Terms & Conditions
The Mutt Co – Dog Grooming Services
Effective Date: 20/11/2024
Welcome to The Mutt Co! By booking an appointment or using our services, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions.
1. General Information
1.1 Business Name and Location: The Mutt Co, located in Langholm, Scotland, United Kingdom.
1.2 Contact Information: For any queries, please contact us at 07969904164 or info@themuttco.co.uk.
2. Appointments
2.1 Booking: Appointments must be booked in advance via WhatsApp, FB Messenger Phone/Online/In-Person.
2.2 Cancellations:
Cancellation Policy – The Mutt Co.
At The Mutt Co, we value your time and ours. To ensure the best service for all our furry clients, we kindly request that any cancellations or rescheduling of appointments adhere to the following policy:
- Cancellations with More Than 48 Hours’ Notice:
- No cancellation fee applies if you notify us at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.
- Cancellations with 24 to 48 Hours’ Notice:
- A cancellation fee of 50% of the scheduled groom fee will apply.
- Cancellations with Less Than 24 Hours’ Notice or No-Shows:
- A fee of 100% of the scheduled groom fee will apply for cancellations made within 24 hours or failure to attend your appointment.
Why Do We Have This Policy?
Your appointment is reserved just for you and your pup. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows make it challenging for us to fill the slot, impacting our small business and the care we provide to all our clients.
Thank you for understanding and helping us provide the best service possible.
To Cancel or Reschedule:
Please contact us directly at 07969904164 or via messenger during our business hours (9.00am – 6.00pm Tuesday – Thursday).
2.3 Late Arrivals: Arriving late may result in a reduced grooming session or rescheduling. If the delay exceeds 15 minutes, we reserve the right to cancel the appointment and charge a fee.
Pick-Up Policy
- Pets must be picked up promptly at the agreed time. Late pick-ups may incur additional fees, and The Mutt Co. will not be liable for your pet’s care after business hours.
3. Health and Safety
3.1 Vaccinations: All dogs must be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination may be requested.
3.2 Health Conditions: Clients must inform us of any medical conditions, lumps and bumps, injuries, or behavioural issues that may affect the grooming process.
3.3 Behaviour: Aggressive or unmanageable dogs may be refused service for the safety of all parties. A behaviour surcharge may apply for difficult dogs.
3.4 Medical Emergencies
We will contact you immediately in the event of a medical emergency. If you cannot be reached, we reserve the right to seek veterinary care for your pet at your expense. The Mutt Co will not be held responsible for any outcomes resulting from such emergencies.
4. Grooming Process
4.1 Consent: By leaving your dog with us, you consent to the grooming process and any necessary adjustments to ensure the dog’s safety and comfort.
4.2 Matted Fur: Severe matting may require additional time, fees, or shaving. We will prioritise your dog’s comfort and discuss options where possible. We will always call you beforehand if your dog is severely matted and requires a full shave down.
Shaving the dog may also cause some skin irritation as the lack of ventilation while matted fur can irritate the skin and promote the growth of bacteria and fungi beneath, leading to rashes or infections.
4.3 Accidents: While we always take every precaution, as with anything, accidents can sometimes happen. Minor nicks or injuries may occur. In such cases, we will notify you immediately.
Aggressive or Difficult Pets
- The Mutt Co reserves the right to refuse service to any pet that displays aggressive or unmanageable behaviour. If a pet becomes aggressive during grooming, we may stop the session for the safety of the pet and our staff. You may still be responsible for a partial grooming fee.
5. Pricing and Payment
5.1 Pricing: Prices depend on the size, breed, temperament and condition of the dog. A full price list is available upon request.
5.2 Payment: Payments must be made in full at the time of service via cash, card, or bank transfer.
5.3 Additional Fees:
- Excessive matting, fleas, or challenging behaviour may incur additional charges.
- Flea treatment costs will be added if fleas are found during grooming. You may be asked to pick up your dog. A full clean down of the groom room will be required.
6. Liability
6.1 The Mutt Co is not liable for pre-existing conditions or reactions caused by grooming tools/products, including but not limited to skin irritations, ear infections, or mobility issues, during or after the grooming process.
Shampoo will be used which is appropriate to the dog’s hair type.
6.2 Owners are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dog during their visit.
6.3 The Mutt Co is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items such as collars, leashes, or accessories left with your pet during the appointment.
Liability Terms – Injury to Groomer Resulting in Loss of Earnings
At The Mutt Co, we prioritize safety for both our team and your pets. However, grooming inherently involves handling animals that may become unpredictable or aggressive. To address potential injuries to our groomers, the following terms apply:
1. Owner Responsibility for Pet Behaviour
- The pet owner is responsible for ensuring that their pet is properly trained, socialized, and safe to handle in a grooming environment.
- The owner must disclose any history of aggression, biting, or other behavioural issues prior to the grooming session.
2. Injuries Caused by Aggressive Behaviour
- If a pet causes injury to a groomer through biting, scratching, or any aggressive behaviour, the pet owner agrees to be held liable for:
- Compensation for loss of earnings if the injury prevents the groomer from performing their duties.
3. Behavioral Assessments
- The Mutt Co reserves the right to refuse service to any pet that exhibits signs of aggression or unmanageable behaviour during a grooming session. If aggression is observed mid-session, grooming may be halted immediately, and the pet owner may still be charged for the appointment.
4. Owner Indemnification
- The pet owner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless The Mutt Co, its groomers, and staff from any claims, damages, or losses resulting from injuries caused by their pet.
5. Proof of Liability Insurance (Optional for Owners)
- The Mutt Co recommends that pet owners maintain liability insurance that includes coverage for incidents involving their pet.
6. Medical and Legal Recourse
- In the event of an injury caused by a pet, The Mutt Co reserves the right to seek medical treatment and legal recourse as necessary. Documentation of all injuries and related expenses will be provided to the pet owner.
7. Photography
7.1 We may take photographs of your dog for use on our social media or promotional materials. If you do not wish your dog to be photographed, please inform us before the appointment. You may also opt out of this on the customer care form.
8. Privacy
8.1 Your personal information will be used only for appointment management and internal purposes. We will not share your data without consent.
9. Complaints
9.1 If you are unsatisfied with the service provided, please notify us within 48 hours of the appointment.
10. Gift Vouchers
1. Validity Period – Gift voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and must be redeemed within this period.
2. Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable – Gift vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
3. Appointment Required – Appointments are required for all grooming services. Please call or message to schedule your appointment.
4. Subject to Availability – All services are subject to availability. Please book early to ensure your preferred date and time.
5. Voucher Redemption – The original gift voucher must be presented at the time of service. Copies or photographs are not accepted.
6. Partial Redemption – If the full value of the voucher is not used in a single visit, the remaining balance cannot be refunded but may be applied to future services during the validity period.
7. Limitations on Use – Gift vouchers are for grooming services only and cannot be used for retail products unless otherwise specified.
8. Lost or Stolen Vouchers – We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged gift vouchers. Please treat them as cash.
9. Non-Transferable – Gift vouchers are intended for the original recipient and cannot be resold or transferred.
10. No Combination with Other Offers – Gift vouchers cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, or special offers.
11. Eligibility of Pets – All pets must meet our grooming requirements, including up-to-date vaccinations and appropriate behaviour for safe grooming. We reserve the right to stop the groom if a dog becomes aggressive.
12. Force Majeure Clause – We reserve the right to decline voucher redemption due to unforeseen circumstances, such as business closure or emergencies.
11. Governing Law
11.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Scotland and the United Kingdom. Any disputes shall be resolved in the Scottish courts.
By booking and using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
