FAQ

 
FAQ Dog Grooming & Terms & Conditons
 
 Does My Dog Need Professional Grooming?
Yes - Although not all breeds of dog need to be clipped or hand-stripped regularly, all dogs need to be groomed in order to keep their coat glossy and healthy. Bathing a dog helps remove foreign matter from the coat, preventing it from irritating the skin. Brushing promotes the production of the oils that protect the coat and keeps the skin healthy and also removes dead hair that, if left in the coat, can be itchy and irritating to the dog. Short haired dogs benefit from professional grooming as much as long haired dogs.
 
When should my puppy have its first professional grooming?
Grooming on your pup should start at 12 weeks of age (after vaccination), to allow puppy to become acquainted with the sounds of the studio environment, noises such as dryers, blasters etc. 
 
 I seem to always get the answering machine?
Most times we can not answer the phone because we are busy with a dog.  Please leave a message and we will call back between dogs or at the end of the day - Also we cant hear the phone over the dryer !!!
 
 I want my dog short but not shaved.
 Shaving and Clipping are the same. Blades come in all different lengths, from short to long. The better maintained the coat is, with no matting or knots, the longer clip style can be done. Longer clipped styles require more frequent grooming every 4-6 weeks to maintain the style.
  
 If my pet is matted why do you have to shave it down short?
 The humane thing to do is to shave them short and start over. Dematting is can be painful and
stressful to your pet and can leave the skin  irritated we can not do long sessions of dematting as it would go against the animal wealfare act.
 
Do you muzzle dogs?
As a general rule no, although if a pet dislikes for example having his/her feet trimmed or nails clipped and is liable to bite we may use a muzzle for a short period of time until this part of the grooming process is complete.
 
 
 Do I need an appointment?
Yes.  Call or email, Please do not turn up without an appointment.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Can I stay and watch my pet getting groomed?
No,because this can cause your pet to become very excited and distracted, 
There is also no space for owners.  Saftey is my 1st priority.

How long will this process take?
 It depends on your pet's condition and temperament, but usually between1 - 3 hours. The reason for this is that every pet is worked on steps from bathing, to hand drying, to brushing and fluffing, and finally to cutting and styling.
 
 Is it too cold to have my dog groomed?
 Many pet owners neglect to have their pets groomed in the winter. Why? Mostly what I hear is, "its too cold". It may be cold, but our pets still need professional grooming. Of course they can be left longer, even not trimmed at all during the cold months. But they always need a complete brushout and bathing that a professional can provide. Nail trimming and ear cleaning is a must all year round too. When clients let their pets go through the winter without professional grooming, their dog ends up coming in with their fur all matted, and then they need to be clipped very short. If you would like to keep your pets style, don't skip those winter visits to the professionals. Keep your pet in style and feeling great all through they year!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Can I have my pet washed in my own shampoo?
Im happy to use any preferred pet-safe or veterinarian prescribed shampoo, as long as it is designed for and safe to use on pets. Regular customers may even choose to leave the bottle of shampoo with us, we will label it and keep it to use only on your pet.

 

AGGRESSIVE/NERVOUS DOG POLICY:
I only accecpt dogs with issues if owners are 100% honest and subject to consultation - Dogs that require muzzling or extra time, special handling, will be charged at an higher than standard grooming rate. This is because dogs showing aggression or acute nervousness, take much longer than normal to groom. We reserve the right to refuse a dog that represents a risk of injury to itself or me of staff, or to send home a dog, even if the dog is only partially completed. Dogs that show aggression, will be muzzled when needed for their safety and mine.  However, if your dog only objects to his feet being trimmed, but he is ok for everything else, then we will only muzzle him for his feet only, the rest will be without a muzzle. We can sometimes offer to work with you and your dog.  This may mean frequent short visits to us for play, touch and pamper sessions to try and make your dog happier for future grooming sessions.  This can be discussed on an individual basis.
 
 
 Do's and Don'ts
 
Before a Grooming appointment do NOT feed your dog upto 1 hour before . Please take your dog for a walk prior to leaving home for him or her to relieve itself. 
 
