Terms of Service
Updated: 17/06/2025
Prices
- The prices stated assume a well-maintained coat condition as well as breed standard sizing. Additional charges will be added for matting, behaviour/aggression and additional groom time, you will be made aware of the additional charges before the groom, however, any charges not foreseen at this time e.g. flea charge will be added onto the final amount.
- Emily Gillard Dog Grooming reserves the right to terminate any service if it is deemed unsafe for the dog or groomer with payment due in full.
- We cannot guarantee that appointments will remain available if you arrive more than 15 minutes past the appointment time. The appointment will then be treated as a missed appointment resulting in 100% of the grooming fee being charged.
- Any dog not collected at the agreed collection time will incur an additional charge of £10 for the first 15 minutes with an additional £5 for every 15 minutes thereafter.
Cancellations and Missed Appointments
Emily Gillard Dog Grooming reserves the right to charge 100% of the grooming fee for any missed appointments or appointments that are cancelled with less than 48 hours notice.
Matting/De-Matting
- Emily Gillard Dog Grooming follows the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Under this act, it is an offense to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal. This includes prolonged 'de-matting' which can be painful and detrimental to the welfare of your dog. We may be able to brush out small matts, however, this depends on the severity and position. If we believe your dogs coat to be too matted it may be necessary for your dogs coat to be clipped short to relieve any discomfort, this may be small specific areas such as under the ears, between the toes, armpits & groin area or if the matting is excessive and in multiple areas a complete short clip.
For matting to be removed the clippers/trimmers must be able to clip successfully, without any pull or resistance between the matt and the skin, this then determines the length of the blade used. Depending on the severity this can be a shock for some owners, however, Emily Gillard Dog Grooming abides by the Welfare Act 2006 and will take positive steps to ensure all five welfare needs are met whilst your dog is in our care, these are as follows:
- Need for a suitable environment
- Need for a suitable diet
- Need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- Need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals
- Need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Whilst you are present we will assess your dogs coat and make you aware of any matting or issues found, if we need to clip any areas of your dogs coat, and how this might alter your desired groom. We require you to sign a policy that confirms your understanding and permits us to remove any matts found on your dog during the groom, unfortunately your personal groom preference may not be able to be taken into consideration at this time.
Although the utmost care and attention will be taken the removal of matting increases the risk of injury which can include skin irritation as well as cuts, grazes and hematomas, these will be treated with first aid, however, we do advise your sought veterinary advice. Additionally, your dog may have other conditions which have been masked by the matting, these may include, pre-existing sores, cuts, infections and parasites.
As a result of any area being clipped short, your dog may be extra sensitive to these areas and you may therefore notice a change in their behaviour which may include, excessive scratching, licking, head shaking and possible "scooting", if these actions persist for a prolonged amount of time we again suggest you sought veterinary advice.
Please note that additional charges will occur with the removal of any matting. This is to cover the extra time needed and the wear and tear on the clipper blades. The additional amount will be stated on the policy at the time of signing, failure to sign the policy will result in the grooming service not going ahead and therefore treated as a missed appointment.
Health
- Emily Gillard Dog Grooming is not responsible if your dog contracts any diseases or illnesses. It is your responsibility to make sure your dog is up to date with vaccinations, including the kennel cough vaccine.
- The welfare of your dog is our number one priority. Elderly, overweight, infirm or dogs with behavioural issues may find some of the processes of grooming stressful or uncomfortable, because of this they may need to be groomed for comfort and cleanliness, rather than style.
- Emily Gillard Dog Grooming reserves the right to stop the grooming service if we believe your dog is in distress and or it is no longer safe to continue for any reason.
- You must inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions and any medication your dog is taking.
- Unless we are deemed to be at fault, all medical expenses are the responsibility of the owner and Emily Gillard Dog Grooming will not be held responsible.
- Should your dog require immediate veterinary treatment in our care you confirm that we are authorised to seek such treatment in your absence, we will do our utmost to contact you but this may not always be possible, and you agree that you are liable for any resulting costs.
Dangerous Dog Act
Emily Gillard Dog Grooming will not carry out any grooming services on any breed of dog that is registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or the Dangerous Dog Act 1997 (amendment) or any dog crossed with, the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and American XL Bully.
Parasites
The salon and equipment used during each groom are thoroughly disinfected after each use and a deep clean is performed at the end of every day, however, if we do find any number of fleas during the groom there will be an additional charge of £10; a citronella shampoo will be used which is designed to wash out fleas from the infested coat and the salon will then be sprayed with a flea spray which kills fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae after the groom. We then advise you to use a suitable treatment method as well as a household flea spray to rid your dog and home of fleas. We recommend keeping your dog up to date with flea treatment for their protection.
There will also be an additional charge of £3 per tick removed from your dog, the area will then be treated with an antiseptic spray, however, Emily Gillard Dog Grooming does not take any responsibility if an infection were to occur due to the removal of the tick nor if any veterinary treatment is required.
Additional Terms & Conditions
- We will not groom any dog that is in season or is pregnant.
- Emily Gillard Dog Grooming will not accept any responsibility for any loss, injury, death or illness suffered by your pet whilst in our care.
- You must inform us if your dog bites, has bitten or is aggressive to people, other dogs or specific procedures/actions, additional charges will be incurred if your dog is aggressive or their behaviour impacts the groom.
- Any dog that is aggressive or shows any aggressive behaviour will be muzzled, and the groom may be stopped if it is deemed too dangerous for the dog or groomer to continue.
- We ask that your dog has been allowed to relieve themselves before their appointment.
- For the health of your puppy, we advise waiting 2 weeks from their second vaccination and that they are a minimum of 13 weeks of age before booking a Puppy Groom.
- Please do not feed your dog within 30 minutes before their appointment.
- Emily Gillard Dog Grooming has the right to refuse any customer.
- We will not groom any dog that requires medication to be groomed.
- All dogs must be kept on short leads or in carriers whilst on our premises.
- Emily Gillard Dog Grooming reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time.