Clips Dog Grooming — Full Terms & Conditions

By booking an appointment with Clips Dog Grooming, whether in-store, by telephone, by message, via social media, or online, you acknowledge, accept, and agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions in full.

These Terms and Conditions apply to all services carried out by Clips Dog Grooming and apply to all members of staff, including but not limited to directors, owners, managers, qualified groomers, senior groomers, stylists, junior groomers, apprentice groomers, developing groomers, grooming assistants, bathing staff, trainees, and any other team member acting on behalf of Clips Dog Grooming.

 

1. General Statement

At Clips Dog Grooming, your dog’s wellbeing, safety, and comfort are our highest priorities. We are committed to providing a professional, calm, respectful, and safe grooming environment for every dog entrusted to our care.

We are equally committed to protecting the safety, dignity, welfare, mental wellbeing, and working conditions of all staff within the business, including all groomers, apprentices, junior groomers, developing groomers, grooming assistants, bathing staff, trainees, reception staff, and management.

By booking with Clips Dog Grooming, you acknowledge that grooming is a hands-on service involving sharp tools, specialist equipment, physical handling, close contact, and animal behaviour risks. While every reasonable care is taken at all times, grooming carries inherent risks, particularly where a dog is elderly, matted, medically compromised, anxious, reactive, aggressive, or difficult to handle.

 

2. Binding Agreement

By making a booking, attending an appointment, purchasing a package, joining a payment plan, or otherwise using any service provided by Clips Dog Grooming, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions in full.

These Terms and Conditions form a binding agreement between the client and Clips Dog Grooming. Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to amend, update, replace, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. The version in force on the date of the appointment shall apply.

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the absolute right to refuse, decline, cancel, shorten, alter, stop, or withdraw any service at any time where necessary for safety, welfare, staffing, operational, behavioural, medical, legal, insurance, or business reasons.

 

3. Right to Refuse or Stop Service

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the absolute and unconditional right to refuse, decline, cancel, shorten, modify, or stop a groom or any other service at any time, including but not limited to where:

• a dog presents a risk to itself, other dogs, clients, or any member of staff

• a dog is aggressive, reactive, uncooperative, distressed, fearful, or unsafe to handle

• matting, coat condition, behaviour, age, health, or medical concerns make grooming unsafe or unsuitable

• the client has failed to disclose relevant information

• the client behaves in a rude, abusive, aggressive, threatening, harassing, defamatory, intimidating, or inappropriate manner

• there are welfare, insurance, staffing, or operational concerns

• the dog is suffering from fleas, parasites, contagious illness, injury, or a condition that may compromise welfare or safety

Where a groom is stopped or refused for any reason, Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to charge in full or in part for the time allocated, work completed, staff time lost, and any costs incurred.

 

4. Owner Responsibilities

By booking with Clips Dog Grooming, the owner confirms and accepts that they must:

• provide complete, accurate, and truthful information about their dog at all times

• disclose any history of aggression, biting, nipping, snapping, anxiety, stress, reactivity, medical conditions, injuries, allergies, sensitivities, or behavioural concerns before every appointment

• keep their contact details up to date and remain contactable throughout the appointment

• ensure their dog is appropriately vaccinated and fit for grooming

• ensure their dog is suitably toileted before arrival

• ensure their dog is wearing a secure collar or harness on arrival

• maintain their dog’s coat appropriately between appointments

• follow all salon policies, instructions, and collection requirements

Failure to disclose relevant health, coat, or behavioural information may result in refusal of service, stopping of the groom, additional charges, permanent refusal of future appointments, and full liability remaining with the owner.

 

5. Deposits / Holding Fees

Clips Dog Grooming may require a non-refundable holding fee or deposit to secure an appointment, package booking, or recurring booking.

Any holding fee or deposit paid is used to secure dedicated appointment time, staffing allocation, and business resources, and is deducted from the final service price where applicable.