It is very normal for your dog to shake, they are smart and know what is coming, and love to put on a "show".  You are best to just quickly hand over your dog to the groomer and NOT make a big deal about leaving your dog. Your dog will pick up on your anxiety and it will be harder on him or her. Don't worry about your pooch, they will be fine! If it really stresses you out leaving your dog.
Please Do NOT show up or call while your dog is being groomed. Showing up while your dog is being finished on the table excites or stresses out your dog and gets him all excited wanting to go home with you. This makes it very unsafe for us to try and finish our work on a "dancing dog" with sharp scissors and blades putting your dog at a higher risk of being cut.
 
 
 
 
 

Animal Care

Your dog’s health and welfare our primary concern. Wagstars will do whatever is appropriate for the well being of your dog whilst it is in our care. In the case of an incident or a serious medical problem being discovered during grooming and the services of a vet are required, the client authorises us to obtain emergency veterinary treatment.
The client agrees that wagstars,are not liable for any pre-existing conditions and problems found during grooming, and the owner agrees to pay for all medical treatment incurred due to such.

Wagstars is not a vet and any advice given regarding health problems should be at all times checked with a licensed vet.

Groom Feedback

You will be given detailed feedback after every groom. If you have any queries or want further information, please just ask or contact Wagstars at a later stage. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your dogs groom, please let us know before you leave the salon. Reasonable request to alter the trim will be dealt with immediately or changes noted for the next groom. Wagstars is more than happy to disclose any details about your dog’s groom or advise you about how to best care for your dog’s coat between grooms.

All grooming costs are payable in full at the time you collect your dog.

Photographs

Your pet may be photographed before, during and after its groom. Photographs may be used on Wagstars website or other printed materials.

Cancellation Policy

We would ask that you make us aware of your intention to cancel your appointment at the earliest available opportunity. We require at least 48hrs notice to cancel a scheduled appointment as this gives us an opportunity to rebook the slot.

No Shows and Late Cancellations

50% - 100% of the full groom price no-show/late cancellation fee will be levied. A non-refundable deposit of the starting price of the groom will be levied to secure a new appointment slot. If you incur any of the above mentioned fees, they are payable in full before your pets next appointment.

Customers that repeatedly miss appointments will be removed from our client list and refused service. Missed appointments mean loss of earnings thisdirectly affects my livelihood, as such we enforce this policy strictly.

 

Dropping Off & Collecting Policy

Please be punctual. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may mean we will be unable to groom your pet due to time constraints between appointment slots and this could result n a late cancellation fee. It is equally important that you collect your pet at the allotted time. The appointment slot allocated for your dog’s groom has been booked at your request – exclusively. We  do not double book appointments: a no-show is lost income. Free appointment reminders are also offered, by text, email or phone. Just tell us your preference.

Before bringing your pet to their appointment please make sure that they are exercisedand have been given an opportunity to empty their bowel. Dogs with pent up energy donot stand well for grooming and it may also heighten any behavioural issues. A dog with full bowel can find the grooming process uncomfortable

 

We will not scold an animal for relieving itself indoors, but this may also lead to the dog thinking that this may be correct  then do it at home! If your pet is collected late a sitting fee of £6 per 30 minutes is applied.this is payable in full at the time you collect your pet.

Most dogs require a stay of 1.5-3 hours or more depending on the size of the dog, the condition of the dog and the clip or style We will give a pick up time or call when the dog is completed.

De-matting Policy

Wagstars, we groom humanely. Removing Matts can be very painful and distressingfor the animal. As such we will generally only ATTEMPT to de-mat a coat ONCE, andthen only in compliance with the Welfare of Animals Act UK Welfare Act 2006..

Dematting during a routine groom is limited to a maximum of 15 minutes. If uponsubsequent visits your dog returns in a matted condition we will make NO attempt to dematt and the animal will be clipped-off. It is the owner’s duty of care towards their dog to maintain their coat between professional grooms and we are always more than happy to show you how to look after your dog’s coat.

 
We NEVER de-matt puppies, infirm/elderly or aggressive dogs.
Should your dog need dematting you will be given an estimated cost for the procedure.
All clip down costs are payable in full at time of collection.
 

