one-to-one Dog Grooming

 1. Purpose

This Health, Safety & Emergency Procedures Policy outlines the measures implemented by K9 Glow Up to protect the health, safety and welfare of dogs, clients, visitors and staff whilst on our premises or receiving our services.

K9 Glow Up is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, transparent and welfare-focused environment and to complying with all relevant UK legislation, including but not limited to:

• Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
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The welfare and safety of every dog in our care remains our highest priority.

2. Staff Competency and Training

K9 Glow Up ensures that all staff members:

• Are trained in safe animal handling techniques.
• Hold, or are working towards, appropriate grooming qualifications.
• Receive training in canine first aid and emergency response procedures.
• Participate in ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Understand how to recognise signs of stress, pain, illness and behavioural concerns.
• Are familiar with all salon health and safety procedures.

Training records are maintained and reviewed regularly.

3. Dog Health and Welfare Requirements

3.1 Vaccination Requirements

Dogs attending K9 Glow Up should be vaccinated in accordance with veterinary recommendations, including protection against:

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza

Evidence of vaccination may be requested at any time and must be provided upon request.

Owners remain responsible for ensuring their dog's vaccinations are current and appropriate.

3.2 Fitness for Grooming

Owners must ensure their dog:

• Is free from contagious illness or disease.
• Has not been exposed to known infectious conditions.
• Is physically and mentally fit to undergo grooming.
• Does not present a risk to staff, other dogs or visitors.

Failure to disclose relevant medical or behavioural information may result in grooming being modified, discontinued or refused.

3.3 Health Assessment Upon Arrival

A visual health assessment will be carried out prior to commencing grooming. This may include:

• Assessment of skin and coat condition.
• Observation for parasites.
• Assessment of general demeanour and behaviour.
• Identification of visible injuries or abnormalities.
• Review of disclosed medical conditions.

K9 Glow Up reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services where a dog's health, welfare or safety may be compromised.

4. Parasite Control Policy

Prior to Grooming

If fleas, ticks or other external parasites are identified before grooming begins:

• The appointment may be terminated or rescheduled.
• A  minimum charge of £20 may be applied to cover salon sanitation and staff time.
• Veterinary treatment must be completed before future appointments.
• Evidence of treatment may be requested.

During Grooming

If parasites are discovered during grooming:

• Grooming may be modified or discontinued.
• Enhanced sanitation procedures will be implemented immediately.
• Clients whose dogs may have been exposed may be informed where appropriate.
• Future appointments may be declined until effective treatment has been confirmed.

5. Illness and Exclusion Criteria

For the protection of all dogs, K9 Glow Up reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog displaying signs of illness, including but not limited to:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Lethargy or unusual behaviour
• Persistent coughing
• Respiratory distress
• Eye, ear or nasal discharge
• Open wounds
• Skin infections or lesions
• Excessive itching or irritation
• Elevated temperature or fever

Any decision to refuse grooming on welfare grounds shall be final.

6. Medical Conditions and Special Requirements

Owners must disclose any relevant information including:

• Medical conditions
• Current medication
• Allergies or sensitivities
• Recent surgeries or injuries
• Mobility limitations
• Behavioural concerns
• Pregnancy

Failure to provide accurate information may affect our ability to safely groom a dog.

Senior Dogs

Additional care may include:

• Shorter grooming sessions
• Increased comfort breaks
• Modified handling techniques
• Additional monitoring

Pregnant Dogs

Pregnant dogs may only be groomed where it is safe and appropriate to do so. Veterinary clearance may be requested.

7. Behavioural Health and Safety

All dogs are assessed for behavioural suitability throughout the grooming process.

Factors monitored include:

• Anxiety and stress levels
• Fear responses
• Aggression
• Handling tolerance
• Previous grooming experiences

Safety Measures

Where necessary:

• Appropriate restraint systems may be used.
• A correctly fitted muzzle may be applied where safety requires.
• Grooming may be modified or discontinued.
• Veterinary or behavioural advice may be recommended.

