Terms & Conditions of Services
Terms n Conditions
Bear’s Barking Lot – Terms & Conditions
By booking an appointment with Bear’s Barking Lot, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following Terms & Conditions.
1. Appointment Confirmation
Appointments must be confirmed at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. Failure to confirm may result in the appointment being cancelled and offered to another client.
2. Cancellations & No-Shows
• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment will incur a fee equal to 50% of the booking cost.
• Clients who fail to attend their appointment without notice, or who confirm attendance and do not arrive, will incur a fee equal to 80% of the booking cost.
• Outstanding fees must be paid before future appointments can be booked.
• Repeat late cancellations or no-shows may require a deposit before future bookings are accepted.
3. Late Arrivals
Late arrivals may result in:
• A shortened groom.
• Additional fees.
• Rescheduling of the appointment.
The full appointment fee may still apply.
4. Late Pick-Up
Dogs must be collected promptly at the agreed collection time.
A fee of $15 per 15-minute period may apply for late collection unless prior arrangements have been made.
5. Health & Behaviour Disclosure
Owners must disclose any:
• Medical conditions.
• Injuries.
• Allergies.
• Recent surgeries.
• Behavioural concerns.
• History of aggression or biting.
Failure to disclose relevant information may result in immediate termination of the groom and refusal of future services.
6. Aggressive or Dangerous Dogs
Bear’s Barking Lot reserves the right to refuse or discontinue grooming services if a dog displays aggressive, dangerous, or highly stressed behaviour that may place the dog, groomer, or others at risk.
The owner remains responsible for the full or partial grooming fee where work has already commenced.
7. Matting Policy
Severely matted coats can cause hidden skin conditions, bruising, sores, infections, haematomas, and other health issues that may not be visible before clipping.
Where matting is present:
• A shave-down may be required.
• Dematting fees or shave-out fees may apply.
• Bear’s Barking Lot will prioritise the dog’s welfare and comfort over cosmetic appearance.
The owner accepts that removal of severe matting may reveal or contribute to:
• Skin irritation.
• Redness.
• Existing sores becoming visible.
• Itching.
• Coat colour or texture changes.
• Temporary behavioural changes due to relief from discomfort.
8. Grooming Risks
While every reasonable care is taken, grooming involves the use of sharp equipment around moving animals.
The owner acknowledges that minor incidents can occasionally occur, including but not limited to:
• Small nicks or cuts.
• Clipper irritation.
• Nail quicking.
• Minor abrasions.
• Stress-related reactions.
Bear’s Barking Lot will notify owners of any incident as soon as practical.
9. Veterinary Treatment
If a medical emergency occurs and the owner cannot be contacted, Bear’s Barking Lot may seek veterinary treatment deemed reasonably necessary.
Any veterinary expenses incurred are the responsibility of the owner.
10. Parasites & Infectious Conditions
Dogs found to have fleas, ticks, mites, contagious skin conditions, or other infectious concerns may:
• Be refused service.
• Incur additional cleaning or treatment fees.
• Require collection prior to completion of the groom.
11. Senior Dogs & Dogs with Medical Conditions
Older dogs and dogs with existing health concerns may be at increased risk during grooming.
While every effort is made to minimise stress, the owner accepts these inherent risks and authorises Bear’s Barking Lot to proceed with grooming services.
12. Accidents During Arrival or Collection
Owners are responsible for maintaining control of their dog when arriving at and leaving the premises.
Dogs must remain on a secure lead or in a secure carrier at all times outside the salon.
Bear’s Barking Lot accepts no responsibility for injury, escape, loss, damage, or incidents occurring before handover or after collection.
13. Transfer of Care
Responsibility for the dog transfers to Bear’s Barking Lot once the dog has been physically handed over by the owner.
Responsibility transfers back to the owner immediately upon collection and handover.
14. Escapes & Unforeseen Events
Whilst every reasonable precaution is taken to maintain a secure environment, animals can behave unpredictably.
Bear’s Barking Lot shall not be liable for loss, injury, illness, escape, theft, death, or damage arising from circumstances beyond reasonable control, except where required by law.
15. Photography & Social Media
Photographs may be taken before, during, or after grooming for business records, educational purposes, or promotional use on social media.
Owners who do not consent must advise Bear’s Barking Lot in writing before their appointment.
16. Payment
Payment is required on completion of the groom unless otherwise arranged.
Unpaid invoices may result in future bookings being declined.
17. Refusal of Service
Bear’s Barking Lot reserves the right to refuse service to any client or dog where:
• Safety concerns exist.
• Policies are repeatedly breached.
• Behaviour is abusive, threatening, or disrespectful.
• Payment obligations remain outstanding.
18. Acceptance of Terms
By booking an appointment with Bear’s Barking Lot, the owner confirms they have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions and agree to be bound by them.
Updated 30/07/2026
