Welcome to Petite Paw Grooming's – Policy Overview

At Petite Paw Grooming, our mission is to provide exceptional care and personalized grooming experiences tailored to the unique needs of every pet and their guardian. We are proud to offer a range of luxury products and services designed to promote not only beauty but also comfort, wellness, and trust.

We recognize that every dog is different, which is why we’ve created an environment that supports a variety of grooming needs—from traditional salon appointments to 1-on-1 sessions for pets who thrive in a more individualized setting. Our focus is on quality over quantity, ensuring that each pet receives the time, attention, and care they deserve.

While we take great pride in sending your dog home looking their very best, we will always prioritize your pet’s comfort, safety, and emotional well-being over appearance when necessary. Our commitment is to elevate the grooming experience by combining gentle, compassionate care with professional expertise—right here in the heart of Vermont.

Please take a moment to review the following policies.

By signing Petite Paw Grooming’s Service Agreement, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.

Drop-off/Pick-up Policy

At Petite Paw Grooming, we strive to maintain a calm, stress-free environment by limiting the number of pets in the salon at any given time. To support this goal and ensure the best experience for all our furry clients, we kindly ask that you follow the guidelines below:

Drop-Off Guidelines

Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
Timely drop-offs help us maintain a smooth schedule and a serene atmosphere.
If you are more than 10 minutes late, your appointment may need to be rescheduled depending on availability, and a late cancellation/no-show fee will apply.

Pick-Up Guidelines

You will receive a text or phone call approximately 30 minutes before your pet is ready for pick-up.
If you need additional time to return, please let us know at drop-off so we can provide earlier notice.
Once notified, we ask that you arrive within 30 minutes to pick up your pet.

Scheduling Considerations

If you have specific time constraints—such as needing your pet finished by a certain time due to other commitments—please notify us before the day of your appointment. While we will do our best to accommodate your request, we cannot guarantee a specific completion time unless arrangements are made in advance.

We work with live animals, and safety is always our top priority. Rushing the grooming process or attempting to meet last-minute timing requests can lead to unnecessary stress for your pet or even accidents. Your cooperation allows us to ensure every grooming session is conducted safely and calmly.

Late Pick-Up Fees

Clients who arrive later than 30 minutes after being notified that their pet is ready may incur a late pick-up fee.
Fees start at $5 and may increase based on the length of the delay.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us provide a safe, relaxing, and high-quality grooming experience for every pet in our care.

Late Cancelation/No-Show Policy

At Petite Paw Grooming, we operate by appointment only to provide each pet with individual attention in a calm, low-stress environment. Because of this, missed or late-cancelled appointments can significantly impact our business. To ensure fairness and sustainability, the following policies are in place:

Late Cancellations

We require a minimum of 48 hours' notice for cancellations. This gives us time to potentially fill your spot with another client.

If you cancel less than 48 hours before your appointment, we will attempt to fill the time slot.
If we are unable to fill the appointment, a late cancellation fee equal to the full cost of the scheduled service will be charged to the card on file.
If the appointment is successfully filled, no fee will be charged.

No-Shows

A no-show is defined as not arriving for your appointment or arriving more than 10 minutes late, which may prevent us from completing the service.

In the event of a no-show, the full cost of the scheduled appointment will be charged to the card on file.
Please understand that, due to our schedule, we are often unable to call or text clients who are late or miss their appointments during the work day. We do our best to reach out when possible, but it is your responsibility to keep track of your scheduled date/time.

Reminders

We send automatic appointment reminders via text or email, 3 days prior to your appointment. Please ensure your contact information is up to date.

Multiple No-Shows or Late Cancellations

If there are multiple instances of late cancellations or no-shows, we reserve the right to require a non-refundable deposit—up to the full cost of the grooming service—before future appointments can be booked. This deposit will be applied toward the cost of your scheduled service but will not be refunded in the event of a cancellation or no-show.

Weather & Emergencies

We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations arise. The following exceptions may apply:

Inclement Weather: As we are located in Vermont, winter conditions can impact travel. In cases of dangerous weather, the late cancellation fee may be waived at our discretion. However, failure to contact us to cancel will still result in a no-show fee.
Family Emergencies: If a serious personal emergency occurs, fee waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Communication is essential—if we are not contacted, it will be treated as a no-show.
Loss of a Pet: If a pet passes away before their appointment, all fees will be waived. We understand the grief and emotional weight of such a loss. Please notify us if possible so we can offer support and make that time slot available to someone else.
- If you have multiple pets scheduled and only one will be attending, please inform us in advance so we can prepare appropriately and possibly offer the open spot to another client.

If We Must Reschedule

If we need to reschedule your appointment last minute, we will do our best to rebook you within one week. If we are unable to fit you in within that timeframe due to availability, you will receive a late cancellation credit.

This credit may be used once to waive a late cancellation fee for a future appointment.
This credit cannot be used toward no-show fees.

