DC Petropolis Pet Service Agreement
Every new client agrees to this when they apply. It works alongside ourStudio Policies.
Last updated 1 October 2026
1. Agreement
This Agreement is between DC Petropolis (“DCP”) and the pet owner who signs it or submits DCP’s online new-client application (“Owner”), for services for any and all pets left in the care of DCP (“Pet”).
2. Accurate information
Owner certifies the accuracy of all the information Owner has provided to DCP about the Pet, and confirms that all DCP requirements have been met.
3. Payment
Owner agrees to pay DCP’s rate for grooming. All charges are payable when the Pet is picked up.
4. DCP’s policies
Owner has read DCP’s Studio Policies, which form part of this Agreement — including the dog restrictions, the behavior policy, and the expectation that dogs be seen at least once every 8 weeks, with some exceptions.
5. Cancellations, no-shows and overdue appointments
DCP asks for at least 24 business hours’ notice to cancel or change an appointment. When that notice isn’t given, the following applies:
- Late cancellation: $30 the first time and $50 the second time. After a third late cancellation within 12 months, DCP will not book further appointments.
- No-show: 50% of service cost the first time and 100% of service cost the second time. After a third no-show within 12 months, DCP will not book further appointments.
- Going past 8 weeks between recurring appointments: no fee the first time and a $47 fee the second time. The third time within 12 months, DCP can no longer book the Pet.
Fees are applied to the Pet’s next appointment.
6. Drop-off, pick-up and late pick-up
We hope you understand that, like you, the DCP team has family and plans after we leave the studio.
Drop-off is 9:45am – 12pm and pick-up is 2:30pm – 5:30pm. Owner will receive a text when the Pet is ready, or an email if Owner has asked not to be texted. Grooming can be a time-consuming and unpredictable process depending on the Pet’s behavior, temperament and coat condition. DCP will do its best to keep to the time given, but factors outside its control can affect how long grooming takes.
All Pets must be picked up within one hour of Owner being told the Pet is ready; after that, a $20 fee applies. DCP closes at 5:30pm, and pick-ups after closing carry a $25 late fee. If more than an hour has passed since Owner was told the Pet was ready and DCP has closed, a total fee of $35 applies on top of grooming services.
7. Contagious conditions
For the safety of our other clients, please do not bring any Pet that has a contagious skin condition, disease, fungus or worms. If DCP identifies any such problem, Owner will be asked to pick up the Pet immediately and to pay for the portion of grooming that was completed.
8. Medical problems and emergencies
Grooming can be stressful, especially for a senior Pet or a Pet with health problems, and can expose hidden medical problems or aggravate existing ones, during or after the groom.
If the Pet becomes ill, shows evidence of a medical problem, or seems to be having a medical emergency while in DCP’s care, DCP may take whatever measures it deems necessary for the Pet’s health and safety, without being liable to Owner — including administering medication or obtaining evaluation and treatment by a veterinary office or hospital. Owner is responsible for the cost of that treatment and of transportation.
In an emergency, DCP will try to reach, in order: Owner, Owner’s emergency contact, and the Pet’s veterinarian provided by Owner. If all fail, DCP will use the closest available veterinarian.
9. Grooming risks
Dog grooming can be difficult when using sharp tools on a moving target. Owner agrees not to hold DCP responsible for injury (possible problems include cuts, nicks, scratches and quicking of nails), allergic reactions to products, or any other occurrence outside DCP’s control — including where the Pet has poor skin or coat, health issues, old age, poor temperament or aggression, or injures itself.
10. Behavior and aggression
If the Pet shows any kind of aggressive behavior toward other dogs or toward DCP’s groomers, including during grooming itself, DCP will be unable to continue providing service.
Owner is solely responsible for any and all acts or behavior of the Pet while in DCP’s care. Owner is financially responsible and liable for bites and other aggressive behavior by the Pet toward its groomer, DCP staff, DCP clients and other pets, and for any DCP property the Pet damages.
11. Fleas, ticks and lice
All Pets must be free of live fleas and ticks; DCP does not offer flea or tick medicated shampoo. If fleas, ticks or lice are found, DCP will not continue grooming and will call Owner to pick up the Pet as soon as possible, even if the service has not been completed. Owner will pay for the portion of grooming that was completed. DCP will try to reschedule the Pet’s next appointment as soon as the problem is under control.
12. Matting
DCP prioritizes sanity over vanity and will not put the Pet through the discomfort of unnecessary dematting. Dematting is limited to small areas only — ears, mustache and tail. If a few minor mats can be worked through safely, a small dematting charge may apply. A severely matted Pet will be clipped down, with Owner’s approval, rather than put through unnecessary distress.
13. Puppies and senior pets
Owner understands that grooming a senior Pet or a puppy may take extra time to do safely, and that an extra fee of $10–$20 may be applied.
14. Photos
Owner agrees to allow DCP and its representatives and employees to use the Pet’s name, and any images or likeness of the Pet taken while at DCP, in any form or format, at any time, in any media, marketing, advertising, illustration, trade or promotional material. If Owner answers No to the photo question on the new-client application, or later tells DCP that Owner does not agree to this use of the Pet’s images or likeness, DCP will not use images or likeness of the Pet in any new material of the kinds listed above from then on. Material already published may remain.
15. Duration and changes
This Agreement continues indefinitely for future visits when Owner’s Pet(s) are left in DCP’s care, until DCP notifies Owner of a change in its terms and conditions.
16. Acceptance
Owner’s signature — including a digital signature on DCP’s online new-client application — acknowledges Owner’s awareness and acceptance of DCP’s policies, and that Owner has read and understands this Agreement.
17. Disputes
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or its breach, shall be settled under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, with arbitration held in Washington, DC.
18. Entire agreement
This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties. All its terms and conditions are binding on the heirs, administrators, personal representatives and assigns of Owner and DCP.