K9 Glow Up will not continue any procedure where doing so may compromise the welfare of the dog or the safety of staff.

8. Salon Health and Safety

K9 Glow Up maintains a safe working environment through:

• Routine equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Safe storage of cleaning products and chemicals.
• Daily cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• Slip, trip and hazard prevention measures.
• Appropriate ventilation and temperature control.
• Secure handling and restraint systems.
• Safe electrical equipment management.

Any hazards identified must be addressed immediately.

9. First Aid Provision

K9 Glow Up maintains:

• Fully stocked canine and human first aid kits.
• Accessible emergency contact information.
• Appropriate emergency transport arrangements.
• Staff trained in canine first aid and CPR.

First aid may be administered where required until veterinary treatment can be obtained.

10. Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency involving a dog:

1. Immediate first aid will be provided where appropriate.
2. The owner and emergency contact will be notified without delay.
3. Veterinary treatment will be sought where necessary.
4. The dog may be transported to:
   • The owner's nominated veterinary practice; or
   • The nearest available veterinary practice if circumstances require urgent intervention.

           5. A written incident report will be completed.

Where immediate veterinary treatment is considered necessary to protect the welfare of the dog, K9 Glow Up reserves the right to seek such treatment without prior owner authorisation if contact cannot be established.

All veterinary costs remain the sole responsibility of the owner.

11. Fire and Evacuation Procedures

In the event of fire, gas leak, structural risk or other emergency requiring evacuation:

• Staff will immediately raise the alarm.
• Emergency services will be contacted where necessary.
• Dogs will be safely secured on leads or in carriers where practicable.
• Staff, clients and dogs will evacuate via the nearest safe exit.
• All persons and animals will proceed to the designated assembly point.
• Owners will be informed as soon as reasonably possible.

Regular reviews of evacuation procedures will be undertaken.

12. Other Emergencies

This includes:

• Power failure
• Severe weather
• Flooding
• Security incidents
• Utility failures
• Major equipment malfunction

K9 Glow Up will take all reasonable steps to safeguard dogs, staff and visitors whilst maintaining animal welfare as the primary consideration.

13. Accident and Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and emergency incidents will be documented.

Records will include:

• Date and time
• Individuals involved
• Description of the incident
• Actions taken
• Outcome
• Any veterinary or medical treatment sought

Records shall be retained in accordance with legal and insurance requirements.

14. Insurance

K9 Glow Up maintains appropriate insurance cover, including:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Professional Indemnity Insurance (where applicable)
• Employers' Liability Insurance (where legally required)
• Business Contents and Equipment Insurance

Insurance policies are reviewed regularly to ensure adequate protection for clients, staff and the business.

15. Limitation of Liability

Whilst every reasonable care, skill and attention is exercised, grooming involves the use of sharp equipment and handling procedures that carry inherent risks.

By using our services, owners acknowledge and accept that:

• Grooming may reveal pre-existing medical, skin or behavioural conditions.
• Certain grooming procedures may aggravate existing conditions that were not disclosed or reasonably detectable.
• Elderly, infirm, matted, medically compromised or behaviourally challenging dogs may carry an increased risk of injury, stress or adverse reactions.
• K9 Glow Up shall not be liable for injury, illness, loss, damage,      deterioration of pre-existing conditions, veterinary costs or      consequential losses arising from information not disclosed by the owner      or from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Nothing within this policy seeks to exclude or limit liability where doing so would be unlawful under UK law.

16. Owner Responsibilities

Owners are responsible for:

• Providing accurate health and behavioural information.
• Maintaining current contact information.
• Remaining contactable during appointments.
• Ensuring their dog is fit for grooming.
• Meeting any veterinary costs incurred during emergency treatment.

Failure to comply may result in services being refused or discontinued.

17. Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation, industry guidance, insurance requirements or operational needs.

Document Version: 1.0 

Effective Date: 01 June 2026 

Review Date: 01 June 2027