COCKAPOO COTTAGE & FRIENDS

Every dog is different, so grooming times can vary depending on your dog’s coat condition, temperament, age, and individual

needs.

As a general guide:

 Bath & Tidy Appointments / Puppy Intro Sessions: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

 Full Grooms & Premium Pamper Appointments: approximately 2.5 to 4 hours

I work on a calm, one-to-one basis and never rush appointments. Some dogs are naturally relaxed and enjoy the grooming

process, while others — particularly elderly, anxious, or nervous dogs — may need additional comfort breaks, rest periods,

reassurance, or extra time to settle.

Your dog’s comfort and wellbeing will always be far more important to me than rushing through an appointment.

As soon as your dog’s groom is completed, I will contact you to arrange collection.

Please kindly avoid arriving early or waiting outside the salon, as many dogs become excited when they see their owners and this

can increase anxiety or make it difficult for them to settle and finish their groom calmly.

Your dog’s comfort, health, and wellbeing will always come first. Severely matted coats can be extremely uncomfortable and, in

some cases, painful for dogs, often pulling tightly on the skin and restricting airflow.

For this reason, heavily matted coats may need to be clipped short or fully shaved in the interest of your dog’s welfare.

Please note that de-matting is not included within the standard grooming price and is charged at £1 per minute. This additional fee

helps cover the extra time required, along with the increased wear and tear placed on grooming equipment.

Many breeds — particularly curly and long-coated breeds such as Cockapoos — are naturally prone to matting and require regular

brushing and coat maintenance at home between grooming appointments.

Where possible, I will always try to preserve your dog’s coat. However, under the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act, prolonged

or severe matting can be considered a welfare issue and removing the coat may sometimes be the kindest and safest option.

I will always discuss this with you fully before proceeding and gain your consent prior to clipping or shaving a matted coat. I am also

happy to offer advice on home grooming routines, brushing techniques, and future coat maintenance to help achieve the style and

coat condition you would like for your dog.

Please note that severely matted dogs may require additional time and, in some cases, more than one grooming appointment.

ANIMAL WELFARE ACT : https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/section/4

I recommend introducing puppies to grooming as early as possible, ideally once they are fully vaccinated and able to go on walks

— usually around 3 to 4 months of age.

The earlier your puppy begins their grooming journey, the easier and more positive the experience is likely to be for them in the

future. Early introductions help puppies become familiar with bathing, drying, brushing, handling, and the sounds and sensations

involved in grooming.

I ideally like to see puppies every 2–3 weeks during their first 6 months, allowing me to gently build their confidence and help them

become relaxed, happy, and comfortable with the grooming process at their own pace.

My calm, one-to-one approach focuses on creating positive experiences filled with patience, reassurance, cuddles, and gentle

handling — helping your puppy grow into a confident little salon visitor for years to come.

For the safety and wellbeing of both dogs and humans, only myself is permitted within the grooming area during grooming

appointments.

This helps create a calm, quiet, and safe environment where dogs are able to relax and focus without additional distractions or

excitement.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Please kindly park outside the entrance to the Marley Close and walk up to my home where possible.

As this is a small residential area with mainly resident-only parking for the elderly, your consideration and cooperation are very

much appreciated in helping me remain respectful to my neighbours.

Thank you so much for your understanding and support.