Holding fees and deposits are strictly non-refundable in the event of:

• no-shows

• cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice

• failure to attend for any reason

• arriving too late for the appointment to proceed

• refusal of service caused by undisclosed behaviour, coat condition, health issues, or client conduct

• the groom being stopped due to safety, aggression, distress, welfare concerns, or owner non-disclosure

By booking, you agree that deposits and holding fees are a genuine business protection measure and are not penalties.

 

6. Cancellations, Rescheduling, No-Shows, and Late Arrivals

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

The following charges apply:

• more than 48 hours’ notice: no cancellation fee

• less than 48 hours’ notice: 50% of the appointment fee payable

• less than 24 hours’ notice: 100% of the appointment fee payable

• no-show: 100% of the appointment fee payable

Clients arriving 10 minutes or more late may have their appointment shortened, modified, or cancelled at the discretion of Clips Dog Grooming. Full charges may still apply.

Repeated cancellations, late arrivals, missed appointments, or unreliability may result in refusal of future bookings.

 

7. Pricing and Final Charges

All prices quoted by Clips Dog Grooming are estimates only and are based on the information provided at the time of booking, expected coat condition, expected behaviour, breed, size, service type, and estimated grooming time.

Final charges are determined by Clips Dog Grooming and may vary where additional time, labour, skill, products, handling, or staff support are required.

Additional charges may apply for, but are not limited to:

• matting or impacted coat

• difficult, anxious, reactive, or aggressive behaviour

• extra drying, dematting, scissoring, or handling time

• specialist breed trims

• fleas, parasites, or hygiene issues

• late arrival

• late collection

• coat changes between bookings

• additional staff assistance needed for safe handling

• additional support from qualified groomers, developing groomers, grooming assistants, or other team members

Any additional charge will be explained where reasonably possible, but where urgent welfare or safety action is required, Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to proceed in the dog’s best interests.

 

8. Coat Condition, Matting, Matting Policy,  Additional Fees and Welfare.

The owner is responsible for maintaining their dog’s coat in a condition suitable for humane grooming.

If a dog presents with matting, pelting, impacted coat, or severe tangling, Clips Dog Grooming will always act in the dog’s best interests. This may require the coat to be clipped short, even where this is not the owner’s preferred style.

The owner acknowledges and accepts that shaving a matted coat may result in or reveal:

• skin irritation

• redness

• brush burn

• sores

• pre-existing wounds

• hotspots

• ear issues

• parasites

• bruising

• haematomas

• clipper sensitivity

• uneven regrowth

• changes in coat texture or colour

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Clips Dog Grooming accepts no liability for the consequences of removing a matted or neglected coat where such action is necessary for welfare reasons.

Additional charges will apply for matting and any extended time or additional staff support required.

Where matting contributes to injury, skin irritation, discomfort, or a need for veterinary attention, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility. 

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Matting Policy & Additional Fees

Where a dog presents with matting, tangling, impacted coat, pelting, or poor coat condition, additional grooming time, specialist tools, products, and handling will be required. Matting can cause significant discomfort, skin irritation, bruising, sores, and restricted blood circulation.

Clips Dog Grooming will always prioritise the dog’s welfare over maintaining coat length. Where matting is present, the most humane and safest option may be to clip the coat short. This decision is made at the sole discretion of Clips Dog Grooming and all groomers within the business, including senior groomers, stylists, junior groomers, apprentice groomers, developing groomers, and grooming assistants.

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Additional matting fees apply as follows:

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• Light matting: from £10
• Moderate matting: from £20–£35
• Severe matting / pelted coat: from £35–£60+
• Extreme cases requiring full shave-down: charged based on time and complexity

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These charges reflect additional grooming time, specialist handling, increased equipment wear, and the need for additional staff assistance where required.

