Dog Grooming Intake Form Template

A good intake form is the cheapest insurance in your salon. It's the difference between finding out a dog has a heart condition before you put it on the table, and finding out the hard way. If you've been winging it with a clipboard and a few scribbled notes, this dog grooming intake form template gives you a clean, professional starting point you can copy today — plus the reasoning behind each field so you know what protects you and what's just noise.

Why every groomer needs an intake form

An intake form does three jobs at once. It captures the health and behavior information you need to groom safely, it sets expectations with the client, and it gives you documented consent if there's ever a dispute. When a client insists they "never said Bella bites," a signed form with that box checked ends the conversation.

It also makes you look like the professional you are. Handing a new client a thorough, well-organized form signals that you take their dog's safety seriously — and that first impression sticks.

What to include in a dog grooming intake form

A strong form covers five areas. Skip any of them and you're exposed.

The free dog grooming intake form template

Copy the template below into your forms, your website, or your grooming software. Adjust the wording to fit your services and your state's requirements.

Owner information

• Full name
• Phone number (best for same-day contact)
• Email address
• Emergency contact name and number
• How did you hear about us?

Pet information

• Pet's name
• Breed (or best guess for mixes)
• Age / date of birth
• Weight
• Sex, and spayed/neutered?
• Coat type (smooth, double, curly/wool, wire, long)
• Preferred groom / style requested

Health and medical history

• Is your pet currently on any medication?
• Any allergies (shampoos, ingredients, food)?
• Any skin conditions, hot spots, or sensitivities?
• Any history of seizures, heart conditions, or breathing issues?
• Any past injuries, surgeries, or joint problems (hips, back, legs)?
• Is your pet senior or does it tire easily? (Yes / No)
• Vaccination status — is your pet up to date on rabies? (Proof required: Yes / No)
• Veterinarian name and phone number

Behavior

• Has your pet ever bitten or attempted to bite a person or groomer? (Yes / No)
• Is your pet sensitive about any area (face, feet, ears, tail, sanitary)?
• How does your pet react to: nail trims / dryers / water / being brushed?
• Does your pet require a muzzle for any service? (Yes / No)
• Any anxiety, reactivity, or triggers we should know about?

Matting and coat condition acknowledgment

• I understand that severely matted coats may require shaving for the pet's welfare, and that de-matting carries risks including skin irritation, nicks, and revealing pre-existing skin issues. (Initial: ______)

Consent and authorization

I certify that the information above is accurate. I authorize [Your Salon Name] to groom my pet, and, in the event of an emergency, to seek veterinary care at my expense if I cannot be reached. I understand grooming carries inherent risks, and I release [Your Salon Name] from liability except in cases of negligence. I have read and agree to the salon's policies, including the cancellation and no-show policy.

• Client signature: ______________________
• Date: ______________________

How to use your intake form well

A form only works if clients actually fill it out — completely, and before they arrive.

• Collect it before the first appointment. A form finished in your lobby while a nervous Cockapoo pulls on the leash gets rushed and half-answered. Send it ahead of time.
• Update it annually. Dogs age, conditions change, and last year's puppy is this year's senior. Re-confirm health and behavior notes once a year.
• Store it where your whole team can see it. The bather needs to know about the bad hip too.

Go digital to save the headache

Paper forms get lost, coffee-stained, and left at home. Digital intake forms solve all three: the client fills them out on their phone before arriving, the answers save straight to the pet's profile, and anyone on your team can pull them up mid-groom. Teddy includes digital intake forms and service agreements that attach to each pet's record, so a dog's bite history and allergies travel with its profile appointment after appointment — and platforms like MoeGo and DaySmart offer versions of this too. If you're still on paper, moving intake online is one of the fastest quality-of-life upgrades you can make.

Pair your intake form with a signed service agreement and a clear cancellation policy for full coverage. Grab our no-show and cancellation policy template to round out your client paperwork, and if you're setting up shop, our guide on how to start a dog grooming business covers the rest of your first-week checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a dog grooming intake form include?

At minimum: owner contact info, pet details (breed, age, coat), health and medical history, vaccination status, behavior and bite history, a matting acknowledgment, and a signed consent section. These protect both the pet and your business.

Is a grooming intake form legally required?

It's not usually required by law, but it's strongly recommended. A signed intake form documents consent and disclosed risks, which is your best protection if a client ever disputes what happened during a groom. Check your state for any specific requirements.

How do I get clients to fill out the intake form before they arrive?

The easiest way is a digital form sent by text or email when they book. Grooming software like Teddy can send the form automatically with the booking confirmation, so it's done before the appointment and saved to the pet's profile.

Should I update intake forms for returning clients?

Yes — review them at least once a year. A pet's health, weight, medications, and behavior change over time, and a senior dog needs different handling than it did as a puppy.

Can I use one intake form for cats and dogs?

You can, but a combined form should include species-specific questions. Cats often need extra behavior and sedation-risk notes, so many salons keep a separate feline version to avoid missing anything.

Your intake form is small paperwork that prevents big problems. Set it up once, collect it before every new client's first visit, and keep it current. If you'd rather have intake forms, agreements, and reminders handled automatically instead of chasing paper, Teddy bundles them with scheduling and unlimited texting — a tidy option to compare when you're organizing your salon's systems.