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Legal Information & Client Acknowledgements

 

​All Things Pets & More, LLC
DBA: Gentle Paws Grooming
O’Fallon, Illinois

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A Calm & Transparent Approach

At Gentle Paws Grooming, we believe in clear communication and mutual respect. The information below helps ensure a safe and professional experience for everyone involved.

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By using this website or booking services, you acknowledge the following terms.

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Grooming & Animal Handling Risk

Dog grooming, even when performed gently and professionally, involves inherent risks. These may include:

  • Minor nicks or skin irritation

  • Clip sensitivity

  • Aggravation of pre-existing conditions

  • Stress-related responses

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Every reasonable precaution is taken to provide a calm, low-stress environment. However, grooming cannot be made entirely risk-free.

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Owner Responsibility Under Illinois Law

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), dog owners are legally responsible for damages caused by their dog when the injured party is lawfully present and peaceably conducting themselves.

By booking services, you confirm that:

  • You are the legal owner or authorized handler of your dog.

  • You understand that you remain responsible for your dog’s behavior.

  • You will disclose any history of aggression, bite incidents, or behavioral concerns.

 

This allows us to plan safely and appropriately.

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Behavior & Bite Responsibility

While we specialize in calm handling and welcome anxious or sensitive dogs, we cannot assume responsibility for unpredictable canine behavior.

If a dog causes injury or property damage, the owner agrees to:

  • Accept financial responsibility for related damages

  • Cooperate with insurance or medical processes if necessary

 

This includes injuries occurring during drop-off, grooming, pick-up, or transportation (if applicable).

Failure to disclose known aggressive behavior may result in refusal of future service.

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Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Illinois law:

All Things Pets & More, LLC’s liability for any claim related to website use or grooming services shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific service provided.

 

We are not responsible for indirect or consequential damages, including but not limited to lost income, veterinary complications unrelated to grooming technique, or third-party service disruptions.

 

Nothing in this section limits liability where prohibited by law.

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Website & Third-Party Services

Our website may utilize third-party providers such as:

  • Wix (hosting)

  • Online booking platforms

  • Payment processors

  • SMS systems

 

We are not responsible for technical failures, outages, or data practices of these external platforms.

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SMS Communication Consent

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive text messages related to:

  • Appointment confirmations

  • Reminders

  • Scheduling updates

  • Service-related communication

 

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.

Consent to SMS is not required to receive services.

 

We do not sell or share phone numbers for marketing purposes.

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Dispute Resolution & Illinois Venue

In the unlikely event of a dispute, we prefer calm and direct resolution.

If formal resolution is required:

  • Disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in Illinois.

  • Arbitration will be conducted individually, not as part of a class action.

  • Illinois law will govern all matters.

  • Venue shall be exclusively in St. Clair County, Illinois.

 

If arbitration is found unenforceable, disputes shall be resolved in the state courts of St. Clair County, Illinois.

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Governing Law

All website use and service-related matters are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.

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Updates

These terms may be updated periodically. Continued use of this website constitutes acceptance of any revisions.

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