Terms of Service
Every animal has a unique personality and disposition. Each individual animal also has unique needs. Because of this, every animal needs to be groomed differently. Grooming a pet is inherently dangerous due to the combination of sharp equipment needed to groom a pet and sudden, unexpected movement pets can make. Due to the unique nature of pet grooming, the client releases Pawsitivity Dog Grooming, its agents, and employees from any and all liabilities, financial, and otherwise, for injuries or damage to the Client, the Client’s pet, or any other property of the Client, which arise in any way from services and/or products provided by or as a consequence of the Client’s association with Pawsitivity Dog Grooming.
The Client assumes all liabilities, financial and otherwise, for the behavior and health of their pet. In consideration of the services rendered by, the Client waives any and all claims, actions, or demands of any nature, foreseen or unforeseen, against Pawsitivity Dog Grooming relating to the care, control, health, and/or safety of the Client’s pet arising during or after services are performed by Pawsitivity Dog Grooming. Pawsitivity Dog Grooming is not responsible for the escape or loss of any pet(s). Pawsitivity Dog Grooming requires all vaccinations legally required by the state of Illinois, as well as Bordetella vaccines, be current and up to date. The Client agrees to furnish records showing this compliance to Pawsitivity Dog Grooming upon request. The Client understands it is possible to even for vaccinated pets to become ill with an infectious disease despite being vaccinated, and this is not due to any circumstance or condition related to Pawsitivity Dog Grooming. Pawsitivity Dog Grooming is not responsible for any allergic reactions resulting from the use of any products. The Client also agrees to disclose the use or application of any chemical products (such as flea and tick treatments) on the pet before the time of service.
The Client understands that Pawsitivity Dog Grooming has the right to refuse service at any time for any reason.
Appointments & Cancellations (including rescheduled appointments): Pawsitivity Dog Grooming is limited in its ability to fill a canceled appointment with short notice. Because of this, cancellation of appointments must be at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time to avoid a deposit. If an appointment is canceled or rescheduled within the 48 hour time frame, the Client agrees to pay a non-refundable deposit of at least $25, which will be counted as a credit toward the cost of grooming on the rescheduled date, to secure another appointment.
Missed Appointments (No-Show & last minute cancellations): Because appointments are made and held for specific times to the exclusion of other clientele, a Client is expected to show up at their designated appointment time, or cancel/reschedule with at least 48 hours of notice. After multiple (meaning more than 3 in one year) cancelations or rescheduling of appointments within the 48 hour time frame, the Client will be considered as having a missed appointment. If a Client is more than 10 minutes past the designated appointment time, the appointment will be considered a missed appointment. If an appointment is missed, the Client agrees to be responsible for 100% payment of any fees for services scheduled as a “no-show” fee per pet before any further appointments can be made.
Payment: Payments must be made at the time of service. All returned checks will be assessed all associated fees with a minimum fee of $50 plus any bank fees and the Client agrees to be responsible. If action is instituted to recover any fees due under this agreement, the Client agrees to be responsible for any collection costs including any legal fees and costs spent to collect.
First Grooms: The first grooming experience for any pet(s) requires additional patience and understanding. More time may be necessary to work with them, especially puppies. Gradually adding steps to the grooming process on a regular basis will help to minimize any potential stress. Owners can help their pets accept grooming by regularly massaging pet's paws as well as brushing and combing their coats. Frequent handling of paws can help pets better accept nail clipping or trimming around the feet.
Aggressive Dogs: The Client understands that if their pet has a history of, or repeatedly demonstrates aggression or biting of humans or other animals, they are required to notify Pawsitivity Dog Grooming before services are rendered and may preclude making an appointment. To ensure the safety of the groomer and prevent a pet from injuring themselves, a muzzle may be used if deemed necessary by the groomer. The groomer may also deem it necessary to discontinue grooming for the pet(s) or their own safety. If a pet injures the groomer with a vicious or aggressive bite or attack, the Client agrees to take full responsibility and will be held liable for all expenses related to the treatment of the groomer’s injuries. The Client also understands that all bites must be reported to the local authorities as required by law. If at any time during the grooming process the groomer determines for any reason the grooming process should be discontinued, the Client agrees to pay all charges.
Matting of Coat & Skin Conditions: Pets with matted coats need extra attention during their grooming session. Mats left in a pet's coat only grow tighter, and can strangle the pet's skin, or eventually tear it open. Pawsitivity Dog Grooming does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to any pet, and will not continually de-mat pet(s) for Clients. Mats can be very difficult to remove and may require the pet to be shaved. When necessary, removing a heavily matted coat includes risks of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the pet's skin allowing mold, fungus or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process. Torn skin from mats can also harbor maggots. After-effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions and failure of the hair to re-grow. Shaved pets are also prone to sunburn and should be kept out of the sun until the hair grows sufficiently to protect the skin. In some cases, pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes. Prevention is the best defense against matting by scheduling regular grooming appointments. There is an extra charge for de-matting. The Client agrees to any additional charges for de-matting.
The Client is aware that if the coat on their pet(s) is in a matted condition, the pet(s) may not be able to receive the style of cut the Client is requesting. If the matting is severe, brushing the coat out may be too stressful and painful for the pet. In this case, a shave down may be required. The Client is aware that many skin conditions (including but not limited to bruising, lesions, open sores, maggot or other parasite infestations, scabbing, hair loss, fungal infections, hot spots, etc.) are the result of a matted coat, and it is impossible for any groomer to know what condition the skin may be in underneath a matted coat. If a condition is discovered during the grooming process, the groomer will make the Client aware of this condition during or at the conclusion of the service. The Client will not hold the groomer or Pawsitivity Dog Grooming liable for any condition or injury related to a matted coat, or the removal of such. The Client understands a matted pet(s) is at greater risk of injury during the grooming process.
