Swift Clipps Grooming Policies

At Swift Clipps Grooming, the health, safety, comfort and well-being of every dog in my care are my top priorities. Grooming involves working with live animals who can move suddenly, become stressed, or react unpredictably. These policies are in place to help keep your dog, myself, and every other dog in the salon as safe as possible.

By booking an appointment with Swift Clipps Grooming, you acknowledge and agree to the following policies.

Appointments & Scheduling

Appointments are scheduled in advance and are reserved specifically for your dog.

Please arrive on time for your appointment and allow enough time for a proper handoff. Dogs must arrive on leash and should be given an opportunity to relieve themselves at the back of the house and NOT on the lawn in front of the parking area when you pull in. 

Because grooming times can vary depending on the individual dog, appointments may occasionally run longer than originally estimated.

I will always do my best to keep appointments running on schedule, but your dog's safety and comfort will always come before rushing a groom to meet a specific timeframe.

I try to not have different dogs in at the same time but there may be a time that I or another customer is running behind and dogs may cross paths or be in the salon together (not in contact) Your dog must be good in the presenece of other dogs and if there is an issue with this, i must know. 

Cancellations, Rescheduling & No-Shows

A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. 

• cancellation fee - 100% of the estimated groom cost if cancelled within 48 hours of service. 

No-Shows

A missed appointment or failure to arrive for a scheduled appointment will result in a 100% charge of the booked grooming services.

Repeated missed appointments or repeated late cancellations may result in future appointments no longer being accepted.

If an unexpected emergency occurs, please contact me as soon as possible. Each situation will be considered individually.

Illness Policy

For the safety of your dog, other dogs in the salon, and myself, please do not bring your dog to an appointment if they are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Persistent coughing

• Other contagious illness symptoms

• Any illness that may make grooming unsafe or overly stressful

If you or someone in your household is experiencing significant gastrointestinal illness, please contact me before bringing your dog to the salon.

If your dog becomes ill shortly before an appointment, please contact me as soon as possible. Illness-related cancellations made less than 24 hours before an appointment will not be charged, provided I am notified that the cancellation is due to illness.

I reserve the right to refuse or stop a grooming appointment if I believe a dog is too unwell to safely continue.

Vaccination Requirements

For the protection of all dogs in the salon, vaccinations must be kept up to date.

The following core vaccinations are required:

• Rabies

• Distemper

• Bordetella

Proof of vaccination may be requested before an appointment.

Keeping vaccinations current helps protect your dog and the other animals who visit the salon.

Flea & Tick Policy

Dogs must be maintained on appropriate year-round flea and tick prevention.

If live fleas are discovered during grooming, the grooming process may need to be modified or stopped depending on the circumstances. Additional flea treatment, cleaning, or sanitation measures may be required and may result in additional charges starting at $20.00. 

Please let me know before the appointment if you suspect your dog has fleas or ticks.

Pricing & Grooming Time

Grooming prices are based on the individual dog and the amount of time, skill, products and work required to safely complete the service.

Prices are not determined by breed or size alone.

The final price may vary based on factors including:

• Size and weight

• Coat type and density

• Coat length

• Coat condition

• Matting or tangles

• Shedding

• Desired haircut or style

• Amount of scissoring or hand-finishing required

• Behaviour and cooperation

• Anxiety or fear

• Excessive movement

• Aggression or handling difficulties

• Additional cleaning required

• Time required to safely complete the groom

• Additional products or treatments required

Starting prices are provided as a general guide. They are not guaranteed quotes.

If your dog's coat or behaviour requires significantly more time or work than expected, the final price may be adjusted accordingly.

I will always strive to provide reasonable and transparent pricing and will communicate whenever possible if a service is expected to differ significantly from the usual price.

Matting & Dematting

Severely tangled or matted coats can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful for a dog.

I will never sacrifice your dog's comfort simply to preserve a particular haircut.

If a coat is severely matted, the safest and kindest option may be to remove the coat rather than spend an extended period attempting to brush out painful mats.

I will never promise that i can dematt a coat or a section of the coat. I will make a thorough desicion through the start of the grooming process after further investigation of the coat. 

Shaving & Matted Coats

When matting is too severe to safely brush out, the coat may need to be clipped short.

Removing a severely matted coat can reveal underlying skin conditions, irritation, bruising, sores, wounds or other issues that were not visible beforehand.

Because mats can pull tightly on the skin and affect circulation, the skin underneath may also be extremely sensitive after the coat is removed.

