Policies & Procedures

 

This document outlines the operational policies for Gentle Touch Grooming. All clients are required to read and sign this agreement prior to their first grooming appointment.

 

Pricing Policy

 

At Gentle Touch Grooming, I recognize that every dog is wonderfully unique—and so are their grooming needs. While price estimates can be provided in advance (via phone, email, or online), the final cost will be determined at the time of service and based on the following factors:

• Breed and size of pet

• Coat length, texture, and condition

• Behavior and temperament during grooming

• Time required to complete the session

• Frequency of grooming and overall coat maintenance

 

Additional charges may apply for:

• Severely matted or impacted coats

• Flea infestations

• Medical or behavioral concerns that require extended handling

 

De-Matting Policy

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Gentle Touch Grooming does not perform extensive de-matting, as it is painful, stressful, and can damage both the coat and the trust of your pet. In cases of severe matting, a comfort clip (shave-down) will be recommended for your dog’s well-being.

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Owner Responsibility:
Routine brushing at home and regular grooming appointments are essential to prevent matting and promote comfort.

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Final Price:
The full cost will be confirmed at pick-up, once the groom has been completed and your pet has been fully assessed.

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Agreement:
By booking with Gentle Touch Grooming, you acknowledge that the final price may vary based on your pet’s specific needs and condition at the time of service.

 

Appointment Policy

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Appointments are one-on-one and carefully timed to ensure each dog receives quiet, individualized care in a calm environment.

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Timing:

• Please arrive on time. Clients arriving more than 15 minutes late may be considered a no-show.

• If you are running behind, please text as soon as possible.

• Appointment times are spaced to avoid overlap and support a low-stress experience.

 

Booking & Communication:
Appointments are scheduled via text or email.

 

Cancellation, No-Shows & Late Arrivals/Pickups

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Cancellations:

• Please provide a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule.

• Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a 50% fee.

No-Shows:

• A 100% no-show fee will be charged for missed appointments without notice.

• This fee must be paid prior to rebooking.

• After three no-shows, you may be removed from the client list.

Late Pick-Ups:

• I will send a text when your dog is ready for pickup.

• Arrivals more than 30 minutes after that message may incur a $10 daycare fee, with an additional $10 for each 30-minute interval thereafter.

 

Payment Policy

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Accepted Payment Methods:

• ​Cash

• Interac e-Transfer

 

Terms:
Payment is due in full at the time of service.

 

Senior Pet Grooming

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Comfort Over Vanity:
Senior dogs are groomed with gentleness and care, prioritizing comfort and safety over appearance. Modifications may be made to reduce stress or avoid discomfort.

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Common Considerations:

• Arthritis or joint pain

• Heart or breathing concerns

• Lumps, cysts, or fragile skin

• Hypersensitivity to touch

• Risk of collapse or seizure

 

Emergency Protocol:
Should your pet show signs of distress, grooming will stop immediately, and you will be contacted.

 

Special Needs Dogs

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Safety First:
If grooming becomes unsafe or overly stressful, I may pause, modify, or end the session. In some cases, I may suggest sedation grooming through your veterinarian.

 

Full Disclosure:
Please share any known behavioral issues at the time of booking. Failure to do so may result in refusal of service.

 

Handling Fees:
Additional charges may apply for extra handling time or special tools required due to behavioral concerns.

 

Puppy Introduction Grooming

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What to Expect:

• Gentle, short sessions focused on positive exposure

• May include nail trimming, brushing, a light bath (if appropriate), and introduction to grooming tools

• Lots of treats, praise, and gentle handling

 

Puppy Requirements:
Must be at least 10 weeks old to begin grooming.

 

Fear-Free Grooming Policy

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My Approach:

• Every appointment moves at your dog’s pace

• Positive reinforcement and soft handling are always used

• Breaks are provided as needed

• Building trust may require multiple visits

 

Time Consideration:

Fear-free sessions may take longer, and I intentionally limit my daily bookings to preserve this gentle approach.

 

Note: If your dog is subjected to force-based handling elsewhere, it may undo trust we’ve built. Additional time and handling fees may be required to re-establish a sense of safety.

 

Emergency Procedure

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In the event of a serious health concern during grooming, I will stop immediately and contact you.

 

Medical Costs:
All emergency-related veterinary or transport costs are the responsibility of the pet owner.

 

Medical Disclaimer

I am not a veterinarian and do not provide medical diagnosis, prescriptions, or treatment.

 

Home-Based Grooming Policy

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Gentle Touch Grooming operates from a cozy, private home salon in Kingston, Ontario. The space has been lovingly designed to offer a calm, stress-free experience that prioritizes your pet’s comfort and well-being.

 

What to Expect:

• Appointments are private and by reservation only

• Only one dog (or family group) is present at a time

• Clean, secure, and low-stimulation environment

• You’ll be greeted at the designated entrance; please remain outside or in your vehicle unless otherwise invited

 

House Guidelines:

• Arrive on time for both drop-off and pickup

• Please do not knock or enter the home—use text to notify me

• Children and additional visitors must remain in the vehicle

• Potty your pet before arrival

• Waste bags available—please clean up after your dog

 

Additional Notes:

• This is a private residence—entry is limited to the designated grooming entrance

• Parking is available in the driveway

• Dogs must be leashed or crated during transfers

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Size Policy Specifically:

At Gentle Touch Grooming, I specialize in small dogs approximately 35 lbs and under.

My grooming setup, equipment, and handling style are specifically designed to provide a calm, gentle, low-stress experience for small breeds who thrive in a quieter, home-based environment.

​Because I groom from home and work without additional staff, I am not able to take on:

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• Dogs over 35 lbs

• Large or giant breeds

• Heavy-coated breeds requiring extensive deshedding

• Dogs who need to be lifted into or out of tubs/tables

• Dogs who may be physically difficult to manage alone

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This policy ensures:

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✨ A safe, comfortable grooming experience for each dog
✨ A consistent, predictable workflow that honours my body’s well-being
✨ A peaceful environment that supports gentle, focused care
✨ The continued integrity of my “Cozy Cuts for Small Paws” service model

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If you’re unsure whether your dog falls within my size suitability, I’m always happy to evaluate a photo and weight estimate before booking.

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