What to Expect — Before, During & After

We provide upfront estimates based on your pet's breed, size, and services requested, using our experience with similar breeds. However, the final price may adjust based on what we discover during grooming—such as severe matting, fleas, behavioral issues, or coat condition that requires extra time and specialized care.

Keep costs predictable: Pets groomed regularly (every 4–6 weeks) typically have shorter appointments and more consistent pricing. Pets who go months between grooms often need extensive dematting, extra bathing, or behavioral management—which adds time and cost.

Why pricing varies: We can't fully assess coat condition, matting, parasites, or temperament until we begin grooming. What looks like a "standard groom" may require significantly more time once we're hands-on with your pet.

Payment is due at the end of your appointment. We accept cash, check, Apple Pay, Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle. Gratuity is appreciated but never expected.

All services are final—no refunds.

We strive to be punctual, but appointment times are estimated arrival windows. As a mobile service working with pets, delays can happen due to traffic, weather, or an anxious pet at a prior stop. We'll keep you informed if your appointment time changes.

We require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or changes to your appointment.

Cancellation fees:

• Same-day cancellations: $75 fee
• No-call, no-show: Full service price

As a small mobile business, we schedule a limited number of appointments per day. Your advance notice helps us serve other pets and maintain our schedule.

We're closed for six major holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

Holiday availability: We occasionally accommodate emergency holiday bookings at the groomer's discretion. A 100% holiday surcharge applies to all holiday appointments.

Thank you for planning ahead and enjoying the holidays with your furry family!

Pets must be healthy enough for grooming. Please tell us about any medical conditions, recent surgeries, injuries, or contagious illnesses at the time of booking. We'll follow your vet's guidance if you have written care restrictions.

Vaccinations: All puppies must complete three rounds of DHPP and Rabies vaccines (at 8, 12, and 16 weeks). Adult dogs must be current on rabies boosters. Bordetella is highly recommended. Wait 48 hours after vaccinations before your appointment.

For safety, we may decline service for pets with certain pre-existing conditions, including:

• Back or neck issues
• Collapsed trachea
• Congestive heart failure (stage 2+)
• Pregnancy or nursing (within 8 weeks postpartum)
• Pets in heat
• Active ear infections
• Any condition that poses risk during grooming

Vet clearance required: If your pet has ongoing health issues, please inform us at booking. In some cases, we'll need written clearance from your vet before proceeding.

Senior pets and those with disabilities need extra care and patience. We groom for cleanliness and comfort first—styling takes a backseat to their well-being. We may not be able to fulfill all styling requests if it's not in their best interest.

Our approach: Grooming can be stressful for elderly or ill pets, so we keep sessions as brief and gentle as possible. In some cases, grooming may reveal hidden health issues or aggravate existing conditions. If we notice anything concerning, we'll let you know and recommend a vet visit.

Senior pet ages: Small breeds (11+), medium breeds (10+), large breeds (8+), giant breeds (7+), cats (11+).

We may groom partially sedated pets at our discretion. If you choose to sedate your pet, please inform us of the sedative used when booking.

Owner responsibility: The pet owner must administer any sedative and ensure their pet's safety during grooming. We do not administer medication and cannot be held liable for any issues arising from sedation.

Vet consultation required: Consult your veterinarian before sedating your pet and provide us with relevant health information.

Owner responsibility: You are responsible for your pet's coat condition. Severe matting causes discomfort, skin issues, and significantly increases grooming time and cost. Neglected coats put pets at higher risk during grooming.

What to expect: Removing heavy mats may cause brush burn, clipper irritation, or reveal pre-existing skin issues hidden under the coat. We take every precaution, but matting removal carries inherent risks.

After shaving: Hair may not regrow evenly in some areas. Shaved pets are vulnerable to sunburn—use pet-safe sunscreen or limit sun exposure until their coat regrows.

Appearance after shaving: Severely matted pets often require a full shave-down for their comfort & safety. This will drastically change your pet's appearance—they may look nearly naked, uneven, or very different from what you're used to. This is not a styling choice; it's the only safe option for removing dangerous mats. Payment is due in full regardless of the aesthetic outcome.

Prevent matting: Regular grooming (every 4–6 weeks) prevents mats and keeps appointments shorter and more affordable.