Although every reasonable precaution is taken, clipping a severely matted coat carries an increased risk of skin irritation, clipper irritation, nicks, abrasions and other complications.

If I believe removing the coat is necessary for your dog's comfort or safety, I may proceed with a shorter haircut rather than causing unnecessary discomfort through prolonged dematting.

Swift Clipps Grooming reserves the right to determine when a dog's coat needs to be shaved or significantly shortened due to matting or poor coat condition. This decision will be based on the severity and location of the matting, the condition of the skin and coat underneath, the dog's comfort and behavior, and what can be safely accomplished during the appointment. 

Ear Matting & Hematomas

Matted ears require particular care. Tight matting around the ear flap can place significant pressure on the delicate tissues of the ear.

Once severely matted hair is removed, the ear may be more sensitive, and some dogs may shake their head or scratch at their ears. This can contribute to trauma to the ear flap and, in some cases, the development of an aural hematoma (a blood-filled swelling within the ear flap).

While every effort is made to handle your dog gently and safely, hematomas and other complications related to severe matting cannot always be predicted or prevented.

If an ear or surrounding area appears compromised, painful, swollen, irritated, or otherwise unsafe to groom, grooming may be stopped and veterinary care may be recommended.

Risks, Injuries & Liability

Grooming is a hands-on service performed on live animals, and dogs can move suddenly or unpredictably even when they are normally calm and well behaved.

While I take reasonable precautions and use safe handling practices, there are inherent risks associated with grooming.

These may include, but are not limited to:

• Minor cuts or nicks

• Scratches or abrasions

• Clipper irritation

• Nail quick bleeding

• Skin irritation

• Redness or sensitivity

• Bruising

• Accidental injury caused by sudden movement

• Injury related to pre-existing or underlying conditions

• Reactions to grooming products

• Stress or anxiety

• Other unexpected reactions or injuries

I cannot guarantee that an accident or injury will never occur.

Because animals can move suddenly during grooming, Swift Clipps Grooming is not liable for accidental cuts, nicks, scratches, abrasions or other injuries that may occur as a result of the dog's movement or reaction during the grooming process, despite reasonable care and safe handling.

This includes injuries that may occur while using grooming equipment, scissors, clippers, dryers, nail tools, grooming tables, tubs or other equipment.

If an injury occurs, I will take appropriate steps to assess the situation, provide reasonable first aid where appropriate, and contact you if I believe veterinary attention is required.

Pre-Existing & Underlying Conditions

Please disclose any known medical conditions, allergies, skin conditions, sensitivities, injuries, recent surgeries, medications, behavioural concerns or other health issues before grooming.

Grooming can sometimes reveal conditions that were not previously visible, particularly underneath long or matted coats.

I am not a veterinarian and cannot diagnose medical conditions.

If I believe your dog may require veterinary attention, I may recommend that you speak with your veterinarian before continuing with grooming.

Senior Dogs & Special Needs

Senior dogs and dogs with health or mobility concerns may require additional consideration.

Long periods of standing, bathing, drying, brushing or handling may be difficult for some dogs.

Senior dogs and dogs with special needs are accepted on a case-by-case basis and may receive a modified or comfort-focused groom when appropriate.

If I believe continuing the groom would place your dog at unnecessary risk or discomfort, I may stop the service.

Behaviour & Safety

Every dog has an individual personality and tolerance for grooming.

I use patient, gentle and low-stress handling techniques and will make reasonable efforts to work with your dog at their comfort level.

However, I cannot safely continue grooming a dog who is repeatedly trying to escape, becoming dangerously distressed, or otherwise presenting a safety risk.

Because grooming appointments are scheduled and time is reserved specifically for your dog, the originally estimated grooming time and corresponding fee will still apply if the service must be stopped due to unsafe behaviour, even if the grooming is not completed.

For example, if your dog's grooming appointment is estimated to require 2 hours, but after 30 minutes their behaviour becomes unsafe and the grooming must be stopped, the full 2-hour estimated grooming fee will apply.

Unsafe behaviour may include, but is not limited to:

• Repeated biting or attempts to bite in a way that I am completely not able to work with them.

• Lunging or aggressive behaviour

• Extreme struggling or continuous movement that creates a risk of injury

• Behaviour that makes the use of grooming equipment unsafe

• Severe fear, panic, or distress that cannot be safely managed

• Behaviour that puts the dog, groomer, or others at risk

Stopping a groom for safety does not mean your dog is “bad.” Some dogs simply need more time, training, desensitization, or a different grooming approach before they can safely tolerate certain services.

