Grooming Polcies

Matting

The staff at All About Animals will attempt to brush out any minor matts, however, if the matt proves too severe, or the brushing is causing unnecessary pain or discomfort to your dog, shaving the matt may become necessary. In the event of a severely matted dog, a complete shave down may be necessary. Our staff’s first priority is the health, safety and comfort of your dog. An extra fee (minimum of $5) may be added to your groom if extra time is required to de-matt your dog.

The Risks of Matting

Matted fur can cause discomfort and pain; large matts close to the skin may trap moisture and reduce airflow to the skin which increases the chances of bacterial/fungal infections (particularly around the genitals) or ammonia burns from urine trapped in the fur. In the case of severe matting, the skin may be pulled into the matt and blood circulation could be reduced. Matts this severe could reduce movement and hide pre-existing medical conditions.

There is also a significant risk of hematoma (blood vessels bursting and causing a blood-filled blister) particularly, on the ears and tail. Severe matts can reduce the circulation of blood in the ear. When the matt is removed, the dog will experience the uncomfortable sensation of blood and oxygen being restored to the tissue (similar to the pins and needles you may feel after having your leg fall asleep). Dogs who experience this tend to shake their heads in an attempt to dispel it, causing blood vessels to burst and form a hematoma. 

Fleas

All About Animals aims to keep a flea-free environment at our shop. We ask that you not bring your dog for grooming if they currently have fleas and request that you treat your dog with an effective flea treatment before booking another appointment. If fleas are found on your dog during their groom, he/she will be isolated from the other dogs in a kennel during the duration of their stay. A flea bath will be administered and an additional charge of $12.50 - $17.50 will be applied to your groom.

Ticks

When found, ticks will immediately be removed from your dog using tick twisters and placed in a sealed plastic bag. When you pick up your dog you will be informed of any ticks found and their location on the dog when found.

Health Concerns

The client is responsible for disclosing any and all health conditions the pet is affected by. All possible measures will be taken to accommodate your pet. Conditions include, but are not limited to epilepsy and seizures, injured limbs, infections, trachea conditions, ingrown nails and communicable diseases (including kennel cough and ringworm). Failure to inform the staff of your pet’s health condition may put your pet at a higher risk. If your pet has any contagious diseases (including zoonotic diseases) they will not be permitted into the building or receive any services until proof of recovery is provided.

Other Health Concerns

Should a groomer notice a pre-existing or possible health problem that we were not informed of before the appointment, a ‘Health Concern Card’ will be filled out and given to you when you pick up your dog, any questions you have about the health concern will be answered at this time.

Vaccinations

Proof of vaccinations in not required for grooming pets. However, the rabies vaccine is required by law and must be kept up to date.  

Unaltered Dogs

Dogs over 6 months old who are not spayed or neutered may be isolated from other dogs in a separate room or a kennel. This is to prevent excessive marking, accidental litters and mating behaviour. If your unsprayed female comes into heat, we ask that you not bring her in for grooming until her heat has subsided. Bringing a dog while she is in heat may result in extra charges for cleaning and/or diapers. 

Booking Appointments

Grooming appointments for dogs, cats, small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, etc.) and lizards can be booked in person, by phone, email or Facebook. Once an appointment time is offered you have *24 hours to confirm (*reduced to 12 hours around holidays)

Cancellations & No Shows

We ask that you notify us at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment, cancelling less than 30 minutes before or simply not showing up may result in a ‘No Show’ being recorded on your file. 

If you have 3 or more ‘No Shows’ on your file you must pay a 25% deposit when scheduling your next appointment. We understand that sometimes emergencies happen and fees may not result in these cases.

If you have 5 or more ‘No Shows’ on your file you must pay 50% of the requested service when booking your appointment.

Showing Up Late

Showing up 10 – 15 minutes late for your appointment will forfeit any time guarantees/estimates that we would normally make. Showing up more than 15 minutes late will result in the cancellation of your appointment and the rescheduling of your appointment to the next available time slot or another day. 

Showing Up Early

Showing up early will not change the time of your scheduled appointment and your pet will have to wait until the scheduled time to be started. If a cancellation occurs your dog may take the earlier slot. All time estimates are based on your scheduled appointment, not the time you drop off.

Day Stay Fees

A day stay fee may be applied to your groom if your dog is at our facility for 3 hours or longer outside of the time it takes to groom them (including early drop off). If your dog is here for 3 hours or more outside of their grooming time the charge is $15. 

Leashes & Carriers

At no time are any pets be they dogs, cats, small animals or lizards allowed to be unrestrained when entering our shop. Dogs must be securely leashed at all times. Cats, small animals and lizards must be securely confined in a carrier at all times. If you arrive without a leash or carrier, please inform a staff member and one will be provided for the duration of your visit.