Dog Grooming Waiver & Service Agreement Template
A dog grooming waiver and pet grooming agreement template with eight clauses you can adapt
The day you need a dog grooming waiver is never the day you expected to. It's the 14-year-old cocker who collapses under the dryer, or the pelted doodle whose skin is raw under the mats, or the owner who swears their dog "has never bitten anyone" while you're holding a paper towel to your hand.
A signed agreement won't stop those days from happening. It does mean the client was told the risks in advance and agreed to how you'd handle them.
Important: this is a starting template, not legal advice. Liability law differs by state, and a waiver that's too broad can be thrown out. Pay a local attorney for an hour to review yours. It's cheap compared with one dispute.
What the agreement is for
It does three things.
- Sets expectations. Clients learn what grooming can and can't do before they're upset about it.
- Gets consent. For shaving matted coats, for emergency vet care, for handling choices.
- Records the deal. Prices, late fees, cancellation terms, who can pick up.
It sits beside your intake form. The intake form tells you about the dog. The agreement is what the owner signs.
The template
Replace anything in brackets.
1. Accuracy of information
I confirm that the information I have given [Salon Name] about my pet's health, behavior and vaccination status is true and complete. I will tell [Salon Name] about any changes before each appointment.
2. Health and medical
Grooming can expose existing health problems or make them worse, particularly in pets with heart, breathing, joint or skin conditions. I understand that [Salon Name] is not a veterinary practice and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
If my pet becomes ill or is injured while in the care of [Salon Name], I authorize [Salon Name] to seek veterinary treatment from my listed vet or the nearest available clinic if I can't be reached promptly. I agree to pay the cost of treatment for any pre-existing condition or any condition not caused by the negligence of [Salon Name].
3. Matted coats
Matted coats can hide skin irritation, sores, parasites and moisture. Removing mats may cause nicks, clipper irritation, redness or bruising, and can reveal problems already present under the coat. [Salon Name] will not brush out severe matting when doing so would cause the pet pain.
I authorize [Salon Name] to shave my pet's coat as short as needed to remove matting safely. I understand additional charges apply and that my pet's appearance will change. After a shave-down, some pets scratch, shake their heads or act differently for a few days.
4. Senior pets and pets with health conditions
Grooming can be stressful for elderly pets and those with medical conditions. [Salon Name] will prioritize my pet's comfort over the finish of the groom and may shorten, change or stop the service if my pet shows signs of distress. I understand I may be charged for the time spent.
5. Behavior
I will tell [Salon Name] if my pet has ever bitten or shown aggression toward people or animals. [Salon Name] may use a muzzle or other humane handling where necessary for safety, and may refuse or stop service for any pet it considers a danger to itself, staff or other animals. I am responsible for any injury or damage caused by my pet and for any related medical costs.
6. Parasites
If fleas or ticks are found, [Salon Name] will give a flea treatment bath at an additional charge of $[amount] to protect other pets in the salon.
7. Payment, cancellations and pickup
Payment is due at pickup. Appointments cancelled with less than [24/48] hours' notice, and missed appointments, are charged [amount or percentage]. Pets not collected within [30] minutes of the agreed time are charged $[amount] per [15] minutes. Only the people named on my intake form may collect my pet.
8. Photos
[Salon Name] may photograph my pet and use the images on its website and social media. ☐ Yes ☐ No
Signature block
I have read and understood this agreement and accept its terms for this and all future visits until I am asked to sign an updated version.
Owner name / Signature / Date / Pet name(s)
What each clause protects you from
What a waiver can't do
Groomers sometimes think a signature makes them untouchable. It doesn't.
- It generally won't protect you from your own negligence. If a dog is left unattended in a loop and gets hurt, a waiver is unlikely to help.
- It doesn't replace insurance. You still need liability and animal bailee coverage.
- It isn't worth much if the client never read it. Go through the matting and medical clauses out loud with new clients.
Three habits that make the paper stronger
Photograph before you start. Any matted, injured or unusual coat gets a photo at check-in. If there's a complaint later, a timestamped picture ends most of it.
Get specific consent for shave-downs. Even with a signed agreement, text the owner a photo and ask before you take the coat off. "Yes go ahead" in writing is hard to argue with.
Send a report card. A short note after each groom, covering skin, ears, nails and anything you noticed, shows care and creates a record. The Daily Groomer's free grooming report card template works well for this.
How to get it signed without slowing down drop-off
Paper on a clipboard works, but it means a queue at 8:30 and a filing cabinet you'll never search.
Sending the agreement by text before the first visit is easier for everyone. The client signs on their phone and the signed copy stays on their record. Most grooming platforms offer this, including MoeGo and Gingr. Teddy includes digital agreements and intake forms on every plan, so the paperwork is done before the dog walks in.
Re-send it once a year, and any time you change your terms or prices.
Documents that go with it
- An intake form covering health, behavior and preferences
- A cancellation and no-show policy with the same notice period you put in clause 7
- Reminder messages that mention the policy, so nobody is surprised
For the reasoning behind fear-free handling and when to stop a groom, Dr. Marty Becker's episode on making your salon Fear Free is excellent background for clauses 4 and 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dog grooming waiver legally binding?
A clear, signed agreement is generally enforceable for the risks it describes, but it usually won't cover negligence, and rules vary by state. Have a local attorney review yours.
What should a pet grooming agreement include?
Accuracy of information, medical authorization, matting release, senior pet terms, behavior and handling, parasites, payment and cancellation terms, photo permission and a signature.
How often should clients sign a dog grooming waiver?
At the first visit, then yearly, and whenever you update the terms.
Do I need a separate matted pet release?
Including it in the main agreement is fine. For severe cases, also get consent by text with a photo on the day.
Can clients sign a grooming waiver online?
Yes. Most grooming software sends agreements by text or email for e-signature and stores them with the client record.
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