Mr Clippy
Townsville Dog Grooming
Client Agreement
Terms and Conditions
Thank you for choosing Mr Clippy. Our priority is the safety, welfare and comfort of every dog in our care.
Dog grooming involves inherent risks, and every dog responds differently to grooming depending on their age, health, coat condition and behaviour. This agreement explains the services we provide, the risks associated with grooming, and the responsibilities of both Mr Clippy and the dog's owner.
By booking an appointment, owners acknowledge that they have read and understood this agreement and agree to provide accurate and relevant information about their dog.
Services Provided
Mr Clippy provides professional dog grooming services, including grooming and maintenance of the dog's coat, nails, ears and, where requested and appropriate, anal glands.
Grooming services may be adjusted, shortened, changed or stopped where necessary to protect the safety or welfare of the dog or groomer. The finished groom may therefore differ from the requested style where completing the requested service would create an unreasonable risk.
Mr Clippy will use reasonable care and appropriate grooming techniques when providing services.
Bathing
Dogs are bathed using a standard hydro bath and pet-approved shampoos, conditioners, colognes and other grooming products.
Sensitive-skin or alternative products may be requested by the owner prior to the appointment.
Owners must inform Mr Clippy of any known allergies, sensitivities, previous reactions or skin conditions before grooming.
Drying
A high-velocity dryer and pet chamois may be used to dry the dog's coat.
An ear hoodie may be used while drying the body to reduce the dog's exposure to the noise of the dryer. This will not be used if it appears to increase the dog's stress or discomfort.
Pet-approved drying products may be used where appropriate, particularly where a dog's coat is particularly thick or long.
Dogs will be monitored throughout the drying process, and drying techniques may be modified where necessary to reduce stress or discomfort.
Hair Clipping and Cutting
Professional grooming scissors and pet clippers are used to trim and style the dog's coat.
Grooming equipment is regularly cleaned, disinfected/sterilised where appropriate, maintained and inspected to help reduce the risk of injury and infection.
Appropriate grooming techniques are used to reduce the risk of accidental cuts, grazes or other injury. However, dogs can move suddenly during grooming, and accidental injury remains an inherent risk of the service.
Where a dog's movement or behaviour makes continuing unsafe, Mr Clippy may stop or modify the groom.
Ear Care
The visible areas of the dog's ears may be gently cleaned using pet-approved ear-cleaning products and appropriate grooming materials.
Mr Clippy does not intentionally introduce water into the ear canal during bathing.
Nothing will be inserted deeply into the ear canal during routine grooming.
Ear plucking may be offered where requested by the owner or where excessive ear hair is contributing to matting or obstruction. Ear plucking will only be performed where Mr Clippy considers it reasonably appropriate.
Mild temporary redness or irritation can occur following ear cleaning or plucking. Owners should monitor their dog's ears after the appointment and seek veterinary advice if irritation persists, worsens, or is accompanied by bleeding, swelling, discharge, significant pain or other concerning symptoms.
Mr Clippy does not diagnose or treat ear infections. Where an ear appears infected, painful or otherwise abnormal, grooming of the affected area may be stopped and veterinary assessment recommended.
Nails and Anal Glands
Nails may be trimmed as part of the grooming service. If the quick of the nail is accidently cut, a pet approved clotting agent will be used to stop the bleeding.
Anal gland expression may be provided where requested by the owner and where Mr Clippy considers the procedure appropriate and safe to perform.
Anal gland expression is not a veterinary examination or treatment. If swelling, blood, discharge, significant pain, suspected infection, impaction or another abnormality is identified, the procedure may be stopped and veterinary assessment recommended.
Handling, Restraints and Safety
Dogs must be safely secured while being groomed to reduce the risk of jumping, falling or sudden movement.
Depending on the dog and the circumstances, a grooming loop, neck-led harness, other appropriate restraint or secure enclosure may be used.
Restraints are used for safety and are not intended to cause pain.
A dog that pulls, fights or repeatedly moves against a restraint may develop temporary redness, pressure marks, grazes or irritation. Mr Clippy will make reasonable efforts to adjust or pad restraints where practical.
The safety and welfare of the dog and groomer will always take priority over completing a particular grooming style.
Accident and Injury
Dog grooming involves inherent risks, even when appropriate care and professional grooming practices are used.
