Terms and Conditions

Please ensure your dog has been to the toilet prior to the scheduled groom. This ensures they can feel more comfortable throughout the process. 
If your pet normally has a meal in the morning, please make it a light one prior to a morning groom appointment. 

Please ensure that the pet receiving grooming is easily accessible if you will not be home to hand the pet over.
I will need access to a mains electrical source and a tap. I carry a 30m extension cord and a 30m hose so will need to be able to park within that stretch.  And the area in which I can park must be flat too please.
I require a clearance of 3m in height and width to allow for my trailer to park without damage. 
 

The Animal Welfare Act 1999
Part 1
Obligations of owners and of persons in charge of animals

10           Obligation in relation to physical, health, and behavioural needs of animals

The owner of an animal, and every person in charge of an animal, must ensure that the physical, health, and behavioural needs of the animal are met in a manner that is in accordance with both—

(a)

good practice; and

(b)

scientific knowledge.

THEREFORE:
'De-matting' will not be performed in order to restore a coat, or maintain length, if that means putting the animal in
physical and/or mental distress. The matted hair can only be removed by clipping under the matting with a short blade. Where possible we will hide or blend the clipped section. We will not leave mats in your dog’s coat as this can cause more serious complications such as skin necrosis. 
When a dog’s coat becomes matted, it causes discomfort as the matts pull tightly on the skin. Because of how close to the skin the matts become, the skin is unable to breath as it should and skin conditions can form. These often aren't visible as they are covered by the matting. When a matted coat is clipped short, it may reveal sore, reddened and irritated skin. This is due to the skin not being able to breathe, lack of air circulation and dirt which has accumulated underneath.

​

Disclaimer
In clipping short, you acknowledge that any irritation to your dogs’ skin is due to the removal of a matted coat and is not the responsibility of your groomer. When clipping a severely matted dog the chances of the dogs skin being cut increases but this is not due to negligence from the groomer but rather a sign of the dog’s coat condition before the groom. Once the matted hair is clipped it may reveal some red, irritated or infected skin due to the matts holding moisture and pulling at the skin.

On rare occasion that this occurs; you may need to seek veterinary advice following the groom and you will be liable for the full cost of any treatment. Matted pets have a greater chance of injury during the grooming process. Great care is taken during the groom however Canine Culture is not responsible for accident or injury to your pet during the shave down process.

After the groom
Dogs feel different after being fully clipped and it can take time for them to adjust to the way their skin now feels. However, we assure you that your dog is much happier and healthier without the matted coat. 

Close supervision is needed in the first 24 hours as excess scratching, licking and head shaking may result in skin injury/irritation and ear haematoma which will require veterinarian care. Your dogs nails will be clipped and filed short to prevent injury from scratching.

If there is skin irritation a soothing cream such as Sudocrem, Savlon or Aloe Vera may provide some relief for closely shaved areas, please seek advice from a veterinarian on the best cream suited to your dogs condition.

We recommend you bring your dog to us every 4-8 weeks for regular maintenance grooming, depending on coat length and style. Your groomer is more than happy to show you how to care for your dogs coat to avoid having painful matting.

A SHAVE DOWN TO REMOVE MATTING WILL INCUR A $30 FEE - THIS IS TO COVER THE COST OF BLADE SHARPENING AS SHAVING MATTS DULLS A BLADE. ALSO TO COVER THE EXTRA TIME SPENT CAREFULLY PERFORMING A CLOSE SHAVE TO THE SKIN.

For your Information - An Ear Haematoma or Aural Haematoma, is a blood-filled swelling, which may occur when matts have formed tightly against the skin of the ear and constrict the circulation.
The release of the matts can cause a rush of blood to the area, which can feel strange to the dog, similar to pins and needles in humans. This feeling can cause some dogs to shake their heads repeatedly, which can damage the ear tissues and results in pooling of blood and occasionally bursting and bleeding. Canine Culture will take steps to minimise the risk, by releasing the matts in stages and by using a Happy Hoody or bandage to keep the ears firm above the head.


 

During or after the grooming process from time to time we may encounter complications (see list below).
Although we strive to always provide utmost care for your pet please be aware that things can go wrong when dealing with animals.

·         Allergies – Some dogs/cats may react to products such as shampoos. Unfortunately, until your pet reacts we cannot prevent this. We will wash your pet in a medicated shampoo if this happens.

·         Clipper Rash – On rare occasions pets may react to the clippers on their skin (when clipped very short). This rash will appear within 6-24 hours of the groom if you notice a red rash that your pet is licking excessively please contact us immediately and let us know so that we can advise how to settle the discomfort. Usually PawPaw Ointment from the supermarket will clear this up very quickly.

·         Cuts and nicks – Although we take all care to not cut or nick your pet unfortunately there's always a

possibility when working with blades and scissors, especially if your dog moves a lot when being groomed.

·         Panic Attacks – Unfortunately some dogs may react negatively to the drying process by having a panic attack - 

 usually the more senior dogs. Our high velocity dryer is loud and is often the cause. If this occurs the high velocity dryer will no longer be used and a more gentle drying option will take its place. We are trained to deal with this and  will notify you if this happens for future reference. Please note, this will extend the drying time and therefore groom.

·         Aggression – Some pets are very frightened by the grooming process and react with biting. We will need to muzzle your pet if it shows signs of aggression (an air muzzle is used for cats). We can help you and your pet reduce the fear by desensitizing it to the stimulus over time. Regular grooming (every 4-6 weeks) is extremely important for fearful pets.

·         Nail Bleeds – When we cut the nails occasionally the vein (called ‘the quick’) has grown too long and we may nick it. Some pets may also take the thin membrane off when scratching or walking after a nail trim. If the nail starts to bleed after you have left the salon apply corn flour as this will stop the bleeding.

·         Falls – On rare occasions dogs that wriggle a lot on the table may fall off. We tether the dogs to the table to prevent this but occasionally they may slip the tether. Dogs are never left unattended on a table, in the bath or during the drying process. Hands are generally kept on the dog at all times but some dogs are quicker than our reflexes.

 

 If you have concerns of any of the above-mentioned complications, please do not hesitate to discuss this with Canine Culture. We will also advise you if we notice any changes in your dog’s health or behaviour during the process.