Grooming Policies & Expectations

Our Commitment to You and Your Pet

At Bonafide Dog Cuts, we deeply value your pet and are dedicated to making every grooming experience as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible. The safety of everyone involved—both pets and people—is always our top priority throughout the grooming process.

By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that it applies to all pets currently in your care and any future pets you choose to bring to Bonafide Dog Cuts.

Safety & Accidents;

At Bonafide Dog Cuts, the safety and well-being of your pet is our highest priority. We take every precaution and apply the utmost care throughout the grooming process to ensure a safe and positive experience for both your pet and our groomers. However, grooming involves handling live animals who may move unexpectedly. Despite our groomers’ skill and experience, there is always a possibility of minor incidents occurring during grooming. These may include, but are not limited to: small cuts, nicks, scratches, nail quicking, clipper burn, razor irritation, or hematomas. By signing below, you acknowledge and accept that grooming carries inherent risks due to the nature of working with live animals. You agree not to hold Bonafide Dog Cuts or its staff liable for any minor injuries that may occur as a result of the grooming process, provided reasonable care and precautions have been taken.

Senior Pet & Special Considerations;

Senior pets are at a higher risk of seizures, elevated stress levels, stiffness, and soreness following a grooming session. Additionally, the grooming process may aggravate existing medical conditions. Older pets may require more time and frequent breaks to sit or lie down during grooming. In such cases, we typically provide a “comfort groom” to prioritize their health and well-being. Grooming can also reveal previously undetected medical issues or worsen pre-existing conditions, either during the appointment or afterward. As the pet’s owner, it is your responsibility to inform us of any known current or past medical conditions prior to the grooming session. This information allows us to take appropriate precautions and provide the safest possible care for your pet. You acknowledge and accept the additional risks associated with grooming pets requiring special considerations — including, but not limited to, advanced age or underlying medical conditions. You also agree that any veterinary care required as a result of these conditions will be the sole financial responsibility of the pet’s owner.

Important note for dog-reactive pups;

If your dog is dog-reactive and cannot be in the same space as another dog, even briefly, it’s imperative that I know ahead of your appointment.
Extra time will be blocked off, Appointments will be limited to early morning or end-of-day slots and additional fees may apply, as booking availability is more limited.

Emergency Veterinarian Care Authorization;

In the event of a medical emergency while your pet is in our care, and we are unable to reach you, this release grants Bonafide Dog Cuts full authority to seek immediate veterinary attention for your pet at the nearest available veterinary clinic. You agree to be responsible for any and all costs incurred for such treatment.

Matted Coats & Shave down Policy;

Certain circumstances can present additional risks to pets in our care. If your pet’s coat is severely matted or tangled, there is a significantly increased risk of injury, stress, or trauma during the grooming process. At Bonafide Dog Cuts, we follow a “Humanity Before Vanity” approach, and therefore limit the amount of dematting we perform in the best interest of your pet’s well-being. In cases where matting is too severe to safely brush out, a matted shavedown may be required. You will be notified of this recommendation prior to the service being performed. While all necessary precautions are taken, some common issues that may occur following a shave down include: Clipper irritation (clipper burn), Minor nicks or abrasions, hematomas (particularly in the ears), Physical stress or discomfort and unusual behaviour due to tingling or sensitivity from previously restricted blood flow. By agreeing below, you acknowledge and accept the additional risks involved in grooming a pet with a matted coat. You also understand that if you refuse the recommended shave down, grooming services may be declined at the sole discretion of the groomer.

Parasites & Vaccinations;

At Bonafide Dog Cuts, the health and safety of all pets and staff are of the utmost importance. We strongly encourage all pets to be on a regular flea and tick preventative. If fleas are discovered on your pet during their grooming appointment, you may be asked to pick up your pet immediately. In some cases, if the groom can be safely completed despite the presence of fleas, we will notify you, and a parasite fee of up to $50 may be applied for fumigation of the salon. If ticks are found, solitary ticks will be removed and bagged for your reference. You will be advised to have them tested for Lyme disease. Please be aware that parasites pose a health risk not only to your pet but also to other animals and humans within the grooming facility.We require proof of a current Rabies vaccination for all pets, in accordance with local laws. While not mandatory, we also strongly recommend that pets be up to date on their Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination, as it is highly contagious and can spread easily in communal environments such as grooming salons, dog parks, and daycare facilities.

Cancelation Policy, Late Arrivals & Tardy Pick Up’s;

At Bonafide Dog Cuts, we value your time and are committed to providing each pet with a personalized, one-on-one grooming experience. To ensure we can maintain this level of care, the following policies apply: Cancellations made with more than 24 hours’ notice will not incur a fee. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged a 50% cancellation fee based on the scheduled service. This fee must be paid before a new appointment can be booked. Repeated last-minute cancellations may require a non-refundable deposit for future appointments. Late Arrivals: If you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible. Clients arriving more than 10 minutes past their scheduled appointment time may be charged a late fee of $1 per minute, or the appointment may be cancelled at the groomer’s discretion if there is insufficient time to complete the service. Tardy Pickups: Pets must be picked up within 30 minutes of grooming completion unless prior arrangements have been made. A tardy pickup fee of $1 per minute will apply after the 30-minute grace period. As a small salon offering one-on-one grooming, late pickups can disrupt the experience of the next scheduled client.We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.Bonafide Dog Cuts reserves the right to refuse service to clients with a history of no-shows, excessive tardiness, or repeated last-minute cancellations.

No Show Policy;

Any client who fails to show up for their scheduled appointment without notifying the salon in advance will be considered a no-show. Additionally, clients arriving more than 20 minutes late will also be classified as a no-show. First offence: A fee equal to 50% of the projected groom cost will be charged. Second offence: A fee equal to 75% of the projected groom cost will be charged. These fees are due immediately and in full before any new appointments can be booked. Furthermore, partial deposits may be required for future bookings depending on the client’s history.

Refunds & Complaints;

Bonafide Dog Cuts does not offer refunds under any circumstances. However, if you are unhappy with any aspect of your pet’s groom, we are committed to making it right at no additional charge, to the best of our ability. To qualify for a correction, any concerns or complaints must be reported within 48 hours of the original appointment time.

De-shedding Add On Fee;

For double-coated and heavy-shedding breeds, a Deshedding Add-On is required. This service includes the use of professional-grade deshedding shampoo and conditioner formulated to loosen and remove the undercoat, along with additional brushing and cleanup time. Because this service requires extra products and effort beyond a standard bath, a small additional fee applies. The benefit to your pet is a healthier, more manageable coat and noticeably reduced shedding at home.

By booking an appointment with Bonafide Dog Cuts, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the policies outlined above.

These policies exist to protect your dog’s safety, maintain a calm one-on-one environment, and support the sustainability of my small business.

Thank you for your understanding, respect, and continued support.

— Chelsea, Owner & Operator, Bonafide Dog Cuts