Potential risks include:
accidental cuts, nicks or grazes from grooming equipment;
skin irritation or reactions to grooming products;
redness, pressure marks or rub burns from restraints;
bruising or other injury resulting from sudden movement or attempts to escape;
irritation, bleeding or inflammation following ear cleaning or plucking;
skin irritation or previously hidden injuries becoming apparent after removal of severe matting;
complications associated with pre-existing health conditions;
stress or behavioural reactions to the grooming environment; and
complications associated with anal gland expression.
Mr Clippy takes reasonable steps to identify and minimise these risks through appropriate handling, grooming techniques, equipment maintenance, hygiene practices and monitoring of each dog.
Owners are responsible for providing accurate information about their dog's health, behaviour, allergies, medications, previous injuries and grooming history.
Where a complication arises from a pre-existing condition, illness, injury or behavioural issue that was not caused by Mr Clippy, the owner may remain responsible for associated veterinary or other costs.
Nothing in this agreement is intended to exclude or limit any rights or protections that cannot legally be excluded or limited.
Emergency and Veterinary Care
Mr Clippy's nominated veterinary clinic is:
Wulguru Veterinary Clinic
272 Stuart Drive, Wulguru
Phone: (07) 4778 3005
If a dog experiences an emergency while in Mr Clippy's care, the owner will be contacted as soon as reasonably possible.
Where immediate veterinary attention is reasonably considered necessary and the owner cannot be reached, Mr Clippy may seek veterinary assistance for the dog without waiting for the owner's response.
Where an injury or condition is caused by Mr Clippy's failure to exercise reasonable care, Mr Clippy will take appropriate responsibility for costs arising from that incident.
Where veterinary treatment relates to a pre-existing condition, illness, injury or other circumstance not caused by Mr Clippy, the owner will generally be responsible for the associated costs.
Owners should ensure their contact details and emergency contact information are kept current.
Puppies
Puppies benefit from being gradually introduced to grooming from an appropriate age and following the puppy's veterinary vaccination recommendations.
Mr Clippy offers two introductory appointments to help puppies become comfortable with grooming without unnecessary pressure.
Puppy’s First Groom
The first appointment generally includes:
bathing;
drying; and
a gentle tidy-up.
A complete haircut may not be appropriate during a puppy's first grooming appointment. Puppies can become overwhelmed by unfamiliar sensations, sounds and handling, and attempting to complete a full groom may create unnecessary stress or safety risks.
The purpose of the first appointment is to introduce the puppy to grooming in a controlled and positive environment.
Puppy’s Second Groom
The second appointment may include a fuller groom and allows additional time for breaks, reassurance and gradual exposure.
Emergency Puppy Grooming
Where a puppy has severe matting or pelting that requires an immediate full groom, Mr Clippy may recommend completing the groom during the first appointment.
This is a higher-risk and more time-consuming service and may cost substantially more than a standard puppy appointment.
Owners can help puppies become comfortable with grooming by gradually introducing brushing, bathing, drying and the sensation and sound of grooming equipment at home.
Senior Dogs
Senior dogs are welcome at Mr Clippy.
Older dogs may have different physical, behavioural or medical needs, and grooming may need to be modified accordingly.
Owners must inform Mr Clippy of any health conditions, mobility issues, pain, medications or other circumstances that may affect the grooming process.
Where necessary, grooming may be shortened, modified or completed over multiple appointments to reduce stress and physical strain.
Dogs receiving palliative care are welcome, provided the owner communicates their dog's needs and relevant veterinary recommendations before the appointment.
Medical Conditions
Owners must inform Mr Clippy before grooming of any medical conditions, injuries, allergies, sensitivities, medications or other circumstances that may affect the grooming process.
This includes, but is not limited to:
skin conditions;
allergies;
epilepsy or seizures;
arthritis or mobility problems;
heart or respiratory conditions;
recent surgery;
wounds or injuries;
ear conditions;
behavioural conditions; and
medications or sedation.
Mr Clippy will take reasonable steps to modify grooming techniques where appropriate.
However, grooming can affect existing or previously unknown conditions. Where a dog's health creates an unreasonable grooming risk, Mr Clippy may decline, modify or stop the service and recommend veterinary assessment.
