Dog Grooming Intake Form: What to Include + Free Template

A dog grooming intake form is the first real interaction your business has with a new client — and it does a lot of work. Done right, it collects the information you need to groom safely, documents important details about the pet, sets expectations, and starts the client relationship on a professional note. Done wrong (or skipped entirely), it leaves you walking into a first groom blind.

This guide covers what every dog grooming intake form should include, gives you a ready-to-use template, and explains how to collect it digitally so forms are complete before the client walks in the door.

Why a Good Intake Form Matters

Groomers who skip structured intake often encounter the same frustrating problems repeatedly:

• A client mentions “she doesn’t like her feet touched” after the groom has already started
• You discover hidden matting only after the dog is on the table
• A health condition wasn’t disclosed until something goes wrong
• The client expected a different haircut than what you delivered

A thorough intake form prevents most of these issues. It also signals professionalism — clients trust businesses that have a clear, structured onboarding process.

What to Include in a Dog Grooming Intake Form

Section 1: Owner and Contact Information

• Full name
• Phone number (primary and secondary/emergency)
• Email address
• Home address (especially important for mobile groomers)
• How they heard about you
• Emergency contact (name and phone)

Section 2: Pet Information

• Pet name
• Breed (and mix, if applicable)
• Age
• Weight (approximate)
• Sex and spayed/neutered status
• Color and coat type
• Nicknames or commands the pet responds to

Section 3: Vaccination Status

• Rabies — current? Expiration date
• Bordetella — current? Expiration date
• Any additional required vaccines

If proof is required, include instructions for submitting records.

Section 4: Health and Medical Information

• Known health conditions (heart, respiratory, skin, etc.)
• Current medications
• Allergies or sensitivities
• Past grooming reactions
• History of biting or aggression
• Anxiety triggers (noise, separation, handling)
• Sensitive areas (feet, ears, face, tail)
• Seizure or fainting history
• Recent injuries or surgeries

These questions help you prepare properly and avoid risky situations.

Section 5: Coat and Grooming History

• Grooming frequency
• Last professional groom date
• Brushing habits at home
• Known matting issues
• Previous bad grooming experiences
• Whether this is a puppy’s first groom

Section 6: Service Preferences

• Requested services
• Preferred style or length
• Special instructions
• Bandana, bow, or none
• Preferred contact method (call or text)
• Notification when pet is ready
• Preferred payment method

Section 7: Policies Acknowledgment

Clients should confirm:

• Agreement to cancellation and no-show policies
• Understanding of matting policy
• Consent for emergency veterinary care

Dog Grooming Intake Form Template

Copy and adapt this for your business.

[YOUR BUSINESS NAME] — New Client Intake Form

Owner Information

• Name: ______________________________
• Phone: ______________________________
• Email: ______________________________
• Emergency Contact Name and Phone: ______________________________
• How did you hear about us? ______________________________

Pet Information

• Pet Name: ______________________________
• Breed: ______________________________
• Age: ______________________________
• Weight (approx.): ______________________________
• Sex: _______ Spayed/Neutered? Yes / No
• Coat type: ______________________________

Vaccination Status

• Rabies: Current? Yes / No Expiration: ______
• Bordetella: Current? Yes / No Expiration: ______

Health and Medical

• Any known health conditions? ______________________________
• Current medications? ______________________________
• Allergies or sensitivities? ______________________________
• History of aggression? Yes / No — describe: ______________________________
• Sensitive areas: ______________________________
• Seizures/fainting? Yes / No
• Recent surgery/injury? Yes / No — describe: ______________________________

Coat and Grooming History

• Last professional groom: ______________________________
• Brushed regularly? Yes / No / Sometimes
• Known matting? Yes / No
• First groom? Yes / No
• Past negative experiences: ______________________________

Service Request

• Services requested: ______________________________
• Preferred style/length: ______________________________
• Special instructions: ______________________________
• Bandana/bow: Yes / No / No preference
• Preferred contact method: Call / Text
• Notify when ready? Yes / No

Policy Acknowledgment
I have read and agree to [Business Name]'s cancellation policy, no-show policy, and matting policy. I authorize emergency veterinary care if needed.

Signature: ______________________________
Date: ______________________________

How to Collect Intake Forms Digitally

Paper forms at check-in are inefficient and often incomplete. Digital forms solve this:

• Clients complete them at home before the appointment
• You review details in advance
• Information is stored automatically in client profiles
• Missing answers can be followed up before arrival

Most grooming software includes digital intake forms. If you’re not using one yet, tools like Google Forms or Jotform are solid alternatives.

Keeping Intake Information Current

• Review profiles before each appointment
• Ask quick updates at check-in (“Anything changed since last visit?”)
• Create a new form for each new pet
• Update records immediately when new info is shared

Accurate records lead to better, safer grooming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most important question on a grooming intake form?

Aggression and bite history. It directly impacts safety and how you handle the dog.

Should I require a new form every visit?

No. One per pet is standard, with updates as needed.

What if a client doesn’t complete the form?

Follow up before the appointment. If needed, have them complete it on their phone before accepting the dog.

Can I include my service agreement?

Yes. Many groomers combine intake and policy acknowledgment into one form with a signature.

How do I handle disclosed health conditions?

Follow up if needed, adjust your handling, and consult a vet for serious concerns. If grooming isn’t safe, it’s okay to decline service.