The Paw & Mind – Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Welcome to The Paw & Mind. These Terms & Conditions govern the services provided by The Paw & Mind, including behaviourist grooming, one-to-one behaviour sessions, reiki, massage, and related pet wellbeing services.

By booking an appointment, consultation, class, or service with The Paw & Mind, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions.

1. About Us

The Paw & Mind provides canine wellbeing and behaviour support services, including:

  • Behaviourist grooming

  • One-to-one behaviour consultations

  • Canine reiki

  • Canine massage

  • General wellbeing support for dogs

All services are delivered with the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of your dog as the highest priority.

2. Booking & Appointments

2.1 Booking Confirmation

Appointments are confirmed once:

  • A booking has been accepted by The Paw & Mind; and

  • Any required deposit has been received.

2.2 Accurate Information

Clients must provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding:

  • Medical history

  • Behavioural history

  • Bite history

  • Current medications

  • Injuries or mobility issues

  • Veterinary restrictions

Failure to disclose relevant information may result in services being refused or stopped immediately.

2.3 Puppies & Rescue Dogs

Extra time and care may be required for puppies, rescue dogs, or dogs with behavioural concerns. The Paw & Mind reserves the right to adapt sessions according to the dog’s welfare needs.

3. Behaviourist Grooming Services

3.1 Welfare-First Approach

The Paw & Mind operates using a force-free, welfare-led approach. Grooming sessions may be paused, modified, shortened, or rescheduled if a dog becomes excessively stressed, fearful, aggressive, or overwhelmed.

3.2 Session Duration

Behaviourist grooming appointments may take longer than standard grooming services due to desensitisation work, breaks, behavioural support, and welfare considerations.

3.3 Matted Coats

Where severe matting is present:

  • The safest and most humane grooming option may be clipping short.

  • Matt removal can cause skin irritation, redness, or reveal pre-existing conditions.

  • The Paw & Mind will prioritise the dog’s comfort and safety over cosmetic appearance.

By agreeing to grooming services, clients acknowledge these risks.

3.4 Dogs with Aggressive, Fearful, or Complex Behaviour

The Paw & Mind specialises in supporting dogs who may be unable to attend traditional grooming environments due to fear, anxiety, aggression, trauma, handling sensitivity, or behavioural challenges.

Clients acknowledge that:

  • Behaviourist grooming sessions are specifically designed to work compassionately with dogs who may struggle with conventional grooming;

  • Sessions are conducted using a force-free, welfare-led approach focused on reducing stress and building trust;

  • Some appointments may require multiple gradual sessions depending on the dog’s emotional state and tolerance levels.

While every reasonable precaution is taken, clients understand that dogs displaying aggressive or fear-based behaviours may still present an increased risk of injury to themselves or handlers.

The Paw & Mind reserves the right to pause, modify, or discontinue a session only where continuing would present a serious and immediate welfare or safety concern for the dog or those present.

4. Behaviour Consultations

4.1 No Guaranteed Results

Behavioural progress depends on many factors, including consistency, environment, medical conditions, and owner participation. Therefore, The Paw & Mind cannot guarantee specific behavioural outcomes.

4.2 Owner Responsibility

Clients are responsible for following any management plans, training guidance, or welfare recommendations provided during consultations.

4.3 Veterinary Referrals

Where behavioural concerns may have an underlying medical cause, clients may be advised to seek veterinary assessment before continuing behaviour work.

5. Reiki & Massage Services

5.1 Complementary Therapies

Reiki and massage services are complementary wellbeing therapies and are not intended to replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

5.2 Veterinary Consent

For dogs with medical conditions, injuries, recent surgeries, or ongoing veterinary treatment, veterinary consent may be requested before sessions take place.

5.3 Client Acknowledgement

Clients understand that responses to complementary therapies vary between dogs and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

6. Health & Safety

6.1 Vaccinations & Parasites

Clients confirm that dogs attending appointments:

  • Are up to date with vaccinations or titre testing where appropriate;

  • Are free from contagious illnesses; and

  • Are receiving appropriate flea and parasite treatment.

The Paw & Mind reserves the right to refuse appointments where there is evidence of contagious illness or parasite infestation.

6.2 Emergency Veterinary Care

In the event of illness, injury, or emergency, The Paw & Mind may seek veterinary treatment if deemed necessary.

Clients agree to be responsible for any associated veterinary costs.

7. Payments

7.1 Pricing

Prices are subject to change at any time. Current pricing will be confirmed at the time of booking.

7.2 Deposits

Deposits may be required for certain services. Deposits are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed.

7.3 Outstanding Payments

Payment is due on the day of the appointment unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The Paw & Mind reserves the right to refuse future bookings where outstanding balances remain unpaid.

8. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

8.1 Client Cancellations

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is requested for cancellations or rescheduling.

Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice may result in:

  • Loss of deposit; and/or

  • A cancellation fee of up to 100% of the appointment cost.

8.2 No-Shows

Failure to attend an appointment without notice may result in full payment being required before future bookings are accepted.

8.3 Business Cancellations

The Paw & Mind reserves the right to cancel or reschedule appointments due to illness, emergencies, unsafe conditions, or circumstances beyond reasonable control.

9. Photography & Social Media

Photos or videos may occasionally be taken during sessions for educational or promotional purposes.

No images or videos of your dog will be shared publicly without your permission.

Clients may opt out of photography and social media use at any time.

10. Liability

While every reasonable care is taken, clients acknowledge that working with animals carries inherent risks, particularly where dogs have known behavioural, fear, anxiety, or aggression-related challenges.

The Paw & Mind specialises in supporting dogs with complex grooming and handling needs, and all services are delivered using a compassionate, welfare-first approach.

The Paw & Mind shall not be held liable for:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions;

  • Stress-related reactions;

  • Injuries resulting from undisclosed behavioural or medical issues;

  • Loss, illness, injury, or death except where caused by proven negligence.

Clients remain responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dog.

11. Refusal of Service

The Paw & Mind is committed to supporting dogs who may have been refused elsewhere due to behavioural challenges.

Services will not be refused solely on the basis of aggression, fearfulness, anxiety, bite history, or handling sensitivity.

However, The Paw & Mind reserves the right to pause, discontinue, or refuse services where:

  • Continuing would compromise the welfare of the dog;

  • Immediate safety risks cannot be managed appropriately;

  • Clients behave aggressively, abusively, or inappropriately;

  • These Terms & Conditions are breached.

12. Data Protection & Privacy

Client information will be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws.

Personal information will only be used for:

  • Appointment management;

  • Client communication;

  • Service delivery; and

  • Legal or safety requirements.

Information will not be sold or shared with third parties unless required by law.

13. Changes to These Terms

The Paw & Mind reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time.

The latest version will always be available upon request or on the business website.

14. Contact Information

The Paw & Mind

Email: infor@thepawandmind.dog Phone: 01737223736 Website: www.thepawandmind.dog

15. Agreement

By booking or using services provided by The Paw & Mind, you confirm that you:

  • Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions;

  • Agree to comply with them; and

  • Consent to The Paw & Mind providing services to your dog under these terms.