Policy & FAQ

This policy forms part of Pup Coature’s Terms & Conditions. If there is any inconsistency, the Terms & Conditions prevail

Pup Coature's Matted Fur Policy

At Pup Coature Dog Grooming, your pet's comfort, safety, and well-being are always our top priorities. We understand that matted fur can be uncomfortable for your pet, potentially hiding skin issues or parasites, and can even restrict their movement. Our policy is designed to address matting with the utmost care and transparency, aiming for the most comfortable and safe experience possible for your furry friend.

How We Identify Matted Fur

Our experienced master groomer will carefully assess your pet's coat upon arrival. Sometimes, however, mats become more apparent after bathing or during the drying process. If any matting is detected, we will pause the grooming process and notify you immediately to discuss the situation before proceeding. Your pet's comfort is paramount, and we want to ensure you're fully informed.

Grooming Options for Matted Fur

Our skilled master groomer approaches matted fur with your pet's best interest at heart, offering the following options based on their professional assessment:

De-Matting
1. De-Matting (When Possible and Safe)

If the matting is minimal (e.g., small tangles behind the ears, armpits, or tail) and can be gently worked out without causing significant discomfort or stress to your pet, we may proceed with de-matting. Please be aware that even with the most careful approach, this process can sometimes cause mild skin redness or irritation from prolonged brushing. De-matting requires extra time and careful attention. We will assess if we can extend your current grooming session, provided our schedule allows and, most importantly, if your dog's comfort and tolerance permit. If an extension isn't feasible or comfortable for your pet, we may need to discuss rescheduling a separate, shorter session dedicated solely to mat removal. Please note that our standard cancellation and no-show policies will apply to any rescheduled mat removal sessions.

2. Close-to-Skin Haircut (When It’s the Kindest Choice)

In more severe cases, attempting to de-mat would cause unnecessary discomfort or distress. When coat condition is beyond humane limits, a close-to-skin haircut is the safest and most comfortable way to remove matting and give the skin a fresh start.
We perform clip-downs with great care, but please note that tightly matted areas can increase the risk of minor skin irritation or superficial nicks because the matting sits close to the skin. While a shorter coat may not be the preferred look, it allows the skin to breathe, prevents ongoing discomfort, and supports healthy coat regrowth.
If appropriate, we may recommend a staged coat reset (a second appointment) to rebuild coat health safely and comfortably.

Close to Skin Haircut

Owner Consultation and Consent

We value clear communication and transparency. Before we proceed with either de-matting or shaving, we will:

  • Walk you through the condition of your pet's coat.
  • Discuss our recommended course of action and explain the risks and benefits involved. While we take every precaution, owners understand the inherent risks associated with grooming matted coats, which we will discuss thoroughly before proceeding.
  • Obtain your full understanding and consent before proceeding with any services.

Upon your consent, we will require your signature on our specific matted fur waiver, acknowledging your understanding of the risks and agreement to the chosen service.

In some extreme instances, particularly if we suspect underlying skin conditions, we may recommend a veterinary visit before grooming to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the process.

Additional Fees

De-matting and clipping down require significant additional time, specialized care, and expertise.
Additional fees will apply to your regular grooming cost, typically based on the severity of the matting and the extra time required.
We will provide you with a clear, upfront estimate before beginning any work, so there are no surprises.

Aftercare and Prevention

After your pet's grooming session, especially if de-matting or clipping down was necessary, we will provide clear aftercare instructions to ensure their skin remains calm and their coat begins to grow healthily.

We believe in proactive care! Our team is happy to offer personalised advice on preventing future matting, including effective brushing techniques, recommended tools for your pet's specific coat type, and an ideal grooming schedule to keep their fur healthy, tangle-free, and looking fabulous.

At Pup Coature, we're dedicated to building a trusting relationship with you and your pet. Thank you for entrusting us with their care.

