It’s your dog’s time to shine

1. Health and Wellbeing

Vaccinations & Veterinary Care
For the safety of all pets in our care, owners confirm that their dog is up to date with standard vaccinations and parasite prevention. Proof of vaccination may be requested at any time. If this cannot be provided, we reserve the right to refuse the appointment, and any deposit paid will be forfeited.

Medical Conditions & Senior Pets
Grooming can be physically demanding for older dogs or those with health conditions. Please inform us of any ongoing medical issues or previous injuries before the appointment. If a medical emergency arises, Gaia Grooming has permission to seek immediate veterinary attention for your pet. We will always try to contact you first, but any associated costs are the responsibility of the owner.

Pregnant Dogs & Recent Microchipping
For welfare reasons, we do not accept pregnant dogs or dogs that have been microchipped within the past 24 hours.

Pre-Groom Preparation
Please allow your dog the opportunity to relieve themselves before entering the salon, and avoid feeding within 30 minutes of their appointment.

2. Parasites

Fleas & Ticks
We maintain a strict flea- and tick-free policy to protect all dogs visiting our salon.

If your dog arrives with visible fleas, we will proceed with a medicated flea shampoo treatment to provide immediate relief for your pet and prevent contamination of the salon environment. A £12 cleaning fee will also be added to your grooming bill to cover the cost of the professional flea bomb treatment used to fully disinfect the salon following your appointment.

If ticks are discovered during grooming, we will stop the groom and advise you to seek prompt veterinary advice. Ticks carry a high risk of infection and pose potential health risks to dogs, owners, and groomers. For this reason, removal and treatment must be completed by your vet to ensure safety and full removal of the parasite.

We kindly ask that owners ensure their dogs are protected with a suitable, vet-approved flea and tick prevention programme before each grooming appointment.

3. Accidents & Safety
Our equipment is sharp and handled with utmost care, but small nicks, cuts, or abrasions can occasionally occur—especially if a dog is anxious or moving suddenly.

If your dog becomes highly distressed or reactive, we may stop the groom for their safety and wellbeing. We will never continue a groom that risks injury to your dog or our team.

All dogs are groomed at the owner’s risk. Gaia Grooming cannot accept liability for pre-existing conditions that are aggravated during the grooming process.

4. Coat Condition & Matting
We promote responsible coat care. Regular brushing between grooms helps prevent matting, discomfort, and skin issues.

If your dog arrives with severe matting, we may need to clip the coat short to relieve pulling on the skin and restore comfort. We will always discuss this with you before proceeding.

De-matting of neglected coats will not be carried out, as this causes unnecessary pain and stress. Removing isolated knots and tangles is included as part of the normal grooming process. An additional charge may apply for coats requiring extra time or specialist care.

5. Behaviour & Temperament

Aggression or Anxiety
Owners must inform us if their dog is nervous, fearful, or has ever shown aggression towards people or other dogs.

If a dog attempts to bite or behaves aggressively during grooming, the groom may be stopped and an Aggressive Dog Handling Fee of £10 will apply. Owners will be responsible for any injury, damage, or loss caused by their pet.

Refusal of Service
We reserve the right to refuse any dog if we believe continuing the appointment would compromise safety or welfare.

6. Cancellations, No-Shows & Late Arrivals
At Gaia Grooming, we understand that plans sometimes change. However, as a small, independent salon, last-minute cancellations and missed appointments have a significant impact on our ability to operate efficiently and offer appointments to other customers.

Cancellations
We kindly ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a charge of 50% of the total grooming cost, payable before any future bookings can be made.

No-Shows
If you fail to attend your appointment without prior notice, you will be charged 50% of the total grooming fee. This payment must be made before another appointment can be scheduled.

Late Arrivals
If you are more than 15 minutes late, a £15 late fee will apply. If you are more than 30 minutes late, your appointment will be treated as a no-show, and a 50% charge of the total grooming fee will apply.

We greatly appreciate your understanding — every appointment slot matters in helping us provide the highest standard of care for our clients and their dogs.

