Policies & Client Agreement

At Bella's Paw Spa Pet Grooming, LLC, our priority is the safety, comfort, and well-being of every pet in our care. Please review the following policies before scheduling an appointment.

💉 Vaccinations & Health

We strongly recommend that all pets—especially puppies—be current on vaccinations prior to entering our facility. If you choose not to vaccinate your pet, Bella's Paw Spa Pet Grooming, LLC is not responsible for any illness or sickness that may occur as a result.

🐕 Leashes & Carriers

All dogs must be brought into the facility on a leash, and all cats must be secured in a carrier. This is extremely important, as our business is located on a busy street. Safety is non-negotiable.

📅 Cancellations & No-Shows

  • A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
  • No-shows will result in a $25 fee added to your account.

🚶 Pre-Appointment Care

We highly recommend that you walk your pet prior to their appointment. This helps ensure comfort during grooming and avoids additional cleaning services that may result in extra charges.

🏪 Drop-Off & Pickup / Daycare Fees

A $15 daycare fee will be applied if:

  • Your pet is dropped off 2 or more hours before their scheduled appointment time, or
  • Your pet is left 2 or more hours after you have been notified that grooming services are complete.

🦟 Fleas & Ticks

If fleas or ticks are found during grooming, a mandatory flea bath fee of $5 will be added to your bill.

⚡ Express Grooming

  • If your pet must be groomed and ready by a specific or immediate time, an Express Grooming Fee of $20 will be added.
  • This must be requested at the time of booking.
  • Express services may not be available for walk-ins.

😊 Behavior & Handling Fees

Some pets may have difficulty with grooming due to anxiety, aggression, or stress. If biting, clawing, or unsafe behavior occurs, a "Hard to Handle" fee ranging from $10–$25 may be applied. This fee is assessed only when necessary and at the groomer's discretion.

🧶 Matting

An excessive matting fee may be charged when a pet's coat is heavily matted. This determination is made by the groomer based on the time, care, and safety required to complete the groom.

Understanding Matting & Grooming Methods

When a pet's coat becomes severely matted, undercoat and hair removal may be necessary because the coat is tangled beyond the ability to safely brush or comb through. Shaving the matted coat is the most humane option and is the least painful and least stressful method available.

De-Matting Services: Bella's Paw Spa does not offer full de-matting services. However, partial de-matting may be performed when possible and only if it does not cause excessive pain or suffering. Partial de-matting is charged at $15 per 15 minutes.

🐕 Dogs in Heat

If your dog is in heat, a $15 sanitation fee will be added to your bill. Advance notice is greatly appreciated in these situations.

⚠️ Special Circumstances & Liability Waiver

If you choose to have a pregnant, elderly, or excessively matted pet groomed at Bella's Paw Spa, a separate liability waiver must be signed prior to any services being performed.

🏥 Possible Skin & Health Findings

It is common for pre-existing skin or medical conditions to become visible only after a matted coat is removed. Our groomers will always inform the owner of anything observed.

  • Bella's Paw Spa groomers cannot diagnose medical conditions.
  • We may recommend that you seek veterinary care if concerns are noted.

⚠️ Risks Associated With Matting & Mat Removal

Matted coats and the removal process may result in or reveal the following:

  • Tightened mats pulling on the skin, causing bald spots or sore areas
  • Reduced air circulation, leading to hot spots or fungal/bacterial infections
  • Skin pulling that can cause chafing, abrasions, and discomfort during movement
  • Increased risk of stress, trauma, nicks, or clipper irritation due to working close to the skin
  • Fleas or ticks hiding within mats (a $5 flea/tick shampoo fee will apply if parasites are found)
  • Ear bruising (hematomas) from excessive head shaking after mat removal
  • Possible sunburn if the pet is exposed to prolonged outdoor sunlight after shaving

💆 Ongoing Coat Care

Bella's Paw Spa staff is happy to demonstrate proper brushing techniques and recommend tools to help prevent future matting. Your pet's coat must be thoroughly brushed and combed on a regular basis, either professionally or at home.

✅ Acknowledgment

By scheduling an appointment with Bella's Paw Spa Pet Grooming, LLC, you acknowledge and agree to all policies listed above.

Thank you for trusting us with your pet's care. 🐾

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By booking an appointment, you agree to our policies and client agreement.