General Information & Services

Q1: Do you accept new clients?
Yes, we warmly welcome new clients and their beloved pups!
Q2: What services do you offer at Pup Coature?
We offer a comprehensive range of professional grooming services tailored to your dog's individual needs:
  • Wash and Dry
  • Mini Groom
  • Full Groom
  • Express Styling Session
  • Ozone Bath Therapy
  • Puppy Orientation Package
  • De-matting
  • Hand Stripping
  • Nail Clipping
  • Ear Cleaning
  • Blueberry Facial Bliss
  • Nose/Paw Balm Treatment
  • Face/EyeTrim
  • Anti-Flea Treatment
  • Last Minute Glow up
Q3: Do you offer services for puppies?
Yes, we have a special Puppy Orientation Package. This 5-session package is specifically designed to allow your puppy a positive and trusting start to their long grooming journey, helping them get accustomed to the grooming experience in a gentle and gradual way.
Q4: How often should I groom my dog?
The ideal grooming frequency varies depending on your dog's breed, coat type, and lifestyle. As a general guideline, most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 4-8 weeks. Our groomers are happy to provide personalized recommendations during your visit.

Appointments & Scheduling

Q5: How can I make an appointment?
We operate by appointment only to ensure dedicated time for each dog. You can schedule an appointment by:
  • Calling or sending a WhatsApp message to +353 87 4781675
  • Using our online booking system [pupcoature.com]
  • In-person at our reception desk during opening hours.
Q6: Do I need an appointment for just nail trimming, ear cleaning, nose/paw balm treatment and face/eye trim?
A limited number of same-day Micro-Appointments are available for quick care (e.g., nails, ears, face/eye trim, nose/paw balm).

To protect our strict one-to-one for calm, stress-free sessions, Micro-Appointments are scheduled by phone call only so we can confirm the best time slot. You’re also very welcome to pop into the boutique and ask about availability in person.

Micro-Appointments are limited each day and may be reserved for existing clients during peak weeks.
Q7: How long does an appointment typically take?
The duration of the grooming session depends on your dog's size, coat condition, and the specific service. Here’s a general reference:
Service Size Estimated Time
Bathing Service Small ~45min
Medium ~55 min
Large ~1 hour
Extra Large ~1-1.5 hours
Full Grooming Small 1.5 - 2 hours
Medium 2 - 2.5 hours
Large 2.5 - 3 hours
Extra Large 3+ hours
Hand Stripping times can vary significantly based on the dog's coat.
Q8: Can I be early or late for my appointment?
We operate on a carefully organized schedule. If you anticipate being a few minutes early or late, please notify us immediately so we can adjust accordingly. Please note that if you're more than 30 minutes late without prior notification, it may be considered a "no-show," and our cancellation policy will apply. If your dog is not collected within the 10-minute grace period, a late collection fee of €15 per 15 minutes will be applied. If collection is delayed by more than 40 minutes, the fee increases to €25 for every 15 minutes thereafter.
Q9: Do you have a waiting list?
Yes, we do maintain a waiting list. We recommend booking a regular appointment and also asking to be added to the waiting list. This way, if an earlier spot becomes available due to a cancellation, you have the option to take it, while still having your original backup appointment.

Policies & Preparations

Q10: What is Pup Coature's cancellation and no-show policy?
We understand that plans can change. We kindly request that you notify us more than 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. We have a separate no-show policy: in the event of a no-show or a last-minute cancellation/reschedule (less than 24-hours) a compensation fee equivalent to the full cost of the service will be applied.
Q11: What do I need to do or prepare before my dog's appointment?
To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for your dog, please:
  1. Don't feed your dog right before coming to the salon.
  2. Ensure your dog has had a recent opportunity to relieve themselves (pee and poop) before their appointment.
  3. Inform us of any special needs, medical conditions, or behavioral concerns when booking or upon arrival.
Q12: What happens if my dog's coat is matted or heavily soiled?
Please refer to our comprehensive Matted Policy (in the tab above) which details specific procedures and charges for de-matting and heavily soiled coats.
Q13: How do you handle dogs with parasites (fleas, ticks)?
For the safety and hygiene of all pets in our salon, if parasites (fleas, ticks) are detected on your dog, an additional charge will apply for the necessary cleaning and handling of the salon and equipment. In severe cases, we may need to reschedule your appointment until your dog has been treated appropriately.
Q14: Do you work with anxious, excitable, or aggressive dogs?
Yes, we have extensive experience working with dogs of various temperaments, including rescued dogs or those who may be more challenging. Our secret is patience and a calm approach. Please inform us in advance if your dog has any known behavioral issues, so we can prepare and ensure the safest and most comfortable experience possible. For extreme aggression or stress where grooming becomes unsafe, we are unable to accept the appointment, and we may recommend consulting your vet for specific needs.
Q15: Can you trim my dog’s nails if they are aggressive or very stressed?
We will perform nail trimming only if your dog permits it and it can be done safely. If your dog becomes too aggressive or excessively stressed during nail trimming, we may recommend you visit your veterinarian for this service. For extreme aggression or stress during nail trimming where it becomes unsafe for both the dog and our groomers, we are unable to accept the appointment for this service, and we may recommend consulting your vet for specific needs.
Q16: Do you offer services for elderly or overweight dogs?
Yes, we are happy to groom elderly or overweight dogs. However, these dogs often require more time, specialized handling, and extra care, which may result in additional charges. Please inform us of these considerations when you book your appointment.

