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De-matting & Welfare Policy
Oak & Hound – De-Matting and Welfare Policy
Gentle, Individual, Eco-friendly
At Oak & Hound, our priority is always the comfort, safety, and wellbeing of every dog in our care. We adhere strictly to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which requires that animals are protected from unnecessary pain or suffering.
When De-Matting May Be Performed
Light matting may be carefully removed only if it can be done humanely and without causing pain or excessive stress to the dog. We will not attempt to brush out heavy or tightly compacted mats, as this can cause significant discomfort and damage to the skin or coat.
Severely Matted Coats
If your dog’s coat is severely matted:
- We will discuss the condition with you before grooming begins.
- In most cases, the only humane solution is to clip the coat short to remove the mats safely.
- Clipping may reveal hidden skin irritations, redness, or parasites which were previously concealed by the matting.
Owner Acknowledgement
Owners will be asked to sign a De-Matting Consent Form if clipping is required due to severe matting. This form confirms that you understand and agree to the welfare-based approach and accept that the coat may need to be taken very short to ensure the dog’s comfort and safety.
Aftercare
We will offer advice on coat maintenance and recommend a regular grooming schedule to prevent future matting.
Additional Charges
De-matting and coat clipping due to matting require additional time and care; therefore, an extra fee may apply depending on the severity and time required. This will always be discussed with you before proceeding.
Our Commitment
At Oak & Hound, we believe every dog deserves gentle handling, ethical grooming, and respect. We will never subject a dog to a painful or distressing de-matting procedure.