Dog Grooming Intake Form Template

A good dog grooming intake form takes a client about four minutes to fill in and saves you from the worst kind of surprise: finding out about the seizure history, the hip surgery or the bite record after the dog is already on your table.

Below is a complete template. Copy it into a doc, paste it into your software, or print it. After the template there's a short section on the questions most forms skip.

The template

Section 1: Owner details

Section 2: Pet details

Section 3: Health

• Veterinarian name, clinic and phone
• Rabies vaccination expiry date (attach proof)
• Other vaccines: DHPP, Bordetella
• Known allergies (shampoo, food, medication)
• Current medications
• Skin conditions, hot spots, lumps or warts we should work around
• Heart condition, seizures, breathing problems or collapse history
• Joint, hip or back problems; recent surgery
• Ear infections, eye conditions
• Is your dog pregnant or in heat?
• Flea or tick treatment used and date of last dose

Section 4: Behavior

• Has your dog ever bitten or tried to bite a person, groomer or vet? If yes, what was happening?
• Is your dog nervous about any of these? Nail trims / dryer / clippers near the face / being lifted / other dogs / being left alone
• Does your dog wear a muzzle at the vet?
• Anything that helps them settle (treats, a word, a short break)

Section 5: Grooming preferences

• Service requested: bath and tidy / full groom / de-shed / nails only
• Body length wanted (attach a photo if you have one)
• Face, ears and tail style
• Bows, bandana, cologne: yes or no
• OK to give treats? Any food restrictions?

Section 6: Permissions and signature

• I confirm the information above is accurate.
• I have read and agree to the service agreement and cancellation policy.
• Photo permission for social media: yes / no
• Signature and date

Five questions most intake forms forget

"When was the last professional groom?" If the answer is "about a year ago" for a doodle, you already know you're quoting a shave-down and you can say so before drop-off.

"Who else may pick up?" Divorces, dog walkers and well-meaning neighbors create awkward moments at the counter. A named list fixes it.

"Does your dog wear a muzzle at the vet?" Owners who would never tick "aggressive" will answer this one truthfully.

"What flea treatment and when?" Lets you add a flea bath charge to the quote instead of the invoice.

"Any recent surgery?" Stitches, cruciate repairs and dental work all change how you handle and position the dog.

Paper or digital?

Paper works. It also gets wet, gets lost, and can't be searched when a client calls two years later asking what blade you used.

A digital form goes out by text before the first visit, the answers attach to the pet's profile, and the vaccine expiry date can trigger its own reminder. Most grooming software includes this. DaySmart Pet and Gingr both have form builders, and Teddy includes intake forms and digital agreements on every plan, including the $49 one. If you're comparing tools, our rundown of client management software for groomers covers what to look for.

Whichever way you go, pair the intake form with two other documents: a signed service agreement and a clear cancellation policy. The form tells you about the dog. The agreement protects you when something goes wrong.

Keeping intake forms up to date

A form filled in three years ago describes a different dog. Ask clients to re-confirm once a year, and any time there's a new medication, a surgery or a behavior change. The easiest prompt is a line in your reminder text: "Anything new with Coco's health since last visit?" If you want wording for that, we have reminder templates you can lift.

Many top shops also send a short report card after each groom noting skin, ears, teeth and anything unusual. The Daily Groomer has a free grooming report card template that pairs well with this form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a dog grooming intake form include?

Owner contact details, pet details, vet and vaccine information, health conditions, behavior history, grooming preferences, and a signature. The template above covers all six sections.

Is a pet grooming intake form legally binding?

The intake form records information. The liability language belongs in your service agreement or waiver, which the client signs alongside it. Have a local attorney review the waiver.

How often should clients update their intake form?

Once a year at minimum, and whenever health, medication or behavior changes.

Can clients fill in a dog grooming intake form on their phone?

Yes. Most grooming software, Teddy included, sends the form as a link by text and saves the answers to the pet's record.

Do I need proof of rabies vaccination?

Many states and insurers expect it. Ask for a photo of the certificate and record the expiry date.