one-to-one Dog Grooming
matting policy
At K9 Glow Up, the health, welfare, safety, and comfort of every dog is the highest priority. This policy has been created in accordance with the principles of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to ensure that no grooming procedure causes unnecessary pain, distress, injury, or suffering.
Severe coat matting can have a significant impact on a dog’s wellbeing and may restrict movement, trap moisture, harbour parasites, conceal skin infections, and cause pain or discomfort. In such circumstances, clipping the coat short is often the safest, kindest, and most humane option.
Assessment of Coat Condition
All dogs will receive a coat and skin assessment prior to grooming. Owners are responsible for informing K9 Glow Up of any pre-existing medical conditions, skin sensitivities, injuries, behavioural concerns, or previous grooming issues before the appointment begins. Where severe matting is identified, K9 Glow Up will discuss the condition of the coat and the available grooming options with the owner before proceeding.
If matting is hidden and only identified during the grooming appointment, K9 Glow Up reserves the right to immediately stop the groom until contact has been made with the owner and the appropriate course of action has been agreed.
De-Matting & Clip-Off Procedures
K9 Glow Up will not undertake prolonged or excessive de-matting procedures (brushing and combing) where doing so may cause pain, stress, distress, or injury to the dog. Where matting is severe, close to the skin, or presents a welfare concern, K9 Glow Up reserves the right to carry out a full or partial clip-off/shave-down in the best interests of the dog’s welfare.
The owner acknowledges that:
• Removing severe matting may expose or aggravate pre-existing skin conditions;
• Skin irritation, redness, clipper rash, cuts, abrasions, bruising, or ear haematomas may occur as a result of the coat condition or the grooming process required to remove matting;
• The dog’s coat may appear significantly shorter, uneven, or patchy following the groom;
• Behavioural stress or sensitivity may occur in dogs with severely neglected coats.
By consenting to the grooming appointment, the owner accepts these risks and agrees that K9 Glow Up shall not be held liable for any after-effects arising from the condition of the coat, the presence of matting, or the humane grooming procedures required for its removal.
Welfare & Refusal of Service
K9 Glow Up reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any grooming procedure where it is considered unsafe or contrary to the welfare of the dog.
No dog will be subjected to unnecessary discomfort for cosmetic purposes.
Owner Responsibilities
Owners are responsible for maintaining their dog’s coat in a suitable condition between grooming appointments through regular brushing, coat maintenance, and appropriate grooming schedules.
Failure to properly maintain the coat may result in:
• The requirement for a full or partial clip-off;
• Additional grooming or handling charges;
• Extended appointment times;
• Increased grooming frequency recommendations.
Additional charges may apply where excessive matting requires specialist handling,
additional time, equipment wear, or salon sanitation procedures.
Document review plan
This document will be reviewed at least annually or as required (whichever is the sooner), to refresh, update or enhance the information or content.
K9 Glow Up
Matting Policy
Document Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 28 May 2026
Review Date: 28 May 2027