Dematting Policy
I will always attempt to de-matt small areas of matted coat if your dog allows it. But only if I feel the dog will not suffer any pain or discomfort. However, in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, and agreed with the client and in the interests of the dog, I may have to shave off any matted areas.
For severely matted coats, the best course of action is often a complete shave down for the comfort and safety of the dog. This is because attempting to brush or de-matt a severely matted and tangled coat would cause significant and unnecessary discomfort and pain to the dog, and in some cases may even result in injury to the dog. Matted, tightly tangled and knotted coats can cause problems to the skin. Irritations, infections and hot spots as well as fleas and ticks in the coat. If your dogs is in need of a shave down the possibility of injury to your dog exists in the form of sore skin being exposed, nipped skin from scissors or clippers depending on how close the matted coat is to the skin.
By leaving your dog for de-matting/shave down you acknowledge you are aware of the condition of your dogs coat and the possibility of pre existing or underlying skin conditions, skin issues, accidents or injuries that may occur as a result of clipping a matted coat as stated above, and you give your permission to proceed. The client acknowledges that I the groomer will not be held responsible for any injury’s sustained due to the condition of your dogs coat. The client acknowledges that I the groomer will not be held liable for any veterinary fees that may be incurred due to an injury to the dog during the grooming process of the dogs matted coat.
I will take great care to ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible throughout the process, and will work with you to determine the best length and style for your dogs new haircut.
I understand that a shave down may not be your preferred grooming option, but please know that it is always done in your dogs best interests. I encourage you to maintain your dogs grooming needs at home on a regular basis to avoid any de-matting and potential discomfort in the future.
The normal grooming charge does not include excessive de-matting or shaving off the coat. There will be an extra charge for the extra grooming time, patience and experience needed to perform the de-matting. I will always advise you of any extra charge before hand.
I do not recommend de-matting on elderly dogs, dogs with medical issues or dogs with behaviour problems.