Policies and Procedures

Grooming Policies and Release 

Thank you so much for choosing Barking Spot for your dog grooming needs. Your dog is very important to us and BARKING SPOT would like to assure you that we will make every effort to make your dog’s grooming experience as pleasant and safe as possible. Please be sure to thoroughly read these policies and sign/initial if understood.

Payment: 

Payment is due at the end of each service. We accept cash & all major credit cards and debit cards. Gratuity is appreciated by your groomer and you are able to add a tip on any service at checkout.

Health or Medical Problems:

Occasionally grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming. All medical expenses for veterinary care will be covered by the animal's owner upon signing this agreement.

Accidents:

Although accidents are very rare, there is a risk when handling pets. Although we use extreme caution and care in all situations, grooming equipment is extremely sharp and possible accidents can occur, including (but not limited to): cuts, nicks, scratches, or quicking of the nails. In most cases, this can happen when a pet is wiggling or moving around. Your pet’s safety and comfort is our number one priority. In the event an accident does occur, you will be notified. If Barking Spot feels it is an accident requiring veterinary attention and the pet owner is not on-site, BARKING SPOT will seek immediate veterinary care for your animal.

Veterinarian Authorization -- Medical Emergencies:

While my dog(s) is/are in the care of ​BARKING SPOT​, if I am unreachable in the event of an emergency, I hereby authorize BARKING SPOT, its agents, employees and/or representatives to seek immediate veterinary care for my dog(s). I understand that all costs in connection with veterinary, medical or other treatment, shall be my sole responsibility.

 _______  Photos

  (initial)   Occasionally we post photos of some of our furry friends. Please initial if we have your permission to post photos of your pet to our website and/or social media pages.

 _______ Health

  (initial)   I understand that grooming services can be stressful for some dogs. I understand that it is my responsibility to inform my groomer if my pet has any heart problems, anxiety sensitivities or any other health/stress related issues prior to my appointment.

 _______ Current Vaccines

  (initial)   I understand that my dog must be up to date on all their vaccinations including Parvo, Bordetella and Rabies with proof of vaccination.  I understand that all  puppies must be at least 12 weeks old and current on their puppy series vaccines with documentation of such.

_______ Cancellations or No Shows

    (initial)   I understand that if I need to change my appointment time or cancel my grooming, that it must be made at least 24 hours in advance or a fee of $25 will apply. I understand that if I do not call to cancel and do not show up to my appointment, there will be a fee of $40  and is required to be paid before another appointment may be scheduled.

_______ Before/After Grooming Stay

    (initial)  I understand that if my dog is left in the care of Barking Spot for more than 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment and/or for more than 30 minutes after I have been called and a message has been left that my dog is ready to be picked up then I  will incur a charge of $10 per 30 min.

 _______ Fleas/Ticks

   (initial) I understand that Barking Spot requires my dog to be on a tick/flea regimen. If my pet has any fleas, they will be given a flea bath at my expense of $10 in addition to the base cost of the bath or groom. I understand that I will be informed before continuing any service.

_______ Matting

   (initial)  Pets with severely matted coats require extra attention. Mats in a pet’s coat grow tight, and can ultimately damage and tear the pet's skin, which provides a breeding ground for parasite infestations and infections. Barking Spot will not cause serious or undue stress to your pet by de-matting excessively matted coats and may require the pet to be shaved. Removing a heavily matted coat can cause nicks, cuts, or abrasions due to skin growths trapped in the mats. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the pet's skin allowing mold, fungus or bacteria to grow, producing skin irritations that exist prior to the grooming process. After-effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions, and failure of the hair to regrow. In some cases, pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes. If your pet needs to be shaved to remove matting, you acknowledge that you agree to this procedure and any risk presented. There will be an additional charge for this process: it is very time consuming, and causes extra wear on grooming equipment. De-Matting will be charged at $1 per minute, and if we must shave your dog, a Matted Shave Fee of $10-$50 will apply in addition to the cost of the groom.

_______ We reserve the right

   (initial)  I understand that Barking Spot has the right to refuse any services for any pet at any time. In the event that my animal is aggressive, overly stressed or becomes dangerous to groom, Barking Spot has the right to refuse services, stop grooming services, or cancel services at any time before, during, or after grooming and I will be charged a grooming fee for the services rendered until that point.

_______ 2nd Groomer

  (initial)  2nd Handler - I understand that in the event that Barking Spot would need to get a second groomer to assist in the grooming to ensure that my pet can be safely groomed, a fee of $10 or more will apply.

_______ Authorized Persons for Pick-Up:

If someone other than yourself or another owner of the dog is picking up from their grooming appointment, that person must either be listed on your registration form as authorized to pick-up, or we must know at drop off. ID will need to be presented by the person picking up for verification before staff can release your dog. NO EXCEPTIONS!