The Client agrees Pawsitivity Dog Grooming is not responsible for skin changes or coat re-growth or changes after the grooming service. The groomer and Pawsitivity Dog Grooming advises against shaving a double coat due to the risk of poor or no re-growth, as well as coat quality changes and other unknown issues.
Parasites: It is up to pet owners to obtain and ensure application of adequate flea and tick prevention for their pet(s). If the Client suspects their pet has fleas or ticks, prompt and thorough action on the part of the Client will be needed. Flea infestations can lead to tapeworm and other health problems. If fleas or ticks are found during the grooming process, the pet(s) will receive a flea bath to kill the parasites and an extra charge will be applied. Ticks found will be removed and an additional charge may be applied. If ticks are found, we strongly suggest the Client has their pet(s) tested for Lyme Disease or other tick-borne illnesses. Please note that parasites are a health hazard to pet(s) as well as to humans.
Accidents: There is always the possibility an accident could occur. Grooming equipment is sharp, even though we use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, quicking of nails, etc. In most cases, this can happen when a pet is wiggling or moving around. If the Client arrives to pick up pet(s) and the pet(s) are still being groomed, the Client agrees to NOT talk to the pet or allow them to see the Client. Every effort will be made to ensure pet(s) are groomed as safely as possible, but an excited pet can be dangerous to continue to work on. If a Client insists on talking to a pet, or the groomer, during a grooming session, we reserve the right to end the grooming session, even if the groom is not completed, and the full grooming price will be charged.
Medical Treatment: The Client agrees the process of grooming may become stressful for their pet, both physically and mentally, especially in pets with known or unknown medical conditions. The stress of grooming may cause latent, unknown, active or inactive conditions to become active or inflamed and can result in illness, seizures, or the death of their pet. Although Pawsitivity Dog Grooming will take responsible care in the handling and grooming of their pet(s); the Client acknowledges that the stress of grooming may initiate or exacerbate medical problems in their pet. The Client agrees not to hold the groomer or Pawsitivity Dog Grooming responsible for any reactions their pet(s) may have to the grooming process. Pawsitivity Dog Grooming is not responsible for any pre-existing medical conditions, known or unknown, or the aggravation of those conditions.
The pet(s) must not have been exposed to distemper, rabies, bordetella, or parvovirus within thirty (30) days preceding any services received, and each pet has been inoculated as required by Illinois State Law. This agreement applies to all current, past and future services provided by Pawsitivity Dog Grooming. This agreement applies to any and all pets associated with the undersigned Client. The Client agrees to bring any known new behavioral or medical conditions to the attention of Pawsitivity Dog Grooming before the time of service.
The Client grants permission for Pawsitivity Dog Grooming, to obtain medical treatment for their pet(s), should it become necessary. This treatment may occur at any veterinary clinic selected by Pawsitivity Dog Grooming. The Client agrees to pay all costs associated with emergency medical treatment. The Client also agrees to allow Pawsitivity Dog Grooming to treat minor cuts, nicks, burns, or injuries at the time of the occurrence if those injuries are determined by the groomer to not require special vet care. The groomer is not a veterinarian. All advice given is strictly personal opinion Pawsitivity Dog Grooming.
Photos & Video Images: Any photograph(s) or video(s) taken by or sent to Pawsitivity Dog Grooming or their associates are considered to be the property of Pawsitivity Dog Grooming, and can be used and/or reproduced in marketing and other materials without any further consent or authorization and the Client will not be entitled to any compensation for their use.
Hold Harmless Agreement: The Client agrees to hold Pawsitivity Dog Grooming, its owners, operators, employees, officers and directors harmless from any damage, loss, or claim arising from any condition of the pet(s), either known or unknown to Pawsitivity Dog Grooming. It is also further understood and agreed the terms of this agreement can change at any time, without notice, and will overwrite any and all prior contracts or releases.
Privacy Statement
How we use information: We use the information we collect in a variety of ways, including:
to communicate with a Client;
to fulfill a transaction or request;
for internal purposes, such as confirming appointments, and for billing purposes;
to operate and improve our Sites and Services;
to develop research reporting for us, our Affiliates and third-party market research partners.
How we share information: We may share information, including in some cases information that specifically identifies a Client such as name(s), email addresses, physical addresses or telephone number(s) ("personally identifiable information" or "PII"), with Affiliates and trusted third-party partners in the following ways:
to help operate our Sites and Services;
to facilitate fulfillment of a transaction or request;
to provide research reporting for us, our Affiliates and third-party partners.
Examples of third-party partners include vendors who process credit cards payments, services providers who compile and analyze data collected by us, service providers who supplement or match the information we have collected with information from other parties, market research companies, Advertisers, call centers, and email support vendors. Upon entering into relationships with these third party partners, we implement reasonable contractual and technical protections to limit the use of your information, including your PII, to the scope of the service. When we share or sell aggregated and unaggregated reporting information about the use of and users of the Sites and Services (e.g., market research data), including search and URL information, to Affiliates and third-party partners, we do not intentionally disclose PII.