Aggressive and Poorly Socialised Dogs Policy

You MUST advise us if your dog suffers with aggression of any form. We  reserve the right to refuse to groom any pet at risk of harming itself or any member of staff. If your dog has been accepted for grooming & displays aggression during its session, the groom with be terminated immediately. You will be contacted to collect it, even if the groom is only partially completed. In these cases the customer will be required to pay for the grooming session and we can discuss your options for future sessions

The client understands that they will be held liable for all bites/injuries caused by their dog. Wagstars reserves the right to refuse service for any reason.

T&C Valid from 18/12/14

Cancellation
Wagstars Dog Grooming, groom by appointment only, any last minute cancellations are difficult to fill, and cause loss of business, resulting in reduced income. We therefore need at least 48 hours notice, should you be unable to attend.  Failure to give this notice will result in a MINIMUM cancellation fee, 50% of the FULL GROOM price.  Any advance bookings will be cancelled and loyalty discounts scrapped.  Failure to give the required notice, on more than one occasion, will require advanced payment before a new booking can be accepted.  Please note this is non refundable should you fail to show for the subsequent appointment.
Clients who repeatedly miss appointments will be removed from the client list of Wagstars Dog Grooming.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, Wagstars Dog Grooming cannot guarantee to keep your grooming appointment, if it is not possible, then the cancellation fee WILL apply.

Collections
Wagstars Dog Grooming will either give you a pre arranged time for collection, or will telephone you when your dog is ready.  As we groom by appointment only and space is very limited, please be prompt on collection.  Prolonged visits can not only cause the dog unnecessary stress, but can also be a potential hazard.  Failure to collect on time may result in a sitting fee £6 Per 30 mins or part of.

Toileting

Dog Grooming. Should your dog have an accident PLEASE BAG IT AND TAKE AWAY WITH YOU.  Please do not leave it for someone else to walk in, as not only is this bad mannered, it is a health hazard.  Failure to do so may result in refusal of further appointments.

Bitches in Season
Should you find your bitch has come in season unexpectedly, please make sure you let us know.

Aggressive/Bad Behavior
Wagstars Dog Grooming reserves the right to refuse any dog due to bad behavior.
Please advice of any issues at time of booking.  
Should your dog need have any issues we can still groom, however you will be charged accordingly for this service, and a consultation visit will be required before a booking can be confirmed.
Wagstars Dog Grooming does not undertake grooming of sedated dogs.
Muzzles are only used as a very last resort, but will be used if necessary.
Should your dogs behavior place either Wagstars Dog Grooming or itself in danger, then the groom will be stopped, you will be required to collect your dog IMMEDIATELY and the full cost of the groom will apply however little grooming has been carried out on the dog.

Emergency Treatment
Should any dog require emergency vet treatment whilst in the care of Wagstars Dog Grooming, we will use one of our local Vets, you agree to pay all charges incurred*.  

Matted Dogs
Wagstars Dog Grooming abides by the Animal Welfare Act wherein it states that ‘All animals are to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease’  De-matting is extremely painful and Wagstars Dog Grooming therefore refuse to de-matt dogs.  Any dog that is unable to be groomed out in the recommended 20 minute maximum groom time will in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, be clipped off.  Clients will then be requested to sign a consent form, before any grooming commences.   Clients will be charged extra for this due to extra wear and tear on equipment.

After Care

If you need any advice please ask I’m happy to help, dogs do itch after grooming don’t worry, but should you feel they have had any adverse reactions to any of our products please inform me straight away so I can make a record to use a different product next time.  Dogs need to be brushed often to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting and tangles.  Should you not be able to do this I am happy to book your dog for a mid groom bath and brush out at a lower rate.  If dogs come badly matted on more than 2 occasions on your 3rd groom there will be extra charges - it does not pay to wait and leave your dog for lengthy periods.  This may seem unfair but most dogs have a grooming schedule and those that do not take more time to groom and cause extra wear on expensive equipment so this has to be covered

Parking

If there is room please park in front of my property. Please do not park on double yellow lines as there has been wardens in the area.

Arriving for your appointment

Please arrive on time and not too early as there maybe another dog being groomed.  All dogs must enter and exit on a lead.