Thank you for understanding and supporting our efforts to provide high-quality, attentive care in a peaceful and safe grooming environment. If you have any questions about this policy, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

Safety First Policy

At Petite Paw Grooming, your pet’s safety, health, and emotional well-being are our top priorities. While we take great pride in making your pets look their best, we will always prioritize comfort over vanity. Grooming services will only be performed when we believe it is physically and emotionally safe to do so.

Comfort Over Vanity

Some pets may find specific parts of the grooming process stressful or even frightening. In these cases, we may modify or skip certain services—such as nail trimming, leg lifting, de-matting, drying, or bathing—to protect your pet's emotional or physical well-being.

In some situations, pets may need desensitization to grooming. This process can involve:

More frequent visits with shorter sessions
Home-based exposure and positive reinforcement between appointments

We will work with you to create a plan that supports your pet’s long-term comfort and success in the grooming environment.

Aggressive Behavior Policy

Petite Paw Grooming reserves the right to discontinue grooming at any time if a pet becomes aggressive or shows signs of severe stress. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for both your pet and our staff.

You must disclose any history of aggression or biting, even if it was a one-time occurrence or due to specific circumstances.
This helps us take appropriate precautions and prepare for your pet’s appointment.

The owner and head groomer, Kit Turner, is certified in handling difficult, due to health issues, and reactive dogs. We strive to work with you and your pet to improve their comfort and tolerance over time. However, we may decline to complete a groom if we believe doing so would place anyone at risk.

Vaccination Requirements

A current rabies vaccination record is required for all dogs prior to their appointment. This includes updates as vaccines expire.

Appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled if proof of vaccination is not provided in advance. In which case the late cancelation/No-show fee will apply.

Injuries, Surgeries & Medical Conditions

If your pet has any new or existing injuries, please notify us before their appointment. Certain injuries may be worsened by grooming, and we may need to adjust or postpone the appointment to protect your pet.

Please consult your veterinarian to confirm your pet is healthy enough to be groomed, particularly after surgical procedures, including:

Spay/neuter: Minimum 2-week recovery required
Dental procedures: Minimum 1-week wait for cleanings; 2+ weeks if extractions or surgery were performed

If you're unsure about your pet’s recovery time, feel free to contact us prior to booking.

Senior Pet Protocol (12+ Years)

Dogs aged 12 years and older with health conditions may be required to provide a veterinary note including:

A list of all known medical conditions or concerns
A list of current medications
Veterinarian’s contact information

⚠️ This note is for informational purposes only. It does not indicate whether the vet approves or disapproves of grooming. It allows us to better accommodate your pet’s needs.

All grooming decisions will be made in the best interest of your dog’s health and safety. If we feel that continuing the groom would cause excessive stress, pain, or risk, we will discontinue the appointment— even if the session has already begun.

All liability for grooming senior or medically compromised pets lies with the owner.

Mandatory Requirements for Pets 14+ Years

All dogs aged 14 years and older are required to:

Submit a vet note with the information outlined above
Sign our "Safety First" Agreement in advance of the appointment (digitally or in person)

No exceptions will be made for this age group, as additional care and preparation are essential.

Thank you for trusting Petite Paw Grooming with your beloved companions. These policies help us provide the safest, most compassionate care possible for every pet. If you have any questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Flea/Tick Policy

At Petite Paw Grooming, the health and safety of all pets in our care is our highest priority. As such, we have strict policies regarding fleas, ticks, and other contagious pests to prevent the spread of parasites and protect the integrity of our salon environment.

Fleas

Petite Paw Grooming does not provide flea treatment services. Fleas are highly contagious and can quickly infest our grooming facility, equipment, and the attached building. To protect all pets in our care:

If a small number of fleas are discovered during grooming, an all-natural flea shampoo will be used, and a $35 sanitation and treatment fee will be added to your appointment total.
If your pet is found to have a severe flea infestation, you will be contacted immediately to pick up your pet, and the full cost of the grooming appointment will be charged. This fee covers the loss of revenue and the additional time and supplies needed to deep clean the facility.
Rebooking will not be permitted until your pet has been fully treated by a veterinarian and at least 2–3 weeks have passed since treatment, depending on the severity of the infestation. This waiting period accounts for the flea life cycle and the likelihood of reinfestation from your home or vehicle.

Note: If your pet has fleas, it is highly likely your home and car are also affected. We recommend addressing all areas of exposure in consultation with your veterinarian or pest control professional.

Ticks

Petite Paw Grooming will remove ticks found on pets during grooming:

If more than five (5) ticks are present, a tick removal fee starting at $5 will be applied. This fee may increase based on the number of ticks and the time required for thorough, safe removal.
If your pet is found to have a heavy tick infestation, you will be asked to pick up your pet immediately, and the full grooming fee will still be charged to cover the lost appointment time and the need for enhanced sanitization of the salon.
Pets must be treated and cleared by a veterinarian before returning for future appointments.