Matted and Pelted Coats
Regular brushing and professional grooming are important for maintaining a healthy coat.
Severe matting or pelting may require additional time, specialised techniques and changes to the requested groom. Additional charges may therefore apply.
Where reasonably practicable, Mr Clippy will discuss additional charges with the owner before proceeding.
In circumstances where immediate action is necessary for the dog's welfare, Mr Clippy may proceed with reasonable additional grooming work and inform the owner as soon as reasonably possible.
The final cost of severe matting or pelting may not always be known until the coat has been assessed and the grooming process has commenced.
Removing severe matting can reveal previously hidden skin conditions or injuries. Following removal, dogs may experience:
redness;
irritation;
inflammation;
sores or wounds;
scabbing;
infection;
temporary sensitivity; or
behavioural changes as they adjust to the removal of the coat.
Matted ears may also appear swollen after the matting is removed because of changes in circulation.
Owners should carefully monitor their dog following significant mat removal and seek veterinary care if concerning symptoms develop.
Behaviour and Handling
Every dog responds differently to grooming.
Some dogs may experience anxiety, fear, excitement, discomfort or distress and may display behaviours that make grooming difficult or unsafe.
Mr Clippy will make reasonable efforts to provide a calm and positive grooming experience.
However, safety and welfare take priority over achieving the requested aesthetic result.
A grooming appointment may be modified, paused, shortened or terminated where a dog's behaviour creates an unreasonable risk to the dog, groomer or other people or animals.
Muzzles and Restraints
Where a dog displays aggressive behaviour, attempts to bite, or presents a significant risk of injury, an appropriate muzzle may be used where reasonably necessary and safe.
A duck-bill style muzzle may be used where appropriate to prevent biting while allowing the dog to breathe and pant.
Muzzles and restraints will not be used as punishment.
Dogs that fight against restraints may develop temporary redness, pressure marks or grazes. Mr Clippy will make reasonable efforts to minimise these effects.
If safe grooming cannot be achieved using appropriate handling and equipment, Mr Clippy may stop the appointment or decline to groom particular areas.
Medication and Sedation
Mr Clippy does not administer medication or sedatives as a behavioural control measure.
Where a veterinarian has recommended medication or sedation for grooming, owners must administer the medication themselves in accordance with their veterinarian's instructions.
Owners must inform Mr Clippy before the appointment if their dog has been given medication or is under sedation.
Mr Clippy may decline to groom a dog where its level of sedation or medication creates an unsafe grooming environment.
Multiple Grooming Sessions
Some dogs may benefit from having their grooming completed over multiple appointments.
This may be recommended where a dog reaches a behavioural or physical threshold during grooming and continuing would create unnecessary stress or risk.
Multiple shorter sessions may be preferable to excessive restraint, medication or prolonged grooming.
Vaccinations
Dogs groomed by Mr Clippy must meet Mr Clippy's current vaccination requirements.
Owners are responsible for ensuring their dog's vaccinations are current and for providing accurate information regarding vaccination status.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated puppies may not be accepted for grooming until they meet Mr Clippy's requirements or appropriate veterinary advice has been provided.
Mr Clippy may decline or reschedule an appointment where a dog's vaccination status creates an unacceptable health risk to the dog or other animals.
Parasite Policy
Owners should advise Mr Clippy if their dog has fleas, ticks or another known parasite infestation before attending an appointment.
Where possible, visible parasite infestations should be treated before grooming and owners should seek veterinary advice regarding appropriate treatment.
Light flea infestations discovered during grooming may be treated using an appropriate flea treatment available through Mr Clippy.
Severe infestations may require the grooming appointment to be stopped and rescheduled after the dog has been appropriately treated.
Parasite treatment may incur an additional charge.
Uncollected Dogs and Late Collection
Mr Clippy is a grooming salon and is not a boarding kennel or dog-sitting facility.
Owners will be advised when their dog is ready for collection and are expected to collect their dog as soon as reasonably possible.
A maximum collection period of 60 minutes applies after the owner has been notified that their dog is ready.
A late collection fee of $1 per minute may apply after the 60-minute collection period.
Owners who know they will be delayed should contact Mr Clippy as soon as possible.
