The Boring Stuff (a.k.a. The Important Bits)
Running a one‑on‑one grooming studio means every appointment is carefully timed. When things run late, dogs arrive matted, or important health/behaviour details aren’t shared in advance, it impacts not just your dog’s groom — it affects every client after you, our schedule, and the wellbeing of the dogs in our care. Please tell us about any matting, behavioural concerns, health issues, or special needs when booking.
These policies aren’t here to be “rules for the sake of rules” — they’re here to keep tails wagging, grooms on time, and everyone safe.
📅 Cancellations & No‑Shows
- Please give 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
- Less than 48 hours’ notice = full service fee charged.
- No‑shows will be charged in full before we can rebook you.
⏰ Late Drop‑Off
- We work one dog at a time — if you’re late, it can throw out the whole day.
- Arriving more than 15 minutes late may mean we can’t complete the full groom.
- If we can still fit you in, a $20 late start fee applies.
🚗 Late Pick‑Up
- We’ll text you when your dog is ready. Please collect within 15 minutes.
- More than 30 minutes late = $20 “staycation” fee.
- This keeps our schedule running smoothly and your dog comfortable.
✂️ Matting Fees
- Minor Matting – $25 for up to 15 minutes (small, localised tangles).
- Major Matting – $50 for up to 30 minutes (widespread or tight mats).
- If your dog is continually matted, we may remove you from our client list.
- Severe matting may require a shorter clip for your dog’s comfort.
🐾 Behaviour
- We’ll do everything we can to complete the groom, but if your dog becomes too stressed or reactive, we may only be able to do a partial groom or nail clip.
- The full grooming fee still applies even if the groom is incomplete.
👵 Senior Dogs
- Older dogs sometimes need extra time — they may be less tolerant, or drying may need to be slower for comfort.
- If this happens, an additional fee may apply to cover the extra time and care.
📸 Photos & Social Media
- We sometimes take before/after photos or videos of your dog for our records or social media.
- By booking, you consent to us using these images unless you tell us otherwise before the appointment.
💳 Payment Terms
- All fees are payable at the time of collection.
- We accept cash and Square payments.
- Unpaid accounts must be settled before future bookings can be accepted.
🧼 Coat & Skin Condition
- We are not responsible for pre‑existing skin conditions, irritations, or injuries that may be uncovered during grooming.
- If we discover anything concerning (lumps, sores, parasites), we will let you know immediately and may recommend a vet check.
🚫 Parasites
- If fleas or ticks are found, we may stop the groom and ask you to reschedule after treatment.
⚠️ Emergency Care
- In the unlikely event of an emergency, we will seek immediate veterinary care for your dog.
- You agree to cover any associated costs, unless the cause is the fault of Dashing Hounds.
🛑 Refusal of Service
- We reserve the right to refuse or stop a groom if it is unsafe for your dog or our staff.
- This includes extreme matting, aggressive behaviour, or health concerns.
By booking with us, you agree to these terms.