Harbour Dogs strive to make the experience of every dog that enters our salon as comfortable and stress free as possible. Our policies and procedures allow us to give each dog the individual time and attention they need.

Bookings can be made via phone call, text message, Facebook, or in person at your last appointment. Bookings are on strict scheduling so please make sure you follow these policies to ensure your dog has enough time for their complete experience:

• Please make sure you turn up on time for your booking. If you are going to be late, please contact us. Please be aware that late arrivals may result in a lesser quality of service to allow time to complete the service.
• If you are more than 15 minutes late, your booking may be rescheduled.
• If you are early, please wait until your booking time to ring counter bell. You can send a text message to inform us you have arrived, however usually we are unable to accept your dog until its allocated booking time.
• A reminder text message will be sent to your mobile number the day before your appointment.

At Harbour Dogs, we understand that “things come up” and sometimes you won’t be able to keep your appointment. Please be courteous when having to cancel a booking and follow these policies:

• Please give us as much notice as possible of your cancellation.
• We understand emergencies and illness happens, but please cancel as early as possible so we can fill in your appointment slot and other clients waiting for appointments can be accommodated.
• Please be aware that you may need to wait a few weeks for a reschedule, as the calendar can fill up fast.
• Harbour Dogs will send you a courtesy text message the day before your booking. If you cancel your booking after this reminder text has been sent you will need to pay a $25 cancellation fee. Exceptions on a case-by-case basis do apply.
• If you do not show up for your appointment without prior warning, you will only be rescheduled once more. If you cannot attend your rescheduled booking, Harbour Dogs has the right to refuse to re-book you again.

Your pet’s safety is our number one priority at Harbour Dogs. it is therefore, imperative that all our clients follow these pet safety policies:

• Please indicate on your client form, or in writing, whether you would be happy for your dog to socialise with other dogs or not. Harbour Dogs has a free-play area where dogs are allowed to socialise when they are not being groomed. 
• The establishment has safety precautions in place to ensure your pet is safe and secure at all times. To ensure all pets safety, please do not enter areas that are marked with “Employee only”.
• You understand that it is your responsibility to keep your pet contained until they are securely in the Harbour Dogs holding area. This means, keeping them on a leash and that their collar is tight enough that they cannot slip their lead.
• Please toilet your dog before arriving, a long walk is best (before appointment time) this will make a more comfortable grooming experience for your dog.
• All dogs must be on a lead when entering or leaving. This is to respect other clients, as well as other dogs that may be reactive or frightened of other dogs.
• If your dog toilets on or outside the property please clean up or advise staff so we can clean it up. Poop bags can be given on request.
• If you suspect your dog has fleas we recommend using a monthly topical treatment and washing of all bedding before getting your dog groomed for a more effective treatment. Flea baths only kill the adult fleas on your dog and not the eggs or the fleas in your pets bedding, and therefore is less effective in eliminating all fleas. If we find that your dog has fleas during the grooming process an automatic $20 flea service will be charged. This will include a flea wash for your dog, as well as flea treatment for our premises to eliminate the spread of fleas.
• Contagious pets. For the safety of our other clients, please do not bring an animal that has any type of contagious skin issue, disease, fungus, or worms. If we identify any problem, we will ask that you pick up your pet immediately and pay for the portion of grooming that was completed and a clean-up fee.
• We recommend regular 6-8 weekly grooming appointments. This is to ensure the health and maintenance of your dog’s coat and to keep your dog feeling and looking great.
• You understand that if your dog is matted and needs close to the skin shaving, this can greatly increase the risk of shaving cuts, lesions or hematomas. All care will be given to try to avoid any abrasions, however this is still a risk of grooming especially when the hair is matted. A matting fee of $15 - $50 may be charged in excessive cases. 
• If your dog has matting, you will not be granted a refund if you do not like the look of your dog's groom. Although we will endeavor to save as much coat as possible, our priority is your dog's comfort and this will take precedent over the style or look that you request.

Payment is made before the booking or at the time of dog collection.

Payment methods include Cash, EFTPOS (contactless Square), or direct bank deposit before the booking. The quoted estimated price can change during a groom at the groomers discretion, based on factors such as dog size, style requested, condition of coat, fleas present, and dog behaviour. Usually the quote is correct or close, but there are many factors and conditions that may not present themselves until the groomer has seen the dog or the dog is on the table.

Harbour Dogs is covered by Public Liability Insurance.  If there are any issues that happen while your dog is in our care you will be notified immediately. Any issues that require special attention by you or a vet will be discussed in detail. You will be given written advice as to follow up care for your dog. If you do not follow our written advice, you will be liable for your dog's health and wellbeing there on in.

While Harbour Dogs are animal professionals and will give you advice on the care and health of your dog, we are not a veterinary trained practice and any advice should be checked with your vet.

Thank you for your understanding,

Sarah Bogefors

Harbour Dogs