Late Collection
Please collect your dog promptly at the agreed time. A £10 holding fee per 15 minutes may be charged if collection is delayed, as we have limited holding space in the salon.

Additional Charges
Prices are based on dogs in a reasonable condition and temperament. Extra time or specialist care (e.g., heavily matted coats or anxious behaviour) may incur an additional fee, which will be discussed with you in advance where possible.

7. Social Media Consent
We love sharing our happy clients. Photos and videos may be taken during or after grooming for training, educational, and promotional purposes.

If you do not wish for your pet’s image to appear on Gaia Grooming’s social media or website, please let us know before the appointment.

8. Ear Plucking
Ear plucking is not included in standard grooming services and is only performed upon request. This procedure is done gently by hand, without tweezers. Please note that mild irritation or redness can occur, and owners requesting this service do so at their own discretion.

9. Liability & Responsibility
Gaia Grooming takes every precaution to provide a safe, calm, and positive grooming experience. Our team is fully trained, and the salon is covered by public liability insurance for your peace of mind.

While every care is taken, grooming involves handling live animals and carries some inherent risks. By booking an appointment, owners acknowledge these risks and agree that Gaia Grooming Cannock cannot be held liable for unexpected reactions, allergic responses, or underlying health issues that may arise before, during, or after grooming.

In the rare event of an accident or injury occurring during the grooming process, owners must seek immediate veterinary advice before any insurance claim can be made. Veterinary reports and supporting documentation may be required to process any potential claim.

10. Amendments
Gaia Grooming Cannock reserves the right to update or amend these Terms & Conditions at any time. Any significant changes will be reflected on our website.

At Gaia Grooming, every decision we make during your dog’s grooming appointment is guided by one priority — your pet’s welfare. De-matting and full clipping are sometimes necessary to relieve discomfort and restore skin health, but these processes can be misunderstood. This policy explains when and why they are used, what to expect afterwards, and how owners can best support their dog emotionally.

Why De-Matting or Clipping May Be Necessary
When a dog’s coat becomes tightly matted, it pulls on the skin, restricts movement, traps dirt, and prevents air circulation. This can lead to pain, sores, and serious skin infections. In cases where brushing out would cause distress or discomfort, the most humane option is to clip the coat short. Removing the coat allows the skin to breathe and promotes a healthy regrowth cycle.

Our Approach

• We will always assess the coat before beginning the groom and discuss the best option with you.
• If clipping is necessary, we will proceed only when it is in the dog’s best physical and psychological interests.
• We use calm, gentle handling and take frequent breaks to reduce stress.
• Our aim is to ensure the experience is as kind and positive as possible, even when the coat must be taken short.

Aftercare and Skin Sensitivity
Once matted fur is removed, the skin may appear red or irritated due to lack of air flow and previous tension on the skin. Dogs may also feel different in their body temperature and may scratch or rub against surfaces as they adjust. We recommend keeping your dog warm, clean, and comfortable, and contacting your vet if you notice persistent redness or itching.

Behaviour and Emotional Impact
Being clipped short can sometimes make dogs feel temporarily unsettled. They may appear shy, avoid interaction, or hide for a few days — this is normal. Your reaction as an owner is very important. Please remain calm and positive when you first see your dog after a de-mat or clip. Negative reactions such as shock, laughter, or criticism can cause confusion or distress and may lead to long-term anxiety around grooming. We encourage owners to praise and reassure their dog, helping them associate grooming with safety and comfort rather than fear.

Owner Responsibility
By presenting a dog with a severely matted coat, you acknowledge that Gaia Grooming must make welfare-based decisions during the groom. Regular brushing and maintenance between appointments are the responsibility of the owner. We are always happy to offer guidance on coat care routines and suitable brushes for your dog’s coat type.

Respect for Our Groomers
At Gaia Grooming, every groomer acts in the best interests of each dog. We will not tolerate slander, defamatory comments, or negative social media reviews relating to welfare-based clipping or de-matting decisions made for the health and comfort of a pet.

By booking a grooming appointment, you confirm that you understand and agree to this De-Matting & Clipping Policy.