Our commitment to clarity and care

At The Barkside Grooms, we are dedicated to providing a loving and professional grooming experience for your beloved dog. To ensure transparency and maintain the high standards of our service, please review our terms and conditions. These guidelines are in place to protect the well-being of all pets and the smooth operation of our small business.

Booking and cancellation policy

At The Barkside Grooms, we strive to provide the best possible service to all customers. As a small, one-person business, missed appointments or last-minute cancellations have a significant impact on my livelihood. Therefore, the following policy is in effect:

Cancellation notice

If you need to cancel your appointment, please do so at least 48 hours before your scheduled time. This allows me the opportunity to offer the slot to another customer.

Late cancellations/no-shows

If you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment, or do not show up without notice, a fee of 50% of the original full groom price will be charged before you can book again.

Late pick-up fee

If you are late to collect your dog after the appointment time is finished, a late fee of £5 per 30 minutes will be charged. Please adhere to the arrival and pick-up times. This fee is necessary as I cannot house multiple dogs at once, and late pick-ups can significantly delay my work day.

A few reminders...

We are committed to the safety and well-being of every dog in our care:

  • If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we may not be able to guarantee your appointment will be available.
  • An additional charge of £5 will be added to your cost if you are late for collection, starting with a minimum of 30 minutes and continuing thereafter.
  • Please ensure your pet has had opportunities to relieve themselves before entering the salon.
  • Please do not feed your pet 30 minutes before your appointment.
  • You are responsible for keeping your pet's vaccinations up to date.
  • We recommend puppies wait at least two weeks after their second vaccination before booking a groom.
  • Please inform The Barkside Grooms of any medical conditions.
  • You may be asked for a letter from your vet stating your pet is healthy to be groomed beforehand.
  • Whilst we are fully insured and will meet every care required of the pets being groomed, any pets left within The Barkside Grooms are left entirely at the owner's risk.
  • The Barkside Grooms has the right to refuse any pet without reason.

Matting & Clipping

 

  • The clipping of sick or elderly dogs is entirely at the owner's risk. Grooming may expose underlying skin or health problems for which we cannot be held liable.
  • The Barkside Grooms will not be held responsible for any adverse reactions to products used; this includes but is not limited to shampoos, colognes, and ear cleaners. Any known allergies should be discussed with the groomer before the appointment.
  • Estimates are based on the average dog of the breed or type and assume the dog is presented in good condition. Additional charges will apply for extra time and products involved in grooming neglected coats, in particular those which require clipping off due to severe matting, and for dogs whose temperament or health also requires additional time to complete.
  • The Barkside Grooms will not perform any grooming procedure that causes pain or a level of stress that we think is excessive. In some situations, this can include nail trimming. We will advise on the next best thing for you and your dog.