Grooming Policies & Client Agreement

The Schnauzy Spaw: Where Grooming Meets Compassion

At The Schnauzy Spaw, every decision we make stems from a deep commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of your dog. Our grooming policies are rooted in our mission: to provide a one-on-one, cage-free grooming experience where every dog feels safe, respected, and lovingly cared for — especially those with special needs or past trauma.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a calm, professional, and nurturing environment.

🐾 Safety First

The safety and well-being of every pet in our care are our highest priority.

  • All dogs must arrive on a leash with a secure collar or harness and proper identification.
  • Pets displaying signs of illness or injury may be turned away or rescheduled for their health and the safety of others.
  • Please notify us in advance of any known behavioral or medical concerns.

💳 Payment, Refund & Liability Policy

All Sales Are Final
Due to the time, care, and individualized service provided, grooming fees are non-refundable once the service is completed.

Service Satisfaction
Client satisfaction is important to us. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, please let us know before leaving so we can make reasonable adjustments during the same-day visit. Once your pet departs, the grooming is considered accepted.

Behavioral and Medical Concerns
Grooming may be modified or discontinued if your pet becomes overly stressed, shows signs of aggression, or presents a medical condition. In such cases, partial or full grooming charges will still apply.

Liability Waiver
While we handle each pet with professional care and attention, grooming may carry inherent risks, especially for pets with existing health conditions or sensitivities. The Schnauzy Spaw is not liable for any medical conditions that arise during or after grooming, including but not limited to skin irritation, minor nicks, allergic reactions, or exacerbated pre-existing conditions.

📅 Deposit, Cancellations, No-Shows & Card Policy

To ensure a calm, personalized experience for every pup, we limit the number of appointments booked per day.

  • A $30 deposit is required at the time of booking and applied toward your final total.
  • Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will forfeit the deposit.
  • No-shows will be charged 100% of the scheduled service, and repeated no-shows may impact your ability to book in the future.
  • A valid card on file is required to secure all appointments.
  • Payment is due at pick-up and can be made via cash, debit/credit, Zelle, or Apple Pay.

Thank you for understanding that these policies help us maintain a peaceful grooming experience.

⏰ Late Arrivals & Pick-Up Policy

Late Arrivals

  • If you’re more than 10 minutes late, we may need to reschedule or adjust services.
  • Additional fees may apply if we’re still able to accommodate your pet.

Timely Pick-Up

  • Pets must be picked up within 20 minutes of notification.
  • A 15-minute grace period is allowed.
  • A $5 fee per 10-minute increment will apply for late pick-ups beyond that window.

💩 Cleanliness & Potty Policy

Please ensure your dog has gone potty before arriving. A $5 sanitation fee may apply for repeated accidents.

🐕 Aggression & Bite Policy

The safety of our staff and your pet is non-negotiable.

  • A muzzle may be used if your pet exhibits aggression.
  • A $25 incident fee will be charged if a bite breaks the skin.
  • If grooming cannot be completed due to behavior, partial charges may still apply.
  • Clients must disclose any history of aggression. Failure to do so may result in the discontinuation of services.

✂ De-Matting Policy

We recommend regular grooming to prevent matting.

  • Light matting: $1 per minute
  • Severe matting: May require full shave-down
  • The Schnauzy Spaw is not liable for conditions revealed under matted fur, such as sores or skin irritations.

🐾 Senior & Medically Fragile Pets

We proudly serve aging and special-needs pets with added care and patience.

  • Services may be modified or stopped if grooming becomes risky.
  • All services for pets over age 7 are performed at the owner’s risk.

✨ Post-Grooming Concerns

If any concerns arise (e.g., redness, irritation, uneven cut), contact us within 24 hours, and we’ll do our best to make it right.

💉 Vaccination Requirements

  • Puppies (under 16 weeks): Must have at least two rounds of vaccines.
  • Dogs 16 weeks+: Must be current on Rabies vaccination.

🐜 Flea & Tick Policy

If fleas are found during grooming, your pet will receive a flea bath ($30 fee) immediately. This also covers the required deep sanitation of the space. Ask us about prevention options.

📋 Emergency Care Authorization

In case of an emergency:

  • We will seek immediate veterinary care at your expense.
  • If your primary vet is unavailable, we will use a licensed local provider.
  • Please notify us within 48 hours of any incident believed to be grooming-related.
  • Any reimbursement is at our sole discretion.

📸 Photo & Video Release

By booking, you give permission for your pet’s photos/videos to be used for marketing.
If you’d prefer not to have your pet featured, just let us know — we completely respect your wishes.

🚫 Non-Solicitation Agreement

By booking with The Schnauzy Spaw, you agree not to solicit or hire our staff independently. Violation of this agreement may result in services being discontinued.

🐾 Final Note

We started The Schnauzy Spaw because our own senior dogs were turned away or mistreated by traditional groomers. Here, we’re redefining grooming as a compassionate, one-on-one spa experience designed around your dog’s needs.

Your dog isn’t just a client — they’re family.

Thank you for trusting us with their care.