Appointments can be made via telephone, email, website booking, or other approved booking methods.

Please ensure all information provided about your dog is accurate and up to date, including any health conditions, behavioural concerns, or previous grooming experiences that may affect the appointment.

• For safety reasons, all dogs must be handed over on a lead at the beginning of the appointment.

• If required, a slip lead can be provided by Dapper Hounds.

• Owners are not permitted inside the grooming van during the appointment unless agreed in advance.

• Owners are asked to ensure their dog has had an opportunity to toilet before the appointment. While accidents can happen, this helps your dog remain comfortable throughout the grooming process.

I will need to park in a safe space. (Avoid yellow lines and busy roads) The van is roughly 6m in length and just under 3m in width.

I will need to plug into your mains for power. No extensions as they can trip my electrics, I have a 9m cable that allows plenty of reach.

If your address is located within a paid parking zone, any parking charges will be added to the cost of the groom unless suitable parking arrangements or a valid permit can be provided.

I cannot park illegally or in locations that are deemed unsafe.

Please note that if upon my arrival I am unable to safely park or plug into your power supply, it will result in loss of your £20 deposit and incur a 50% charge of the grooming fee to help cover the time and travel allocated for your booking.

All pricing is based on breed, size, hair length and condition, temperament. 

Immediate surcharge will apply if the dog has fleas, is matted or difficult.

If your dog:

• Takes longer than 2hrs

• Is not regularly groomed for its breed requirement

• Is overweight or needs extra support

• Is bigger for it’s breed.

• Is known to bite or thrash during the groom

Then you will be charged the higher end of the range. This is adaptable to your dog’s progress.

 All grooms including baths and brushes come with complimentary nail clips and ear cleans.

Full payments are taken after the groom.

I accept credit/debit cards, however I do not carry a card reader. I use a mobile banking method ‘Sum Up’ that allows you to swipe your card against my work mobile phone..

Cash accepted. Ideally the exact amount as I may not have the right change on hand.

For your peace of mind, all card payments are securely processed through SumUp Payments Limited.

No sensitive card information is stored or retained by Dapper Hounds at any time.

Your dog’s wellbeing is always a top priority. Before and throughout the grooming process, I carefully check for any lumps, bumps, skin conditions, or anything unusual and will let you know if I notice anything that may need attention and advise whether a trip to the vets may be necessary.

Please inform me:

• If your dog is unwell (e.g. diarrhoea, vomiting, kennel cough) before I am due to visit you if possible. So that I can assess whether I can go forward with the groom before making the journey. 

• Of any underlying health conditions your dog has so that I can adhere to its needs as best as I can.

Please note:

I am not liable for any pre-existing conditions or problems found during the groom, if I find anything concerning I will inform you immediately.

No anal gland emptying (groomers are no longer permitted to do this) 

I’m happy to use medicated shampoos, or administer medication prescribed by your vet if you wish me to.

I offer ear plucking if necessary, as long as there is no ear infection or inflammation.

I am canine first aid trained and carry a fully stocked first aid kit in the van at all times.

It’s no secret some dogs need a bit more coat maintenance than others. It is absolutely forgivable if we let that slip sometimes and tangles form, especially with rainy weather. However once the coat begins to mat, it is a little more serious. I am more than happy to help if this occurs but de-matting is an uncomfortable process for the dog, and often difficult to carry out. So it is best treated as a one-time reset. With regular maintenance between appointments, your dog’s coat can then be kept in good condition.

Matted fur is a condition where a dog’s coat becomes tangled and knotted into tight, dense clumps. These mats can trap dirt, natural oils, and loose undercoat, making the coat difficult to brush and maintain. If left untreated, matted fur can cause significant discomfort, restrict airflow to the skin, and may even lead to irritation or infection. Regular grooming and brushing are essential to prevent matting, keep your dog comfortable, and maintain a healthy, clean coat. 

Following mat removal, some dogs may experience temporary side effects such as itching, redness, or self-inflicted irritation and abrasions. Dogs that have been clipped very short are also more vulnerable to sunburn, so it’s important to apply pet-safe sunscreen regularly or keep them out of direct sunlight until their coat has grown back enough to protect the skin. 

Please note:

• I will not brush out mats as this may cause pain to your dog. 

• It may be necessary to clip very close to the skin to safely remove the tangles. This can increase the risk of nicks or abrasions, particularly where warts, moles, or skin tags may be hidden within the mats. 

• Tight matting can hold moisture near the skin that allows fungus or bacteria to grow, clipping close to the skin may uncover irritations that existed prior to the groom.

• There will be a surcharge of £10 - £30 (depending on severity) added to the groom.

• You agree that I will not be held responsible for any side effects dematting may cause.

Dogs with fleas cannot be accepted for grooming, so if you are aware that your dog has fleas, they must be treated prior to their appointment. If fleas or an infestation are discovered during the grooming process, an insecticidal shampoo will need to be used as a standard precaution. In addition, all equipment and the grooming van must be thoroughly treated and disinfected to prevent the spread to other dogs.

This will result in an immediate £20 surcharge being added to the cost of the groom. 

Although every precaution is taken to ensure appointments are carried out safely, owners remain legally responsible for their dog’s behaviour at all times under UK law. In the event that a dog causes injury to me before, during, or after an appointment, any associated costs or losses may be the responsibility of the owner.

It is therefore essential that you let me know in advance if your dog has shown signs of aggression, anxiety, or has previously bitten or struggled during grooming appointments. While I am experienced in handling dogs who are nervous, anxious and reactive, being aware beforehand allows me to prepare properly and ensure the safest experience possible for everyone involved.

While every effort is made to keep your dog comfortable during their groom, grooming can sometimes be stressful — particularly for older dogs, puppies, rescue dogs, or pets with existing health conditions. In some cases, grooming may highlight underlying medical issues or aggravate existing sensitivities. For this reason, dogs requiring extra care may be groomed with comfort and welfare as the priority, rather than achieving a particular style.

If at any point a dog becomes too distressed, aggressive or unsafe to continue, the appointment may be stopped immediately in the interest of welfare and safety.

In rare cases where grooming is especially stressful, I may recommend discussing calming support or sedation options with your vet before future appointments.

Please provide as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment time and missed appointments may incur a charge of up to 50% of the grooming fee to cover the allocated appointment time and travel costs.

The same may apply if I am unable to safely park nearby, access a suitable power supply, or complete the appointment due to circumstances outside of my control.

Photographs may occasionally be taken for grooming records, training, social media, or marketing purposes.

No photographs will be used publicly without the owner's permission.

Owners may withdraw consent at any time.

Every reasonable care is taken while your dog is in the care of Dapper Hounds.

However, grooming involves the use of sharp equipment and working with live animals. By booking an appointment, owners acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with professional dog grooming.

Dapper Hounds shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, allergic reaction, or loss arising from pre-existing conditions or undisclosed health or behavioural issues.

For your peace of mind:

• I have a full Public Liability insurance.

• I am Canine First Aid trained.

• I carry a fully stocked canine first aid kit in the van at all times.