Effective Date: January 01st, 2020 Last Updated: May 21st 2026
The safety, comfort, and well-being of your pet is our highest priority. This policy explains our practices, your responsibilities as a pet owner, and the inherent risks involved in professional pet grooming.
1. Health and Vaccinations
For the safety of all pets in our care, we require that your pet:
- Is current on rabies vaccination (proof may be requested)
- Is current on core vaccinations appropriate for their species
- Is free of communicable illness on the day of service
- Is not visibly suffering from untreated medical conditions
Please notify us in advance if your pet has any of the following:
- Allergies or skin sensitivities
- Heart conditions, seizures, or respiratory issues
- Recent surgery or medical procedures
- Hip, joint, or mobility issues
- Vision or hearing loss
- Anxiety, stress, or fear around grooming
- A history of biting or aggressive behavior
Disclosing this information helps us care for your pet safely. Failure to disclose known conditions releases Pups in Tubs from liability for related incidents.
2. Senior Pets and Pets with Special Needs
We welcome senior pets and pets with medical concerns. For these pets:
- Grooming may take longer with rest breaks between steps
- We focus on health and safety first, with full grooming as the secondary goal
- Some services may be modified or declined for the pet’s well-being
- We may recommend more frequent, shorter grooming sessions instead of full grooming
3. Matted Coat Policy
Severely matted fur is painful for pets and can cause serious skin issues including sores, infections, and circulation problems.
- Light to moderate matting may be brushed or combed out at standard pricing
- Severe matting may require a humane shave-down for the pet’s safety and comfort, which is the most humane option
- De-matting may incur additional charges based on time required, generally starting at $20+
- We will always discuss the best approach with you before starting any de-matting work
By law and ethical standards, we will not subject a pet to prolonged painful de-matting when a safe haircut option exists.
4. Aggressive or Anxious Pets
If your pet displays aggression or extreme anxiety during grooming:
- We will pause the service and discuss next steps with you
- A muzzle may be used for safety when appropriate
- Services may be modified or stopped if the pet cannot be groomed safely
- Repeated aggressive behavior may result in being unable to accept your pet for future appointments
- Full charges may apply for partial services completed
5. Fleas, Ticks, and Parasites
If your pet arrives with fleas or ticks:
- Your pet will receive a flea & tick shampoo treatment (starting at $16+)
- This is for the protection of other pets, our staff, and our salon
- We may also recommend you contact your veterinarian for additional treatment
6. Accidents and Injuries
While we take every precaution, grooming is not without risk. Possible minor incidents include:
- Small nicks or scrapes from clippers (most common with matted or wiggly pets)
- Pre-existing skin issues being revealed by close coat trimming
- Brief stress responses to grooming sounds, water, or handling
In the unlikely event of a more serious incident:
- We will contact you immediately
- We will seek emergency veterinary care if needed
- We carry professional grooming liability insurance
7. Photo and Video Release
We may take photos or short videos of your pet during or after their grooming for use on our website, social media, and marketing materials. If you do not wish for your pet to be featured, please let us know at the time of booking and we will respect your preference.
8. Drop-Off and Pick-Up
- Please arrive on time for drop-off so we can begin your pet’s appointment promptly
- Most grooming appointments take 2–3 hours; bath-and-brush services typically take 1–2 hours
- We will call or text when your pet is ready for pick-up
- Pets must be picked up promptly upon notification — pets left more than 30 minutes after notification may incur a holding fee
9. Limitation of Liability
By using our services, you acknowledge that grooming carries inherent risks, even with the most experienced professionals. Pups in Tubs is not liable for:
- Pre-existing conditions revealed during grooming
- Reactions to grooming products in pets with undisclosed allergies
- Stress or behavioral responses inherent to grooming
- Aggravation of pre-existing medical issues not disclosed to us
You release Pups in Tubs and its staff from liability for any conditions that were not disclosed in advance or that arise from your pet’s pre-existing health concerns.
10. Right to Refuse Service
For the safety of your pet, our staff, and other animals in our care, we reserve the right to refuse or stop service at any time. Reasons include but are not limited to:
- Unsafe or aggressive behavior
- Undisclosed medical conditions presenting risk
- Suspected contagious illness
- Severely matted coat requiring veterinary intervention
- Pet under the influence of sedatives without veterinary clearance
11. Questions
If you have questions about your pet’s safety, our practices, or what to expect:
Pups in Tubs Contact:
Phone: (818) 293-3200
Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation:
Sunday & Monday · Closed
Tuesday – Friday · 9am – 6pm
Saturday · 10am – 5pm