During & After the Appointment

Q17: When should I pick up my dog?
We'll notify you via text message or phone call as soon as your dog is ready for pick-up.

Please don't come earlier than notified. When dogs see their owners again, they often become very excited on the grooming table, making it difficult for us to safely finish the grooming process.

Also please don't come late. We have a tight schedule and other dogs awaiting their appointments.
Q18: Can you cut my dog's hair without washing them first?
To ensure the highest quality grooming and a precise, even cut, we always work on clean, thoroughly blow-dried hair. Therefore, we don't offer haircut services without an accompanying wash.
Q19: What if my dog gets stressed during grooming?
Our groomers are highly trained in handling dogs with patience and compassion. If a dog becomes excessively stressed, we may pause the session to allow them to calm down or recommend rescheduling. For extremely stressed or aggressive dogs, we may suggest a veterinarian-assisted groom.

Payments & Pricing

Q20: What are your prices?
The final cost of our services depends on various factors including your dog's size, coat length and condition, behavior during grooming, and the specific service requested. Because each groom is unique, there's no fixed "final cost" until these factors are assessed. Please contact us for a personalized quote.
Q21: What payment methods do you accept?
We accept exact cash, major credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options.
Q22: Do you charge extra for extra brushing?
Every grooming service includes approximately 30 minutes of brushing. If extensive extra brushing is required due to matting or a very dense coat beyond this included time, an additional charge will apply.
Q23: How can I soothe my dog’s grooming anxiety?
Use positive associations: Say a cue (like “ears”) when touching sensitive areas and immediately reward your dog. This helps reduce anxiety during grooming.
Q24: How can I keep my dog’s fur under control?
Regular grooming sessions is the key.
Q25: Do I need to brush my long-haired dog’s coat?
Absolutely! Regular brushing or combing prevents mats and tangles, which can be painful for long-haired dogs. Aim for at least every other day.

Pup Coature - Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Pup Coature! We're thrilled to provide top-quality grooming services for your beloved canine companions. To ensure a safe, positive, and transparent experience for everyone, please carefully read our terms and conditions. By booking an appointment with Pup Coature, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

1. Our Commitment to Your Dog's Welfare

At Pup Coature, your dog's safety, comfort, and well-being are our highest priorities. In line with the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, we will always prioritise your dog’s welfare and comfort over aesthetic preferences.

De-matting Policy: We will only attempt de-matting for a maximum of 20 minutes and only for small, localized areas of matting. De-matting can be painful and stressful for dogs. If your dog's coat is severely matted to an extent that de-matting would cause undue pain or distress, we may determine that a full shave-down is the most safe option. We will always contact you for your informed consent before proceeding with any extensive de-matting or shaving procedures.

Post-Shave Considerations: Owners should be aware that a full shave-down, particularly if necessitated by severe matting, carries inherent risks and may result in temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes to your dog's coat and skin. These can include:

  • Changes in hair growth pattern, texture, or colour.
  • Temporary bald spots or patches.
  • Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin).
  • Increased risk of sunburn (please protect your dog's skin).
  • Skin irritation, redness, clipper burn, or temporary itchiness/discomfort due to the coat's new length.
  • Minor nicks or cuts, which can occasionally occur when working on severely matted coats due to the clipper blade having to work very close to the skin.

