Policies and Procedures

Current Vaccinations/Veterinarian Information:    Owners mus verify their pets are current on Rabies, Distemper and Parvo-Virus.  Proof of Vaccination or current Titer testing shall be provided to Luxe Hounds as well as current Veterinarian information.  Special circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Aggressive or Dangerous Pets:  Owners MUST inform Luxe Hounds if your pet(s) bite(s), has bitten, or is aggressive to people, other pets or specific grooming procedures.  Muzzles may be used if necessary.  Muzzling will not harm your pet, and protects both the pet and the groomer.  Luxe Hounds reserves the right to refuse/stop services for such pet(s) at any time before or during the grooming process, and charge a Special Handling Fee in addition to the regular grooming charge.  If the pet should bite, the owner agrees to be responsible for any and all related medical bills, recovery costs, loss of income and equipment damage.  If proof of the pets current Rabies Vaccination has not been provided to Luxe Hounds, or verified by a Veterinarian, the pet may be impounded by Animal Control for the required quarantine period.

Health or Medical Problems & Senior Pets:  Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful, especially for a senior pet or pet with health problems, and can expose hidden medical problems or aggravate a current one during or after the groom.  Because senior pets and pets with health problems have a greater chance of injury, these pets will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress. Luxe Hounds cannot be held responsible for hidden or aggravated conditions by the pet's owner upon signing this contract/agreement.

Mat Removal: Pets with matted coats need extra attention during their grooming session.  Mats left in a pets coat only grow tighter, and can strangle the pet's skin, or eventually tear it open.  Luxe Hounds does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your pet, and will not continually de-mat your pet for you.  Mats can be very difficult to remove, and may require the pet to be shaved.  When necessary, removing a heavily matted coat includes risks of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats.  Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the pet's skin allowing mold, fungus or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process.  Torn skin from mats can also harbor maggots.  After effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions and failure of the hair to re-grow.  Shaved pets are also prone to sunburn and should either have sunscreen applied daily or should be kept out of the sun until the hair grows sufficiently to protect the skin.  In some cases pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes.  Prevention is the best defense against matting by scheduling regular grooming appointments.  There is an extra charge of $1 per minute for de-matting (billed in increments of 15 minutes).

Puppys' first Haircut:   The first grooming experience for a puppy (or any age dog) requires patience and understanding.  More time may be necessary to work with younger pets.  Gradually adding steps to the grooming process on a regular basis will help to minimize any potential stress.  Owners can help their pets accept grooming by regularly massaging pet's paws as well as brushing & combing their coats.  Frequent handling of paws can help pets better accept nail clipping or trimming around the feet.  Puppies should have completed all vaccinations prior to their first groom. Accidents: There is always the possibility an accident could occur.  Grooming equipment is sharp, even though we use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, quicking of nails, etc.  In most cases this can happen when a pet is wiggling or moving around.  Pet owners are NOT allowed in the van during the grooming process, we ask that you stay inside. If you must go outside, please do not allow your pet to see you.  Every effort will be made to insure your pet is groomed as safely as possible, but an excited pet can be dangerous to continue to work on.  If you insist on staying in the van with your pet, or the groomer, we reserve the right to end the grooming session, even if the groom is not completed, and the full grooming price will be charged.

Parasites:  If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, prompt and thorough action on YOUR part will be needed BEFORE your grooming appointment is made.  Flea infestations can lead to tapeworm and other health problems.  Please see your Veterinarian about available effective products.  If fleas or ticks are found during the grooming process, your pet will be treated with a natural product to kill the parasites and will be charged for.  Please note - Luxe Hounds will not use pesticides on your pet. Ticks found will NOT be removed.  If ticks are found, we strongly suggest you have your pet tested for Lyme Disease.  Please note that parasites are a health hazard to your pet as well as to humans.

Late Arrivals:  Please be on time for your pets' grooming appointment.  We work by Appointment and do not have the time or resources to wait for you to arrive.  We return this courtesy by arriving as close as possible to the appointed time however, due to traffic and appointments running over, please allow a 1 hour grace time either side of said appointment time. If we are going to be longer than 15 minutes outside of the appointment time we will notify you as soon as possible. To enforce this policy, a $1.00 PER MINUTE LATE CHARGE will be added to your ticket.

No-shows & Cancellations:  No shows, last minute cancellations (less than 48 hours notice) or continual re-scheduling are subject to a $45.00 FEE PER PET which will be added to your next ticket. As a courtesy we send text reminds 48 hours before your appointment. You must confirm your appointment or we WILL NOT arrive. You may reserve another appointment by a credit card charge for a full groom and the no-show fee (no refund if appointment is not kept), or Pre-Payment for same will be required before another appointment is booked.  We understand there may be emergency situations and will work with you, but not on a continued basis.  Please be respectful of our time as we are a by-appointment business, and another client could have taken your appointment if we knew.  Please note - No Shows or Last Minute Cancellations during Holiday weeks will result in pre-payment prior to ALL future appointments.

Returned Check Policy:  Checks that are returned non-payable are subject to a $30.00 Service Fee.  Future appointments must be paid in Cash, Visa or Mastercard PRIOR to the start of your pets next grooming.

Hold Harmless Agreement: By signing this contract you (or your Agent) agree to hold Luxe Hounds, it's owners, operators, employees, officers and directors harmless from any damage, loss, or claim arising from any condition of the undersigned pet, either known or unknown to Luxe Hounds.  It is also further understood and agreed the terms of this agreement can change at any time, without notice, and will overwrite any and all prior signed contracts or releases.  It is further understood this clause applies to any and all pets groomed.