10/22/2026
Our Policies can now be viewed via the link on our profile page!! But we also wanted to post them here! Thank you to all our wonderful clients for your continued support!
The Dapper Dog Parlor
General Policies & Procedures
At The Dapper Dog Parlor, we believe grooming is about more than a haircut. We value building relationships with our clients, creating a welcoming environment, and providing every dog with individualized care while prioritizing their safety and well-being.
Please review the following policies before your appointment.
1. Appointments & Scheduling
Appointments are required. Please schedule your dog's grooming appointment in advance.
Late arrivals: We allow a 10-minute grace period. Arrivals more than 10 minutes late may need to be rescheduled or have their service adjusted, depending on the day's schedule and the time needed to groom safely.
Grooming instructions: Please communicate your desired haircut and any special requests at drop-off. We encourage open communication so we can establish realistic expectations.
Deposits: Deposits are not routinely required for appointments. This does not waive our cancellation or no-show policies.
2. Cancellations & No-Shows
At The Dapper Dog Parlor, appointments are reserved specifically for your pup. Last-minute cancellations and missed appointments prevent us from offering that time to other clients who may need grooming services.
Late Cancellation Fee — 50% of the scheduled grooming price: Clients who cancel their appointment with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged 50% of the scheduled grooming price.
No-Show Fee — 50% of the scheduled grooming price: Clients who fail to attend their scheduled appointment without providing notice will be charged 50% of the scheduled grooming price.
Emergencies: Genuine emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Rescheduling: Please contact us as early as possible if you need to change your appointment.
These fees help protect reserved appointment time and allow us to continue providing individualized care to every client and their pup.
Thank you for respecting our time, our business, and the other clients who rely on our availability.
3. Pricing & Payment
Our grooming prices are based on your dog's breed, size, coat type, condition, and grooming needs.
Payment is due at pickup, before your dog leaves the salon.
Prices may vary depending on coat condition, matting, behavior, the time required, and the services requested.
Additional charges may apply when extra time, specialized handling, or additional work is necessary.
If we anticipate a significant change in the expected price or scope of service, we will communicate with you when reasonably possible before proceeding.
Please discuss budget concerns or service limitations with us before grooming begins.
4. Vaccination & Health Requirements
Your dog's safety and the safety of other pets are our priorities.
Rabies vaccination documentation is required. Please provide current rabies vaccination records before your dog's appointment. This is in accordance with state law.
Please inform us of any known medical conditions, injuries, skin sensitivities, mobility concerns, or other health issues that could affect grooming.
Please disclose medications your dog takes, particularly those that may affect alertness, coordination, behavior, or stress levels.
Please let us know if your dog has recently experienced a significant change in health or behavior.
Dogs showing signs of a potentially contagious illness may need to be rescheduled.
If required vaccination documentation cannot be provided, we may need to postpone the appointment until the records are available.
5. Medication Policy
To support safe grooming practices, The Dapper Dog Parlor does not accept dogs for grooming while under the effects of trazodone unless prescribed by a vet and taken on a normal schedule.
Any medication used to address a dog's grooming-related needs must be prescribed by a veterinarian specifically for that pet. Please discuss medication questions and appropriate options with your veterinarian before the appointment.
Please disclose any medications your dog is taking before grooming.
6. Grooming Behavior & Specialized Handling
Every dog responds to grooming differently. We approach each dog with patience and work to make the experience as comfortable as reasonably possible.
Please disclose any history of fear, anxiety, biting, snapping, growling, or difficulty tolerating grooming.
Dogs requiring specialized handling must be discussed with us before booking and may require a separate consultation and appointment.
Specialized handling appointments are scheduled on Saturdays at 9:00 AM only. A 15-minute in-person consultation is required beforehand.
Specialized handling fees apply according to the dog's needs and the level of support required.
Specialized Handling Fee Schedule
Tier 1 — $20 additional fee: Sensitive or anxious behavior, including situations where the dog makes contact with teeth without biting.
Tier 2 — $35 additional fee: Growling, minimum snapping, air snapping, or attempts to bite
Tier 3 – $50 additional fee: Serious bite histories, repeated bite attempts, severe fear responses, or behaviors requiring substantial modifications to the grooming process.
These fees reflect the additional time and handling required and do not guarantee that every requested service can be completed.
We reserve the right to modify, shorten, postpone, decline, or stop a grooming service if a dog's behavior, distress level, health, or safety needs make continuing inappropriate.
***These services have their own policies. Please email [email protected] for more information.
7. Matting & Coat Condition
Severely matted coats can cause discomfort and may conceal skin irritation or other concerns.
We will assess your dog's coat condition before beginning the groom.
If matting prevents us from safely achieving the requested style, a shorter haircut or alternative service may be necessary.
Additional time or charges may apply for coats requiring extra work.
We prioritize your dog's comfort and safety over maintaining a particular hairstyle.
We will not continue a procedure simply to achieve a cosmetic result if doing so would compromise your dog's well-being.
8. Grooming Safety & Right to Stop Service
Although we strive to complete every scheduled groom, we cannot guarantee that every service will be finished.
We may stop or adjust a service if a dog shows significant distress, becomes unsafe to handle, attempts to bite, risks injuring themselves, or develops a health concern during grooming.
When appropriate, we may recommend a modified groom, a future appointment with a different approach, or consultation with your veterinarian.
A safe, incomplete groom is preferable to risking your dog's well-being.
9. Pickup & Collection
We understand that schedules can change, and we aim to provide reasonable flexibility with pickup.
Please collect your dog as soon as reasonably possible after receiving notification that grooming is complete.
If you anticipate a delay, please communicate with us so we can coordinate an appropriate pickup time.
Pickup arrangements may depend on the day's schedule, staffing, and the dog's comfort and care needs.
10. Communication & Client Conduct
We value building long-term relationships with our clients and encourage respectful, open communication. Disrespect is not tolerated
Please share concerns, preferences, and relevant updates with us before your appointment.
We will communicate significant concerns that arise during grooming when reasonably possible.
We ask that clients treat our staff and business respectfully.
We reserve the right to decline future appointments when a working relationship is no longer appropriate or when repeated conduct interferes with safe and effective care.
11. Acknowledgment
By scheduling an appointment with The Dapper Dog Parlor, you acknowledge that you have reviewed these general policies and agree to communicate honestly about your dog's needs.
Our goal is to provide a positive grooming experience built on trust, communication, and individualized care.
Thank you for allowing us to care for your pup!
The Dapper Dog Parlor
