Can I message a business before I book?

Tap "Contact" on their profile. A short form: which service (or "not sure"), where, dates, a time of day, which pet, and your message. Tap "Send booking request". Nothing is held or paid.

It opens a chat with that business only. They can Accept (which sends you a quote to confirm and pay), suggest a change, or decline with a reason. Requests expire after 48 hours if they don't answer.

Then you can talk freely. Once a thread exists, both sides can message in it. Bookings and payments stay in the app — that's what gives you a booking record, the refund policy and support if something goes wrong.