Grooming Form

Health Conditions: Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful, especially for senior pets or pets with health problems. Grooming can expose hidden medical problems as well as aggravate an existing one, whether it be during or after the grooming. Because senior pets and pets with health problems have a greater risk of injury, these pets will be groomed for comfort and cleanliness, as Inwood Animal Clinic will not compromise any pet’s health and/or wellbeing to achieve “the perfect groom.” The pet owner will advise Inwood Animal Clinic of any medical, physical, or emotional issues, allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing conditions. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, hip and/or joint issues, warts, moles, ear infections or skin problems. The owner will also inform Inwood Animal Clinic of new conditions as they arise. Inwood Animal Clinic will not be responsible for accidents or injury to elderly or health compromised pets during their grooming. By signing below, the owner agrees that Inwood Animal Clinic has permission to groom their senior or health-compromised pet and has discussed any and all (past and present) health problems to the best of their knowledge.

Fleas: If fleas are found on your pet, Inwood Animal Clinic will give a one-time flea treatment to be charged to the owner. This cost covers the medication and administration to ensure our grooming salon is free of active parasites. Capstar kills the fleas on the pet only. If there are fleas in the home area, the treatment will not protect your pet once they leave the establishment.

Matted Pet Policy: Pets with matted coats will require extra attention. If the matting is deemed minimal by our groomer, and the pet responds well, we may brush them out for an additional fee ($10-$30 for most grooming) and the fee will be at the groomer's discretion. Please be on standby for any calls from the groomer. We firmly believe that grooming should be an enjoyable experience, and we will not put your pet through the discomfort of unnecessary de-matting. We will notify you if your pet needs to be shaved. If permission to shave your pet is denied, the grooming will not be completed and you must collect your pet as they were left. If de-matting is done, the skin may appear red, itchy and irritated from detangling the fur. Inwood Animal Clinic is not liable for any injuries or complications that may occur during or after grooming due to matting. Our groomers and staff will be more than happy to demonstrate brushing techniques for matting prevention.

Accidents: Although accidents are very rare, there is always a risk when dealing with pets. Grooming equipment can be sharp, and we use extreme caution and care in all situations. Possible accidents can occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, quicking of nails etc. In most cases, this can happen when a pet is wiggling or moving around. Any incident, no matter how small, will be communicated to the pet owner. Any veterinary expenses resulting from matting, age-related issues, aggression, difficult temperament, or pre-existing or unforeseen conditions will be the sole responsibility of the pet owner. Your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. If our groomer determines that continuing the grooming process may compromise your pet’s well-being, grooming will be stopped immediately, and you will be contacted. In the event that an accident does occur, you will be notified.

Muzzles: Muzzling can protect both the pet and the groomer. In some cases, muzzling may even calm a stressed animal, allowing the grooming process to continue. If your pet acts in a manner that our groomer feels is dangerous, Inwood Animal Clinic has the right to stop grooming services at any time. We do not muzzle animals unless your pet gives us a reason to.

Aggressive Animals and Behavioral Issues: The owner must inform Inwood Animal Clinic if your pet bites, has bitten before, is aggressive, unpredictable and/or has any other behavioral issues, including nervousness. We will make every reasonable attempt to groom uncooperative pets, but we may not be able to complete the grooming on pets that pose a threat to themselves, other pets, or our groomers. We reserve the right to muzzle any pet for their safety and ours. Extremely aggressive or unruly pets will not be groomed. If a dog is felt to be exhibiting behavior that is unsafe, it may be in the best interest of the pet that the grooming be stopped or sedation can be considered.

Late Pick Ups: When dropping off your pet, you will be advised of a time frame of when we anticipate completion of services. Please keep in mind that grooming can be a very time-consuming and unpredictable process depending on pet’s behavior, as well as the condition of the coat. We will do our best to manage the approximated time given, but please understand that factors outside of our control can influence how long the process may take. All pets brought in for grooming must be picked up within one hour of the time the client is informed the pet is ready. There is a $5 fee for every 10 minutes your pet is here after closing. Unfortunately, we cannot keep pets that are noisy longer than their grooming time. All pets that have been classified as noisy will be groomed within 3 hours and must be collected within 30 minutes of call time.

Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is important. If you are unhappy for any reason, and would like something adjusted, we will be happy to work with you when you pick up your pet from their appointment. However, once you take your pet home, any adjustments requested after this time may be charged a grooming fee.