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to:

• Refuse de-matting where it would cause pain or distress
• Clip the coat short for welfare reasons
• Stop the groom if the dog becomes distressed or unsafe
• Use additional staff assistance for safe handling
• Charge for time spent even if the groom cannot be completed

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The owner acknowledges and accepts that removing a matted coat may expose or cause:

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• Skin irritation
• Redness
• Brush burn
• Minor nicks
• Pre-existing wounds
• Parasites
• Hot spots
• Ear infections
• Bruising
• Sensitivity
• Uneven regrowth

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Clips Dog Grooming accepts no liability for these outcomes where matting is present.

Where veterinary treatment is required following removal of a matted coat, skin irritation, or any matting-related issue, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility.

By booking an appointment, the owner agrees to this matting policy and associated fees.

9. Behaviour, Aggression, Stress, and Handling

The owner must inform Clips Dog Grooming of any known or suspected behavioural issues before booking and before each appointment.

Where a dog displays aggression, reactivity, fear, anxiety, excessive movement, biting, snapping, thrashing, refusal to cooperate, or any unsafe behaviour, Clips Dog Grooming may:

• use appropriate handling methods

• use a muzzle where necessary

• use additional staff support

• shorten, modify, or stop the groom

• refuse future bookings

This applies across all members of staff, including qualified groomers, apprentice groomers, junior groomers, developing groomers, grooming assistants, bathing staff, and trainees.

The owner accepts that grooming results may be limited where behaviour affects what can safely be completed.

If any injury, irritation, stress-related issue, or medical complication occurs due to a dog’s behaviour, movement, coat condition, age, or health, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility.

 

10. Safety and Wellbeing

Grooming involves the use of scissors, clippers, blades, dryers, restraints, tables, bath equipment, and close manual handling. Even with the highest standard of care, accidents can happen, especially where a dog is moving, distressed, reactive, elderly, matted, medically compromised, or difficult to handle.

The owner accepts that Clips Dog Grooming cannot guarantee an entirely risk-free service.

Minor incidents can include, but are not limited to:

• clipper irritation

• nail quicking

• minor nicks

• skin sensitivity

• stress-related reactions

In more serious circumstances, veterinary advice or treatment may be required. In all such cases, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility, regardless of whether the dog is groomed by a senior groomer, stylist, junior groomer, apprentice groomer, developing groomer, grooming assistant, or any other team member.

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11. Accidents, Injury, Emergency Treatment, and Veterinary Liability

Although every reasonable care will be taken, grooming carries inherent risks. The owner authorises Clips Dog Grooming to seek veterinary treatment if, in our judgment, urgent treatment is necessary and the owner cannot be contacted promptly.

Clips Dog Grooming will always attempt to contact the owner first where possible.

However, in any case where veterinary care, emergency treatment, consultation, medication, assessment, transport, or follow-up care is required in connection with the dog’s grooming appointment, behaviour, coat condition, age, pre-existing condition, stress response, or handling needs, all veterinary costs are the owner’s sole and full responsibility.

This applies in all circumstances permitted by law and includes cases involving:

• matting removal

• skin irritation

• quicked nails

• clipper sensitivity

• stress-related incidents

• behaviour-related incidents

• pre-existing medical issues

• hidden or underlying conditions revealed during grooming

• accidental injury where the dog’s movement, behaviour, coat condition, age, or health contributed in any way

 

12. Health, Medical Conditions, and Veterinary Care

Owners must disclose all medical conditions, medications, injuries, ongoing investigations, surgeries, mobility problems, skin conditions, allergies, seizures, heart murmurs, respiratory conditions, pain issues, and any other relevant health information before booking.

If a dog is under veterinary investigation, recovering from illness, injury, surgery, sedation, or treatment, the owner must obtain veterinary advice before booking and must inform Clips Dog Grooming.

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to refuse, modify, shorten, or stop a groom where a dog’s health makes grooming unsuitable or unsafe.

The owner understands and accepts that grooming may aggravate or reveal underlying medical issues, including issues not previously visible beneath the coat. In any such circumstances, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility.

