Terms of Service

1. Appointments & Booking

The Woof operates by appointment only, seven days a week, 9am to 5pm. Appointments may be requested through our website form or, for returning clients, through our online booking portal. A request is not confirmed until you receive confirmation directly from The Woof.

Grooming involves working with live animals, and despite the highest standards of care, pets may behave unpredictably. Accidents, stress related responses, or health concerns may occur, especially with elderly pets, puppies, pets with medical conditions known or unknown, difficult to handle pets, or pets that are severely matted or undercoated. The Woof takes all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety, comfort, and well being of every pet in our care.

2. Pricing & Fees

All prices listed by The Woof are base estimates. Final pricing is determined after a hands on assessment of the pet's coat condition, behavior, size, time required, and overall handling needs. The owner acknowledges that additional fees may apply for matting, excessive undercoat, parasites, behavioral challenges, special handling, late pickup, late drop off, or special circumstances, as outlined on the current pricing schedule published on our website and marketing materials. By booking an appointment, the owner confirms they have reviewed and agree to The Woof's current pricing and fee structure.

3. Cancellations, Late Arrivals & No Shows

• Cancellations: Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. Appointments canceled, rescheduled, modified, or missed without at least 48 hours notice will be charged 40% of the scheduled service total per animal.
• No shows: An appointment where the dog is never dropped off, with no cancellation or rescheduling notice provided, is treated as a no show and charged 40% of the scheduled service total. After two no shows, a deposit will be required to book future appointments.
• Late drop off: Appointments include a 10 minute grace period. Lateness is determined by when drop off is fully completed, meaning the dog has been transferred into our care and the owner is ready to depart. Arriving at the property, parking, or beginning the drop off process does not stop the late clock. Drop offs completed within 10 minutes of the scheduled time incur no fee. Drop offs completed 11 to 19 minutes late incur a $10 late fee. Drop offs completed 20 minutes or more after the scheduled time are considered a missed appointment, and a fee equal to 40% of the scheduled groom applies. If we are still able to accommodate the dog after the 20 minute cutoff, the appointment may proceed at our discretion, with the 40% late fee applied in addition to the cost of the groom. Clients are welcome to arrive up to 10 minutes early to handle gate access and give their dog a potty or walk break. Most grooming expectations and instructions should be discussed with us before the appointment rather than at drop off, so your dog isn't kept waiting during a longer conversation. Each appointment is a dedicated time slot reserved just for your dog, and tardiness can affect the appointment scheduled after yours. We appreciate your help in respecting everyone's time.
• Late pickup: A 15 to 30 minute courtesy notification is provided when grooming is nearing completion. A $10 boarding fee begins 30 minutes after the pickup notification. If a pet remains in our care for 2 hours or more after notification, a $50 full day boarding fee will apply.
• Same day requests: Same day, squeeze in, or VIP bookings are subject to an additional $25 per dog, based on availability.

4. Health & Vaccination Requirements

All pets must be current on rabies vaccinations. A valid rabies certificate must be provided prior to grooming services. Bordetella vaccination is highly recommended.

You are responsible for disclosing, before your appointment, any known medical conditions, injuries, allergies, skin sensitivities, recent surgeries, behavioral issues, or history of aggression or biting. Withholding this information can put your dog, our groomer, and future clients at risk, and may result in a special handling fee or refusal of service. Pregnant or nursing dogs are not currently accepted, for the safety of mom and pup.

5. Matting, Undercoat & Special Handling

Pets that are matted, severely undercoated, or require additional time, labor, or specialized care will incur additional charges. Fees are based on the extent of matting or undercoat buildup and the extra time required, regardless of whether the pet is shaved, de matted, or de shedded. Humane treatment and the pet's comfort will always take priority over cosmetic results.

Some pets require additional time, assistance, or safety measures to groom safely. Special handling fees may apply for behaviors or conditions including excessive resistance, thrashing, biting, mobility limitations, medical conditions, repeated potty accidents, or situations requiring additional handling support. Special handling and de matting fees are charged at a rate of $60 per hour, billed in 15 minute increments. The determination of special handling needs and applicable charges is made solely by The Woof.

6. Fleas & Ticks

If fleas or ticks are discovered during the grooming process, the pet will be treated with an appropriate flea or tick shampoo or product, performed at the owner's expense. Pricing for tick removal and flea or tick treatment follows the current pricing schedule published on our website. Dogs with an active flea infestation may require additional treatment or a referral to a veterinarian before grooming can proceed.

7. Grooming Risks & Liability

The Woof is not responsible for complications, stress related effects, or injuries that may occur as a result of the normal grooming process, including clipper irritation, razor burn, brush burn, nicks, or skin irritation. We are not responsible for pre existing medical conditions, whether known or unknown, or for conditions that may be revealed or aggravated during grooming. Grooming elderly, unstable, or medically compromised pets is performed at the owner's risk.

8. Right to Refuse or Discontinue Service

The Woof reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services at any time if the safety of the pet or groomer is at risk, or if humane grooming cannot be performed safely. If an appointment is terminated or discontinued for any reason, including but not limited to aggressive or unsafe behavior, biting or attempting to bite, a pet that is unable to be safely restrained, or a health or safety concern discovered during the groom, the owner is responsible for the full price of the service originally booked. This charge applies regardless of how much of the groom was completed and reflects the appointment time reserved, handling, and assessment performed.

9. Emergency Veterinary Care

If a pet becomes injured or ill while in the care of The Woof, we reserve the right to determine whether veterinary attention is necessary. If the owner cannot be reached, the owner authorizes The Woof to make reasonable decisions in the best interest of the pet's health and safety. If emergency veterinary care is required, the pet may be transported to the nearest veterinary or emergency facility. All diagnosis, treatment decisions, and associated costs are the sole responsibility of the pet's owner.

10. Payment

The Woof may require a credit card to be kept on file. By booking an appointment, the owner authorizes The Woof to store payment information and charge the card on file for grooming services, add on services, cancellation fees, no show fees, late fees, or incidental charges when applicable. We accept Credit Card, Cash, Cash App, Apple Pay, Zelle, and checks. Returned checks are subject to a $35 fee.

11. Photography & Media Release

The owner grants The Woof permission to photograph, video record, and otherwise capture the pet while the pet is in the care, custody, or presence of The Woof. The owner grants The Woof the unrestricted right to use, edit, reproduce, publish, and distribute any photos, videos, audio recordings, or other media of the pet for any lawful business purpose, including marketing, advertising, social media, educational content, and promotional materials, in any format or medium, now known or later developed.

This permission applies to all situations and circumstances, requires no additional consent or approval, provides no compensation, and remains in effect indefinitely.

12. Private Studio Conduct

The Woof operates out of a private, home based studio. Appointments are one on one, and only the dog being groomed is present in the grooming space. Please arrive on time, keep your dog leashed during drop off and pickup, and let us know in advance if someone other than you will be handling drop off or pickup.

13. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time to reflect changes to our policies or pricing. The version posted on this page is the version in effect at the time of your appointment.

15. Contact Us

By booking an appointment, the owner acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to all terms outlined above. Questions about these Terms of Service can be sent to thewoofgroomingva@gmail.com or by calling 571.643.6918.