1. Your pet's safety is our top priority. We require a current copy of your pet's vaccination records (Dogs-Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella; Cats-Rabies and FVRCP).

2. If it is necessary for the safety of your pet and the groomer/stylist, muzzles, elastic collars, slings, straps etc. will be humanely used. You must inform us if your pet bites or has ever bitten any person or other animal.

3. If your pet does not respond to the groomer/stylist and remain still during the grooming procedure, accidents can happen such as nicks from clippers, scissors or toenail trimmers. If you arrive early to pick up your pet and they are still being groomed, please do NOT talk to them or allow them to see you! An excited pet can be dangerous to work on. We reserve the right to end the grooming session even if the groom is not completed and the full grooming price will be charged. For the pet to properly respond to the groom, it is essential that the pet be alone with the groomer/stylist and clients will not assist in the grooming unless requested to do so.

4. The client assumes all liabilities, financial and otherwise, for the behavior and health of their pet. The groomer will be held harmless from damages, loss or claims arising from any known or unknown pre-existing condition of the pet.

5. The client must advise us of any allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing medical conditions so we may avoid aggravating these conditions. Products not labeled for use on animals can be used for grooming but only with your permission. Please let us know of any prior grooming history you or your pet may have not found satisfactory. We want to avoid the repetition of poor or unpleasant experiences or situations.

6. SPAW understands that some pets are extremely sensitive to certain grooming procedures such as nail trimming and/or ear cleaning. It is not our intent to cause your pet discomfort. Although these are routine procedures normally performed for the well-being of the pet, we will not continue with any grooming procedure that will cause pain, discomfort to the pet or harm to the groomer/stylist. Sometimes for a more sensitive pet, these procedures are best left to the care of a veterinarian.

7. The client authorizes the groomer/stylist to act as their agent in the event emergency veterinary services, boarding, care-taking, and/or transportation is necessary and agrees to pay all costs. Any/all damages or claims shall include but not be limited to advanced age, extreme nervousness, neurosis, illness, previous injury, skin or coat conditions or other medical conditions.

8. If fleas are found on your pet, the groomer/stylist will administer a flea bath to eradicate the fleas in order to maintain salon sanitation. This is at the groomer/stylist's discretion and at the client's expense. The shampoo is gentle, non-alkaline and hypoallergenic.

9. Allowing a pet’s coat to become matted is not only very uncomfortable but dangerous for your pet's health. The groomer/stylist will de-mat the pet (if possible) at an extra charge. Mats can be very difficult to remove and your pet may receive a "shave down" to remove them. Under this circumstance, a shave down is the only way to allow the skin to receive necessary oxygen and for new, healthy hair to grow. Charges for the shave down or shaving ears and tail if they are matted are determined on a per pet basis. If the client requests the mats be combed out, the groomer/stylist will not do so if it causes the pet undue stress or pain. Excessive de-matting is a painful, time-consuming and costly procedure that causes extreme discomfort and can aggravate(or lead to) skin problems. The client must be aware that neglect of their pet’s coat can be cause for problems after grooming/shave down such as clipper/brush irritation, itchiness, failure of hair to re-grow and causing their pet proneness to sunburn. The client must also be aware that shaving may expose pre-existing skin conditions.

10. Shave downs or custom cuts that are outside normal specific breed haircuts will be discussed and the groomer/stylist will perform the cuts to the best of their understanding of the client's directions and their ability but no other guarantee is made.

11. Every effort will be made to keep our scheduled grooms running smoothly. If your pet has behavior issues or skin and coat problems, you may be looking at a longer period of time.

12. Our groomers/stylists are trained professionals. We reserve the right to alter or cease any groom in the event that our staff determines it is in your pet's best interest or your pet displays aggressive behavior. The client must understand that we have the right to refuse service to the client’s pet at any time for any reason.

13. We will use extra care and patience for older pets; however, we will not be held responsible for any reaction due to the mental or physical stress of grooming geriatric pets. If in our judgment, brushing or clipping is determined to cause too much stress to the pet, we will modify or terminate the grooming. 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.

14. Returned Check Policy: Checks that are returned are subject to a $25 service fee.

15. SPAW is insured through Pet Care Insurance for Pet Business Professionals.
More info at www.petcareins.com