Terms of Service.
Salon Polices
Below you will find my company policies. It is highly recommended that you carefully read through our policies before scheduling an appointment with Shampoo Smiles. A copy of these policies will be provided to you when an appointment is scheduled and you will need to confirm that you agree to our policies before we can confirm your appointment for your beloved dog. All our customers are expected to abide by our policies and we will be unable to accommodate anyone who does not sign our policy agreement. Failure to read our policies does not invalidate them, and they are in full effect at each appointment. If you have any questions or suggestions about our Shampoo Smiles care policies, please reach out to us via the contact form.
Fear-Free Grooming
At Shampoo Smiles, we prioritize the well-being and comfort of every furry client in our care. We believe in creating a positive and stress-free grooming experience that fosters trust and a sense of security. If we sense that pushing your pet beyond their comfort zone could be detrimental to their emotional health or long-term trust in grooming, we may suggest splitting their appointment into multiple sessions across several days, allowing them breaks to decompress. Our ultimate goal is to help your dog(s) view grooming as a positive—or at the very least, a neutral—experience. Please understand that each appointment may vary, and we ask for your patience and understanding if certain tasks take longer or are not possible during each session. Additionally, your dog is unique and may have good and bad days, which can affect their grooming experience. We are committed to honesty and transparency, and will always communicate if there are any changes in their behavior that may impact the duration or outcome of the groom.
Medical Release & Pre-Existing Conditions
At Shampoo Smiles, your pet's safety and well-being are our top priorities. While we take every precaution to ensure a safe grooming experience, it's important to understand that accidents can happen. In the event of an accident, such as irritation, nicks, or cuts, you will be promptly notified, and if deemed serious, we will seek immediate veterinary care with your permission. Medical expenses resulting from grooming accidents will be covered by Shampoo Smiles in case of negligence on our side and forwarded to our insurance, provided the injury is not due to a pre-existing condition or matting, veterinary care is sought within 48 hours of the appointment, and a copy of the bill and causational note from the veterinarian is promptly provided.
Grooming can sometimes uncover hidden medical problems or exacerbate existing ones, especially in senior pets or those with health issues. Therefore, we approach grooming for these pets with extra care, focusing on cleanliness and comfort rather than style to minimize stress and risk of injury. While we strive to ensure a safe experience, we reserve the right to refuse service or terminate grooming if we believe it poses a risk to your pet or myself. Your pet's safety and well-being are my utmost priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and comfortable grooming experience for all.
Matted Coats
Mats in your dog's coat can restrict airflow and trap moisture, leading to discomfort and potential skin issues. Severe matting can even impair circulation, cause hematomas and often leads to behavioral issues. At Shampoo Smiles, we prioritize your dog's well-being over aesthetics. If your dog arrives with mats, we adhere to the principle of 'Humanity Over Vanity' and will shave them out for the dog's best interest. By scheduling an appointment with us, you acknowledge that as your groomer & wellness spa, we are not responsible for cuts, irritation, bruising, or other injuries resulting from matting or other forms of neglect, nor are we liable for previously concealed injuries beneath the matted hair. We reserve the right to refuse dogs that are severely matted as we are a proud fighter for animal welfare and do not wish to support those that choose not to prioritize their dogs wellbeing.
Cleanliness & Vaccinations
To uphold a safe and hygienic environment for all our furry friends, we meticulously sanitize our groom and spa areas each dog's wellness session. Additionally, we prioritize the health and well-being of every pet by requiring current vaccinations for all grooming appointments. We strongly recommend that dogs be up to date on their Rabies, Bordetella and DHLPP vaccinations as well as flea, tick and worm treatments and other vaccinations recommended by Victorian and federal veterinary authorities. By booking an appointment with Shampoo Smiles, you agree that your dog is healthy, free of parasites and has all current veterinary recommended vaccinations or, if your dog cannot receive vaccinations due to health reasons, we understand and accommodate accordingly with your veterinarian written advice.
At Shampoo Smiles, we prioritize the health and safety of every pet in our care, and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a clean and protected environment for all.
Fleas, Ticks and Lice
The safety and well-being of every furry friend is our top priority. If fleas, lice, or excess ticks are discovered on your pet during grooming, rest assured we'll promptly notify you to collect your pet. In such instances, a charge of 75$ will apply to cover extensive cleaning costs, ensuring our salon remains a clean and welcoming space for all. To avoid this fee, please check your pets prior to coming in for your wellbeing session.
