DOG COLLECTIVE CO. GROOMING STUDIO INFORMATION, TERMS & CONDITIONS
By booking your dog into the Dog Collective Co. Grooming Studio, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following terms.
GROOMING PROVIDERS & INDEPENDENT GROOMERS
Dog Collective Co. is a shared grooming studio offering appointments with Tammy (Studio Owner) and independent groomers who operate their own grooming businesses within the studio.
Tammy offers professional grooming for dogs under 15 kg. Independent groomers offer services for small, medium and large dogs, subject to their individual availability and acceptance.
Your booking confirmation will identify your grooming provider. Where your appointment is with an independent groomer, that groomer supplies the grooming service through their own business and is responsible for performing the service with appropriate care and skill.
Independent groomers are required to maintain their own insurance appropriate to their grooming activities, including cover for animals in their care, custody and control.
Dog Collective Co. may assist with bookings, reminders and studio administration. Any separate provider terms, prices or payment arrangements will be disclosed before your booking is confirmed.
The studio’s drop-off, pick-up, health and safety requirements apply to all appointments. Nothing in these terms excludes any responsibility of Dog Collective Co. or your grooming provider that cannot lawfully be excluded.
DROP-OFF
Please do not arrive more than five minutes before your appointment unless prior arrangements have been made, as this may disturb other grooms in progress.
If you need to drop your dog off earlier, please contact us beforehand and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Please arrive on time. Late arrivals may mean we no longer have enough time to complete your dog’s groom, and your appointment may need to be adjusted or rescheduled.
If you are running late, please call us on 0404 124 208 as soon as possible.
Please bring your dog into and out of the studio on a secure lead or in a suitable carrier.
PICK-UP
You will receive a text message once your dog’s groom is complete. Please collect your dog within 30 minutes unless alternative arrangements have been made.
Prompt pick-up helps us maintain a calm and comfortable environment for your dog and the other dogs being groomed in the studio.
Please do not arrive early to collect your dog unless we have contacted you. Seeing their owner can make some dogs excited or unsettled and make it difficult for us to safely complete their groom.
Dogs that bark incessantly must be collected immediately once their groom is complete. If your dog becomes distressed during their appointment, we may also ask you to collect them early.
MATTED OR KNOTTED COATS
Coats with excessive matting or knots may require additional time and care and may incur an additional charge, as explained under Payment & Additional Charges.
Your preferred grooming style may not be possible if your dog is significantly matted or tangled. We will not excessively brush out severe matting, as this can be painful and distressing for your dog.
Where necessary, we will discuss a shorter clip with you. Mats and knots will be clipped or shaved out as safely and neatly as possible to give your dog a comfortable fresh start.
Removing matting may reveal existing skin irritation, sores or other conditions that were hidden beneath the coat. Your groomer will advise you of any concerns noticed during grooming and may recommend veterinary advice.
DIFFICULT, ANXIOUS OR UNCOOPERATIVE DOGS
If your dog is particularly anxious, distressed or uncooperative during grooming, we may not be able to complete your preferred groom.
We will do our best to complete as much of the groom as safely and comfortably as possible. Your groomer may adapt, pause or discontinue the service where necessary for your dog’s wellbeing or safety.
Extra grooming or handling time may incur an additional charge, as explained under Payment & Additional Charges.
Dog Collective Co. and your grooming provider reserve the right to refuse or discontinue a groom where it is unsafe or unsuitable to continue.
AGGRESSIVE DOGS
Please tell us before booking about any history of biting, snapping or aggressive behaviour, including behaviour during previous grooming appointments.
Dog Collective Co. and your grooming provider reserve the right to refuse or discontinue the groom of any dog displaying aggressive behaviour that may pose a risk to themselves, groomers, trainees, other dogs or other people.
If grooming is discontinued, you may be asked to collect your dog promptly. Charges for services already performed are addressed under Payment & Additional Charges.
ANAL GLAND EXPRESSION
We do not offer anal gland expression. Please discuss any concerns about your dog’s anal glands with your veterinarian.
HEALTH & PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
Please advise us of any known medical conditions, injuries, allergies, skin sensitivities, behavioural concerns or other information that may affect your dog’s grooming experience.
Please also tell us about any recent surgery, relevant medication or changes in your dog’s health since their previous visit.
If your dog has fleas, a suspected contagious illness or a recent injury or operation, please contact us before attending. We may need to adjust or reschedule the appointment for your dog’s wellbeing and the safety of others.
We do not offer flea rinses.
Providing accurate and current information helps us make your dog’s groom as safe and comfortable as possible. Please keep your contact details up to date and remain contactable during the appointment.
EMERGENCIES
If your dog becomes unwell or injured during an appointment, we will stop grooming where appropriate and make reasonable attempts to contact you.
If you cannot be reached and urgent veterinary attention is reasonably necessary, you authorise your grooming provider and/or Dog Collective Co. to arrange transport to a veterinarian and authorise treatment reasonably necessary to protect your dog’s health and wellbeing.
Veterinary expenses will ordinarily be payable by the owner. This does not remove any right to recover expenses from a party legally responsible for the incident.
DOGGIE MODEL APPOINTMENTS
If you book your dog as a Doggie Model, you understand that your dog may be groomed by a trainee under the supervision and guidance of a professional Groomer Trainer.
Doggie Model appointments are offered at a discounted rate of at least 50% off our regular grooming prices for the corresponding service.
These appointments may take longer than a standard grooming appointment. We will advise you of the expected appointment arrangements and contact you when your dog is ready for collection.
Your dog’s comfort and safety remain the priority throughout the appointment.
PARKING, DROP-OFF & PICK-UP ACCESS
Our studio is located upstairs at 2 Davenport Street, Southport, on the corner of Davenport Street and Young Street.
There is easy drop-off and pick-up parking almost directly outside our entrance, with a loading zone and 30-minute free parking available out the front. Please observe the signs and any restrictions that apply to the space you use.
For longer visits, Australia Fair Metro Car Park is directly across the road and offers three hours of free parking, with entry via Young Street.
If you park on the rooftop level, the external stairs bring you down directly across the road from our studio.
There is also plenty of metered street parking available nearby.
PAYMENT & ADDITIONAL CHARGES
Payment is required at the time of pick-up.
Dog Collective Co. accepts cash and all major credit cards. Any separate payment arrangements or accepted payment methods for independent groomers will be explained when booking.
The price of your selected service will be confirmed when booking.
Additional charges may apply for excessive matting, coat condition, more involved/fancy grooms or extra time required for safe handling. 
If grooming must be stopped for your dog’s wellbeing or safety, a reasonable charge may apply for services already performed. The basis of any charge will be explained, and your rights under Australian Consumer Law remain unaffected.
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS & COMPLAINTS
Please raise any concerns about your dog’s groom promptly with your grooming provider so they can assess the concern and discuss appropriate next steps.
You may also contact Tammy on 0404 124 208 for assistance identifying your grooming provider or addressing a studio-related concern.
Concerns will be taken seriously. This process does not limit your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
HEALTH, WELLBEING & SAFETY
Dog Collective Co. and each grooming provider will take reasonable care to protect your dog’s health, wellbeing and safety while your dog is in their care.
Grooming involves working with live animals, grooming tools and equipment. While reasonable precautions are taken, accidents or unexpected incidents can occur.
Unexpected movement, stress, underlying health conditions and coat condition may affect the grooming process. Your groomer may adapt, pause or discontinue a service where reasonably necessary for safety or wellbeing.
Nothing in this agreement excludes, restricts or modifies your rights under Australian Consumer Law or any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. Each party remains responsible to the extent required by law for their own acts or omissions.