Please ensure you have read the policies of Canine Works prior to booking an appointment. By requesting and booking an appointment you agree to abide by the terms of our policies.

MATTING

Understanding Matting

Matting occurs when fur becomes tangled, forming tightly wound clumps of loose live and dead hair. This painful condition restricts blood flow and adheres to your dog’s skin, preventing proper air circulation. As a result, matting can lead to various issues, including:

  • Skin Problems: Hot spots, rashes, and infections

  • Parasite Infestations: Fleas, ticks, and other irritants

  • Moisture Retention: Trapped moisture can cause mold, fungus, and bacteria growth

  • Urine and Fecal Scalding: The matting can exacerbate hygiene issues

Risks of Grooming Matted Coats

Removing a matted coat requires extra care and time, with inherent risks such as:

  • Physical Injuries: Nicks, cuts, or abrasions can occur during grooming

  • Skin Reactions: Itchiness, redness, and irritation may follow clipping

  • Behavioral Changes: Some dogs may exhibit brief behavioral changes or discomfort

  • Ear Issues: Removing large mats from ears may lead to head shaking, which can cause hematomas (blood vessel leakage)

Prevention

The best defense against matting is a consistent brushing routine and regular grooming appointments. If you need guidance on how to brush your dog effectively, please ask for a complimentary brushing lesson and recommendations for tools.

Additional Charges

Extra costs will apply for matted dogs at a rate of $1 per minute. If your dog is uncomfortable, non-cooperative, or aggressive, we reserve the right to refuse grooming or leave the groom incomplete, while still requesting payment for the full session.

Acknowledgment of Risks

While we strive to provide the best care, we prefer not to groom matted dogs due to the associated risks. If you choose to proceed with the groom despite these risks, please know that any veterinary treatment required due to matting-related issues will be at your expense.

By choosing Canine Works, you agree that we are not responsible for any veterinary bills arising from the grooming and dematting process.

Link to Dematting Release Form

PARASITES

If we find parasites present during any stage of the groom, the grooming will be terminated and you will be contacted to immediately pick up your dog. There will be payment of the full groom plus an additional fee / charge to cover the cost of flea elimination / disinfection and deep clean of the premises and equipment.

CANCELLATIONS

Please note that if you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up, the full service fee will be charged. We send reminder messages at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to allow sufficient time for you to confirm, decline, or reschedule.

If we do not receive a response within 24 hours of your appointment, we will interpret this as a cancellation, and your appointment will be removed from our schedule. In the event of a no-show, we reserve the right to charge the full grooming fee to cover the costs associated with the reserved time.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy, as it helps us effectively manage our schedule and accommodate other clients on our waitlist.

Although all necessary precaution is taken, there is always a risk of accidents when working with live mobile animals and sharp instruments. The grooming process can also expose hidden medical concerns or undiagnosed conditions and/or inadvertently aggravate existing problems. For example, matted coats, long nails or difficult behavior can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Grooming sick or elderly dogs or dogs with chronic conditions is entirely at the owner’s risk. If your dog shows signs of illness, please reschedule their grooms. In the event of injury or illness a vet visit may be required. Owners are fully liable for all vet costs in these instances. In the case of an emergency, you will be contacted for permission to take your animal to a vet for treatment. If you are unreachable, we will take the action that is in the best interest of your pet. We recommend our clients have pet insurance.

HEALTH AND SAFETY