 

13. Elderly Dogs and Dogs with Health Concerns

For welfare and insurance reasons, Clips Dog Grooming may be unable to groom elderly dogs or dogs with known or suspected health concerns.

Dogs aged 12 years and over, or dogs with known or suspected health conditions, are groomed strictly at the discretion of Clips Dog Grooming. We reserve the absolute right to refuse, modify, shorten, or stop the groom at any stage.

Long-standing regular clients may be accommodated where their dog’s history is known to us and where it is considered safe, appropriate, and within insurance terms.

The owner accepts that elderly dogs and dogs with health concerns are at increased risk during grooming. Where veterinary treatment is required for any reason connected to the grooming appointment, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility.

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14. Fleas, Ticks, Parasites, and Infectious Concerns

If fleas are discovered during grooming, grooming may be stopped immediately and a cleaning/decontamination fee of £70 per dog will apply.

If ticks are found, removal may be offered at £10 per tick, subject to owner approval where possible.

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to refuse grooming where there is evidence of contagious disease, parasites, infestation, open wounds, or health conditions that may pose a risk.

Where parasites, fleas, ticks, skin issues, infections, or related complications require veterinary treatment, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility.

 

15. Vaccinations

All dogs must be appropriately vaccinated for their age and circumstances. Puppies must have age-appropriate vaccinations before attending where required by Clips Dog Grooming.

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to refuse service where vaccination status is unclear, unsuitable, undisclosed, or where there are concerns for staff, other dogs, or the business.

 

16. Muzzling and Safe Restraint

Clips Dog Grooming may use muzzles, grooming loops, restraints, or other safe handling tools where reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog or any person.

The use of a muzzle or restraint does not imply wrongdoing by the dog and may be used as a precautionary measure.

If a dog remains unsafe despite these measures, the groom may be stopped immediately and charges will still apply.

If veterinary treatment is later required in connection with the dog’s behaviour, distress, handling response, or grooming incident, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility.

 

17. Interruptions During Grooming

For the safety and wellbeing of all dogs and staff, owners must not re-enter the grooming area, interrupt staff, knock on windows, call out to their dog, or otherwise interfere with the grooming process unless specifically invited to do so.

If a dog becomes distressed, excited, reactive, or unsafe because of interruption by the owner or another person connected to the owner, the groom may be stopped immediately and the full fee will still apply.

If a further appointment is required to complete the groom, it will be charged as a new appointment.

 

18. Notification and Collection

Clients will be contacted once grooming is complete. Dogs must be collected within 20 minutes of notification unless otherwise agreed.

Late collection fees apply as follows:

• £10 for the first 15 minutes after the collection window

• £5 for each additional 15 minutes thereafter

Repeated late collection may result in refusal of future bookings.

If a dog requires prolonged supervision or additional care because of late collection, Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to charge accordingly.

 

19. Apprentice, Junior, Developing Groomer, and Grooming Assistant Clause

Clips Dog Grooming is committed to supporting training and development within the profession.

Services may be carried out in whole or in part by apprentice groomers, junior groomers, developing groomers, grooming assistants, bathing staff, or trainees, always at the discretion of Clips Dog Grooming and with oversight or support as deemed appropriate by the business.

By booking a service involving any apprentice groomer, junior groomer, developing groomer, grooming assistant, bathing staff member, or trainee, the client acknowledges and accepts that:

• the service may take longer than with a senior or fully qualified groomer

• the finish may differ from that of a more experienced groomer

• reduced pricing, where offered, reflects training level and developing ability

• the dog must be suitable in temperament, handling level, and coat condition for that team member

• Clips Dog Grooming may reassign the dog to another team member at any time

• no refund will be issued where a service has been carried out to a reasonable standard appropriate to the level booked

Aggressive, highly reactive, or particularly difficult dogs will not be assigned to apprentice groomers, junior groomers, developing groomers, grooming assistants, or trainees unless Clips Dog Grooming expressly decides otherwise.

