Terms & Conditions
PLEASE READ BEFORE SCHEDULING APPOINTMENT
Silent Paw Dog Spa provides one-on-one, low-stress grooming. As a young mother and business owner, Heather’s children may occasionally accompany her during house calls or shop appointments. Clients are never responsible for supervising them, and any extra time caused by their presence will not be charged.
For safety and comfort, Silent Paw may refuse, modify, pause, or stop any service when a pet is overly stressed or presents an unsafe situation.
1. SCHEDULING & APPOINTMENT TIMES
Pre-booking every 4, 6, or 8 weeks is strongly recommended because last-minute availability is not guaranteed. Haircut pets must be scheduled no more than 8 weeks apart. Pets leaving with ½ inch of coat or more must return within 6 weeks. Silent Paw may require a shorter interval based on coat condition or behavior. Mobile arrival times are estimates and may be up to one hour early or late due to traffic, refueling, travel distance, prior appointments, or family needs. Delays beyond that window will be communicated. A single-pet appointment may take about 30 minutes to 4 hours, including setup and cleanup.
2. HOUSE-CALL TRAVEL AREA & FEES
The home office is in Idaho Falls, Idaho (off Woodruff). Service areas may include Rigby, Ucon, Ammon, Roberts, Menan, Firth, Idaho Falls, Shelley, Rexburg, Sugar City, Saint Anthony, Island Park, Blackfoot, Pocatello, and nearby areas. Homes more than 5 miles from the home office are charged $0.72 per mile (one way) Multiple-pet homes do not receive a travel discount.
3. SHOP GROOMING (Pick up and Drop off available)
Shop grooming is available at 339 Main St., Unit B, Ririe, ID 83443. Services are provided start-to-finish in a calm, shared professional grooming space using low-stress handling. Pets are not routinely kenneled. If a pet must wait briefly, a designated custom-built resting space with dimmable lighting and padding may be used. Waterproof bedding is available only when appropriate and safe for that pet.
Pick up and drop off of pet(s) is available upon request. If this service is provided there will be a $1.00 per loaded mile applied to final grooming service.
4. WEATHER, ILLNESS, EMERGENCIES & FAMILY MATTERS
Silent Paw may reschedule because of severe weather, illness, equipment failure, emergencies, or family matters—even when conditions initially appear favorable. Clients will be notified as promptly as possible, and rescheduling will be prioritized.
5. CANCELLATIONS, RESCHEDULING & NO-SHOWS
Clients must provide at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Less than 48 hours’ notice may result in a charge of 50% of the scheduled total to the card on file. If an appointment is not confirmed within 72 hours of the scheduled time, it may be treated as a no-show and service may be discontinued. Courtesy reminders are generally sent by text and email 5 days before the appointment, but clients remain responsible for their appointments. First-time no-shows will not be rebooked. In multiple-pet homes, removing a pet at the last minute may result in part or all of that pet’s scheduled charge.
6. MATTED OR NEGLECTED COATS
Silent Paw will try to preserve coat when it is safe and humane. Excessive de-matting can be painful and may cause or reveal irritation, sores, bruising, skin conditions, or other problems. If safe de-matting is not possible, a shave-down will be performed. Closely shaved pets require sun protection until the coat regrows. Appearance, behavior, texture, and regrowth may temporarily or permanently change after mat removal. Nicks or cuts are possible when a pet cannot remain still. The client accepts responsibility for the pet’s coat condition and releases Silent Paw from claims arising from necessary mat removal, except where prohibited by law.
7. DOUBLE-COATED BREEDS
Silent Paw does not shave double-coated breeds unless severe matting or a medical need makes it necessary. Shaving can interfere with coat function and may cause uneven regrowth, coat damage, alopecia, sunburn, overheating, or other skin and coat concerns.
8. HOUSE-CALL WORKSPACE REQUIREMENTS
House-call grooming takes place inside the client’s home; Silent Paw does not bring a mobile grooming unit. A safe workspace of at least 4 × 4 feet is required. Non-carpeted space is preferred. Suitable areas may include a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, mudroom, dining area, heated garage, basement, or porch. Silent Paw will use the client’s water source and take reasonable precautions to keep hair from entering drains. Outdoor bathing is not provided below 75°F, except when conditions are appropriate for some larger breeds.
9. PUPPIES & FIRST GROOMS
House-call grooming may begin as early as 8 weeks of age, helping reduce exposure to other dogs. An Advanced Quick Maintenance Package may be used to introduce puppies gradually to grooming. Face, feet, and sanitary trimming may be added when the puppy’s temperament allows.
10. SENIOR & MEDICALLY FRAGILE PETS
Extra care and patience will be used with senior pets. Grooming may be modified or stopped if the pet shows excessive mental or physical stress. Clients must disclose all known health conditions, medications, injuries, sensitivities, seizures, heart concerns, or other factors that could affect grooming. Silent Paw is not responsible for reactions caused by disclosed or undisclosed age-related or medical conditions, except where prohibited by law.
11. SAFETY, MUZZLES, INJURIES & PROPERTY DAMAGE
Heather Barnes, owner of Silent Paw Dog Spa, may refuse service when necessary. A properly fitted muzzle may be used, and owner assistance may be requested. Grooming may stop mid-service for safety, and charges may still apply for work completed, reserved time, or handling. The client is responsible for medical expenses resulting from an injury caused by their pet and for damage their pet causes to grooming equipment or property, to the extent permitted by law.
12. PAYMENT, RETURNED CHECKS & GRATUITY
Payment is due on the day of service. Accepted methods are cash, check payable to Silent Paw Dog Spa, Venmo, or card. Returned checks are subject to a $35 fee, and future appointments must be paid in cash. Gratuity is appreciated but never required; kind feedback is also valued.
13. PHOTOS & SOCIAL MEDIA
Silent Paw may photograph groomed pets for occasional business or Facebook use. Clients may opt out at any time by notifying Silent Paw before or during the appointment.