The Smiling Dog Policies & practices

The Smiling Dog is committed to your pet’s safety, well-being, and happiness. Because our fur friends are your fur babies, we want to remain transparent about our policies and procedures. The information below outlines our commitment to you, your pets, our policies, and your responsibilities.

Client Requirements & Responsibilities:
 

1. Your pet must have, and stay up to date on his/her vaccinations*. This paperwork can be sent to us by your veterinarian via email. There is a 10 day waiting period after vaccinations before your pet can stay with us. 

*Dogs are required to be vaccinated for Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, and all boarding or daycare dogs need to have a negative fecal test done within the last year. Grooming dogs are required to stay up to date on rabies and provide proof of having completed their DHPP puppy series. Boarding and Daycare dogs are required to stay up to date on Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella and have a negative fecal test done yearly. Based on recommendations from vets in the area it is advised that grooming clients also keep their dogs up to date on Bordetella and DHPP.

*Cats are required to be vaccinated for Rabies, FVRCP, and FeIV. 

If your pet is not vaccinated, we will accept a written letter from your veterinarian stating the reason and that they approve the pet to go to grooming. Boarding/daycare dogs are not eligible for vaccine exemptions. 

1. The registered owner assumes all responsibility, and liability (Strict, Vicarious, Joint and Several, Financial, and otherwise) relating to the health, safety, and behavior of the pet. The Smiling Dog nor its affiliates can be held liable should your pet be injured while on our premise, or in our care. 
2. The registered owner must keep The Smiling Dog informed of any medical, or behavioral changes to the pet.
3. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled grooming appointment, your pets may be accepted as a “work-in.” “Work-in” clients are groomed between other appointments, therefore, your pets may take longer to complete. This is at the groomer's discretion.
4. If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance, no show, or are more than 15 minutes late to your grooming appointment and need to be rescheduled, 50% of the total cost will be incurred that must be paid before a future appointment can be made. If you have appointments already scheduled this fee will need to be paid in order to hold the next appointment. If the fee is not paid within 24 hours of us contacting you, your appointments may be canceled. 
5. If you are unsatisfied with the groom performing on your pet, you must contact The Smiling Dog within 48 hours of your last appointment. If it is possible to fix the cut, The Smiling Dog will do so free of charge. 
6. For all boarding reservations we require a $80 deposit be made in order to book and hold a reservation. If you need to cancel your boarding reservation all cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance for a full refund. Any cancellations made less than 72 hours in advance or no shows will result in you forfeiting the deposit.  
7. The Smiling Dog utilizes text messaging as our primary method of communication with clients. By becoming a client and providing us with your phone number, you acknowledge and consent to receive text messages regarding appointment confirmations, schedule updates, pet pick-up/drop-off information, vaccine reminders, and other service-related communications. From time to time, The Smiling Dog may also send promotional or marketing messages, including information about special offers, events, and add-on services. Clients may opt out of marketing-related texts at any time by replying “STOP” or by notifying us directly. By continuing to use our services, clients consent to receive both service-related and marketing-related text communications from The Smiling Dog.

Policies and Procedures are subject to change.

1. Some pets are extremely sensitive to certain grooming procedures. Commonly nail trimming, and/or ear cleanings. Although these routine procedures performed are for the well-being of your pet, we will not continue with a procedure that causes pain to the pet, or harm to the grooming staff. When this occurs it is recommended that your veterinarian continue with performing those procedures. 
2. If it is necessary for the safety of the pet, or one of the grooming staff, a muzzle will be humanely used. 
3. Though rare, accidents may happen with pets who are extra wiggly, or overzealous during a grooming procedure. Generally these nicks are determined to be not serious, and the grooming process can continue. In the event of a serious injury, we will follow our emergency protocols outlined later in the contract. 
4. If your pet arrives with fleas, we will apply flea shampoo to eradicate the fleas for your pet’s safety and the salon’s sanitation. This occurs at the owner’s expense without their consent. 
5. If your pet is excessively matted, a shave down may be required for your pet’s health and comfort. This is done at the groomer’s discretion and without the owner’s consent. De-matting or the thinning out of matted hair may cause patchiness or hair loss. Shave downs may expose pre-existing skin conditions. Additional charges may occur for dematting, and shave downs. Regular brushing, combing and grooming will alleviate matting on your pet, and promote healthy skin, and hair.
6. If your dog requires some extra support from our staff members we may charge an additional fee for handling the dog.  

I give permission to The Smiling Dog to seek medical attention or veterinary services for my pet(s) in my absence. I give permission to The Smiling Dog to take my pet to any Emergency clinic based on urgency and availability. I understand that The Smiling Dog will attempt to contact me before seeking medical care. I give TSD permission to make decisions on my pet’s behalf if they feel there is a need for medical services. I am responsible for reimbursement of any expenses including travel, wait time and medical expenses et al.

Emergency Policies & Procedures: 

 In the event of a medical emergency, your pet will be taken to:

VCA Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic

 3901 Sierra College Blvd, Rocklin

(916) 652-5816

MarQueen Pet Emergency & Specialty Group

9205 Sierra College Blvd #120, Roseville

(916) 757-6600

Insight Veterinary Wellness Centers 

4509 Golden Foothill Pkwy, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 

(916)-618-4700

In the event of a medical emergency your pet will be given medical treatment based on the “Emergency Treatment Authorization Form”  signed by the registered owner. 

In the event of a facility emergency, and evacuation is necessary, your pet will be moved and you will be notified of the address where they will be boarded until you can pick up your pet.