All services carried out by any member of staff remain fully subject to these Terms and Conditions.

Where veterinary care is required in connection with any grooming appointment, regardless of which member of staff carried out the service or assisted with the service, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility.

 

20. Zero Tolerance Policy on Abuse, Harassment, and Disrespect

Clips Dog Grooming operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any abuse, intimidation, harassment, rudeness, aggression, threats, or disrespect directed at the business or any member of staff.

This includes protection for all owners, managers, reception staff, qualified groomers, senior groomers, stylists, junior groomers, apprentice groomers, developing groomers, grooming assistants, bathing staff, trainees, and any other person working for or on behalf of Clips Dog Grooming.

This policy applies to conduct in person, by telephone, by text, by WhatsApp, by email, through social media, through review platforms, or by any other communication method.

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• shouting

• swearing

• raised voices

• aggressive tone

• intimidation

• threatening body language

• insults

• derogatory comments

• bullying

• harassment

• personal attacks

• repeated hostile contact

• confrontational behaviour

• pressure tactics

• threats of bad reviews

• retaliatory reviews

• defamation

• false allegations

• malicious gossip

• attempts to undermine, shame, coerce, or intimidate staff

Any breach of this policy may result in:

• immediate termination of the appointment or communication

• refusal to continue the groom

• full appointment charges being applied

• permanent refusal of all future services

• legal action where appropriate

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21. Defamation, False Statements, and Legal Protection

Clips Dog Grooming takes the protection of its staff, business reputation, and trading position extremely seriously.

Any false, misleading, malicious, defamatory, or damaging statement made about Clips Dog Grooming or any member of staff, whether orally, in writing, online, on social media, in reviews, in local groups, or in the community, will be treated seriously.

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to:

• document and retain evidence

• refuse all future service

• respond publicly where necessary

• report serious matters to the relevant authorities

• pursue legal remedies for libel, slander, harassment, intimidation, malicious falsehood, or reputational damage

• recover losses, costs, and damages where permitted by law

 

22. Satisfaction and Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with your dog’s groom, you must notify Clips Dog Grooming before leaving the salon or within 24 hours of the appointment.

Clips Dog Grooming may, at its sole discretion, offer reasonable adjustments where appropriate. The decision as to whether an adjustment is reasonable rests entirely with Clips Dog Grooming.

No refunds will be issued for:

• style choices agreed at consultation

• matting-related short clips

• apprentice, junior, developing groomer, or grooming assistant finishes that are reasonable for the level booked

• incomplete styling caused by behaviour, stress, coat condition, lateness, or welfare concerns

• dissatisfaction raised outside the stated timeframe

Any work requested after the complaint window has expired will be treated as a new appointment and charged accordingly.

 

23. Photography, Video, and Media Use

Clips Dog Grooming may photograph or record dogs before, during, or after grooming for legitimate business purposes, including:

• coat and skin monitoring

• welfare documentation

• training and staff development

• record keeping

• before and after comparisons

• internal review and quality control

• educational content

• marketing, advertising, and social media

By booking, you consent to such photography and video use unless you notify Clips Dog Grooming in writing before the appointment that you do not consent to public-facing use.

Where images are used publicly, no personal identifying information about the owner will be disclosed without permission.

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to retain internal images and videos for welfare, evidential, training, legal, and business protection purposes regardless of any opt-out from public use.

 

24. Data Protection and Records

Clips Dog Grooming stores client and pet information securely and processes data in accordance with applicable data protection law.

Information may be retained for legitimate business purposes including appointment history, coat records, health notes, behavioural records, payment information, incident logs, photographic evidence, legal protection, insurance purposes, and staff safety.

Clips Dog Grooming does not sell client data to third parties.

Where lawful and appropriate, inactive client records may be securely deleted after a reasonable period.