As a small salon deeply committed to ethical pet care, we cannot risk the spread of infestations to other dogs on-site. Once your dog receives clearance from a veterinarian, we'll be delighted to reschedule your grooming appointment.
Your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a pest-free environment align with our ethos of providing compassionate care to all our furry clients. Should you suspect your dog may have pests, we kindly ask that you reschedule until they've been checked by a vet.
Cancellations & No Shows
At Shampoo Smiles, we value your time as much as we do ours. Late cancellations or no-shows not only disrupt our schedule but also prevent other furry friends from receiving the care they need. To ensure fairness and efficiency, we kindly request that any cancellations or reschedules be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Failure to adhere to this policy will result in the loss of your booking fee, currently charged at 99$. This fee also applies in the event of a no-show without prior notice. We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, so please don't hesitate to communicate with us if you anticipate missing your appointment.
Consistent late cancellations or reschedules may result in removal from our books, as we prioritize not only our furry friends wellbeing, but also that of our staff and salon. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a smooth and organized grooming schedule at Shampoo Smiles
Late Arrival & Pick-Up
At Shampoo Smiles, we understand that life can sometimes throw unexpected delays your way. While we don't impose an fee for late arrivals, it's important to note that our rates begin at your scheduled appointment time. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may result in the automatic cancellation of your appointment, in accordance with our cancellation clause outlined above. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to communicate with us ahead of time if you anticipate being late.
Please be aware that Shampoo Smiles does not offer daycare or boarding services. As we prioritize the comfort and well-being of every furry guest in our care we operate on a one-on-one basis, it's crucial that appointments do not overlap. We kindly request prompt pick-up of your pet as it not only ensures a short and efficient grooming experience but also allows them to reunite with their beloved parents swiftly. This approach minimizes stress and enhances the overall well-being of your pet, aligning with our commitment to providing a positive and comfortable grooming environment. Please be mindful of our pick-up policy, which encourages timely collection of your furry friend within 30 minutes of being notified to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of our grooming sessions at Shampoo Smiles. A fee of 1$ per minute of lateness over those 30mins might apply to help us uphold our standards of care that every pet deserves.
If you are unable to personally collect your furry friend, please inform us in advance of the approved friend or family member who will be picking them up, along with their contact information. For the safety and security of our furry guests, we will only release dogs to individuals who have been pre-approved personally.
Satisfaction
Your satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to exceed your expectations and ensure your beloved pet receives the care they deserve. To avoid any misunderstandings, we adhere to a simple rule: whoever drops off your furry friend to Shampoo Smiles decides the grooming or wellness spa treatment. If you have specific preferences, please either drop off your beloved dog yourself or communicate them to us in advance. We want to work closely with our customers and the community, hence why we prefer to set regular treatment plans for each individual and avoid confusion or care that is not in the interested of you as our valued customer or your dog, our guest.
Your feedback is invaluable to us as it helps us improve and evolve. We encourage you to thoroughly check your dog upon pickup and inform us of any adjustments or notes for future visits. Most requests can be accommodated promptly if it aligns with your dogs wellbeing in the moment, so please don't hesitate to communicate any changes before leaving the salon. For any further assistance, we kindly ask that you reach out within 24 hours of your visit to us.
Zero Tolerance
At Shampoo Smiles, the wellbeing of our staff, guest and the community is at the core of our business. As such, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of disrespect, including insults, threats, or rude comments. We believe in fostering a positive and respectful environment for all our clients and staff. Clients who choose not to adhere to this policy will be removed from our valued customer circle and prohibited from booking with us in the future. We're here to address any questions or concerns you may have about your groom, provided that mutual respect is upheld. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a harmonious and tranquil salon experience.
Media Release
We love capturing joyful moments with your furry companions! By signing this release, you authorize us at Shampoo Smiles to photograph and/or video your pet for various purposes, including your client file, our company website, social media pages, and potential advertisements. While your dog's name may be used when sharing photos or videos, rest assured that your personal information will remain confidential. All photos and videos taken will be the property of Shampoo Smiles, allowing us to continue spreading smiles and showcasing our furry friends in the best light possible.
We appreciate you.
