Matting Policy
Matting of the coat is caused by a lack of regular grooming, and as such, is considered a "pre-existing condition." A pet that is matted is likely to experience discomfort, lack of mobility, and potential skin issues. Severe matting can pull on the skin as the pet moves, causing irritation which can, in some cases, be severe. BC Ridge will avoid causing undue stress and discomfort to the pets in our care, which means that we will not brush out severe matting, and we will not perform grooming on pets with a high risk of injury during removal of matting. The health and safety of the pets in our care is a much higher priority than a "cute" haircut.
Some instances of matting can cut off blood flow to an area, such as legs, tails, and ears. Ears are especially sensitive to removal of matting, due to the many small capillaries within the ear flap. Removal of matting on ears may cause a dog to develop hematoma of the ear. BC Ridge and its employees work very carefully to avoid any injury to pets, however due to the unknowable and changeable nature of each pet's biology, behavior, stress levels, etc, it is still possible that a pet may develop issues, or have issues revealed by removal of matting. These potential issues include, but are not limited to:
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Redness or skin irritation
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Brush Burn or Razor Burn
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Cuts, scrapes, nicks (due to being unable to visually assess the skin while grooming)
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Hematoma of the ear(s)
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Altered behavior after grooming (removal of mats can be painful and stressful for some pets)
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Altered gait or movement after grooming (in some cases, matting may act as a cast, which can cause muscle atrophy)
Understand that removal of mats, even by shaving the coat completely, takes significantly more time, attention, and skill than grooming a maintained coat. Since prices are based on breed standard under the assumption of a maintained coat, there will likely be an added fee for the cost of extra labor, based on how long it takes to fully remove all the mats, compared to the "usual" amount of time it would take to groom a maintained coat of a similar pet. This fee is also included to mitigate unusual wear and tear on equipment that will need to be serviced.
By signing below you, the owner/caretaker of this pet, agree to relinquish BC Ridge from any and all costs associated with injuries or issues that may arise due to removal of matting, and agree to pay matting fees as determined by your groomer.
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Owner/Caretaker Date
Service Agreement
Dog’s name: _______________Dog’s Breed:__________________
Owner’s name:______________________________
Owner’s address_______________________________Phone:_______________
_____I hereby represent that I am the legal owner of the dog(s) described above to use the services provided by Butler’s Charcoal Ridge.
_____I hereby represent that my dog(s) is of good health and has not been ill with any known contagious diseases within the past 30 days.
_____I recognize that the health of the dog(s) is the owner’s responsibility. I hereby represent that all required vaccinations (rabies, distemper and parvovirus) are up to date. I will also continue to ensure that the required vaccinations will be kept up to date for as long as my dog(s) attends Butler’s Charcoal Ridge. In addition, I hereby represent that my dogs have flea/tick preventative treatments applied regularly.
_____I further understand and agree that in admitting my dog(s), Butler’s Charcoal Ridge has relied on my representation that my dog(s) is in good health and has not harmed, shown aggression or threatening behavior towards any other person or any other dog.
_____I further understand and agree that Butler’s Charcoal Ridge and their caregivers will not be held liable for any problems that might develop with my dog(s) including, but not limited to sickness, disease, injury, running away and death, provided that reasonable care and precautions are followed.
_____I understand and agree that any problem that develops with my dog(s) will be treated as deemed best by the care-givers of Butler’s Charcoal Ridge at their sole discretion and that I assume full financial responsibility for any and all expenses incurred.
_____Butler’s Charcoal Ridge reserves the right to permanently remove a dog from care at any time to ensure the safety of other dogs as well as staff.
_____ I understand that the rules above apply to any dog(s) of mine attending daycare, boarding, and grooming.
Date:___________________ Signature:______________________________
Print name:_____________________________