Other Contagious Pests

To further safeguard the health of all pets and staff, Petite Paw Grooming does not accept animals showing signs of other contagious external parasites, including but not limited to:

Mites (e.g., sarcoptic mange or demodex)
Lice
Ringworm (a highly contagious fungal infection)
Internal Parasites: Roundworm, Hookworm, Tapeworm, and Giardia

If any of these pests are suspected or discovered during your pet’s grooming:

Grooming will be stopped immediately, and you will be contacted to pick up your pet as soon as possible.
The full grooming fee will be charged due to the disruption to our schedule and the time required for thorough disinfection of the salon.
Your pet must be examined and treated by a licensed veterinarian, and a written clearance will be required before rescheduling.

Please notify us before your appointment if your pet has been recently diagnosed with any contagious skin conditions or parasites. We appreciate your honesty and cooperation in helping us maintain a clean and healthy grooming environment.

Thank you for understanding and supporting our commitment to a safe, hygienic space for every pet we serve. If you have any questions about our parasite prevention policies, feel free to contact us directly.

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Payment Policy

At Petite Paw Grooming, timely and reliable payment for services is essential to the smooth operation of our business and our ability to provide high-quality care. Please take a moment to review our payment policy below.

Accepted Forms of Payment

We accept the following forms of payment:

Cash
Credit and Debit Cards (via Square or your card-on-file)
Venmo

A valid card-on-file is required for all clients. This card will only be charged under the following circumstances:

Upon your request to pay for your appointment
In the event of a no-show or late cancellation
When no alternative form of payment is provided at the time of service

Checks Not Accepted

We do not accept personal or business checks. This policy is in place due to a history of checks failing to clear or being submitted with incorrect information, which has led to delayed payments — often by several days or weeks. While we understand that such issues are usually unintentional, they create unnecessary disruptions in our billing process. Therefore, checks are no longer accepted under any circumstances.

Non-Payment Policy

Payment is due at the time services are rendered. If payment is not received on the day of your appointment, Petite Paw Grooming reserves the right to cancel any future scheduled appointments until the outstanding balance has been paid in full.

Please be aware:

If your appointment is canceled due to non-payment, your reserved time slot may be filled by another client.
Once your balance is paid, we will reschedule your appointment based on current availability.
Petite Paw Grooming reserves the right to refuse future services if payment is withheld on more than one occasion.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these payment policies. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both our clients and staff. If you have any questions or concerns regarding payments, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

De-Matting Policy

At Petite Paw Grooming, your pet’s health, safety, and emotional well-being are our highest priorities. While we understand that mats and tangles can occasionally happen, especially with long-haired or high-maintenance breeds, it’s important for pet parents to understand the risks associated with matting and the limitations of safe grooming practices.

Understanding the Risks of Matting

Mats are clumps of tangled hair that pull tightly on the skin and do not allow for proper airflow. When left untreated, mats can:

Cause severe skin irritation or infections
Trap moisture, dirt, and debris, leading to skin conditions
Hide parasites such as fleas and ticks
Limit movement and cause pain or discomfort
Cut off circulation, especially in areas like the ears, tail, legs, and underarms

De-matting is not just a cosmetic concern—it is a health and safety issue. Attempting to brush out mats can be painful and traumatic for your pet, and in some cases, it can result in cuts, bruising, or skin tears, even when done with great care.

Our Approach to De-Matting

We follow a “Humanity Over Vanity” philosophy. This means we will never put a dog through unnecessary pain or risk injury simply to maintain a particular style or length of coat.

If your pet arrives with minor tangles or isolated mats, we may be able to safely work them out using gentle tools and techniques. However, if your pet is experiencing excessive or severe matting, we will discuss alternative grooming options with you—most often, this means a shorter shave-down clip to reset the coat safely and comfortably.

We will not perform extensive de-matting procedures that may cause your pet distress or pain.

De-Matting Fee Structure

If light de-matting is needed and can be completed safely without causing distress, this will be included in 1-on-1 Appointments, All Inclusive Grooming appointments, and Bath & De-Shed appointments. De-Matting is not included in Brush Out Only appointments and the brush out appointment will be canceled at the expense of the owner, this is why Brush Out Only appointments are for dogs that come in every 6 weeks or less to avoid any de-matting.

For pets with extensive or excessive matting, requiring prolonged grooming time and additional handling precautions, a de-matting fee starting at $25 will be added to the cost of your appointment - depending on the severity, time required, and the size and coat type of your dog the fee will increase. This fee helps cover the added time, effort, and wear on equipment, as well as the stress placed on both the groomer and your pet.

Preventing Matting

To help your dog maintain a healthy, mat-free coat, we highly recommend:

Regular brushing at home (ask us for tool and technique recommendations!)
Consistent grooming appointments, typically every 4–8 weeks depending on breed
Following a coat care routine suited to your dog’s specific needs

We’re always happy to provide brushing demos or suggest a schedule that fits your dog’s coat type and lifestyle.

Thank you for trusting us to care for your furry family member. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every grooming experience is safe, gentle, and as stress-free as possible—for both you and your dog.

If you have any questions about matting, coat care, or this policy, please feel free to reach out.

Petite Paw Grooming LLC

Holistic Luxury Small Dog Grooming
(Up to 35lbs)

We are currently FULLY BOOKED!
New client acceptance is currently paused!

(802)274-6292

Internationally Certified Advanced Professional Groomer