Dog Grooming Intake Form Template

Every seasoned groomer has a story about the appointment that went sideways because they didn't ask the right question up front. The dog with a heart condition nobody mentioned. The "friendly" cocker who bites during nail trims. The owner who swore their poodle wasn't matted, then dropped off a pelted mess and expected a full groom in the same slot. A solid dog grooming intake form prevents most of these headaches by collecting the information you need before the leash ever clips on. Below is a ready-to-use template you can copy, plus a breakdown of why each field earns its place.

Why an intake form protects your business

An intake form does three jobs at once. It keeps the pet safe by surfacing medical and behavioral issues you must know about. It protects you legally by documenting consent and disclosure. And it sets expectations so there are no arguments at pickup about matting, de-shedding fees, or that shave-down the coat actually required. Skipping it doesn't save time; it just moves the problem to the middle of your day when a dog reacts badly and you had no warning.

Paper works, but it piles up, gets coffee-stained, and can't be searched when a returning client's dog has changed. Increasingly, groomers move intake into their booking software so the form is filled out before arrival and attached to the pet's profile. Platforms like Teddy, alongside options such as MoeGo and DaySmart, let clients complete digital intake forms in advance, though the field list below works whether you go paper or digital.

The dog grooming intake form template

Copy the sections below into your own document or software. Adjust the wording to match your services and local requirements.

Owner information

• Owner full name
• Phone number (best for text updates)
• Email address
• Emergency contact name and number
• How did you hear about us?

Pet information

• Pet name
• Breed (or best guess for mixes)
• Age
• Weight
• Spayed or neutered?
• Color and coat type

Health and medical

• Current on vaccinations? (rabies especially)
• Any allergies or skin conditions?
• Existing health issues (heart, seizures, hip or joint problems, vision or hearing loss)?
• Current medications?
• Any areas that are sensitive or painful to touch?
• Has your pet had surgery in the last 30 days?

Behavior

• How does your pet react to grooming, baths, dryers, nail trims?
• Has your pet ever bitten or snapped at a groomer?
• Any fear triggers (clippers, water, being held)?
• Is your pet reactive to other dogs?

Service and coat condition

• Requested service (bath, full groom, breed trim, de-shed, nail trim)
• Preferred style or length
• Do you understand that severely matted coats may require a shave-down for the pet's welfare?

Consent and acknowledgment

• I confirm the information above is accurate.
• I authorize emergency veterinary care if needed, and understand I'm responsible for related costs.
• I understand pricing may change if the coat's condition requires additional work.
• Signature and date

Paper vs. digital intake

Paper forms are cheap and simple, but they create filing work and can't update themselves. Digital intake sends the form to the client before the appointment, stores it on the pet's profile, and flags changes for returning clients. If a dog's behavior notes say "muzzle for nails," that warning is right there on the profile the next time they book.

If you're moving to digital, a grooming platform keeps intake, scheduling, and client history in one place. Teddy includes digital intake forms and service agreements alongside its scheduling and unlimited texting, so the completed form is attached to the pet automatically. It's one option among several built for groomers, but the goal is the same: get the answers before the dog's on your table. For the legal side, pair your intake with a proper grooming service agreement.

A few practical tips

Keep the form short enough that clients actually finish it. Put the highest-risk questions (bite history, health conditions) where they can't be skipped. Re-confirm details for returning clients at least once a year, since dogs age and conditions change. And always capture the matting acknowledgment in writing, because that single line prevents most pickup disputes. For the intake best practices we've refined over time, our intake form deep-dive has more.

Frequently asked questions

What should a dog grooming intake form include?

At minimum: owner contact details, pet information, vaccination and health status, behavior and bite history, the requested service, a matting acknowledgment, and a signed consent authorizing emergency care and possible price changes.

Is a pet grooming intake form legally required?

Requirements vary by location, but even where it isn't mandated, an intake form with signed consent protects you if a health or behavior issue arises. Many groomers treat it as non-negotiable regardless of local rules.

Should I use a paper or digital grooming intake form?

Both work. Paper is simple and cheap; digital forms are filled out before arrival, attach to the pet's profile, and update easily for returning clients. Grooming software like Teddy handles digital intake automatically, which saves time for busy shops.

How do I handle intake for a matted dog?

Include a clear line stating that severely matted coats may require a shave-down for the pet's welfare and that pricing may change. Have the owner acknowledge it in writing before you start, so expectations are set.

How often should returning clients update their intake form?

At least once a year, or any time the pet's health, medications, or behavior changes. Digital forms make this easy by letting clients confirm or update details when they rebook.