If a dog remains uncollected and the owner cannot be contacted or does not make appropriate arrangements for collection, Mr Clippy may contact the owner's nominated emergency contact and, where necessary, seek assistance or advice from the relevant local authority or animal welfare service.
The owner remains responsible for reasonable costs incurred as a result of prolonged uncollected custody, including applicable grooming, boarding, transport or animal welfare costs.
Mr Clippy will continue to provide reasonable care for the dog while it remains in our custody.
Pricing and Payment
Grooming services are payable on the day of the appointment upon collection.
Payment may be made by:
cash;
card; or
direct transfer.
The expected grooming price will generally be discussed or agreed at the beginning of the appointment.
Additional charges may apply where circumstances require additional work, time or treatment, including:
severe matting or pelting;
significant behavioural difficulties;
parasite treatment;
additional grooming time; or
late collection.
Where reasonably practicable, Mr Clippy will discuss significant additional charges with the owner before proceeding.
Failure to pay an amount properly owing may result in future bookings being declined.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
Mr Clippy is a small independent business and each appointment reserves a specific period of grooming time.
Late cancellations and missed appointments can significantly affect the business because the reserved appointment time may not be able to be offered to another client.
Owners are asked to provide at least 48 hours' notice when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment.
Cancellation Fees
24–12 hours before the appointment: a cancellation fee of up to 50% may apply.
Less than 12 hours before the appointment or same-day cancellation: a cancellation fee of up to 100% may apply.
Failure to attend an appointment: a cancellation fee of up to 100% may apply.
Exceptional circumstances will be considered at Mr Clippy's discretion.
Cancellation fees may be required to be paid before another appointment can be booked.
Photography and Marketing
Mr Clippy may take photographs of dogs for grooming records, quality control and business purposes.
If an owner does not wish for their dogs’ photos to be used in marketing or social media they should let Mr Clippy know.
Data and Privacy
Information provided by customers is collected to facilitate bookings, provide grooming services, communicate with owners and maintain appropriate records.
Customer information may be stored using Mr Clippy's online booking and business-management systems, including Moego.
Information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy requirements and Mr Clippy's privacy practices.
Owners should notify Mr Clippy if their contact information or their dog's relevant information changes.
Owner Responsibilities
Owners are responsible for:
providing accurate contact information;
providing accurate information about their dog's health and behaviour;
informing Mr Clippy of relevant medical conditions, allergies, medications and previous injuries;
informing Mr Clippy of known behavioural or biting issues;
ensuring their dog meets vaccination requirements;
advising of known parasite infestations;
ensuring their dog is appropriately cared for before and after grooming;
collecting their dog promptly when notified; and
paying all agreed and applicable charges.
notify Mr Clippy of dissatisfaction or problems after the groom within 48 hours.
Failure to disclose relevant information may affect Mr Clippy's ability to safely provide the grooming service.
Mr Clippy's Commitment
Mr Clippy will make reasonable efforts to:
provide grooming services with appropriate care and skill;
maintain clean and appropriately maintained equipment;
use appropriate grooming products and techniques;
monitor dogs throughout their appointment;
minimise unnecessary stress and discomfort;
communicate with owners regarding significant issues identified during grooming; and
prioritise the safety and welfare of the dog and groomer.
Where a groom cannot safely be completed, Mr Clippy reserves the right to stop or modify the service.
The health, welfare and safety of the dog will always take priority over the requested grooming outcome.
Owner Acknowledgement
By signing this agreement or confirming acceptance through the booking system, I acknowledge that:
I have read and understood the Mr Clippy Client Agreement.
I have provided accurate and complete information about my dog.
I understand that dog grooming involves inherent risks.
I understand that grooming may need to be modified, shortened, postponed or stopped for safety or welfare reasons.
I understand that severe matting or pelting may require additional work and charges.
I understand that behavioural difficulties may prevent a full groom from being completed.
I understand the cancellation and late-collection policies.
I authorise Mr Clippy to seek appropriate veterinary assistance for my dog in an emergency where reasonably necessary and where I cannot be contacted.
I understand that pre-existing or undisclosed medical conditions may affect the grooming process and may require veterinary care.
I understand that this agreement does not remove or limit any rights or protections that cannot legally be excluded or limited.
Mr Clippy — Wulguru Salon
Our priority is a safe, comfortable and positive grooming experience for every dog.