Please read the following carefully prior to booking your appointment. You will be asked to confirm that you have read & agree to the following when booking online. All clients will also be provided with a paper copy at your first appointment.

1. Cancellations, Missed Appointments & Deposits

• Please cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance via our website or by contacting us directly: lucymeira@icloud.com / 07365 225133

• All deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel within 48 hours, a 50% deposit will be required for your next appointment.

• Two cancellations or no-shows may result in you being unable to book future appointments.

• If you miss your appointment without notice, the full cost of the groom is still due before rebooking.

Why this matters: When appointments are cancelled last minute or clients don’t turn up, it creates un-fillable gaps that directly impact groomers’ time and income.

 

2. Late Drop-Off Policy
Please arrive on time! If you’re:

• 15+ minutes late: Your service may be shortened but you will be charged the same amount for the slot (e.g., full groom changed to bath & tidy).

• 25+ minutes late: Your appointment may be cancelled and must be rebooked.

 

3. Late Pick-Up Policy
A £5 late fee may apply if you're 20+ minutes late collecting your pet.
For safety, your pet may be placed in a secure crate/carrier if overlap occurs with other clients.

 

4. Handling, Behaviour & Owner Assistance
We handle your cat gently and safely. However, if your cat is aggressive or highly stressed, we may have to stop the groom for safety reasons; you will still be charged for the time spent.
You may be asked to assist with handling, especially for long-haired cats during clipping or dematting, to keep your cat calm and the process smooth.
Please disclose any biting, scratching, or behavioural issues at booking.

 

5. Fleas & Ticks
Please inform us if your pet has fleas before arrival.
If fleas are found:

• An additional charge of £10–£20 will apply to cover deep cleaning.
  If ticks are found, we’ll notify you and remove them if safe. You may need to follow up with your vet.

 

6. De-Matting Policy

• If matting can't be removed within 20 minutes, we’ll clip or shave the coat to avoid pain and distress.

• A fee of £10–£20 will apply, depending on severity.

• Photos may be taken for documentation.

• We may halt the groom if your pet is too stressed, and you’ll be advised on how to proceed.

Important: Matting can hide skin issues such as sores, parasites, or embedded grass seeds. These may be revealed after shaving. Sunshine Paws is not liable for existing skin conditions or shaving reactions such as irritation or patchiness.
After clipping, it’s possible your pet may have minor skin irritation or a little redness—this is normal and usually settles within a day or two. You can gently apply Witch Hazel or Aloe Vera Gel to soothe the area.
We always prioritise your pet’s welfare. Regular grooming and brushing at home help avoid this.
Important: If clients post their own photos of their pet online without an honest explanation of their coat’s condition and Sunshine Paws is publicly criticised or blamed, we reserve the right to take legal action to protect our reputation and uphold animal welfare standards.
We love and care for every pet like our own. Any decisions we make are based on what’s best for their health and wellbeing.

 

7. Aggressive or Anxious Pets
Please tell us if your pet:

• Has bitten before

• Has needed a muzzle

• Struggles with grooming
  If your pet becomes too stressed or aggressive, we may end the session early and still charge for the time booked.
  Under the Animal Welfare Act (2006), we do not force pets through grooming.

 

8. Cat-Specific Notes

• Cats must arrive in a secure carrier and stay inside until the groomer advises otherwise.

• Please ensure your cat has had an opportunity to toilet before the appointment.

• Cats should be flea-treated regularly and in good health.

• We groom one cat at a time to reduce stress.

• After clipping, your cat’s coat may look choppy or uneven; this usually settles within 5–10 days as the hair grows and smooths out.

 

9. Right to Refuse Service
We may refuse to groom:

• Aggressive or unsafe pets

• Regularly missed or late appointments

• Pets who frequently arrive in poor coat condition (matted or neglected)

 

10. Cat Grooming Schedules
Cats are natural self-groomers and should be bathed no more than once every 3 months to preserve natural oils and healthy skin.
We recommend grooming schedules tailored to your cat’s needs, typically every 3, 4, 6, or 12 months.
Cats with long hair, older age, or grooming difficulties may need more frequent maintenance sessions.

 

11. Veterinary Emergencies
In a genuine emergency, we may transport your pet to our local vet:
Tweed House Vets, Yeadon, Leeds, LS19 7RP.
You will be contacted immediately. Any vet fees are your responsibility.

 

12. Photos & Social Media
We love sharing cute moments (and transformations)! We may take photos or videos of your pet for:

• Social media

• Website or promotional use

• Documentation
  By having your pet groomed by Sunshine Paws you are agreeing to this. Please let us know if you prefer your pet not to be photographed or filmed. Images and videos become the property of Sunshine Paws.

 

13. Pricing & Payment
Final price is based on:

• Coat condition

• Behaviour

• Time required
  Please be honest when booking to help us give the best estimate.

 

14. Complaints
If you have a concern:

• Contact us within 48 hours of the groom

• Email: lucymeira@icloud.com

• Include your pet’s name, appointment time/date, and a description of the issue
  We’re happy to make adjustments (e.g., shorten the tail/face) before you leave the salon—just let us know.