At The Blissful Pup, we believe grooming should be calm, gentle, and respectful.

This agreement is designed to support a safe and comfortable experience for your dog while

clearly outlining expectations before, during, and after grooming services.

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By booking an appointment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the following terms.​​​​​​

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🐾 Policies at a Glance — Full Agreement Below​

 

Gentle, Fear Free® Care
Dog-led grooming focused on comfort and emotional well-being. Services may be adjusted or paused if your dog needs it.

Health & Safety
Grooming may reveal pre-existing conditions. Wellness checks are observational only. Emergency veterinary care is authorized if needed.

Vaccinations
Rabies and DHPP/DAPP are required. Bordetella and Canine Influenza are recommended. Records are required before service.

Services
Bathing, drying, brushing, nail care, ear cleaning, tooth brushing, breaks, and one-on-one care.
No anal glands or de-skunking. Ear plucking by request with vet guidance.

Pricing
Pricing may vary based on your dog’s care needs. Payment is due at the time of service.

Matting & Skin
Severe matting may require a short clip. Mild skin irritation may occur and usually resolves within 24 hours.

Behavior, Seniors & Medical Needs
Bite or fear history must be disclosed. Senior or medically sensitive dogs carry increased grooming risks.

Timing & Cancellations
Crate-free studio. Late pickup and cancellation fees apply.

Agreement
By booking, you agree to the full Client Service Agreement. Policies are reviewed at least annually.

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👉 Full Client Service Agreement & Policies:

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1. Health & Safety

Your dog’s comfort, emotional well-being, and safety are our top priorities. Grooming is performed using a slow, dog led, Fear Free® approach. Grooming may occasionally reveal pre-existing health or skin conditions, particularly in senior or medically sensitive dogs. Owners are responsible for any related veterinary care.

Please disclose all relevant medical history, allergies, sensitivities, or behavioral concerns prior to service. Grooming may be paused, modified, or stopped if your dog shows signs of stress or discomfort.

In the event of a medical emergency, you authorize The Blissful Pup LLC to seek veterinary care at the nearest clinic at your expense. If CPR is required, you authorize Stella Pikios to administer CPR to the best of her ability.

While every precaution is taken, grooming tools are sharp and minor nicks or nail quicking may occasionally occur. You will be notified if this happens.​​

Questions before your visit? Contact us

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2. Vaccinations

For the safety of all dogs and humans:

• Current Rabies and DHPP/DAPP vaccinations are required

• Bordetella and Canine Influenza are strongly recommended

Puppies must complete their full core vaccine series plus two weeks prior to their first appointment.

Proof of required vaccinations and current veterinarian contact information must be submitted prior to services. Medical exemptions require written documentation from your veterinarian.

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3. Scope of Services

All grooming services are gentle, fear-free, and tailored to your dog’s comfort and tolerance.

A standard grooming session may include:

• A luxurious 3-step bath using coat-specific, high-quality products

• Gentle blow-dry and thorough brush-out

• Nail care, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing

• Gentle wellness check during handling

• Rest, potty, and snack breaks with fresh water and high-quality treats

• Thoughtful finishing touch (bow or bandana)

• Personalized grooming notes and photos

• Fear Free® handling, reassurance, and emotional support throughout

This wellness check is observational only, is not a medical assessment or diagnosis, and does not replace veterinary care.

All handling is performed by a Fear Free® Certified Professional using low-stress, compassionate techniques appropriate to each dog. Fear Free® is a registered trademark and is not affiliated with this agreement.

Not offered:

• Anal gland expression

• De-skunking treatments

By request only:

• Ear plucking, recommended by your veterinarian and well tolerated by your dog

All services are dog-led. Grooms may be shortened or adjusted for safety or comfort. Full-service pricing still applies even if a session is modified.

Because every dog’s needs can vary from visit to visit, grooming time and care requirements may naturally differ between appointments. Pricing may be adjusted to reflect the level of care provided.

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4. Behavior & Handling

For safety, you are required to disclose any history of biting, snapping, growling, or grooming-related fear to help us support your dog safely.

Muzzles may be used when necessary. Services may be paused or declined if a dog becomes unsafe or overly stressed. Full-service pricing still applies.

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5. Matting & Coat Reset

Matting restricts airflow, traps moisture, and can cause pain or skin injury. In some cases, a short coat reset is the safest and kindest option.

De-matting is time- and tool-intensive. Fees range from $40–$100, depending on coat condition. Additional grooming time may be required when a session exceeds what is typical for your dog’s coat and care needs.

