Terms and conditions

Some coat types can become more matted than others. We recommend you bring your dog to us every 6-8 weeks for a groom, however, regular brushing at home is also essential to prevent matting from occurring between grooms.

Matted coats can cause a variety of skin and health problems. When a dog’s coat becomes matted it does not allow circulation to the skin. A matted coat also pulls and binds causing your pet pain when they move or lie on matts. When a matted coat is clipped short, it may reveal sore, reddened, and irritated skin, this is due to the skin not being able to breathe, lack of air circulation and dirt that has accumulated underneath. 

If we assess your dog’s coat and find it to be matted, then it may need to be clipped short. Under the Animal Welfare Act (2006), it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal; this includes de-matting which is painful and detrimental to the welfare of the dog. If the de-matting is more than 5% of the overall coat (equal in size to a 50p coin in a couple of areas like behind the ears, the armpits and possibly the groin), which equates to approximately 20 minutes work, we are required by law to follow the most humane course of action, which is to clip your dog short, or alternatively, refer your dog to the vet to do the same. If your dog has a severely matted coat our policy is to remove the coat by shaving close to the skin using electric clippers. This can in some cases cause skin irritation or skin nicks from the close shaving. Any humane de-matting will be undertaken solely at our discretion, in compliance with The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (clause 5 - Animals are to be protected from pain, injury and suffering). De-matting during a routine groom is limited to a maximum of 20 minutes and is only possible if the matting is minimal. Clipping a matted coat short takes extra time and causes additional wear and tear on our equipment, thus an additional charge will also be incurred.

At The Barking Barber of Stratford, we understand how difficult it can be to find the time to groom your dog every day. We can discuss a style for you and your dog that is easily maintained at home and give you grooming tips, so your dog does not become matted. We also offer a bath and brush service at a reduced cost in between full grooms if this is needed. 

I hereby confirm that by signing this form, I have given The Barking Barber of Stratford permission for my dog’s coat to be clipped short and accept that on this occasion any personal preference for how my dog should be groomed will not be taken into consideration, as The Barking Barber of Stratford will only do what is best for my dog. I also acknowledge that any irritation to the dog’s skin due to the removal of the matted coat, is not due to negligence by the groomer but rather due to the condition of the coat before the groom. I acknowledge this is not the responsibility of the groomer. On the rare occasions that this occurs I may need to seek veterinary advice and The Barking Barber of Stratford are in no way liable for any cost this may incur.

PET BEHAVIOUR

The Barking Barber of Stratford reserve the right to refuse to groom any aggressive dogs. The owner must declare if their dog is known to be aggressive or has ever bitten anyone, failure to do so may result in refusal of further services. The owner understands and agrees that they will be legally liable for the consequences of all bites inflicted by their dog, both to the groomer and other dogs. If the dog shows signs of aggression during the groom, we reserve the right to use a soft muzzle. If we are unable to complete a groom due to aggressive behaviour exhibited by the dog, the owner agrees to pay for any work carried out to that point. Any injury to a dog as a result of their aggressive behaviour on the grooming table, will be the sole responsibility of the owner and The Barking Barber of Stratford will not be liable for any Vet’s fees incurred.

PET WELFARE

We will carry out a health check before and during the grooming session and will notify the owner of anything we find. It will be the owner’s responsibility to seek advice from a vet. We are not medical professionals and our health checks do not replace the need to take your dog to the vets for check-ups, advice and treatment. If any parasites are found during the grooming session, the client agrees for them to be cleared at the client’s expense plus any subsequent costs for cleaning and decontamination. If the pet’s health causes concern, or in the event of an emergency, the client authorises The Barking Barber of Stratford to obtain veterinary treatment at the client’s expense. Whilst your pet is in our care its health and welfare are our primary concern. It will only ever be groomed according to its tolerance of the process. If your pet is fearful of any of the procedures employed during grooming, a reasonable workaround or alternative will be employed, as long as it is safe to do so. 

CANCELLING YOUR DOG'S APPOINTMENT

All bookings are subject to a deposit of 20% at the time of booking. We respectfully request up to 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel your pet's appointment. The slot can then be resold, and your deposit carried forward to your next appointment. NO-SHOWS & LATE CANCELLATIONS (of less 24hrs notice) will incur a fee of 50% of your usual groom price. A non-refundable deposit of the starting price of the groom will be levied to secure a new appointment slot. If you incur any of the above-mentioned fees, they are payable in full before booking your pet's next appointment.

PHOTOGRAPHS.

Your pet may be photographed before, during or after its groom to demonstrate services and quality of work carried out. Photographs may be used on The Barking Barber of Stratford website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social networks. or other printed materials. Please let us know if you prefer your pet not to be photographed.

OUR INSURANCE

The Barking Barber of Stratford have full Public liability Insurance in the event of damage, accident or loss to your pet or our staff.

GDPR

The Barking Barber of Stratford is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified; you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy notice. In an emergency we may share your information with your specified Veterinary, Dog Warden and Police. In the event we are unable to contact your specified veterinarian we may share your information with an unspecified veterinarian. We will not provide your information to any third party not specified above for any other purpose without your express permission. We will keep your information on our client record cards, T&C consent form, Smart Phone/IPAD and our web-based appointment booking system.

All information is kept securely for up to one year after your pet’s last visit. We will regularly check to ensure we hold the most current details for you. The Barking Barber of Stratford may change this policy from time to time and will update clients should it do so.

DISCLAIMER

I, the client and pet owner, confirm my pet is fit and healthy and that I have informed the groomer of any health and behavioural conditions and that all details provided are correct. I agree that the groomer will not be held liable or responsible for irritation, abrasion, patchiness or hair loss due to any pre-existing skin conditions or as a result of the process of grooming, de-matting, thinning, stripping or shaving or any other mishap caused by my non-disclosure of my pet’s medical condition or behaviour.

I the client/owner understand and consent to all the conditions above.

I the client/owner consent to The Barking Barber of Stratford contacting me in the future about, appointments, offers and services provided by The Barking Barber of Stratford.

I the client/owner understand I can opt out of further contact at any time by emailing  info@thebarkingbarberofstratford.com