Policies

Pet (s) and Groomer Safety

Your pet(s) safety is top priority at The Grooming Lab

We require a current copy of your pet(s)s’ vaccination records. Rabies vaccine is required by the state of PA. Pet booster (DHPP), canine cough (Bordetella), canine influenza (CIV or H2N8) are needed for the protection of your pet(s). This policy is strictly enforced! If no proof is provided, we will have to confirm vaccination statues with your veterinarian BEFORE you leave your pet(s) at our facility.

For the pet(s) to properly respond to the groom it is essential that the pet(s) be alone with the groomer and clients will not assist in the grooming process unless requested by the groomer to do so.

Customers assumes all liabilities, financial and otherwise for the behavior and health of their pet(s). In consideration of the services rendered by The Grooming Lab, customers waive any and all claims' actions or demands of any nature, foreseen or unforeseen against The Grooming Lab relating to the care, control, health, and/or safety of our customers pet(s) arising during services performed by The Grooming Lab.

Scheduled Appointments and Cancellations

At the Grooming Lab, scheduling is important to not only maintain the flow of our facility but to help maintain your pet's coat quality. We ask our clients to reschedule their pets at least 4- to 8-weeks after every grooming session. We strive to book appointments so we can keep all appointment times short to accommodate our clients' schedules. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, we require a minimum of 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Please understand that when client's no-show for their appointments or cancel without sufficient notice, the opportunity to fill that appointment time with a client who is on the waiting list will miss the opportunity to receive our services.

AS A RESULT:
"No - Shows" will be charged 100% of the service amount.
Cancelling or "no-showing" two consecutive appointments will result in a non-refundable deposit of 50% of your grooming service prior to booking your next appointment and will be required to have your card information on file.

A courtesy reminder will be sent up to 48 hours prior to your appointment, please provide an email cell phone number to receive our courtesy reminder. 

Late Arrivals and Late Pick-ups

We are only able to perform the grooming services for your pet in the time allotted for your scheduled appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late to your scheduled appointment, we may not be able to perform your scheduled grooming service, and you may need to reschedule your appointment so that we can stay on schedule with our other clients. If time allows, an additional fee may apply in order to complete a full groom. At the time you drop off your pet, we will be able to give you an approximate time for pick-up. We will send you a text or call you as soon as your pet is finished. If you are late (such as after business hours), an additional fee will be added to accommodate the time spent caring for and keeping your pet comfortable until you arrive. Late pick-up fees are as follows: $5 for every 10 minutes after a 15-minute grace period after closing hours. If a pet is left at the salon after closing, it can be left in the grooming area overnight. If the owner picks up their pet the next day, they will be charged a $100 overnight fee.

Health Conditions, Medical, & Vet Procedures

Your pet is our number one concern! If you suspect that they are feeling under the weather, please notify us in advance! Grooming can be physically demanding and can aggravate pre-existing conditions, allergies and sensitivities. Please advise us of any pre-existing conditions, allergies and sensitivities so we can avoid aggravating these conditions prior to your grooming appointment. If you have a concern about an issue that arises after a grooming appointment, we request that you bring it to our attention within 24-48 hours of your appointment so we can address it immediately. All medical expenses for veterinary care will be covered at the owner's expense. We strongly suggest that you wait 48 hours after your pet has been vaccinated by your vet to schedule an appointment. If your pet has undergone any dental procedures, we ask that you wait one week to schedule an appointment. If your pet has gone through any other major procedures, we ask that you wait at least 2 weeks to schedule an appointment.

Please note, we cannot diagnose or treat any medical conditions, and it will be suggested you seek veterinary treatment if we come across any medical concerns. 

Accidents

Accidents are very rare, however there is a risk when handling animals who are a little wigglier or move around. although we use extra caution while handling your pet's, grooming equipment is very sharp and can cause injuries such as, but not limited to cuts, nicks, scratches, and quicking of nails. In the event an accident does occur, you as their owner will be notified of the accident. If The Grooming Lab feels the incident is serious enough, and the owner is not on the premises, The Grooming Lab will seek veterinary care for you pet at owners expense.

Aggressive Behavior

Grooming can be stressful for sensitive pets, and some tolerate it better than others. Our professionally trained staff uses proper handling techniques and equipment to deal with most dispositions. Please ensure to inform our staff at the time of booking you pet's appointment that they require special handling so we can book accordingly. Special handling may accrue an additional fee to your invoice. 

Considerations

In order to maintain a sanitary work environment, we ask that you walk your dog to relieve themselves prior to your appointment. A clean-up fee of $20 may apply if it is a repetitive problem.

We ask that you please do not pick up your dog before receiving a text or a call from us. Your pet will be upset if they see you before they are finished, and it may result in an unfinished groom. 

We do not provide waiting facilities for our patrons and for the comfort and security of your pet(s), it is not recommended that you come in to pick up your pet(s) prior to a phone call or text! Unless prior agreements are made during the booking process.

Flea Infestation / Salon Sanitation

The Grooming Lab strives to be a flea-free facility. Any dog that has fleas will immediately be given a flea bath to reduce the risk of parasite transmission to other dogs in our care! The salon then will be thoroughly treated with a deep clean and a flea premise spray after every case of fleas to help protect our other clients! There will be an additional fee of $30 applied to your invoice to cover the cost of the flea shampoo and fumigation of the facility.
We strongly recommend discussing with your vet about flea and tick preventatives.

Matted or Neglected Coats and Shave Downs or De-Matting

Pets groomed on a regular basis adjust and cooperate with the routine. Pets that are not groomed every 4–8 weeks may be matted. Matting occurs from lack of grooming, coat overgrowth, not being routinely brushed, or a coat not being combed through prior to getting wet. Matting is not only very UNCOMFORTABLE but DANGEROUS for your pet’s health. Additional fees may apply for de-matting a pet. When matting is severe and/or close to the skin, the only humane way to remove the mats is to clip the coat off to the skin line. In some cases where matting is not severe and only covers a small area, we can remove it by splitting, thinning, and brushing it out. 15 minutes of brushing come with every service. There is a fee of $10 per 15 minutes to de-mat your pet after the allotted 15 minutes. Severe matting may require an hour or more. Matted coats are hard on our equipment and, in most cases, require two haircuts: the first to remove the matted coat prior to bathing and the second to even up the coat after bathing. We are not responsible for health conditions that may be revealed by removing a matted coat, such as sores, but we do our best to ensure your pets' skin is cared for.
I am aware that neglect of my pet’s coat can be cause of problems after grooming such as clipper/brush irritation.

Payment

Payment is due at the time of pick-up. We accept cash, check and all major debit and credit cards. Tips aren't required but are greatly appreciated! There will be a $50 fee for non-sufficient funds checks. Rates and requirements are subject to change without notice!

Liability

Pet owners remain responsible for their pet's behavior and actions. The Grooming Lab, its owners, agents, and employees will not be held liable or responsible for the actions or behavior of any pet while on or off our property. The Grooming Lab, its owners, agents, and employees will not be held liable or responsible for any groomed K9 handled in our care for; including, but limited to the cause of death, loss or injury due to escape, natural disaster, fire, theft and any other unforeseen reason.

Photographs & Social Media

This authorizes The Grooming Lab to take photos of your pet for client files and for the company website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. All photos taken are the property of The Grooming Lab.