FAQs & Rules

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to groom my dog?

The average groom time is just one hour and thirty minutes, but of course this can vary greatly for different breeds and coat types. If the hair is matted it may take more time. You will be given a time for collection when you drop off your dog at the salon.

Do you bath the dog first?

In order to get an even cut and to avoid dirt and coat oils dulling our clipper blades, we always bath the dog first as part of the grooming process.

Can you groom my dog to the breed standard?

Of course! All of our groomers are expertly trained and experienced with most breed standards. As every dog is different and each person’s needs vary, many of our customers opt to have their dogs groomed differently than the breed standard due to the level of maintenance required. Different styles and grooming options shall be discussed with you when you drop off your dog at the salon.

My dog’s coat is matted, will you have to cut the hair short?

If the hair is allowed to become matted this can be unhealthy for the dog’s skin. It may be possible to de-matt the coat but unfortunately this can be painful and in some cases can cause irritation to the skin. We may need to charge more for heavily matted hair due to the extra time required to remove the knots from the coat. If the hair is so badly matted we may have no other option but to cut the hair short.

Can I stay with my dog and watch?

In the vast majority of cases, if your dog can see you whilst being groomed then they will want to be with you and this can result in dangerous working conditions. Our groomers are working with sharp tools and we want to avoid additional stress and excitement as much as possible, therefore insist that you leave your dog with us and return at the specified time given to you when you drop them off. If you return and see that your dog is still in the process of being groomed, we kindly ask that you wait outside where your dog is unable to see you until the groom is complete.

How is my dog dried?

We DO NOT use cabinet dryers!

Firstly we rub down with a towel before introducing a high velocity dryer to expel the majority of the water from the coat. The drying process is completed with a finishing attachment to straighten the fur ready for cutting. With smaller or more nervous dogs we will not use the high velocity dryer and will opt to have the finishing dryer on it’s lowest, quietest setting.

At what age should I bring my dog for their first groom?

We recommend introducing your puppy to the grooming process at around twelve weeks old, after their second set of vaccinations. Waiting until they get older can result in grooming becoming a more stressful experience for them.

How regularly should I get my dog groomed?

This can vary between breeds and is dependant on how able you are at maintaining the dog’s coat at home, but on average we would recommend getting them professionally groomed every six to eight weeks.

What if I’m not completely satisfied with the groom after it’s finished?

Please don’t hesitate to tell us. We always aim for complete customer satisfaction and will do everything we can to correct any problems. On the occasion where a haircut is not to your liking it is normally just a matter of a little more trimming here or there and the groomer can usually do it right away.

Got any more questions?

If you have any more questions, you can message us via our Facebook page or by calling us on 01902 898281.

Rules

By making an appointment with Sniffers you are agreeing to bide by the rules and regulations as listed below:

• We accept cash and all major credit/debit cards in-store. Payment is on collection of your dog. Please be aware that the price stated is subject to change if more time is required. Larger, matted and difficult dogs shall be charged accordingly.
• We do not charge for cancelled appointments where adequate notice is given. Should you be unable to attend, we ask for a minimum of 24 hours notice. During that time we are usually able to adjust schedules and book out your cancelled appointment to another client. Simply failing to turn up for an appointment inevitably causes extreme inconvenience. Appointments unattended without adequate notice shall incur a minimum fee of £15 per dog.
• On arrival, we shall provide you with a time that your dog will be ready for collection. We kindly ask that you take no more than 30 minutes to collect, or an extra charge shall apply.
• If you are more than 15 minutes late for an appointment, we may be unable to groom your dog that day and a fee will apply. In this event, the option of the ‘Bath & Brush’ package may be offered in place of a ‘Full Groom’.
• In the event of matted hair needing to be clipped, you should be aware that skin irritation to the dog may occur from this process, as well as uncovering nicks, cuts and sores. You agree that Sniffers shall not be held liable for any post-grooming effects of matted clipping procedures or problems uncovered on a badly neglected coat which include, but are not limited to the following: itchiness, skin redness or self inflicted irritations/abrasions from excessive external rubbing.
• Throughout the grooming process, we take the utmost care to ensure the health, safety and well being of your dog. However, Sniffers is not liable for any pre-existing conditions and problems found during the groom. Any advice given by the groomer should always be followed up with advice from your vet.
• All clients are requested to complete a Sniffers Grooming Record form before any work is undertaken. We ask that you inform us of any known medical problems, allergies, etc. to enable us to groom your dog safely. Please inform us of any changes to your details on future visits to Sniffers.
• You must inform us if your dog has ever bitten or shown aggressive tendencies. A soft muzzle may be used when it is necessary to do so. Sniffers reserves the right to refuse to groom a dog if it shows unmanageable aggression. In such an event, the owner will be contacted immediately and asked to collect their dog and a fee shall apply.
• Your dog may be photographed before, during and after the groom. These images may be used on the Sniffers Website and/or it’s Facebook page etc. unless your specifically request us not to do so.