 

25. Price Changes and Future Bookings

Clips Dog Grooming reserves the right to review and amend prices at any time.

Any updated prices apply to appointments taking place on or after the effective date of the increase, regardless of when the appointment was originally booked.

By attending the appointment, the client accepts the current pricing applicable on the date of the appointment.

 

26. Annual Grooming Payment Plans

Clips Dog Grooming may offer annual grooming payment plans to selected regular clients at its discretion.

These plans allow the anticipated annual grooming cost to be divided into monthly instalments. Payment plans are calculated based on the dog’s breed, size, service type, expected frequency, assigned groomer level, and current pricing.

All plans are subject to the following:

• payments must be maintained in full and on time

• missed or failed payments may result in cancellation or suspension of appointments

• a rolling deposit equivalent to one full groom may be required and retained for the duration of the agreement

• additional charges remain payable where coat condition, behaviour, time, service, or staffing needs change

• plans are non-transferable

• plans may be withdrawn at any time for non-compliance, repeated rescheduling, poor coat maintenance, abusive conduct, or business reasons

Any payment processing provider used by Clips Dog Grooming will operate under its own terms and privacy policy.

 

27. Puppy Success Package

The Clips Puppy Success Package is offered as a discounted introductory package for puppies between 8 weeks and 8 months of age and remains subject to these full Terms and Conditions.

The package includes:

• three Puppy Pamper Sessions

• one Full Groom

• one Bonus Bath

Package terms:

• valid for 4 months from date of purchase

• non-transferable

• must be used by the same puppy

• unused sessions expire automatically after the validity period

• no refund or credit for unused sessions

• all sessions must be pre-booked and are subject to availability

• the bonus bath has no cash value and cannot be exchanged or refunded

• missed sessions, no-shows, late cancellations, or unsuitable attendance will count as used sessions

If a puppy becomes distressed, unwell, unsafe, reactive, or unsuitable to continue, the session may be stopped and still treated as used.

Any additional charges for matting, fleas, extended time, or behaviour remain payable.

If veterinary treatment is required in connection with the puppy’s grooming, behaviour, stress response, or any related issue, all veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility.

 

28. Poodle and Specialist Trim Pricing Policy

All poodles, doodles, and poodle-crosses receiving poodle-specific styling or higher maintenance trims may be charged one pricing category higher than their physical size.

This reflects the additional time, technical skill, and labour involved in services such as:

• poodle feet

• clean face work

• top knot maintenance

• specialist scissoring

• coat preparation

• dense or curly coat management

• pattern work

This policy applies at the discretion of Clips Dog Grooming.

 

29. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes liability where liability cannot legally be excluded. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Clips Dog Grooming shall not be liable for:

• pre-existing health conditions

• underlying skin conditions, parasites, infections, or irritations revealed during grooming

• consequences arising from matting removal

• coat changes, regrowth issues, or aesthetic dissatisfaction where welfare requires clipping short

• stress-related illness or behaviour

• injuries or incidents contributed to by the dog’s behaviour, movement, age, coat condition, or medical condition

• loss arising from incomplete or shortened grooms for welfare or safety reasons

The owner remains responsible for all veterinary, medical, and related costs arising in connection with grooming, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

 

30. Force Majeure and Operational Issues

Clips Dog Grooming shall not be liable for delays, cancellations, or changes caused by circumstances outside its reasonable control, including but not limited to staff illness, emergency closures, utility failures, transport disruption, severe weather, animal welfare emergencies, or other operational issues.

Appointments may be rearranged where necessary.

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31. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any signed consent forms, booking confirmations, package terms, pricing policies, salon notices, and payment agreements issued by Clips Dog Grooming, form the entire agreement between the client and Clips Dog Grooming.

If any part of these Terms and Conditions is found unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.

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32. Acceptance

By booking, attending, paying for, or using any service provided by Clips Dog Grooming, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions in full and without exception.