The Dapper Dog Co. LLC Policies

Appointment Arrival Window

Your groomer may arrive up to one hour before or up to one hour after your scheduled appointment time.
This flexibility is necessary due to traffic, weather, and timing of prior appointments.

2. Appointment Confirmation

All appointments must be confirmed by 10:00 PM the night before your scheduled time.
Unconfirmed appointments will be automatically canceled.

3. Lock & Key Service (Returning Clients Only)

Lock & Key Service allows grooming when the owner is not home using a designated access method (door code, key, crate pickup, fenced yard, etc.).

By choosing Lock & Key Service, you agree to the following:

Home Access Liability

You authorize the groomer to enter the agreed-upon area strictly to retrieve and return your dog.
The groomer is not responsible for:

  • Property issues caused by faulty locks, broken gates, garage malfunctions, or keypad failures

  • Alarms not disabled by the owner

  • Pets escaping due to unsecured doors, gates, or fencing

  • Pre-existing property hazards

All access methods must be safe, accurate, and functional.

Dog Handling Without Owner Present

Without the owner present, the dog may:

  • Hide or run

  • Resist pickup

  • Show stress or confusion

The groomer is not liable for injuries or incidents caused by the dog’s own behavior during retrieval or return.

Owner Responsibilities

The owner is responsible for:

  • Providing accurate access instructions

  • Ensuring the dog is contained in a safe, accessible area

  • Securing all gates, fences, and entry points

  • Ensuring the groomer can safely reach the dog

If access is unsafe or the dog cannot be retrieved, the appointment may be charged as a no-show.

4. Pets Are Accepted for Grooming Under the Following Conditions

• Pets must be in reasonably good health; grooming elderly or medically compromised pets is at the owner’s risk.
• Grooming may expose underlying skin issues or health conditions; we are not liable for pre-existing problems.
• A current rabies vaccine is required unless otherwise discussed.
• If an emergency occurs and you cannot be reached, you authorize the groomer to seek veterinary care at your expense.
• Payment is due at time of service; declined cards incur a $20 fee.
• Rates depend on coat condition, breed, size, and behavior.
• Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and anal glands (upon request) may be skipped if unsafe.
• Severe matting may require shaving; this may expose pre-existing conditions.

5. Cancellations

• Cancellations require 24 hours notice to avoid the full appointment fee.
• Emergency situations may be evaluated at the groomer’s discretion.
• Groomer may reschedule due to weather, vehicle issues, pet safety, or other needs.

6. No-Shows

A no-show occurs when:

  • The client does not answer

  • The client is unavailable

  • Groomer waits 20 minutes without response

  • OR the groomer waits 10 minutes with no response even if arriving early within the arrival window

Full grooming fee may be charged.
Repeated no-shows may lead to discontinued service.

7. Aggressive or High-Anxiety Dogs

• Dogs showing aggression or unsafe behavior may be refused or stopped mid-groom.
• A handling fee may apply for dogs requiring extra time or caution.
• Muzzles or restraints may be used for safety.
• If grooming must stop early, the full fee still applies.

8. Puppy Policy

• First grooms may require additional time or incur an extra fee.
• Puppies may experience small nicks, scratches, or quicked nails due to movement.
• Grooming may be stopped early if the puppy becomes overstimulated.
• Full fee applies even if the groom is incomplete.

9. Photos & Videos

• The owner grants permission for The Dapper Dog Luxury Pet Spa to use photos or videos for marketing, social media, and promotional use.
• All media becomes the property of The Dapper Dog Luxury Pet Spa.

10. Additional Mobile Grooming Liability Protections

Parking

The owner must provide safe, legal parking.
The groomer is not liable for issues caused by:

  • Flooding

  • Mud

  • Uneven or unstable driveways

  • Low branches or obstacles

  • HOA/towing issues

Weather

Extreme weather may require rescheduling for safety.

Parasites

If fleas or ticks are found, a cleaning fee may apply due to sanitizing the mobile unit.
The groomer is not responsible for pre-existing infestations.

We Reserve the Right to Refuse or Discontinue Service

For safety and well-being, The Dapper Dog Luxury Pet Spa may refuse or end service at any time.