Pup Coature accepts no liability for any of the above issues that arise as a direct result of de-matting or a necessary shave-down of a matted coat, as these are inherent and unavoidable risks of the process, even when performed with professional care.

Refusal or Discontinuation of Service: For the safety and well-being of your dog or our groomers, Pup Coature reserves the right to refuse or discontinue grooming services at any time. This includes situations involving excessive aggression, stress, or undisclosed health conditions that pose a risk.

Restraint Policy: We may use gentle, humane restraints (such as grooming loops, belly straps, muzzles, or cones) for your dog's safety and the safety of our groomers, particularly during sensitive procedures or if a dog is anxious.

2. Pricing and Payments

Variable Pricing: Our grooming prices are advertised as 'From' prices, indicating a starting point. The final cost will vary based on several factors, including:

  • Breed and size of your dog.
  • Coat type, condition, and length.
  • Time elapsed since the last professional groom.
  • Your dog's behaviour and disposition during the groom.
  • Complexity of the groom and time required to achieve the desired result.

Additional Charges:

  • Severe Matting: Significant matting requires extra time, care, and causes additional wear on our equipment. Therefore, additional charges will apply for severe matting, dependent on its severity. We will inform you of any such charges prior to commencing the groom.
  • Behavioural Challenges: If your dog exhibits aggressive, excessively anxious, or uncooperative behaviour that significantly increases the time, skill, or risk involved in the groom, additional behavioural charges may be applied. We will discuss this with you if it becomes necessary.

Payment: All payments are due in full upon completion of the grooming service. We accept cash and major debit/credit cards.

Deposit Requirement: To secure all grooming appointments, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit will be applied towards your final grooming fee.

3. Appointments, Cancellations, and No-Shows

Booking Confirmation: To secure your appointment, a deposit equivalent to 50% of your grooming service fee is required at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable in accordance with our cancellation policy and confirms your commitment. It will be applied directly towards your final grooming fee upon completion of service

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy: Your appointment time is reserved specifically for your dog. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows significantly impact our schedule, business and our ability to serve other clients and result in lost income for our business. We kindly request your understanding and adherence to the following policy:

  • More than 24-Hours' Notice: We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with at least 24 hours' notice, your full deposit will happily be transferred to a new appointment. To ensure continuity of care and maintain our schedule, the new appointment must be booked and completed within 30 days of your original appointment date.
  • Less than 24-Hours' Notice: If you cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged for the full amount of the booked service. This policy is necessary as it's nearly impossible to fill these last-minute slots. To ensure fairness to all clients and our business, Pup Coature reserves the right to require 100% non-refundable payment for all future bookings if a pattern of repeated late cancellations occurs.
  • No-Show: If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment without any prior notification (a "No-Show"), you will be charged the full cost of the booked service. Any deposit paid will be offset against this charge. Pup Coature reserves the right to require 100% non-refundable payment for all future bookings if a pattern of no-shows occurs.
  • Groomer Cancellation: In the unlikely event that Pup Coature needs to cancel an appointment due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., groomer illness, extreme weather conditions), we will notify you as soon as possible and offer to promptly reschedule or provide a full refund of your deposit at your disposal.

4. Arrivals and Collections

Late Arrivals: We kindly value punctuality to ensure all dogs receive their full, dedicated grooming time. Please aim to arrive promptly for your appointment.

If you are late for your appointment, you will be given a grace period of 10 minutes. You will be charged €15/15 minutes after the first 15 minutes up to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, your appointment will be cancelled to avoid impacting subsequent bookings and you will be charged the full price of your service. This will be treated as a "No Show" cancellation.

Late Collections: We will contact you approximately 20 minutes before your dog is ready for collection. A 10-minute grace period will commence from the time of your collection.

Late Collection Fees: If your dog is not collected within the 10-minute grace period, a late collection fee of €15 per 15 minutes will be applied. If collection is delayed by more than 40 minutes, the fee increases to €25 for every 15 minutes thereafter.

