Policies

Please make sure that your dogs have received flea treatments prior to visiting the spa, since I am unable to admit any dog into the dog grooming facility that has fleas. In order to protect my other clients, dogs with fleas will have their appointment stopped and full payment plus an additional flea fee will be requested. This is to cover the cost of decontaminating my salon and equipment after your dog has left.

If I spotted even one live flea, I would have to sterilize everything, close the spa, cancel appointments for other guests that day, and set off a flea bomb. I would then have to reschedule those canceled appointments into a timetable that was already completely filled.
Thus, before entering, please make sure your dog is completely flea-free!

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

*Please give 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel your pet’s appointment. The slot can then be offered to other clients.

No-shows and late cancellations (less than 24 hrs. notice)

The full price of your pet’s groom must be paid in full where failure to turn up or on the day cancellations occur. This is because as a small business I cannot afford to not be working when I should be grooming your pet. For notice within 24 hours a charge of 100% of the groom cost will be payable before any future dog grooming appointments can be booked. 

Here at Delaware Dog Spa, I promise to always prioritize the needs and wellbeing of your dog. The owner owes it to their pet to maintain the coat in between visits from a professional groomer. Your dog may experience discomfort, soreness, and skin irritation from mats of fur that is not regularly brushed and cared for. 

I always try to de-mat a coat, but only if I think there will be little matting and the animal will not be in any pain. I do, however, follow the Animal Welfare Act, and I will shave off matted areas where it is best for the animal to avoid needless suffering. Unnecessary hours spent de-matting can cause pain to your dogs, making them avoid grooming forever. 

Reasonable matting scenarios may include but are not limited to:

- Light matting in areas such as the belly, thighs, underarms, behind the ears, and the tail that can safely be removed with a de-matting tool or clippers without causing the dog any distress.

Currently, I DO NOT offer shave downs for Matted dogs. Dogs that are severely matted due to improper brushing/care between groomer visits may be referred to a veterinarian for shaving. 

Note: Additional fees may apply for any de-matting that requires more than 15 minutes.

Delaware Dog Spa only accepts non-aggressive dogs. Owners are required to confirm that their dog has not injured or acted aggressively against any individual or other dogs. Delaware Dog Spa maintains the right to separate your pet until your arrival in the event of unsatisfactory incidents. Owners are responsible for any harm or losses brought about by their dog(s), and I have the right to stop the grooming appointment and deny any future service.

At Delaware Dog Spa I do not currently provide shave downs for any dogs with double coats, including shepherds, huskies, golden retrievers, Pomeranians, etc., for the following reasons:

• I cannot guarantee that the dog's coat will regrow after shaving.
• The regeneration of the coat may only consist of the soft undercoat without any guard hairs, or it may be angular and uneven.
• Shaving may cause rashes and/or irritation.
• Shaving has no effect on shedding; it only shortens the coat that sheds.
• Jagged or uneven appearance may arise when trimming down a dog with two coats, depending on the type of coat and desired length.
• Your dog might not be able to regulate their body temperature. 

Delaware Dog Spa will provide you with an approximate time of arrival for your pet. Please pick up your pet within fifteen minutes after that. If I call after it's finished, please be prepared to leave and pick up your pet as quickly as possible. In order for me to fulfill my one-on-one sessions and try to keep the spa cage-free, pet owners need to arrive on time. There may be "Daycare" fines of $5 every fifteen minutes if you are over thirty minutes late for pickup because I am not set up for Doggie Daycare. 

You have 48 hours from the time you get back home to let me know about any issues you find with your pet. If your pet has any problems, like a few sticky outies, uneven ears, or an excessively long beard, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll get to work right away trimming or adjusting the troublesome region or areas. If your dog is displaying symptoms of skin irritation, such itching or irritation from clippers, please give me another call. I might be able to suggest some lotions or mists to assist calm their skin. A problem will be deemed null and void if it is not reported to me within 48 hours of your dog grooming appointment.