Gal-Groom Terms and Conditions

Client Consent
All new clients are required to complete a client consent form. We like to keep a detailed client record system, this is not only to ensure we comply with the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972,  but also to aid us by providing information that will enable us to provide a top quality, tailor-made service for every animal that passes through our doors. Upon subsequent visits you will be given an opportunity to advise us of any changes to the information we hold and as many changes, especially with regard to health or temperament, could quite possibly led to further health and safety issues we consider it your responsibility to be honest and keep us up to date. Your information will not be disclosed to or shared with any 3rd party.

Animal Care
Your dog’s health and welfare is Gal-Groom’s primary concern. Gal-Groom will do whatever is appropriate for the well being of your dog whilst it is in our care. In the case of an incident or a serious medical problem being discovered during grooming and the services of a vet are required, the client authorises us to obtain emergency veterinary treatment. The client agrees that Gal-Groom, its owners and operators are not liable for any pre-existing conditions and problems found during grooming, and the owner agrees to pay for all medical treatment incurred due to such.

Gal-Groom is not a vet and any advice given regarding health problems should be at all times checked with a licensed vet.

Cancellation Policy
We require at least 24hrs notice to cancel a scheduled appointment as this gives us an opportunity to rebook the slot. Please make us aware of your intention to cancel your appointment at the earliest available opportunity.


Late Cancellations and No Shows
A 100% no-show/late cancellation fee of the groomimg appointment cost will be levied. A non-refundable deposit of the starting price of the groom will be levied to secure a new appointment slot. If you incur any of the above mentioned fees, they are payable in full before your pets next appointment.

Customers that repeatedly miss appointments will be removed from our client list and refused service. Missed appointments mean loss of earnings and as a small company this directly affects our livelihood, as such we enforce this policy strictly.

Dropping Off & Collecting Policy
Please be punctual. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may mean we will be unable to groom your pet due to time constraints between appointment slots and this could result in a late cancellation fee. It is equally important that you collect your pet at the allotted time. The appointment slot allocated for your dog’s groom has been booked at your request. Gal-Groom do not double book appointments: a no-show is lost income. This is a business, not a hobby! Free appointment reminders are also offered, by text, email or phone. Just tell us your preference.

If your pet is collected after closing time, a sitting fee of £5 per 15 minutes is applied. This is payable in full at the time you collect your pet.

Photographs
Your pet may be photographed before, during and after its groom. Photographs may be used on Gal-Groom’s website or other printed materials.

De-matting Policy
At Gal-Groom, we groom humanely. Removing Matts can be very painful and distressing for the animal. As such we will generally only ATTEMPT to de-mat a coat ONCE, and then only in compliance with the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972. Dematting during a routine groom is limited to a maximum of 15 minutes. If upon subsequent visits your dog returns in a matted condition we will make NO attempt to dematt and the animal will be clipped-off. It is the owner’s duty of care towards their dog to maintain their coat between professional grooms and we are always more than happy to show you how to look after your dog’s coat. We NEVER de-matt puppies, infirm/elderly or aggressive dogs.

Please note: our normal grooming charge does not include de-matting, any de-matting or clip-offs requires significantly more time, labour, product & equipment wear & tear than a routine groom. You will be given an estimated cost for the procedure. All clip down costs are payable in full at time of collection.

Aggressive and Poorly Socialised Dogs Policy
You MUST advise us if your dog suffers with aggression of any form. Gal-Groom reserve the right to refuse to groom any pet at risk of harming itself or any member of staff. If your dog has been accepted for grooming & displays aggression during its session, the groom with be terminated immediately. You will be contacted to collect it, even if the groom is only partially completed. In these cases the customer will be required to pay the full starting price for the groom because at that point we cannot fill the appointment.

The client understands that they will be held liable for all bites/injuries caused by their dog.