Having a Client Policy is vital to your business, but covering everything is the hard part. Here are some great "idea starters" to help you build your policy. It is always suggested that you take your finished project to any attorney for final approval.
· Pet Injuries– time window to contact you, which vet to use. Do they first need approval from you. What if it is weekend.
· Closing Time– clients must pick up within — of call, pick up before closing time. What if they are late, how much per minute, when do you board over night, how much for over night.
· Client Satisfaction– what if client is unhappy with groom, too short, left too long. What is the time window in which they can complain. How can they complain/ call you email you, etc.
· Pet safety– how do you restrain (figure 8, nooses, groomers helper) Securing in tub, on table. Keeping safe around other pets.
· Cancelation policy– what time frame to cancel without penalty, do you charge a fee, how do you charge it (send bill or add to next appt) when do you fire a client after how many misses?
· Payments– what if a check is NSF or they deny a credit card charge. What fees do you assess.
· Fees for matted pets, possibilities of injury from matted pelts. Health concerns to matted pets.
· Cats– do you groom them, what do you do differently for cats. Do you groom cats once a month when there are no dogs around. Do you use specific cat shampoo, what about muzzles, securing paws to keep from scratching you.
· Clients viewing, helping, restraining pets. Do you allow it?
· Do you allow clients to bring in an already bathed animal, do you give a price break.
· What are you procedures for bathing pets/ shampoo that you use, do you use any not pet products, puralube or mineral oil for eyes. Do you flea dip? Shampoo– do you dilute, do you leave caps off?
· What do you use for cleaning kennels and floors. Do you allow pets to go into different kennels after being bathed– do you clean the kennels in between dirty dog and clean dog.
· Fees for bad attitude from clients or pets. Do you fire clients? Do you assess extra fees. Do you sedate or allow sedated pets in your shop?
· Do you allow clients to bring toys or treats for pets. Do you give treats, do you know of pet allergies. Do you provide water.
· Do you have clients disclose pet health history.
· Do you walk pets during their time with you.
· What vaccines do you require? How do you verify?
· What is your policy on rebathing pets– do you charge?
· If you offer other services what are your policies on
· Break it you buy it for retail.
· Opened products that are bad.
· Boarding
· DIY/ Self Serve
· Doggie Daycare
· Business Owner– what are you employee policies/ do you have an employee handbook.
· Mobile Groomers-
· Place to park
· Power or water that you may need.
· Damage to yard or property.
