Grooming Service Agreement Template

A service agreement is the document that turns "I thought you said..." into "here's what you signed." Every professional salon needs one, and yet plenty of talented groomers still operate on a handshake and hope. This free pet grooming agreement template gives you clear, professional terms you can put in front of clients today — plus an explanation of why each clause exists, so you can adapt it to your services and your state without leaving a gap that costs you later.

Why a grooming service agreement matters

An intake form captures a pet's details. A service agreement sets the rules of the relationship. It spells out what you will and won't do, who's responsible if something goes wrong, how payment and cancellations work, and what the client is agreeing to when they hand you the leash.

Without one, disputes come down to memory and goodwill — and neither holds up when a client is upset about a shave-down they now claim they never approved. A signed agreement protects your business, sets professional expectations, and, frankly, weeds out the clients who bristle at reasonable terms.

What to include in a grooming service agreement

The free grooming service agreement template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed details, and have every new client sign it before the first appointment. Adapt the wording to your services and confirm it meets your state's requirements.

[Your Salon Name] — Grooming Service Agreement

Client: ______________________  Date: ____________Pet name(s): ______________________

1. Authorization of services. I authorize [Your Salon Name] and its staff to groom my pet(s) as discussed, including bathing, brushing, clipping, nail care, and related services. I authorize reasonable handling necessary to complete the groom safely.

2. Health and vaccination. I certify my pet is in good health and current on rabies vaccination (proof may be required). I have disclosed all known medical conditions, allergies, injuries, and sensitivities. I understand grooming may expose pre-existing conditions (skin issues, lumps, ear infections) that were hidden by the coat, and that this is not caused by the groom.

3. Matting. I understand that matted coats can hide skin problems and that de-matting is stressful and risky for my pet. Where matting is severe, I authorize [Your Salon Name] to shave the coat for my pet's welfare. I understand shaving matted coats carries risks including nicks, irritation, and exposure of pre-existing conditions, and I accept these risks. (Initial: ______)

4. Senior and special-needs pets. I understand grooming senior pets or pets with health conditions carries added risk, and that [Your Salon Name] will prioritize my pet's welfare, including stopping the groom if necessary. (Initial: ______)

5. Behavior and safety. I have disclosed any history of biting or aggression. I understand [Your Salon Name] may use humane restraint or a muzzle for safety, and may stop or refuse service if my pet cannot be groomed safely, with applicable charges still due.

6. Liability. I release [Your Salon Name] and its staff from liability for accidents or injuries arising from pre-existing conditions, my pet's behavior, or information I failed to disclose, except in cases of negligence. In an emergency, I authorize [Your Salon Name] to seek veterinary care at my expense if I cannot be reached.

7. Payment and cancellation. Payment is due at the time of service. I have read and agree to the salon's cancellation and no-show policy: [state your policy — e.g., 24 hours' notice required; no-shows charged X%].

8. Photo release. I grant [Your Salon Name] permission to photograph my pet and use the images for marketing and social media. (Optional — check to opt out: ☐)

Client signature: ______________________  Date: ____________

How to put your agreement to work

A signed agreement only protects you if it's actually signed — and stored where you can find it.

• Get it signed before the first groom, not while a client hovers at the counter with a squirming Pomeranian.
• Re-sign annually or when terms change, so consent stays current.
• Store it with the pet's record, not in a drawer, so any team member can reference it.
• Keep the matting and behavior initials separate — those are the clauses clients most often dispute, and initials show they read them.

Digital agreements save you the paper chase

Chasing paper signatures is a hassle, and paper gets lost right when you need it. Digital service agreements let clients sign on their phone before they arrive, and the signed copy saves straight to the pet's profile. Teddy includes digital intake forms and service agreements attached to each pet's record — as do platforms like MoeGo and DaySmart — so consent, health disclosures, and your policies travel with the pet from visit to visit. If you're still on clipboards, this is one of the quickest upgrades to make.

Round out your client paperwork with a matching dog grooming intake form approach and a clear no-show and cancellation policy template. Together they form the documentation that protects your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a pet grooming agreement include?

Key clauses: service authorization, health and vaccination disclosure, a matting policy, liability and emergency-care terms, behavior and refusal-of-service language, payment and cancellation terms, and an optional photo release. Have it signed before the first appointment.

Is a grooming service agreement legally binding?

A properly written and signed agreement is generally enforceable, though enforceability varies by state and situation. It's strong evidence of what the client consented to. For high-stakes wording, have a local attorney review your template.

What's the difference between an intake form and a service agreement?

An intake form collects information about the pet (health, behavior, contact details). A service agreement sets the terms and consent for the service (liability, matting, payment, cancellation). Most salons use both together.

How do I get clients to sign a grooming agreement?

The easiest way is digitally — send it with the booking confirmation so clients sign on their phone before arriving. Grooming software can automate this and store the signed copy on the pet's profile.

Do I need a new agreement for every visit?

Not usually. A signed agreement can cover ongoing service, but re-confirm it at least annually and whenever your terms or the pet's health status change.

A service agreement is small effort for large protection. Set it up once, get it signed before the first groom, and keep it current. If you'd rather have agreements, intake forms, and reminders handled automatically — signed on a phone and saved to each pet's profile — Teddy bundles them with scheduling and unlimited texting, an option worth comparing as you professionalize your paperwork.