On assessing your dog at drop off, if we feel their coated is overly-knotty or matted we may require you to sign the following De-matting Policy. This will be fully discussed with you and price confirmed before the appointment goes ahead.

If your dog's coat is matted you acknowledge and agree that it may not be possible for Happy Hounds to achieve the style that you desire. We will try our very best to meet your requirements however a matted coat may result in us having to clip/shave your dog's coat short. This agreement has been given to you as we feel the kindest thing to do for your dog is a de-matting service. 

Our main priority here at Happy Hounds is the safety and welfare of your dog, we want their visit with us to be as calm and stress-free as possible resulting in them feeling better after their grooming session. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (updated 2010) quote ”All Animals are to be protected from pain, injury, suffering, and disease” we believe that shaving off the matted fur is the most humane way to do this. This may seem like drastic measures but it is the least stressful and painful way to groom a matted dog and we feel this is the best option for your dog. 

In accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, we will not spend more than 15 minutes de-matting. Where possible we will work to de-mat/brush any hair that may be salvaged but only under the strict condition that it is causing no pain or suffering to your dog. If we feel your dog may become stressed, we will not attempt to do so. There will be an additional charge for the process as it requires more time and patience. 

Due to the condition of your dog, we believe that the best and most humane thing to do is a shave down. This will remove all matting. We don't feel a brush-out would solve the problem as this would make your dog uncomfortable and irritable. We can however shave the matted area whilst keeping other areas longer if this is possible and this is what you desire. Please note that the length difference may be visible and not as blended as a normal cut but we will do our absolute best to have your dog looking the best they can.

In the future it's important to avoid matting happening again so if you need any help or advice, we are happy to help, just ask and we will advise you on how to care for your dog's coat; but for now we feel starting from scratch is the best option and shaving off the matted areas is in the best interest of your dog. We must warn you that your dog's skin is likely to become irritated during the process so we will use hypoallergencic products to help soothe any irritation that may occur during the process. We can also advise on aftercare. 

Unfortunately, cuts and irritation may occur during the process due to the closeness of the mats to the skin. We will have to use a short blade to clip between the skin and the matted area. We need to make you fully aware that injury can happen and that we will take every care to prevent this. If you could please sign the declaration below releasing us of any responsibility, we can then begin the process.

I hereby release Happy Hounds from any responsibility for the process mentioned above along with all medical problems that may occur during the clipping process. Should my dog require veterinary care after or during the process, I agree to pay all vet fees for the above-mentioned dog's care. I also agree to the added cost of the de-matting process.

The total fee for the full clipping process is £