FAQ
What vaccines do you require?​
For dogs, we require Rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza) vaccines for appointments, and we strongly recommend Bordetella for added protection. For cats, we require the Rabies and the FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) vaccines. With us, your pet is in caring hands, and we want to ensure we are not transmitting preventable diseases.
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Do you have a spay and/or neuter policy?​
We do not require your pet be spayed or neutered. HOWEVER, we do request that you do not bring in a female while she's in heat — we are happy to reschedule!
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Do you offer daycare/boarding?
The short answer: no.
The long answer: our business permit is only for grooming, so we cannot offer daycare or boarding services.
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What if my dog requires special attention for behavioral/medical/other concerns?​
We can accommodate a variety of special needs and are happy to work with dogs that have a hard time with grooming. HOWEVER, for the health and safety of your pet, we cannot groom dogs with open wounds, fresh stitches, fleas and similar medical issues. For dogs healing from procedures, cuts, etc., please ask your veterinarian when any incisions will be fully healed — we are glad to reschedule your groom for after that date!
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*We reserve the right to refuse or stop a groom if it would create an unsafe environment for your dog or the groomer.*​
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​What is custom pet coloring?​​
​Custom pet coloring is a great way to add a little flair to your furry friend's look! We use OPAWZ, a pet-safe dye made specifically for animals. Check out examples here!
*Pricing is dependent on project complexity.
**The dye we use lasts for ten washes at minimum and can otherwise only be removed by shaving. Much like dyeing your own hair, be sure it's what you want before you commit!
Requirements for dye jobs:
We will need to see your dog at least 48 hours prior to your appointment for a test patch. This is to ensure they won't have a reaction to the dye.
Pets must be at least one year old and have some experience with being groomed. This should not be your dog's introduction to grooming!
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​What is your cancellation policy?​
We require at least 24 hours notice for any cancelled or rescheduled appointments. There is a $50 no-show or day-of cancellation fee and a $25 early cancellation fee.
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Why won't you de-mat my pet?​
While some mats just take a little elbow grease, getting out extensive matting almost always causes more discomfort and damage to your pet's skin than it's worth. In these cases, we recommend a shave-down — trust us, your pet will feel much better that way.
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We will notify you beforehand if the groomer feels a shave-down is warranted, and you will have the option to not move forward with the groom. In the most severe cases — where the mats are too close to the skin for us to shave safely — we will recommend you have the matting removed by your vet.
Please keep in mind that, left unattended, mats will continue to cause your furry friend discomfort and can severely damage the skin. We will always recommend making a plan to get them out, even if it's not with us!​
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What are your Policies and Procedures?
SouthPaw Grooming Salon Policies and Procedures
We will make every effort possible to make your pet's experience at SouthPaw Grooming a safe and comfortable visit. Safety comes first during the grooming process, and that applies to both people and pets. For that reason, we have policies and procedures in place that we require all of our clients to read and understand.
Vaccinations
All dogs and cats visiting SouthPaw Grooming must have up to date vaccination records on file. You may either bring in a copy of records or email a copy to southpawgroomingllc@gmail.com.
Health or Medical Problems
Grooming has the ability to expose hidden medical problems or aggravate current ones. This can happen during or after the visit. Groomers will inform owners of any issues discovered during the grooming session. Medical expenses for vet care due to these issues will be covered by the pet owner after reading and understanding these policies.
Accidents
While accidents are rare, there is always a risk while working with pets and grooming tools. Our tools are sharp. Although we use extreme caution in all situations, possible risks include nicks, cuts, scratches and quickening of nails. This is usually caused by a pet wiggling around. In the event of an accident, SouthPaw Grooming will reach out immediately to notify you of the accident.
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Vet Authorization – Medical Emergencies
This release gives SouthPaw Grooming full authorization to seek medical treatment from the nearest vet in the case of any medical emergencies while in the care of SouthPaw Grooming. All vet costs and expenses will be the responsibility of the pet owner.
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Dangerous/Aggressive Animals – Refusal of Service
SouthPaw Grooming reserves the right to refuse services at any point during the grooming process. If your pet becomes too stressed, or becomes dangerous to groom for any reason, we will stop grooming services immediately. Our main focus is to keep pets and groomers safe. The client will be charged a grooming fee at the groomer’s discretion.
Allergic Reactions
SouthPaw Grooming takes great care in researching and providing the best products on the market for your pet's skin and coat health. If a reaction does occur, please let us know within 24 hours of your visit. All medical expenses for vet care due to the reaction will be covered by the pet owner.
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Matted Pets – Humanity over Vanity
Dogs with severely matted coats require a significant amount of extra attention. Mats cause the coat to grow tight and pull on – and damage – the skin. It can restrict blood flow and become a breeding ground for parasites. SouthPaw Grooming will not cause unnecessary, inhumane stress to your pet by trying to “de-mat” them. Severe matting can only be humanely removed by shaving the pet. Removing a severely matted coat comes with its own list of potential issues including nicks, cuts, scrapes, and hematomas. Moisture can be trapped under matting as well, revealing an abundance of skin problems. In some cases, dogs may even exhibit behavioral changes after removal.
Prevention is the best defense against matting. Regular appointments, every 6-8 weeks, are recommended, and your groomer can recommend any additional steps that might be beneficial for your pet. By agreeing to these policies, you acknowledge the risks associated with this process if your pet needs to be shaved due to extreme matting. There will be an additional fee for severe matting, as it is a time-consuming process and causes extra wear and tear on grooming equipment.
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Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are communicable and therefore require extra cleaning and care. Pets should be on a preventative, but if pests are found, the pet will receive a flea bath and a $15 charge. Groomers reserve the right to deny service if a pet is infested, and this will incur a same-day cancellation fee.
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Cancellations
Please provide a minimum of 24 hours notice for cancellation or rescheduling. Failure to do so will normally result in a charge of $25. We do understand that life happens, however, and this fee will be at the groomer’s discretion based on any extenuating circumstances.
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No-Show Fee – Non-Refundable
Failure to appear at the scheduled appointment time will incur a fee of $50 or the full grooming price, whichever is lower. This fee is non-refundable. Clients who have previously no-showed will be asked to pre-pay their future appointments in full. In order to rebook with us, all fees must be paid in full.
Late arrival
Late arrival is considered more than 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time. We make it a priority to best serve all our clients, and putting the groomers behind affects subsequent appointments throughout the day. It will be up to the groomer’s discretion whether your pet will still be serviced after a late arrival, and there will be an additional late fee of $15. If your appointment has to be canceled due to late arrival, you will be subject to the no-show policy above.
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Payment
Payment is due at time of pickup. We accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards.
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Satisfaction
We want you to be happy with your pet’s grooming results. If there is anything you are unsatisfied with and would like to correct, please let us know at time of pickup and we will do our best to accommodate your requests. You will have a 24-hour window to let us know about any desired adjustments. Beyond that timeframe, all return visits will be treated as a new appointment and will be charged accordingly.
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Photographs
SouthPaw Grooming uses photos of pets that have received services. These may be posted on the website or social media, and photos taken belong to SouthPaw Grooming. If you would like to not have your pet's photo shared, please let your groomer know.
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