Mucky Mutz Dog Grooming
Terms & Conditions of Service
Health Condition
For the safety and wellbeing of all pets, please ensure your dog is in good health when attending their appointment.
• If your dog has diarrhea or is vomiting, please reschedule your appointment.
• If your dog becomes unwell during grooming and requires repeated cleaning or additional care, additional charges may apply.
• Grooming senior, frail, or medically compromised pets is performed at the owner’s risk, as the grooming process may place extra stress on them.
• When you bring your dog to the salon, please let us know if your dog has any medical conditions or ongoing health concerns, including heart disease, arthritis, eye conditions, mobility issues, skin conditions, allergies (including food or skin allergies), or any other illness or medical condition.
• Please also let us know if your dog is known to be uncomfortable with or fearful of any part of the grooming process, such as bathing, blow drying, clippers, nail trimming, brushing, or handling of certain areas.
Senior Dogs & Puppies
Older dogs and puppies often require extra patience, care, and handling during grooming.
Senior Dogs
• Additional charges may apply if your dog is unable to stand comfortably, requires extra assistance, or takes significantly longer than the standard appointment time.
• For senior dogs or dogs with mobility issues or weakness in their legs, our priority is always their comfort and wellbeing. To avoid causing unnecessary fatigue or stress, we may shorten the grooming session, allow your dog to rest during the groom, or modify the grooming process. As a result, the finished groom may not always be as perfect or detailed as a standard groom.
Puppies
For puppies attending one of their first grooming sessions, appointments may take longer than expected because everything is new and unfamiliar. We generally do not charge extra for this additional time.
To help your puppy stay relaxed and focused, please wait outside the salon until we contact you to collect your dog. If your puppy sees you before the grooming session is complete, they may become overly excited, making it difficult for us to continue or complete the grooming safely and calmly.
If you would like an estimated pick-up time, please feel free to give us a call. We’ll be happy to provide you with an update on your puppy’s grooming progress.
Nervous, Aggressive or Difficult Dogs
Many dogs behave differently in a grooming environment than they do at home. Even friendly and well-behaved dogs may become anxious or fearful and may attempt to bite the groomer’s hands or arms, bite grooming equipment, become frightened by dryers or clippers, or resist handling.
We will always work patiently and compassionately. However, if grooming becomes unsafe or causes excessive stress, we may stop the session. Additional handling, time or assistance may incur additional charges.
For the safety of your dog and our groomers, we may use a properly fitted grooming muzzle when necessary. Any muzzle used is only temporary and will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so.
Matted or Knotted Coats
Minor knots may be gently removed where possible and an additional dematting fee may apply.
For heavily matted coats, the safest and kindest option is often to clip the coat short rather than attempt extensive dematting. If your dog is highly stressed or unable to remain still, we may recommend a shorter clip.
Removing severe matting is specialised and time-consuming. Hidden skin irritation or other pre-existing conditions may become visible after clipping. Dogs clipped very short due to severe matting may experience temporary skin sensitivity for 24–48 hours.
Nail Trimming
We will trim your dog’s nails whenever it can be done safely.
Some dogs have long quicks (the blood vessel inside the nail), which means their nails cannot always be trimmed as short as expected. Trimming beyond the quick may cause pain and bleeding.
If additional handling or time is required, an additional fee may apply. If nail trimming cannot be performed safely, we may choose not to complete this service.
Anal Gland Expression
We provide external anal gland expression only as part of our grooming service.
Some dogs may require internal anal gland expression or veterinary treatment, which must only be performed by a qualified veterinarian.
Grooming Adjustments
We want you to be happy with your dog’s groom.
If you would like a minor adjustment (such as refining the face, ears or tidying small areas), we are happy to provide one complimentary touch-up within 10 days of your appointment.
Please note:
• Body length cannot be changed once it has been clipped.
• Hair that has already been cut cannot be restored.
• Requests for a different style or significant changes will be treated as a new grooming service and may incur additional charges.
Vaccinations & Flea Control
To help protect all dogs in our care, we ask that your dog’s vaccinations are kept up to date (unless otherwise advised by your veterinarian) and that regular flea prevention is maintained.
Please check your dog for fleas before arriving. If fleas are found, we will contact you to discuss treatment and any additional charges where possible.
If we are unable to reach you and immediate treatment is necessary to protect other dogs and maintain salon hygiene, we may proceed with an appropriate flea treatment. Any additional charges will be added to your grooming service.
Dogs with a significant flea infestation may need to be collected before grooming can continue.
Payment Policy
Payment is required at the time of collection.
We accept cash, EFTPOS, and major debit and credit cards.
Our grooming prices are based on breed and size, coat condition (including knots and matting), behaviour and cooperation during grooming, and the time and labour required.
If additional handling, specialised care or extra grooming time is required, additional charges may apply. We always aim to discuss any additional charges with you whenever possible.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, missed appointments (no-shows), or repeated last-minute cancellations may incur a cancellation fee.
For repeated late cancellations or no-shows, we may require a deposit before accepting future bookings.
Late Pick-Up
Please collect your dog as soon as possible after we notify you that grooming has been completed.
If you expect to be late, please contact us.
Late collection may result in an additional daycare or holding fee, particularly if collection is after business hours.
Photography
We may take photographs of your dog before or after grooming for use on our website or social media pages.
If you do not wish for your dog’s photos to be used, please let us know when you check in for your appointment.
Grooming Risks & Accidents
Your dog’s safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities.
However, grooming involves the use of sharp equipment such as scissors and clippers, and even the calmest dog may move unexpectedly.
Although every reasonable precaution is taken, minor nicks, cuts, or injuries may occasionally occur.
Dogs that are elderly, puppies, nervous, medically compromised, or heavily matted naturally carry a higher grooming risk.
Mucky Mutz Dog Grooming will always exercise the highest level of care and professionalism but cannot be held responsible for injuries or health issues arising from:
- Pre-existing medical or skin conditions
- Hidden conditions revealed after clipping
- Unexpected movement by your dog during grooming
- Conditions beyond our reasonable control
Veterinary Care (Emergency Situations)
If your dog’s condition changes suddenly during grooming, or if urgent veterinary attention is required, grooming will be discontinued, and we will make every reasonable effort to contact you as soon as possible.
If we are unable to reach you and immediate veterinary treatment is considered necessary to protect your dog’s health or wellbeing, you authorise Mucky Mutz Dog Grooming to seek treatment on your behalf at a local veterinary clinic.
Veterinary costs relating to pre-existing medical conditions, underlying health issues, or conditions beyond our reasonable control will remain the responsibility of the owner.
Our priority is always the health, safety, and wellbeing of your dog, and we will act in their best interests should an emergency arise.
Agreement
By booking an appointment with Mucky Mutz Dog Grooming, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
These policies are designed to help us provide a safe, comfortable and positive grooming experience for every dog in our care.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding, cooperation and trust.