Policies
Dog Grooming Policies
BEHAVIOR ISSUES - We require pet owners to inform Rachel’s Dog Grooming of any behavioral issues, no matter how minor a situation may have been. This includes, but not limited to, nipping, biting, pawing, and jumping. What seems minor could be a lot different when it comes to how a pet behaves for people they do not know. If necessary, we will use a muzzle. This is for the safety of the pet and person working on the pet or we need assistance from an additional staff member. In this case, there will be an additional handling fee that will be applied. Occasionally, pets become so upset that we are unable to finish the pet’s service due to safety. If we feel at any time safety is becoming a concern, we will immediately stop all services and call the owner to pick up the unfinished pet. A service fee of $50 will still apply. We will place the pet on the table at the start of the service to try to evaluate the level of aggression, and if we think completion of the pet is possible. If the pet needs to be sent home at time of the evaluation, no fee will apply.
CANCELLATION POLICY - Rachel’s Dog Grooming require a 24 hour cancellation notice so that the appointment time can be made available to other clients. Any appointments missed, without giving proper notification, will be charged a No Call No Show fee of $50 at the time of the next appointment.
COAT CONDITION - Rachel’s Dog Grooming puts my pet’s comfort above all else. In the event the pet’s coat condition is extremely matted, the owner is informed of the next process which is to be shaved down; rather than perform painful dematting procedures. The owner must understand that if the dog needs to be shaved due to extreme matting, there is an increased risk of razor burn, cuts or pre-existing issues.. All attempts will be made to prevent this. Matted pets take additional time to groom, therefore additional matting fees will be applied. When pets are extremely matted, we may find pre-existing issues under the matted coat. (i.e. Hot spots, scratches, foxtails, burrs, fleas, ticks, maggots) We will inform the owner of anything that we noticed. Rachel’s Dog Grooming is not responsible for any vet bills caused or incurred because of a pet being matted. Rachel’s Dog Grooming tries to educate clients on proper brushing techniques.
DROPPING OFF FOR THE APPOINTMENT - All dogs, big and small, must either be on a leash or in a crate. Even if carried in, they must have a leash & collar. Please make sure that your dog’s leash and/or harness are fitted properly before dropping off. It will not be the responsibility of the shop if the dog become loose at drop-off. This ensures the safety and handling of your pet. NO EXCEPTIONS.
EARLY DROP OFF - At Rachel’s Dog Grooming, we try to accommodate our customers for early drop off. If early drop off is needed, a discussion and agreement is to be made at time of booking the appointments so dogs are completed as timely as possible - no exceptions. FIRST APPOINTMENT OF THE DAY CAN ONLY DROP OFF 5-10 MINUTES EARLY (GROOMER APPROVAL) - AS THIS IS AN "APPOINTMENT ONLY" BUSINESS. (Please see PICK UP category below.)
PICK UP - We require all pets to be picked up within 30 minutes of client being informed, (unless discussed and agreed upon at time of scheduling an appointment), when the pet grooming process has been completed. We are a grooming shop and not a boarding facility. The State of California requires additional licensing to have dogs in our care longer than the time it takes to complete the grooming process. NO EXCEPTIONS. Pick-Up Fees: $15 for every 15 minutes (after 30 minutes of being called for pickup). $25 for every 15 minutes after closing time. (Closing Time: 3:00 pm unless previously discussed and agreed upon when booking appointment.) ** If you are having someone pickup your dog, please make sure they are aware of this policy.
Please do not assume that your pet is ready. Please wait for a text or phone call before showing up. The pet could accidentally be cut or injure itself from the excitement of seeing the owner. There is a possibility the groom will be stopped and pet will be returned unfinished, if safety becomes an issue
All dogs are required to stay in a kennel until all checkout procedures have been completed. This is to avoid unwanted accidents as viruses and bacteria could be transferred this way. A clean up fee of $5.00 will be applied if the pet has an accident at pickup.
EARS - If an ear infection is noticed we will inform the owner. Cotton balls are placed in the ears before the bath, then cleaned with a professional ear cleaner after the bath. Rachel’s Dog Grooming is not responsible for any ear infections found during services or that may show up after the services have been completed, as there is no true way to tell how an ear infection was caused or when it started. All vet bills incurred for ear infections, or other health issues, are the sole responsibility of the client, not Rachel’s Dog Grooming.
EAR PLUCKING - UPON REQUEST ONLY If ears are noticeably infected, we will not pluck, nor will they be cleaned, as it could affect the vet’s diagnosis of the ear infection. An appointment will be scheduled after 1 week from the Vet’s appointment. Arrangements can be made to bring the pet back to Rachel’s Dog Grooming to clean the ears. However, we will not pluck the ears; this process will need to be done by the Vet.
EMERGENCIES - In the event of an emergency, I authorize this establishment to immediately seek professional veterinary attention for my pet (at the owner’s expense). I understand that all attempts will be made to contact the owner in the event of any emergency. If we are unable to contact you, the owner, and the pet needs immediate attention, I authorize Rachel's Dog Grooming to transport your pet to Calaveras Veterinary Clinic, located at 140 W. Calaveras Boulevard, in Milpitas. Rachel's Dog Grooming is not responsible for any situation that could happen while being transported to the vet hospital.
EXPRESS GROOMING - Is only available first thing in the morning as the shop is quieter and less pets to distract or agitate the dog. Clients must be on time. If more than 5 minutes late, the appointment will be cancelled. A NO CALL NO SHOW FEE will be applied.
GERIATRIC FEES (SENIOR DOGS) - Senior dogs with geriatric issues require additional fees - $30 and Up. Each additional minute spent for dogs that cannot handle hand dryers, cannot stand for long periods of time, a dog needing extra breaks, or need assistance from other staff members, require extra fees.. Senior dogs are extremely difficult and take extra time during the grooming process.
HEALTH - Grooming can be stressful to some pets. It is the responsibility of the pet owner, to inform the groomer of any health related conditions: heart, cancer, blind, anxiety, sanitary infections, fleas, skunking, etc., prior to grooming. It is also the responsibility of the owner to submit proof of rabies vaccinations, as they are kept on file.
INTACT FEMALE DOGS - We do not groom or service female dogs in heat. They must be scheduled three (3) weeks after coming into heat. We do this because it changes the atmosphere in the shop and can make male dogs, whether fixed or not, more agitated.
INTACT MALE DOGS - Please keep male dogs in a kennel until check out in the event they “mark” in our shop (floor, walls, furniture). A clean up fee of $5.00 will be charged.
LATE POLICY - Rachel’s Dog Grooming is a By Appointment Only service. Being late to grooming appointments is significant to the groomer and other appointments that are on time. A Late Fee will be charged at the time of drop off (if less than 15 minutes late) at $1.00 a minute. If after 15 minutes, the appointment is considered a No Call No Show status, of which $50 will now apply.
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FEE - Special assistance fees are required when a service requires the help of additional staff to complete the grooming process safely. This includes dogs that are over weight and those that have behavioral issues.
75 Dempsey Road, Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 649-3221
PAYMENT OPTIONS: ZELLE, CHECK OR CASH ONLY