Terms of Service

Included on this page:

• Requirements for Using Our Services
• Vaccinations Required
• Bordetella Vaccine (optional and recommended)
• Sick Dogs
• Injuries
• Grooming Accidents
• Liability
• Salon Etiquette
• Appointment Cancellation, Re-scheduling and "No-Show" Policy

   

Requirements for Using Our Services

• In order to utilize our services, every client must complete a client and pet profile form and read and agree to the below Terms of Service for using Our Services. Notice: All client and pet information must be received not less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment otherwise the appointment will be automatically cancelled.  
• Each pet must remain current with all vaccinations as required by the CT Department of Health (Rabies and Distemper/DHPP) and wear an identification tag at all times. Notice: Updated vaccination information must be provided no less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment otherwise the appointment will be automatically cancelled.  
• We require that dogs are suitable for our unique environment, including being safe with other dogs and our staff. We require these things of all dogs so that we can provide them with the best experience possible and so that you can know that we are doing all that we can to ensure the health and safety of your dog and our staff in the context of our cage-free and off-leash environment.
• A credit card is required to be on file to use our services. Unless a valid, non-expired credit card is on file, your appointment is not confirmed. (Wet Paws Dog Grooming, LLC does not store credit card information. Our merchant banking service provider does, and maintains annual compliance with global Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) adopted by the payment card brands for all companies that process, store or transmit cardholder data. To view their Privacy Policy, click here.)
• Unless otherwise noted in writing all services and products are non-refundable. 

For more information, please contact us with any questions that you might have.

TERMS OF SERVICE:

Vaccinations Required
The health of the dogs in our care is our number one priority. To that end, we require that all dogs using any Wet Paws Dog Grooming service be currently vaccinated against rabies and distemper. That commonly means that you need the following vaccinations administered by a veterinarian:

• Rabies (mandatory)
• DHPP (mandatory)
• Bordetella (optional)

Most CT veterinarians administer a booster commonly referred to as DH2PP, DA2PP, DHPP, or Distemper/Parvo which vaccinates against distemper and parvo, in addition to hepatitis (adenovirus), and parainfluenza. Please consult with your veterinarian to ensure that you have the proper vaccine coverage. Please note that for puppies this means that your puppy must be up to date with their current series based on their age. We keep records of your dog's vaccination expiration dates to help you keep your dog current with his or her vaccinations.

Bordetella Vaccine - Optional Annual Vaccination
This vaccine is intended to prevent the spread of bacteria that can lead to what is commonly known as kennel cough. Please note that there are many strands of "kennel cough", and the vaccine only covers some of those strands, therefore it is possible for your dog to contract symptoms even if he is vaccinated. Also, the bacteria is airborne and can travel across 3-4 city blocks, thus it is nearly impossible to pinpoint the source of the exposure. While not required by the CT Department of Health it is recommended that this vaccine be administered annually as the vaccine is updated regularly for new strands of the bacteria, much like with the flu vaccine for humans.

Sick Dogs
All dogs using our services must be healthy as we care for a large number of animals. We will not admit any dog that we believe, at our sole discretion, to be a risk to the other animals in our care. It is your responsibility as a parent to notify us of any health related issues affecting your dog so that we can make an informed determination about how to best care for your dog. Customers that do not inform us in a timely manner of any health issues, knowingly bring their dog and/or to us while he or she is sick, or do not make all efforts possible to remove their dog from our facility once determined to be a risk by us will be subject to a surcharge of $500. In addition, at our discretion, those customers may not be allowed to use our services again and in that case will forfeit any unused credit without a refund.

Matted Dogs -- "Humanity Before Vanity"
Pets that are not groomed every 4 to 6 weeks may become matted (also known as "pelted"). Matting or pelting occurs from lack of grooming, coat overgrowth, not routinely being brushed and/or a coat not being combed through prior to getting wet, or the coat not properly dried, combed and brushed after bathing or getting wet from the elements. When matting gets close to the skin, or there are many mats, it can become a problem -- and heavy matting can be even more of a problem which can cause irritation, pain, potential skin infection, and more serious problems.

De-matting a pet adds significant time to the grooming process, thus additional fees apply for de-matting and are billed in non-negotiable increments of 15 minutes at $15.00 each.

In cases where the matting is not severe and only covers a small area, we may be able to remove them by splitting, thinning and then brushing them out. When matting is severe and/or close to the skin the only humane way to remove the mats is to clip the coat off to the skin line. Matted coats are hard on our equipment and in most cases require two haircuts, the first to remove the matted coat prior to bathing and a second to even up the coat after bathing. In either case, a de-matting surcharge will apply billable in increments of 15 minutes.

We are not responsible for health conditions that may be revealed by removing a matted coat such as sores, "hot spots", etc.

