Terms & Conditions

Dogs are accepted for grooming, daycare and other services at Dog World Grooming Ltd subject to the following Terms and Conditions.

Client Registration & Acceptance of Terms

All owners must complete a Client Registration Form and agree to these Terms and Conditions before their dog receives any service at Dog World Grooming Ltd.

Owners are responsible for ensuring that their dog is appropriately vaccinated and regularly treated for worms, fleas and other parasites using suitable veterinary-recommended products.

For the health and safety of all dogs in our care, we cannot accept dogs known or suspected to have a contagious illness or parasite infestation.

If a dog displays signs of illness or a contagious condition while in our care, we may separate the dog from others and contact the owner or emergency contact to arrange collection as soon as possible.

By completing our Client Registration Form and using our services, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

Dog World Academy - Student Training

Dog World Grooming Ltd is also the training location for Dog World Academy, where adult students undertake practical, hands-on training to develop professional dog grooming skills.

As part of this training, students may assist with or carry out elements of a dog's grooming appointment, including bathing, drying, brushing, coat preparation, nail care, clipping and scissoring, where appropriate to the student's level of training, experience and ability.

All practical student work is carried out under the close supervision, guidance and direction of an experienced member of the Dog World Grooming team.

Students are not permitted to work with dogs unsupervised and will only undertake tasks considered suitable for their current level of training and for the individual dog's temperament, condition, grooming requirements and welfare.

The supervising groomer retains responsibility for overseeing the grooming service and may intervene, assist or take over any part of the groom whenever necessary.

The safety, welfare and comfort of the dog remain our priority throughout the appointment.

By booking and proceeding with a grooming service at Dog World Grooming Ltd, the owner acknowledges and agrees that an adult student of Dog World Academy may, under close supervision, assist with or carry out appropriate elements of their dog's grooming service.

Where we consider a particular dog, procedure or circumstance unsuitable for student involvement, the grooming will be carried out by a member of the Dog World Grooming team.

Veterinary Care & Emergencies

If your dog becomes ill, is injured or requires urgent veterinary attention while in our care, we will make reasonable attempts to contact you or your nominated emergency contact.

Where neither you nor your emergency contact can be reached and we reasonably believe that delaying treatment could compromise your dog's health or welfare, you authorise Dog World Grooming Ltd to seek appropriate veterinary advice or treatment in your dog's best interests.

Unless Dog World Grooming Ltd is legally responsible for the circumstances giving rise to the veterinary treatment, veterinary fees and associated costs remain the responsibility of the owner.

If you believe your dog has sustained an injury as a direct result of a service provided by Dog World Grooming Ltd, please contact us as soon as possible. We may request a written veterinary report or other relevant evidence so that we can properly investigate the circumstances.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

Grooming Safety & Accidents

We take the safety and welfare of every dog seriously and use appropriate care throughout the grooming process.

However, grooming involves the use of scissors, clippers and other equipment around a live animal, and dogs can move suddenly or unpredictably. Minor incidents such as small nicks, scratches or cutting the quick of a nail can occasionally occur despite reasonable care.

Some dogs may also experience skin sensitivity or an unexpected reaction to grooming products or procedures.

If we become aware of an injury, reaction or other concern during your dog's appointment, we will take appropriate action and inform you.

Anal Glands

Dog World Grooming Ltd does not routinely express anal glands.

Healthy dogs should generally empty their anal glands naturally. Repeated problems, discomfort, swelling or other symptoms may indicate an underlying medical issue and should be assessed by a veterinary surgeon.

If you have concerns about your dog's anal glands, we recommend speaking to your vet.

Medical Conditions & Senior Dogs

Certain medical, physical or behavioural conditions can make grooming more difficult or stressful for a dog.

You must tell us about any known health condition that could affect your dog's grooming experience, including heart conditions, arthritis, epilepsy, skin conditions, back or neck problems, previous injuries, breathing difficulties or any other relevant medical condition.

Please also tell us about any medication your dog is taking where this may be relevant to their care.

We will make reasonable adjustments to minimise discomfort and stress. This may include adapting normal grooming procedures, allowing additional breaks or not requiring a dog to stand for extended periods. As a result, the finished groom may differ from the style originally requested.

If at any point we believe continuing the groom would compromise your dog's health or welfare, we may stop the service and contact you to discuss how best to proceed.

Aggressive, Anxious or Distressed Dogs

Owners must tell us before an appointment if their dog has previously bitten or attempted to bite a person or another dog, has shown aggressive behaviour, or is particularly fearful or reactive during grooming or handling.

We reserve the right to refuse, modify or stop a service if we believe a dog's behaviour or level of distress presents an unacceptable risk to the dog, other dogs, our staff or customers.

The welfare of the dog will always take priority over completing a groom.

Matted Coats

At Dog World Grooming Ltd, the welfare of the dog comes first.

Matting can be painful and may restrict movement, pull on the skin and prevent normal airflow. Severe matting can also conceal irritation, sores, parasites, wounds, infections or other skin conditions.

