Grooming release and waiver

Last updated: 13 October 2026. You confirm this in the booking before your first groom. Part of our terms of service. It does not release us from responsibility for injury caused by our negligence, and it does not reduce your rights under Ontario consumer law.

In plain words

Grooming is hands-on work on a living animal. Most grooms are calm and uneventful. This page says what can happen even when everyone is careful, what we do about it, and what we need from you.

1. What you tell us

You confirm that you have told us everything we should know about your dog: age, health conditions, medication, past injuries, skin and ear problems, allergies, fears, noise or touch sensitivities, and any history of biting, snapping or aggression. If anything changes before the visit, you will tell us.

2. Matting, shave-downs and coat condition

Matted coats are painful to brush and can hide skin problems. Removing mats takes extra time and is priced at the listed matting rate. We start matting work only after you reply yes to our text with the exact cost.
If a coat is too matted to brush out without hurting the dog, the groomer will recommend a shave-down (a short clip). You will see the mats and be asked before we do it. A shave-down can change the coat's look and feel, and some coats grow back slowly or differently. It is done for the dog's comfort and health.
Under a heavy mat there may be skin irritation, sores, redness, hot spots, parasites or old wounds that we could not see before. Clipping them is a normal consequence of removing the mat. We will tell you what we find.
Clipper irritation, razor burn or small nicks can occur on sensitive skin even with proper technique. Tell us the same day and we will check the dog.

3. Senior dogs, puppies and dogs with medical conditions

Older dogs and dogs with arthritis, heart or breathing problems, seizures, obesity, short noses (brachycephalic breeds), skin disease or a history of anxiety are at higher risk from standing, handling, heat and noise. By booking you confirm you have told us about any such condition, and you accept that the groomer may use shorter sessions, more breaks or stop the groom if the dog is struggling. Ask your vet whether your dog is fit to be groomed if you are unsure. Stress or an existing condition can cause illness or, rarely, serious events during or after grooming, even with careful handling. We do not accept responsibility for pre-existing conditions or conditions that were not disclosed, except where our negligence caused or worsened the problem.

4. Behaviour and safety

Dogs can move suddenly, jump, twist, bite or snap, especially when nervous. A sudden movement can cause a nick or a minor injury even with a careful groomer.
A behaviour-handling surcharge applies to dogs who need a slower, two-handed approach. Tell us at booking.
If a dog shows aggression, panic or a risk to itself or the groomer, the groomer may use gentle restraint and muzzle where it is safe, and may stop. We charge for the time worked, and we talk to you first.
You are responsible for injury or damage your dog causes to our groomer, our van or equipment, or any other person or animal, to the extent the law allows. Dogs known to bite must be disclosed before booking. We may decline them.

5. Veterinary care

If your dog shows signs of injury or distress during or after the groom, we will contact you right away. If we cannot reach you and the situation is urgent, you authorize us to take the dog to the nearest veterinarian, and you agree to pay the reasonable vet costs. We will not do this if the cause was our negligence; in that case we pay the reasonable vet costs and deal with you directly.

6. Dogs at your home

We groom in or beside our van. You choose where the dog waits. You are responsible for the dog's access to doors, gates and fences. We are not responsible for a dog that escapes from your property when you or someone at your home opens a door.

7. Photos

We take before and after photos of your dog to show you the result and record its condition. We use them publicly only if you separately agree (see the privacy policy).

8. Your agreement

By ticking the box when you book, you confirm that you have read this release, that what you told us about your dog is true and complete, and that you are authorized to give this consent. You accept the risks described, subject to the limits stated at the top. If you disagree with something here, tell us before the groom and we will talk about it. You may withdraw your consent for a future visit at any time.