Matting & Your Pet

Walter’s Pet Styles is principally committed to “Showin’ the Love” through our Pets First Policy. As pet industry professionals, it is our ethical responsibility to advocate on behalf of your animal’s best interest and well-being, always. We pledge to serve with standards that promote humane and force-free options.

This goldendoodle’s coat is excessively tangled

What is Matting?

Tangling and knotting of the pet’s coat caused by improper and infrequent brushing.
Excessive tangling and knotting of a pet’s topcoat and undercoat is painful and harmful.
Blood supply to skin and extremities becomes blocked. Thick, clumped hair traps dirt and debris under the coat, leaving skin unable to breathe.
Contributes to hot spots, sores, rashes, fungal and bacterial infections, eczema, urine and feces burns, eye and ear infections, discoloration of coat, mites, lice, fleas, ticks, maggots, and more.
It is the sole responsibility of the owner to maintain the pet’s coat between grooming appointments!

What is Dematting?

Dematting is the removal of tangles and knots.
While minor tangles may be resolved by brushing or combing, excessive matting must be carefully removed with electric clippers and scissors. Attempting to brush excessive matting is painful and harmful to the animal’s overall wellbeing, skin, and coat.
Clipping with a close blade is the least stressful, most humane, and the only force-free solution. Previously concealed skin conditions can now be properly addressed.
Walter’s Pet Styles will not brush out excessive matting.

Preventing Matting

Prevention begins at home with frequent combing and brushing (upwards to three times per day). Improper techniques such as brushing the topcoat only will create undercoat matting. Instead, separate the hair, brush & comb in multiple directions from root to tip.
Make it fun and enjoyable through positive association-- provide high power treats that only come out for brushing time.
Frequent, scheduled grooming & bathing appointments every 4-6 weeks regardless of length
Dogs attending daycare, dog parks, or other social settings require more attention - imagine the tangles after romping and slobbering!
Establish a manageable haircut for you and your pet’s lifestyle!
Purchase combs and brushes best suited for your pet’s breed at Walter’s Pet Styles.
Join the Wellness & Maintenance Plan

Walter’s Pet Styles Matting Policy

We refuse to brush out excessive matting. Minor cases may be carefully brushed or combed out in accordance with our force-free standards.
Coat condition will be assessed prior to starting any work.
Where close clipping is required, owner must grant consent and pay a 100% Dematting Surcharge above the grooming price.
Without consent, pet will be returned as-is and pre-payment forfeited.
In the event that the owner is unable to provide consent, work will not begin. As such, we can not guarantee the originally quoted completion time.

Consent Form

Matting is serious business. Removal requires extreme patience, proficiency, and includes risk.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Pet Name

I have read the above material and understand the Walter’s Pet Styles policy on matting & dematting. For the well-being of my pet, I consent to a close-clipping over the entire body (’reset the coat’) and understand my individual style preferences may be disregarded at the discretion of the groomer during this service. I understand there is risk of injury during the dematting process. More time will be needed than the standard appointment because of the careful and deliberate process of removing the mats with clippers and scissors. I acknowledge that the removal of mats may showcase underlying issues that were previously hidden (rotting skin, bacteria, fungus, irritations, infections, and more) and I will take measures to address them with a veterinarian if needed. Walter’s Pet Styles will not be held liable for past, present, or future issues that arise from matting and dematting. I agree to pay the 100% Dematting Surcharge above the base price to accommodate for this service. Additionally, I will establish a more regular brushing routine at home and/or increase the frequency of professional bathing & grooming appointments.

You must accept or decline.

YES - I understand and accept, let's continue.

NO - I do not consent, cancel my appointment.

When in doubt, schedule a free consultation prior to booking.
Call 212-725-0000 or Contact Us online.