PAW-LICIES:
(subject to change without notice)
- Current Vaccinations/Veterinarian Information: All pets receiving services must be current on rabies, (distemper/parvo-virus for pets under 1 yr) vaccinations. We highly recommend bordetella as well. Paper proof of vaccination shall be provided prior to any services, as well as current veterinarian information. Special circumstances will be taken into consideration.
- Aggressive or dangerous dogs: Owners must inform Baths Bows & Biscuits if their dog(s) bites, has bitten, or is aggressive to people, other dogs or specific grooming procedures. Muzzles may be used if necessary. Muzzling will not harm your dog and protects both the dog and the groomer. We reserve the right to refuse/stop service for ALL pets at any time before or during the grooming process, and charge an aggressive dog fee, in addition to the regular grooming charge. Customers also understand that all bites will be reported to the local authorities as required by law.
- Health or Medical Problems & Senior Dogs: Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful, especially for a senior dog or a dog with health problems. Pets with prior health concerns will be asked to sign a separate waiver. These procedures can expose hidden or aggravate known medical problems, during or after the groom. Because senior dogs with health problems have a greater chance of injury these dogs will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, and the style that will not add to their stress. In the interest of your dog, Baths Bows & Biscuits will obtain immediate veterinary treatment for your dog should it be deemed necessary by Baths Bows & Biscuits, at owners cost. We will do our best to contact you first, then take your dog to your authorized veterinarian or to the nearest available veterinarian. It is agreed that all expenses for veterinary care will be covered by the dog's owner.
- Puppy's first Haircut: The first grooming experience for a puppy (or any age dog) requires patience and understanding. More time may be necessary to work with younger pets. Gradually adding steps to the grooming process on a regular basis will help to minimize any potential stress. Puppies should be introduced to the grooming experience as soon as possible & in small steps to encourage a happy/healthy lifetime grooming experience. Baths Bows & Biscuits provides a low stress grooming experience & will always strive to give pets the least stressful grooming experience.
- Mat Removal: Dogs with matted coats need extra attention during their grooming session. Mats left in a dog's coat will only grow tighter and can strangle the dog's skin or eventually tear it open. Baths Bows & Biscuits does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your dog, and will not continually de-mat your dog. We believe in comfort over vanity & will always put your pets comfort first! Mats can be very difficult and uncomfortable to remove and may require the dog to be shaved. When necessary, removing a heavily matted coat includes risks of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the dog's skin allowing mold, fungus or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process. Torn skin from mats can also harbor maggots. After-effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions and failure of the hair to regrow. Shaved dogs are also prone to sunburn and should either have sunscreen applied daily or should be kept out of the sun until their hair grow sufficiently to protect the skin. In some cases, dogs can also exhibit brief behavioral changes. There is an extra charge for dematting if it can be done humanely. Prevention is the best defense against matting; therefore, be sure to schedule regular grooming appointments. We will do our best to remove mats but not at the expense of your dog experiencing pain or discomfort. Therefore, a severely matted dog may not have a grooming outcome you would expect.
- Accidents: There is always the possibility an accident could occur. Grooming equipment is sharp. Even though we use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur, including cuts, nicks, and scratches. In most cases, this can happen when a dog is wiggling or moving around. Every effort will be made to ensure your dog is groomed as safely as possible, but an excited dog can be dangerous to continue to work on. We reserve the right to end the grooming session, even if the groom is not completed.
- Parasites: If fleas or ticks are found during the grooming process, you will be charged an additional fee to properly treat your dog. Baths Bows & Biscuits will not use pesticide dips or sprays on your dog. Ticks found will be removed for an additional charge. If ticks are found, we strongly suggest that you have your dog test for Lyme disease. Parasites are a health hazard to your dog, as well as to humans.
- Active Clients/New Clients: All pets benefit from regular grooming/spaw days(4-9 weeks). Going long periods between spaw days can cause many health issues and cause grooming experiences to be stressful instead of relaxed. Due to this our salon requires clients to maintain a pre-booked regular schedule of 4-12 weeks(depending on breed, health, previous haircut, ect). Your groomer can help you find a schedule that works for you & your pet. Due to this any clients that have not received services longer than 3 months will be marked inactive & removed from our system. See our blog for more information on spaw day benefits for your pet. Our salon is currently only accepting new pets under 15 pounds & pets over 15 by ruff-eral only due to booking 8+ weeks in advanced.
- Late Pick-Ups: Dogs not picked up by closing for the day an additional fee will apply ($5 per 10 minutes). Pets left more than 45 minutes past close a $50.00 kennel charge will apply. Pets not picked up after 24 hours will be considered abandoned. Fees for late pick-up during holidays or non-business days will be charged double. Full payment of all charges is due at the time of pick up.
- Abandonment: Missouri Law protects animals against abandonment. Any animal that is abandoned at Baths Bows & Biscuits will be reported to Animal Protective Services and turned over to local animal control, humane society, or shelter in accordance with Missouri Law. Such abandonment will constitute relinquishment of all rights and claim by owner.
- No Shows & Cancellations:Appointment cancellations (less then 24 hrs) are subject to a $15.00 FEE PER DOG that will be added to follow up appointment. No Show appointments will be on a strict 3 strike policy. 1st no show will be a $25 charge, 2nd No Show will require a 50% nonrefundable deposit on future appointments, 3rd No show will mark client inactive & removed from the system. We understand there may be emergency situations and we will work with you but not on a continued basis. Please be respectful of our time as we are a by-appointment business, and another client could have taken your appointment if we had known. NOTE: Clients who are 15 minutes late will be rescheduled.
- Returned Check Policy: Checks that are returned are subject to a $30.00 service fee. Future appointments must be paid in cash or credit card prior to the start of your dog's next appointment.