Injuries
While we make every effort to ensure that each dog in our care is as safe as possible, injuries can occur. If your dog and/or cat is injured while in our care for any reason, and requires outside medical attention, we will take your dog and/or cat to either your vet or one of the emergency hospitals closest to the store. Our first priority will always be the care of your dog and/or cat and therefore getting them to a top hospital quickly will be our first step. If your pet, while under Wet Paws Dog Grooming's care or supervision, bites another dog and/or cat on the Wet Paws Dog Grooming's premises or under Wet Paws Dog Grooming's care or supervision, and such bite results in an injury that requires veterinary care, Wet Paws Dog Grooming will contact the owner of the bitten dog and/or cat and upon written request of the bitten dog's and/or cat's owner, Wet Paws Dog Grooming will promptly divulge in writing (1) the name of your pet, (2) your name and contact information, (3) and any medical information necessary for the health and safety of the bitten pet. Under all circumstances, the health of your dog and/or cat is our first priority and we will make every effort possible to make sure he or she is safe and receives the proper care.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL DOGS AND CATS AT WET PAWS DOG GROOMING PLAY AT THEIR OWN RISK!

Grooming Accidents
Although grooming accidents are very rare, there is a risk when dealing with animals.  Grooming equipment is very sharp, and although we use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, quicking of nails, etc. In most cases this can happen when an animal is fidgety (i.e., can not sit still, wiggles), moves abruptly. 

Your pet’s safety and comfort is our number one priority. In the event an accident does occur, you will be notified of the accident. If Wet Paws Dog Grooming feels it is serious, and the owner is not on-site, Wet Paws Dog Grooming, LLC will seek immediate veterinary care for your pet with the closest vet clinic.

Liability

• Customer understands that he/she is liable for any/all medical care expenses and damages that result from injuries caused by their pet.
• Customer expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against Wet Paws Gog Grooming, LLC, its employees and representatives for grooming accidents while under the care of Wet Paws Dog Grooming, LLC.
• If any medical problems develop while my pet is in the care of Wet Paws Dog Grooming, I authorize Wet Paws Dog Grooming, LLC to do whatever is necessary for the safety, health and well being of my pet. Further I assume full financial responsibility for any and all expenses incurred to my pet whether by "Grooming Accidents" or "Injuries" as defined within the Terms of Service herein.

Salon Etiquette

• Scheduling: Our scheduling is designed to properly accommodate the day's appointments and to ensure that your pet, and other customers' pets do not have to wait unnecessarily. Please note: (1) A 15 minute late arrival grace period is provided. (2) After the 15 minute grace period expires your appointment will be considered a "No Show", automatically cancelled and the card on file will be charged at the full rate of the missed scheduled service.
• Vaccinations: All dogs must be current on their Rabies and Distemper vaccinations.
• Salon Entry Policy: Pets must be walked prior to entering the salon and need to be leashed at all times.
• Grooming Preferences: Since grooming is a matter of personal taste, please spend a few minutes with the groomer to discuss your dog's grooming history and your preferences.
• Aggressive/Challenging Behavior Policy: Should your pet display aggressive/challenging behavior towards our groomers, a surcharge will be added to accommodate the incremental resources and time required in attempt to groom them. The safety of our staff and your pet is our priority.
• Flea Policy: If your pet has fleas and we were not made aware prior to arrival at the store a surcharge applies.
• Pick-up Grace Period and Late Pick-ups: At the time you drop off your pet, we will be able to give you an approximate time for pick-up. We will also text you as soon as your pet is finished and ready for pickup.
  - Because we are not a boarding facility and don’t have space to keep your pet after their grooming services are completed, unless other arrangements were made with us prior to drop-off, we ask that you pick up your pet within 60 minutes of the text notification.
  - If you are late, an additional boarding fee will be added to accommodate the time spent caring for and keeping your pet comfortable until you arrive. Late Pick-up Fees are billed at $15/hr after the initial 60-minute grace period.

Appointment Cancellation, Re-scheduling and "No-Show" Policy

• Cancellation Notice: Your grooming appointment is a reservation for services and for the individualized attention we provide each pet. We can only take a limited number of appointments each day. A missed appointment is a loss of income to a small business and our groomers. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please notify us no less than 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
• Missed Appointments: If an appointment is missed without at least a 24 hour notification to your scheduled appointment, a “No Show” Fee will be charged to the credit card on file at the full rate of the scheduled service.
• Vaccinations: If vaccinations are not current and the appointment is not cancelled at least a 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, or if you show up to the appointment without proof of updated vaccination(s) as requested by us, a “No Show” Fee will be charged to the credit card on file at the full rate of the scheduled service.

Please note that by using any of our services you acknowledge that you are the legal owner of the pet and that you have read the above Terms of Service for Using Our Services and our Salon Etiquette Policy and agree to be bound by all of its terms, rules and conditions. This will help both you and Wet Paws Dog Grooming ensure that your dog and/or cat has the best experience possible. All sales are final.  No refunds.