We do not shave double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Shepherds, etc.) except for severe matting or medical necessity with vet documentation.

Why: Shaving damages their natural insulation, increases risk of heat stroke and sunburn, and often causes permanent coat damage (alopecia). Double-coated breeds are designed to self-regulate temperature—shaving makes them HOTTER, not cooler.

What we offer instead: Deshedding treatments, undercoat removal, and proper brushing that maintain coat health while reducing shedding.

If you insist on shaving: We can refer you to another groomer. We will not compromise our professional standards or your pet's long-term coat health for aesthetic preferences.

Aggressive pets: Please inform us at booking if your pet has a history of biting or aggression. We reserve the right to refuse service or use a muzzle if necessary. If we cannot proceed safely, a $75 fee applies.

Overly stressed pets: If your pet appears dangerously stressed or agitated, we will stop grooming for their safety. You'll receive a video explanation, and a $75 cancellation fee applies to compensate for the groomer's time.

We check all pets for fleas and ticks before grooming. If found, we'll treat them with flea/tick shampoo to protect your pet and our van.

Fees:

• Flea/tick treatment: $45
• Van sanitation (after infestation): $75
• Heavily infested pets: Referred to vet, $75 trip fee applies

Tick removal: We'll collect removed ticks in a bag for Lyme disease testing if needed.

Note: Treatment may not completely eradicate parasites. Follow-up vet care may be needed.

Pet grooming involves working with sharp tools around live pets. While incidents are rare, minor injuries can occur—particularly with anxious, restless, or matted pets.

Contributing factors: Matting, advanced age, anxiety, aggressive behavior, or pre-existing skin conditions increase risk during grooming.

If an incident occurs: We'll inform you immediately and provide first aid if needed. Any veterinary expenses are your responsibility. The grooming service fee still applies regardless of incidents.

Severe weather (storms, flooding, hurricanes, extreme conditions) may require rescheduling. For light rain, we'll continue as scheduled and keep your pet dry.

By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Release from liability: You release Bow Tie Mobile Pet Grooming, its employees, and representatives from any liability, claims, or causes of action arising from grooming services. You understand that grooming involves sharp tools, hot water, and chemicals that may cause injury or allergic reactions.

Owner responsibility: You are solely responsible for any damages or injuries your pet causes to our staff, equipment, or property. You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your pet's behavior, actions, or health condition.

Pet health certification: You certify that your pet is current on all necessary vaccinations and is in good health for grooming.

Matted pets: You acknowledge that matted pets have a higher risk of injury during grooming. You agree that we will not be held responsible for any accidents or injuries resulting from mat removal.

Grooming results & appearance: You understand that severely matted pets may require full body shaving for their safety and health. You accept that this will drastically change your pet's appearance. You agree that payment is due in full for all services rendered, regardless of aesthetic outcome or your satisfaction with your pet's post-grooming appearance.

Emergency vet care: You grant us permission to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for your pet at your expense if necessary during grooming.

Dispute resolution: Any disputes arising from our services will be resolved in Texas courts under Texas law. You consent to this jurisdiction.

Service refusal: We reserve the right to refuse service to any pet for any reason. You agree to provide all necessary information about your pet's health and behavior before services are performed.

By submitting a service request, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

We love sharing cute makeovers. If you prefer no photos of your pet on social media or our website, just let us know—we'll make a note on your account.

We may contact you via email, text, or phone to share appointment reminders, pet care tips, seasonal promotions, and special offers. By using our services, you agree to receive these communications.

Opt out anytime: Every promotional message includes an unsubscribe link. You can also update your preferences by contacting us directly.

What you'll receive:

• Appointment reminders and confirmations
• Pet grooming tips and seasonal care advice
• Special promotions and exclusive offers
• Birthday wishes for your pet 🎂

We respect your privacy and never sell your data. Contact information is used to manage appointments, communicate about services, and send promotional offers (which you can opt out of anytime). We do not share your information with third parties except as required for payment processing or legal compliance.

We want you to love the groom. Take a look at your pet when we return them to you. If the result doesn't match your booking instructions, tell us immediately and we'll fix it on the spot. Once we leave, the service is final.

Style requests: Please communicate preferences at booking so we deliver what you expect.