In these situations, I will discuss the next best steps with you, which may include additional desensitization work, shorter appointments, veterinary support, or other professional recommendations.

Bite Incidents

If a dog bites or attempts to bite during an appointment, the incident will be taken seriously.

Appropriate steps will be taken to protect the dog, myself and others, and you will be contacted.

If required, the incident may need to be documented or reported in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Salon Environment & Other Dogs

Swift Clipps Grooming is an in-home grooming salon.

Although I strive to give each dog individualized attention throughout their appointment, I do not advertise or guarantee one-on-one grooming.

There may occasionally be another dog present in the salon, including because another client's appointment is running late, a dog requires additional time, or a particular dog cannot safely be left alone.

If your dog has significant concerns around other dogs, please let me know before booking so we can determine the safest arrangement.

Please do not walk around the lawn and yard that is in front of the parking area. You may go down the driveway and path to the left at the end of the driveway or beind the house in where the buisiness entrance is. 

I have young kids and do not want any dog feces left in their play areas. 

Owner Presence During Grooming

For safety, insurance and liability reasons, owners are not permitted to remain inside the grooming area during the grooming process.

Having an owner present can sometimes make a dog more anxious, excited or distracted, which can increase the risk of movement or injury while grooming.

You are welcome to run errands or wait nearby and will be contacted when your dog is ready for pickup.

Drop-Off & Pickup

Please arrive on time for drop-off and pickup.

Dogs should be picked up promptly once you have been notified that their grooming is complete.

Grooming is not daycare or boarding, and I am unable to provide extended care after an appointment.

If you anticipate being delayed, please communicate with me as soon as possible.

If your dog is not picked up within 30 minutes of the time i advised, there may be additional charges and will be determined on a case by case basis 

Veterinary Emergencies

If your dog experiences an emergency or requires veterinary attention while in my care, I will make reasonable efforts to contact you and, when necessary, seek appropriate veterinary assistance.

Please ensure the veterinary contact information provided to Swift Clipps Grooming is current.

Owners remain responsible for any veterinary costs associated with their dog's care.

Nail Trims

Nail trims are available as an individual service.

I use appropriate nail-trimming and smoothing equipment, including a Dremel where suitable.

Regular nail maintenance is recommended approximately every 4 weeks, although some dogs may require more frequent appointments.

Very overgrown nails may require a gradual approach because the quick can grow longer as nails remain overgrown.

Payment

Payment is due on the day of grooming unless another arrangement has been made in advance.

Accepted payment methods include:

• Cash

• Debit

• E-transfer

• Credit card

Cheques are not accepted.

Any applicable processing or card-not-present fees will be the responsibility of the client.

Photos & Social Media

Photos may be taken before, during or after your dog's grooming appointment for grooming records, educational purposes, the Swift Clipps Grooming website and/or social media.

You agree to have your dogs photos shared for advertisment purposes

Cleanliness & Potty Breaks

Please allow your dog to relieve themselves before entering the salon.

Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs outside the salon. Waste bags are available if needed.

Client Responsibility & Disclosure

Owners are responsible for providing accurate and complete information about their dog, including:

• Medical conditions

• Allergies

• Medications

• Skin conditions

• Previous grooming problems

• Behavioural concerns

• Bite history

• Fear or anxiety

• Sensitivities

• Recent injuries or surgeries

• Flea or tick concerns

• Any other information that could affect the safety or comfort of the grooming process

Please do not withhold information because you are concerned it may prevent your dog from being accepted.

Knowing your dog's history allows me to make safer and more appropriate decisions while they are in my care.

Your Dog's Well-Being Comes First

My goal is never to simply "get the groom done."

If your dog is telling me that they are uncomfortable, overwhelmed, exhausted or unable to safely continue, I will prioritize their well-being over completing a particular haircut.

Sometimes this may mean modifying the groom, taking additional breaks, shortening the haircut, stopping a service or recommending a different approach for the future.

If you have issues related to the grooming of your pet, please contact me within 24 hours of the groom. I will not be liable for another brought to my attention after this period. 

Policy Changes

Swift Clipps Grooming reserves the right to update or modify policies, pricing and procedures when necessary.

Clients will be notified of significant policy changes when appropriate.

Thank You

Thank you for trusting Swift Clipps Grooming with your family member.

These policies are not intended to make the grooming experience complicated. They exist to create clear expectations and, most importantly, to help keep your dog safe, comfortable and well cared for while they are with me.