Possible effects of mat removal include temporary redness, irritation, uneven regrowth, behavioral fatigue, or exposure of pre-existing conditions.

By approving de-matting or a coat reset, you release The Blissful Pup LLC from liability related to these outcomes. Dogs clipped short should be protected from sun exposure until coat regrowth.​

✨ Additional information: Coat Care, Matting & Skin Sensitivity FAQ.

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6. Skin Sensitivity

Dogs may experience mild, temporary redness or itchiness following grooming, particularly in sensitive areas due to:

• Hair removal around paws, ears, or sanitary areas

• Moisture on the skin

• Sensitive skin

• Normal bacteria or yeast present on the skin

Most mild irritation improves within 24 hours.

Please notify The Blissful Pup LLC within 24 hours of your appointment if you have concerns.

🐾 Additional guidance: Coat Care, Matting & Skin Sensitivity FAQ.

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7. Parasites

Parasite treatments are not offered. If fleas are found, grooming will stop and immediate pickup is required. Full grooming fees apply.

Ticks may be removed at $10 per tick. Dogs may return once flea- and tick-free. Veterinary-grade preventatives are strongly recommended.

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8. Senior Pets & Medically Sensitive Dogs

Senior or medically sensitive dogs are groomed with added care and flexibility. Grooming may increase fatigue, stress, or risk of medical events.

By booking services, you acknowledge the increased risks associated with grooming senior or medically sensitive dogs and accept responsibility for any resulting veterinary care.

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9. Timing, Drop-Off & Pickup

Every dog is unique. Grooming times vary based on coat, behavior, and comfort needs. Please allow flexibility and avoid scheduling with strict time constraints.

The Blissful Pup is a crate-free studio and does not provide boarding. You will receive a call or text when your dog is ready.

A 15-minute grace period applies after notification. Late pickups are charged $1 per minute, rounded to the next 15 minutes. Late drop-offs may result in rescheduling.

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10. Cancellations & No-Shows

To reschedule or cancel, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice.

• 48+ hours: No fee

• Less than 48 hours: 50% fee

• Less than 24 hours / same day / no-show: 100% fee

Fees must be paid before future appointments can be scheduled. Repeated cancellations may result in discontinued services.

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11. Payment

Payment is due at the time of service. Accepted forms of payment include credit card, Venmo (@theblissfulpup), Zelle (theblissfulpup@gmail.com) and cash.

Final pricing is determined after the grooming session and is based on coat condition, grooming time, size, age, behavior, weight, and comfort-based handling needs. While many visits remain consistent, pricing may vary from groom to groom when additional time or care is needed to support your dog’s experience.

Any pricing adjustments reflect the care and time provided during that visit and may not apply at every appointment. Prices are subject to change.

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12. Annual Pricing Policy Review

To ensure transparency and continued quality of care, The Blissful Pup LLC completes an annual review of its pricing and policies each January, with additional updates made as needed throughout the year. Updates reflect operating costs, service standards, certifications, and the time and skill required for personalized care.

All updates are posted on our website and shared directly via text or email. By continuing to book services after updates are shared, you acknowledge and accept the revised terms.​

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13. Photos & Media

The Blissful Pup LLC may take photos or videos of your dog for client records, safety documentation, marketing, and website/social media use.

We always share your dog with kindness and respect.

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14. Satisfaction & Feedback

Your feedback matters. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your dog’s groom, please contact us within 24 hours so we can support you and make notes for future visits.​

💖 Helpful answers may also be found here: FAQ's.

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15. Accessories

Accessories must fit properly and be supervised. The Blissful Pup LLC is not responsible for misuse or related incidents.

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16. Transportation

If transportation of your dog is requested or required, you agree to hold The Blissful Pup LLC harmless for any incident during transit.

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17. Agreement Terms, Ownership & Liability

​By booking services, you affirm that you are the legal owner of the dog(s) receiving grooming services and agree to all terms outlined in this agreement.

You agree to release and hold The Blissful Pup LLC, its owners, and representatives harmless from liability for accident, injury, illness, stress, or loss that may occur during or after grooming services.

This agreement applies to all future appointments without requiring additional signatures. Continued booking constitutes ongoing consent.

This agreement supersedes all previously signed or published service agreements and may be updated from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website.​​​

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🐾 Closing Note

Thank you for trusting The Blissful Pup with your dog’s care. Our goal is always a calm, gentle, and respectful grooming experience where dogs feel safe, understood, and supported.

If you ever have questions, concerns, or special requests we are always happy to help. 💛