We will not subject a dog to prolonged or painful de-matting simply to preserve coat length.

Where matting cannot reasonably and humanely be brushed or combed out, we may carry out a short clip to remove the matted coat. This can result in a significant change to the dog's appearance and may require the coat to be clipped very close to the skin.

Where practicable, we will discuss this with you before proceeding. However, the dog's welfare will always be our primary consideration.

Removing a severely matted coat carries additional risks because the skin may be pulled tightly into the matting and warts, moles, skin tags, folds or previously hidden injuries may be difficult to see. This can increase the risk of minor nicks, irritation or abrasions even when appropriate care is taken.

Once the coat is removed, previously hidden skin conditions may become visible. The skin may also appear red, irritated or sensitive after being released from tight matting.

We will inform you of any concerns we identify and may recommend veterinary attention where appropriate.

Dog World Grooming Ltd cannot accept responsibility for pre-existing conditions, injuries or skin problems caused or concealed by matting, or for unavoidable effects arising from the safe removal of a severely matted coat where reasonable care has been taken.

Nothing in this section excludes liability where Dog World Grooming Ltd has failed to exercise reasonable care and skill.

Fleas & Ticks

If fleas are discovered during your dog's appointment, we will inform you.

Where there is a significant flea infestation, we may stop the service and ask you to collect your dog in order to protect other dogs and the salon environment. An additional charge may apply to cover cleaning, disinfection and any additional work required.

If a tick is discovered, we may remove it where we consider it safe and appropriate to do so. We recommend that owners seek veterinary advice if they have concerns about ticks or tick-borne illness.

Double-Coated Breeds

Clipping or shaving a double-coated breed can alter the way the coat grows back. Regrowth may be slow, uneven or different in colour or texture and, in some cases, the coat may not return to its previous condition.

For this reason, we do not clip or shave double-coated breeds unless there is a genuine medical or welfare reason for doing so.

A dog’s coat plays an important role in protecting the skin and helping the dog manage environmental conditions. Removing it very short is not necessarily an effective way of keeping a dog cool and may interfere with the coat’s natural function.

Where clipping is considered necessary for medical or welfare reasons, we will discuss this with you beforehand and agree on the most appropriate approach for your dog.

Doggy Daycare

Daycare places are subject to registration and an initial assessment or consultation. A booking is not confirmed until we are satisfied that daycare is appropriate for the individual dog.

Our daycare is designed for dogs who are comfortable around people and other suitable dogs. We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue daycare if we believe a dog is excessively stressed, unsuitable for the environment or presents a risk to themselves, another dog, a member of staff or another person.

Puppies attending daycare must have completed the vaccinations required for safe participation, subject to veterinary advice.

Female dogs who are in season cannot attend daycare.

We supervise dogs carefully, but normal interaction and play between dogs can occasionally result in minor bumps, scratches or other minor injuries.

If your dog requires food during daycare, please provide the appropriate food in a clearly labelled container together with feeding instructions. Please also tell us about any known allergies or dietary requirements.

Cancellations & No-Shows

We operate an appointment-based business and reserve dedicated time for each dog.

Appointments cancelled with less than 72 hours' notice, and appointments where the client does not attend, will be charged at 100% of the booked service price per dog.

We understand that genuine emergencies and exceptional circumstances can occur and will consider these reasonably on a case-by-case basis. However, repeated late cancellations or missed appointments may result in future bookings requiring advance payment.

Photographs & Videos

We may occasionally photograph or film dogs while they are in our care for use on Dog World Grooming Ltd's website, social media channels and other promotional or marketing materials.

We respect that not every owner will want their dog photographed or filmed. If you do not want images or videos of your dog to be taken or used for these purposes, please tell us and we will respect your preference.

Personal Property

Please avoid leaving unnecessary personal belongings with your dog.

Dog World Grooming Ltd will take reasonable care of items left with us but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage unless caused by our negligence or failure to take reasonable care.

Data Protection & Privacy

Dog World Grooming Ltd processes personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

We collect and process personal information where necessary to provide our services and manage our relationship with you. This may include information required to:

- manage, confirm and remind you about appointments;

- maintain relevant information about your dog and their care;

- contact you or your nominated emergency contact when necessary;

- process payments and maintain appropriate business records;

- communicate with you about our services where permitted by law;

- and comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.

We take appropriate measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.

We may use trusted third-party service providers and systems where reasonably necessary to operate our business and provide our services.

Personal information will only be shared where we have an appropriate lawful basis for doing so.

We do not sell client personal information.

Where required by law, we may disclose personal information to regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies or other authorised organisations.

Where a personal data breach meets the relevant legal threshold, we will notify the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and affected individuals where required within the applicable statutory time limits.

Changes to These Terms

Dog World Grooming Ltd may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time to reflect changes to our services, business practices or legal obligations.

The version in force at the time a service is provided will apply to that service.

Dog World Grooming Ltd

Winchmore Hill, London