The same policies you'll sign at your first appointment, written out here so you can read them before you book.
Percentages are of the scheduled groom price.
I ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Inside 24 hours, there's a fee of 25% of the scheduled groom. A no-show is 50%.
I take one dog at a time, so a late cancellation is usually a slot that can't be filled. Life happens — text me as early as you can and we'll work it out. Repeated no-shows may mean I'm not able to keep booking future appointments.
Text me. I'd always rather know than wonder.
At 15 minutes late there's a $15 late fee. Past 20 minutes, the appointment is cancelled and charged at 25%. Each appointment is booked with the exact time that dog needs, so a late start means either rushing your dog or running into the next one's time.
I'll contact you about 15 minutes before your dog is finished so you have time to get here. Dogs not picked up within 20 minutes of that call may be charged a $15 late pickup fee.
A freshly groomed dog waiting around with nothing to do undoes some of the calm we just spent an hour building.
Prices depend on breed, size, coat condition, and how your dog handles the process. You'll find the full menu on the services page.
Extra charges can apply for severe matting. I'll always discuss those with you before they're added to your bill — you will never find a charge on your invoice that we didn't talk about first.
Matted fur pulls tightly on the skin, traps moisture and dirt, and stops air from getting through. It causes real pain, and it hides bruising, sores, and infection underneath.
If your dog arrives with matting that can't be brushed out safely, I'll recommend clipping the coat shorter than usual to take the mats off. It's almost always the kinder option. Dematting and close clipping do carry risk — irritation, small nicks, or an uneven coat — and skin problems that were hidden under the mats sometimes only become visible once they're gone. Way of the Dog Grooming isn't responsible for conditions revealed after mat removal.
Coats mat for all sorts of ordinary reasons. I'd just rather you hear it from me at drop-off than be surprised at pickup.
I work slowly and calmly to keep your dog comfortable. If a dog becomes too stressed or too reactive to continue safely, we stop. You're only charged for the work completed, and there is no handling fee — ever.
A dog who goes home half-groomed but unafraid is a better result than one who goes home perfect and frightened. We'll talk about approaching the next visit differently.
Way of the Dog Grooming is not liable for pre-existing conditions or medical issues discovered during grooming, or for accidents and injuries that may arise during or after a groom, despite every precaution being taken.
If a medical emergency happens, I will make every effort to reach you. If I can't, you authorize me to seek veterinary care at your expense.
Please tell me about medications, mobility problems, seizures, allergies, or anything else in your dog's history when you book. It changes how I work, and knowing early is always better.
I photograph most grooms before pickup and share some of them on social media. The first-visit form asks whether that's alright with you, and no is a perfectly fine answer — no explanation needed. You can change your mind at any time, at any appointment.
Payment is due at the time of service. Cards, tap to pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay all run through Square, and you can pay a deposit online when you book. Card payments carry a processing fee of $2.50–$3.50, passed straight through from the card networks.
Cash and check are welcome and carry no extra charge.
Everything on this page is built into the first-visit form. It takes about five minutes on your phone, and once it's in there's nothing to sign at drop-off.
Fear Free methods, one dog at a time. Real-time availability, secure payment, and a calm day for your dog.
Book an Appointment Call (616) 287-2648