potty and be kenneled with water and food for the night. A $25 boarding fee will be added to your bill.
Note: sometimes our scheduling is light and a morning or midmorning drop-off could mean your pet will be the last pet of the day and you will be notified of that during scheduling.
PET HEALTH CONDITIONS
Your dog's safety and comfort is our primary concern. Please do not come to an appt with an ill or injured pet. If your dog is showing signs of illness, has open wounds, or has an injury please call and reschedule your appt. For the safety of your pet and other pets we will not groom an ill or injured pet.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Please advise us of any allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing medical conditions so we can avoid aggravating the health issue and even help alleviate the discomfort. Please let us know of any prior grooming history you or your dog may not have found satisfactory. We want to avoid the repetition of poor or unpleasant experiences or situations.
FLEA INFESTATION/SALON SANITATION
If fleas are found on your pet, The Bark Side will administer a flea bath to eradicate the fleas in order to maintain salon sanitation. This is at the groomer’s discretion and at the client’s expense.
MATTED OR NEGLECTED COAT AND SHAVE-DOWNS OR
CUSTOM CUTS
Allowing a pet’s coat to get matted is not only very uncomfortable, but unhealthy for your pet. Excessive matting can be avoided with regular grooming appointments. We will de-mat your pet (if possible) at $2 per minute (minimum $10) in addition to the regular grooming fee. De-matting will not be done if it causes pet undue stress or pain or if the pet is under a year old. Excessive de-matting is a painful, time-consuming, and costly procedure that can cause extreme discomfort and can aggravate (or cause) skin problems. In the circumstance where your pet cannot have its mats brushed out or the expense is too much, your pet will receive a “shave down” to remove the mats. Under this circumstance, a shave down is the more compassionate or economical way to groom your pet. Mats are constantly pulling the skin of your pet and are always painful. Shaving them will release the tension and cause pain to your pet, making them struggle and putting them at risk for “clipper burn”, nicks, and stress. The Bark Side will not be held liable if this should arise. Extra charges for the shave down or shaving ears and tail if they are matted are $1 per minute with a $10 minimum.
Shave downs or custom cuts that are outside a basic pet trim or breed standard cut will be discussed and the groomer will perform the cuts to the best of his/her understanding of client’s directions and his/her ability but no other guarantee is made.
*Note: shaving of your pet may dramatically change your pet’s appearance and the hair will be very close to the skin. This may expose pre-existing skin conditions.
AGRESSIVE PETS
The Bark Side does not take aggressive pets or pets who bite for the grooming process. You must inform us if your pet has ever been turned away from another groomer or if they have ever shown signs of aggression such as growling, scratching, snarling or biting. We consider the terms "nipping and snapping" to to be biting.
If your pet is biting and cannot be calmed or safely groomed you will be called to pick up your pet. If you know your pet becomes upset or is sensitive about a part of the grooming process, for the safety of your pet and us, you must inform us before your appointment date. Knowledge of your pets fear of nail clipping, de-matting, drying, etc. helps us successfully groom your pet and make the experience easier and, in most cases, help your pet overcome this fear. Pets who struggle for aspects of grooming are at greater risk for nicks, quicked nails, or a haircut that isn’t quite perfect looking. We always take great care to ensure your pet is not injured during grooming, but pets who are biting or struggling put themselves at greater risk for this happening. The Bark Side will not be held liable for these types of injuries or for haircuts that are less than satisfactory.
PAYMENT
Payment for grooming services is due at the time the services are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made. There is a $30 non sufficient funds/returned check charge and client will be placed on a cash only basis thereafter.
CANCELLATIONS
A courtesy reminder call or text will be sent from 24-72 hours prior to your appointment time. The Bark Side must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment of any cancellations per dog booked (2 pets=48hrs, 3=72hrs etc).This allows us time to try to book a replacement for your vacated appointment. The client will be billed for the full grooming price if 24 hour cancellation notice is not provided. If an emergency cancellation is made there will be a $25 fee added to the next grooming bill. Service may be terminated for repeated cancellations without 24 hr. notice.
LATE or "NO SHOWS”
No shows and last minute cancellations are subject to the full grooming fee. The charge must be paid prior to rescheduling. Pre-Payment will be required before another appointment is booked. Please be respectful of our time as we are a by-appointment business, and another client could have taken your appointment if we had known. Note: Clients that are 20 minutes late or more will have their appointment cancelled and full payment of the missed appointment must be paid to schedule another appt.
COMPLETION TIME
If unforeseen circumstances cause us to be late, we will call and make arrangements for a later discharge. Please be sure to provide us with a cell phone or home number where you can be reached in case we are late. Pets are expected to be picked up as scheduled. If you cannot make the agreed upon time, please call and allow us to alter our schedule accordingly. Dogs not picked up after an hour past their pick up time can result in a day care fee of $10. Last pet of the day not picked up on time will have a $1 per minute fee added to their bill. If after 30 minutes past pick up time and several phone-call attempts your pet will be walked, fed, watered, and housed overnight at our salon for a boarding fee; minimum $25.00.
Every effort will be made to keep our scheduled grooms running smoothly. A typical pet groom can be completed in 3 to 4 hours from the time of your appointment. If your pet is oversized, has behavior issues, or skin and coat problems a longer period of time might be required. If you need your pet returned by a certain time please let us know prior to the appointment. We are happy to work with you as much as possible, but repeated calls to check on the readiness of your pet only causes further delay.
We do not provide waiting facilities for our patrons and for the comfort and security of your pet, it is not recommended that you come in early while we are still grooming your dog.
REFUSAL OF SERVICE
The Bark Side has the right to refuse service for a pet that is aggressive or too large/heavy to handle. You must inform The Bark Side if if your pet bites, has bitten, or is aggressive to people, other pets, or specific grooming procedures. Your pet’s safety, comfort and well-being are our utmost concern. Your pet will be groomed by a professional certified groomer in the style you have requested. We reserve the right to alter or cease any groom in the event that we determine it is in your pet’s best interest or your pet displays aggressive behavior. The Bark Side has the right to refuse service to your pet at any time for any reason. The client may be charged the full price of the groom even if we are unable to complete it.
ELDERLY PETS
We will use extra care and patience for older pets. Elderly pets are a special appointment and require extra time. Please let us know if your pet needs this specialized appointment. Grooming elderly pets can cause mental or physical stress due to grooming being much more tiring for the pet, especially arthritic pets. Due to this, we will at times have to do a much simpler cut for your pet’s health and safety or stop the grooming process. Pets who can no longer stand for long periods or require lots of breaks during the grooming process will have an extra charge added to their bill. Please be sure to notify us of any health conditions that might make your pet uncomfortable during the bathing, drying, or clipping phases.
Any grooming which takes place on an elderly or frail pet is conducted at your risk and The Bark Side will not be held liable for mental or physical stress the grooming process may cause.
Customer releases The Bark Side from any and all liabilities, financial, and otherwise, for injuries to Customer, Customer's pet(s), or any other property of Customer, which arise in any way from services and/or products provided by or as a consequence of Customer's association with 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 owners signature Date
____________________________________ ______________________
Pet owners printed name Pet(s) Name
Please print this document and sign prior to your pet’s first scheduled appointment.