Hometown Hounds Dog Grooming

Please read the following policies carefully. By signing, you confirm that you understand and agree to these terms for your dog’s current and future appointments with Hometown Hounds Grooming. Home-Based Grooming Location Hometown Hounds Grooming is a small, home-based business. The grooming studio is located inside a simple shed in the groomer’s backyard. It is not a traditional or fancy storefront salon, but it is a clean, comfortable and functional space designed for safe, one-on-one grooming. Clients who would like to enter or view the grooming studio must walk through the backyard. Because this is private residential property: • Dogs must remain securely leashed and under the owner’s control during arrival and pickup. • Gates must remain closed and secured. • Clients should remain on the designated path and avoid entering other areas of the property. • Children must remain closely supervised at all times. • Clients understand that outdoor areas may occasionally be wet, muddy, uneven or slippery and agree to use reasonable care while on the property. • Visits are by appointment only. Accurate Health and Behavior Information The owner confirms that all information provided about the dog is complete and accurate. The owner agrees to disclose: • Any history of biting, snapping, aggression, fear, anxiety or difficulty during grooming • Medical conditions, injuries, seizures, allergies, skin problems or physical limitations • Recent surgeries, illnesses or medications • Any previous negative grooming experiences • Any contagious condition, fleas, ticks or other parasites The owner agrees to update Hometown Hounds Grooming if the dog’s health, behavior or grooming needs change. Health and Vaccinations The owner is responsible for keeping the dog appropriately vaccinated and compliant with applicable laws unless a veterinarian has provided a medical exemption. Dogs showing signs of contagious illness—including vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, unusual discharge or visible parasites—may need to be rescheduled. A cleaning or flea-treatment fee may apply when fleas or other parasites are discovered after grooming has begun. Gentle and Fear-Aware Handling Hometown Hounds Grooming provides patient, one-on-one care and will not intentionally push a dog beyond what can be handled safely. Grooming may include the reasonable use of grooming loops, supportive restraints, muzzles, breaks or modified techniques for safety. The groomer may modify, shorten or stop any service if the dog becomes excessively stressed, aggressive, physically unwell or unsafe to continue. The owner remains responsible for completed services and time already spent, even if the groom cannot be finished. Hometown Hounds Grooming may decline future services when a dog cannot be groomed safely in this environment. Grooming Risks Although reasonable care will always be used, grooming involves tools, water, dryers, handling and movement. Even with appropriate precautions, possible risks include stress, skin irritation, scratches, minor nicks, clipper irritation, quicked nails, ear irritation or the discovery or aggravation of an existing medical condition. Older dogs, puppies and dogs with medical, mobility, breathing, skin or behavioral concerns may be at greater risk of stress or injury during grooming. The owner authorizes Hometown Hounds Grooming to adjust or discontinue services when necessary for the dog’s comfort and safety. To the extent permitted by law, the owner accepts the ordinary and inherent risks of grooming that are not caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Matted or Impacted Coats Severe matting can hide sores, parasites, bruising, thin skin and other conditions. Removing a tightly matted coat may cause redness, irritation, small nicks, hematomas, temporary behavior changes or sensitivity after the groom. The groomer will prioritize the dog’s comfort rather than attempting painful or excessive dematting. When brushing the coat out would be unsafe or uncomfortable, the owner authorizes the groomer to clip the coat shorter than originally requested. Additional charges may apply when coat condition requires extra time, products or tool maintenance. The groomer will attempt to contact the owner before making a major change, but may proceed with the safest reasonable option if the owner cannot be reached. Nail Trimming The owner understands that a dog’s nail quick may be difficult to see, especially with dark, long or overgrown nails. Nails will be trimmed as safely as reasonably possible, but minor bleeding can occasionally occur. Regular appointments may be recommended when nails cannot be shortened fully in one visit. Ear Care Ear cleaning and hair removal will only be performed when appropriate and tolerated by the dog. Hometown Hounds Grooming does not diagnose or treat ear infections. The owner may be advised to contact a veterinarian if redness, odor, discharge, pain or another concern is noticed. Veterinary Emergencies If the dog becomes ill or injured during the appointment, Hometown Hounds Grooming will attempt to contact the owner or emergency contact immediately. If the owner cannot be reached and the groomer reasonably believes urgent care is necessary, the owner authorizes Hometown Hounds Grooming to contact or transport the dog to a veterinarian. The owner is responsible for veterinary expenses related to the dog’s health, behavior or an underlying condition. This does not excuse Hometown Hounds Grooming from responsibility for harm caused by its gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Hometown Hounds Grooming cannot diagnose medical conditions. Any health concern noticed during grooming should be discussed with a veterinarian. Pricing and Services Prices are estimates based on the information provided before the appointment. Final pricing may vary depending on the dog’s size, coat type, coat condition, behavior, grooming frequency and the time required to complete the service. Additional charges may apply for severe matting, excessive shedding, fleas, difficult behavior, special handling or additional grooming time. The owner agrees to pay the full balance at pickup. A specific haircut or final appearance cannot be guaranteed when coat condition, behavior, health or safety limits what can reasonably be completed. Appointments, Cancellations and Late Arrivals Clients should provide at least 24 hours’ notice when canceling or rescheduling whenever possible. Clients arriving more than 15 minutes late may need to have the service shortened or rescheduled. Repeated late cancellations or missed appointments may require a deposit before future bookings or may result in future booking requests being declined. Pickup Hometown Hounds Grooming provides one-on-one grooming and is not a daycare or boarding facility. Owners agree to remain available during the appointment and pick up their dog promptly after being notified that the groom is complete. If an owner cannot be reached, Hometown Hounds Grooming may contact the listed emergency contact. Repeated late pickups may result in an additional care fee or refusal of future appointments. Personal Belongings Hometown Hounds Grooming is not responsible for ordinary wear, damage or loss involving belongings left with the dog. Satisfaction Please communicate grooming preferences as clearly as possible. If the owner has a concern about the completed groom, they agree to contact Hometown Hounds Grooming within 48 hours so the concern can be discussed and, when appropriate, a reasonable adjustment can be offered. Refunds are not guaranteed for services that have already been completed. Owner Responsibility The owner confirms that they are the dog’s legal owner or have authority to approve grooming and veterinary care. The owner is responsible for injuries or property damage caused by their dog when those damages result from inaccurate or undisclosed information about the dog’s health, temperament, bite history or behavior. Agreement and Authorization I confirm that: • I have read and understand these policies. • I have provided accurate information about my dog. • I authorize Hometown Hounds Grooming to perform the requested grooming services. • I understand that grooming carries some unavoidable risks. • I understand that services may be modified or stopped when necessary for safety. • I agree to pay for completed services and applicable additional charges. • I understand that this agreement remains in effect for future appointments unless it is replaced or revoked in writing.