Grooming

All dogs to be groomed at The Classic Canine must have a current Rabies Vaccination, Distemper or Parvovirus. Proof of Vaccination or current Titer testing must be provided to this office along with your current Veterinarian contact information. 

Owners MUST inform The Classic Canine if your dog(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.  The Classic Canine reserves the right to refuse/stop services for such pet(s) at any time before or during the grooming process, and/or charge an Aggressive Dog Fee of $50 in addition to the regular grooming charge.  If the pet should bite the Groomer or any employee or charge of Canine Behavioral Services Inc, the owner agrees to be responsible for any and all related medical bills, recovery costs, loss of income and equipment damage.

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.  The Classic Canine does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your pet, and will not continually de-mat your pet for you should you choose to not groom your dog on a regular schedule.  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 per minute for dematting.  

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.  If you arrive to pick up your pet and it is still being groomed, please do NOT talk to it or allow it to see you.  Sit quietly, or step outside for a few minutes please.  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 talking to 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.

If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, prompt and thorough action on YOUR part is needed BEFORE your grooming appointment is made.  Flea infestations can lead to tapeworm and other health problems.  Please see your Veterinarian, or ask us, 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 accordingly for it.  Please note – The Classic Canine will not use pesticides on your pet. Ticks found will be removed for an additional charge.  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.