1. Terminology

• The following terminology applies to these Terms and Conditions: “you” and “your” refers to you, the owner or person responsible for the cat, “we”, “our” and “us“, refers to the Company, DreamCATcher Grooming.

2. Acceptance of Terms & Conditions (T&Cs)

• We reserve the right to change or revise the T&Cs at any time and without notice by posting a revised version on our website. As the website is currently being developed, any changes made to the T&Cs will be e-mailed directly to you. It is your responsibility to check the website periodically for changes. Booking an appointment with us constitutes a contract and affirms you are accepting the T&Cs below.

3. Current vaccination/veterinarian information

• Veterinary advice is that your cat is vaccinated, and these are kept up to date. It is entirely at your risk if your cat is not vaccinated or hasn’t received their boosters and we cannot be held liable if your cat catches something it could have been vaccinated against. We may ask for proof of vaccination and veterinary information which must be provided.

4. Appointments and Payment

• Payment can be made by online bank transfer or by cash in person.
• Payment must be made in full before we leave your property by online bank transfer or by cash.

5. Cancellation/No Show policy

• If we arrive at your property and your cat isn’t available for grooming or you cancel your appointment within 24 hours, the full grooming fee is applicable and must be paid before a new appointment can be scheduled.

6. Rescheduling

• Should you wish to reschedule your appointment, this can be done without charge as long as 48 hours notice is given.
• Rescheduling your appointment within 24 hours of the booked appointment will incur mileage fees.

7. Timekeeping

• We work by appointment only. Appointment times are estimated as cats and traffic can be unpredictable, which may result in us arriving earlier or later than the estimated time. We will text/email with an arrival time when we are on route to your property. We will not rush a groom in order to fit into a time schedule, your cat will receive ample grooming time.

8. Pricing

• The prices set out are starting prices and for guidance purposes only. Prices quoted are an estimate only as there are many factors to take into consideration which can only be determined upon assessing your cat in person. We will provide you with the price of the groom during the complimentary consultation at the beginning of your appointment which you agree to pay in accordance with the services provided.

9. Maintenance Grooms

• Following your first appointment, we will provide you with a maintenance grooming schedule which will set out recommended intervals between grooms and prices to keep your cat’s coat in good condition. You are not obliged to follow the recommended maintenance grooming schedule, however, if you book outside of the recommended intervals, another consultation will be required to determine the price of the groom.

10. Health and Welfare

• The welfare of your cat is our first priority. You agree to notify us of any signs of injury or possible illness as soon as the condition appears and will not hold us responsible for any pre-existing conditions found or incurred during the grooming process. You are responsible for all medical expenses.
• In the event of an incident or the grooming process exposing an unknown medical condition or aggravating a current one during or after the groom, we will recommend you seek emergency veterinary treatment if we deem it necessary for whatever reason. Unless we are deemed to be negligent, you are responsible for all medical expenses. The full cost of the groom may still apply, at our discretion.
• Because senior cats and cats with health problems have a greater chance of injury, these cats will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress.
• We reserve the right to cancel services where a cat with a potentially infectious condition exists.

11. Matted Hair Removal Policy

• Cats with matted coats need extra attention during their grooming session. Matts left in a cat’s coat only grow tighter, restricting their movement, causing discomfort or pain and possible open sores. Matts can be very difficult to remove and will require your cat to be shaved. Removing a heavily matted coat carries the risk of nicks, cuts, or abrasions due to warts, moles, or skin folds trapped in the matts. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near your cat’s skin, allowing mould, fungus or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process. Any grooming including shaving your cat is undertaken at your risk and you agree to release us from all liability. You agree to pay the full cost of the groom, even if we are unable to fully complete the task.
• After effects of matt removal procedure can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritation or abrasions. Clipping a cat’s coat can also result in failure of the hair to regrow, patchy regrowth or a variation to the colour or texture upon re-growth. You consent to removing matted hair or shaving on this understanding.
• We advise that outdoor cats are kept warm/indoors/clothed until the fur regrows. Your cat will also be exposed to higher UV and we therefore recommend that you take all necessary precautions to limit this until the fur regrows.
• In some cases, cats may also exhibit brief behavioural changes. Shaving off a cat’s coat will completely change your cat’s appearance and may cause behavioural problems in multi-cat households as they may not recognise your cat when shaved. You will not hold us responsible for any behavioural changes.
• We do not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your cat and will not continually de-matt your cat for you. Prevention is the best defence against matting by maintaining regular grooming at home and scheduling regular grooming appointments. Additional fees apply for any repeated matt removal.

12. Behaviour and Safety

• We are trained to handle cats, including anxious or aggressive cats, in a safe manner throughout the grooming service. The safety and welfare of your cat is paramount. We will allow breaks for your cat during the groom if needed, however, if we are unable to complete the groom due to your cat becoming highly anxious, you agree that follow-up sessions will be arranged at an additional cost to you.
• You must inform us if your cat bites, has bitten or is aggressive to people, other cats, or specific grooming procedures. If we see an increase in challenging or aggressive behaviour during the groom, we may use a soft face mask or soft cone for the groomer’s safety. If your cat’s behaviour puts the cat or groomer’s health at risk, the groom will be stopped immediately. You agree to pay all costs for the groom, even if we are unable to fully complete the task due to your cat’s behaviour.
• We reserve the right to refuse an aggressive or highly anxious cat that is a risk to itself or the groomer.

13. Media Release

• We reserve the right to take and use pictures/videos of your cat on our social media platforms, website, or printed material. You consent to pictures/videos of your cat being used for these purposes and hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future. If you do not wish pictures of your cat to be used for these purposes, you must notify us at the time of your appointment.

14. Personal Data

• You agree for the data contained in the client enquiry form to be held by DreamCATcher Grooming for exclusive use. In accordance with GDPR you have the right to request and review any of your personal information and for all copies of your personal data held to be deleted or destroyed at any time.  Your data will be held securely by us and will not be passed on to any third party.