To preserve the serene and highly personalized nature of our one-to-one grooming experience, we purposefully do not utilize traditional holding facilities. Each appointment is an uninterrupted sanctuary crafted solely for your pet. We graciously ask for your prompt arrival at the conclusion of their service to maintain this tranquil environment. We deeply appreciate your understanding that late collection fees are applied to ensure your dog continues to receive our undivided, premium supervision until you arrive.

5. Health, Vaccinations, and Disclosure

Health Disclosure: It is your responsibility to inform Pup Coature of any and all known health concerns, skin conditions, allergies, recent illnesses, surgeries, injuries, or behavioural issues (e.g., aggression, anxiety, fear) your dog may have prior to your appointment. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in refusal of service or additional charges.

Vaccinations: For the safety of all dogs and staff, all dogs must be up-to-date on their core vaccinations (e.g., Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis). The Kennel Cough vaccination is highly recommended but not mandatory. Proof of vaccination (e.g., vaccination booklet or vet record) must be provided at your first visit. We may request updated vaccination proof at any time for ongoing clients. We reserve the right to refuse service if valid vaccination records are not presented.

Flea and Parasite Treatment: Your dog must be free of fleas, ticks, and other parasites. We recommend regular, veterinarian-approved parasite prevention. To keep our salon safe and pest-free for all our furry clients, Pup Coature maintains a strict flea policy. In the event that fleas are discovered on your dog during their appointment, all scheduled grooming services will be halted immediately to prevent salon infestation. Your dog will instead be administered a specialized anti-flea bath and dry.

For this appointment, you will be billed only for the standard Bath & Dry service, alongside a mandatory additional charge of €80. This surcharge comprises a €30 anti-flea treatment fee and a €50 Biosecurity Reset Fee, which is required for the immediate deep cleaning and sanitation of our premises. We ask our clients to understand that this deep clean is strictly necessary to ensure a safe, clean, and pest-free environment is ready for the next dog. Because this extensive cleaning requires significant extra time, an unexpected flea discovery unfortunately impacts our daily schedule and the appointments following yours.

Medical Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency during grooming, Pup Coature will attempt to contact you immediately using the contact information provided. If we are unable to reach you, we reserve the right to seek necessary veterinary care at your expense.

6. Grooming Corrections

Satisfaction Guarantee: Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not entirely satisfied with your dog's groom, you must notify Pup Coature within 48 hours of the appointment.

Correction Window: We will schedule a correction appointment, if deemed necessary, within 7 days of your notification. Requests for corrections beyond this 7-day window will not be accepted.

No Refunds: We do not offer refunds for grooming services. Our policy is to correct any reasonable concerns regarding the quality of the groom.

7. General Provisions

Identification: For the safety of your dog and compliance with Irish Law, all dogs must wear a collar with an ID tag displaying the owner's name and address, as required by the Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended). Additionally, all dogs must be microchipped in line with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015. Please ensure your dog's microchip details are up to date and correctly registered on an authorised database.

Liability:

  • You remain liable for your dog(s) at all times while they are in our care.
  • You are liable for any damage demonstrably caused by your dog to Pup Coature's premises, equipment, staff, or other animals. Any costs incurred will be recovered from you.

Photographs and Marketing: By agreeing to these terms, you consent to Pup Coature using photographs and/or videos of your dog taken during their visit for marketing and promotional purposes on our website, social media, and other materials. If you prefer your dog not to be featured, please inform us in writing in advance. Opt-out requests apply to future content only; previously posted material will not be removed.

Personal Data: We collect and store your personal information solely for the purpose of providing grooming services and managing your appointments. We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Irish data protection laws. We will not share your data with third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law. For full details on how we process your data, retention periods, and your rights, please see our Privacy Notice.

Force Majeure: Pup Coature shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these terms due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, epidemics, pandemics, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labour, or materials.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction: These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Ireland. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of Ireland.

Changes to Terms: Pup Coature reserves the right to update or modify these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. The most current version will always be posted on our website.

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Pup Coature

Pup Coature is a Grooming Atelier and Curated Boutique in Dalkey, bringing together expert care and a considered selection of high-end essentials.