Online booking isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s expected. Clients want to schedule grooming appointments when it’s convenient for them, not just during your business hours.

The good news? Setting up online booking is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything, step by step.

Why Online Booking Matters

Before we dive in, here’s what you gain:

Save Time

Every online booking is a phone call you don’t have to take. Most groomers save 5–10 hours per week.

Book More Appointments

Clients book when they think about it — often outside business hours. Don’t lose them to voicemail.

Reduce No-Shows

Clients who actively book online tend to be more committed than those you chase down.

Look Professional

Modern clients expect online booking. If competitors offer it and you don’t, you’re at a disadvantage.

Choosing Your Approach

You have several options for online booking:

Option 1: Grooming-Specific Software (Recommended)

Platforms like Teddy are built specifically for pet grooming businesses.

Pros

• Pet profiles and grooming history
• Appointment reminders included
• Built-in client management
• Designed for grooming workflows

Cons

• Monthly subscription cost
• Small learning curve

Option 2: Generic Booking Tools

Platforms like Calendly, Acuity, or Square Appointments.

Pros

• Often lower cost or free tier
• Quick to set up

Cons

• No pet-specific features
• Separate from client management
• Limited grooming customization

Option 3: Website Booking Plugins

For existing websites, plugins like BookingPress or Amelia.

Pros

• Integrated with your website
• Possible one-time cost

Cons

• Requires website management
• No grooming-specific features
• May need technical help

Recommendation: Grooming-specific software usually provides the best long-term experience because it’s built around how groomers actually work.

Setting Up Online Booking (Step-by-Step)

We’ll use Teddy as an example, but these concepts apply to most platforms.

Step 1: Create Your Service Menu

Before clients can book, define what they can book.

List Your Services

• Full groom
• Bath and brush
• Nail trim only
• Puppy groom
• De-shedding treatment
• Any other services you offer

For Each Service, Specify

• Service name (what clients see)
• Description (what’s included)
• Duration (how long you need)
• Size or breed variations

Example Service Setup

Service: Full Groom – Small
Duration: 90 minutes
Notes: Dogs under 15 lbs

Service: Full Groom – Medium
Duration: 120 minutes
Notes: Dogs 15–40 lbs

Service: Full Groom – Large
Duration: 150 minutes
Notes: Dogs 40–70 lbs

Service: Bath & Brush – All Sizes
Duration: 60 minutes
Notes: No haircut

Service: Nail Trim Only
Duration: 15 minutes
Notes: Walk-in friendly

Tip: Start simple. Too many options overwhelm clients. You can always expand later.

Step 2: Set Your Availability

Tell the system when you accept appointments.

Working Days

• Which days do you groom?
• Are weekends available?

Working Hours

• First appointment time
• Last appointment time
• Do hours vary by day?

Buffer Time

• 15–30 minutes between appointments is typical
• Allow time for cleanup, transitions, and short breaks

Maximum Bookings

• How many appointments can you realistically handle per day?

Example Schedule

Monday: 9 AM – 5 PM (Max 5 bookings)
Tuesday: 9 AM – 5 PM (Max 5 bookings)
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM (Max 5 bookings)
Friday: 9 AM – 3 PM (Max 4 bookings)
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM (Max 3 bookings)

Step 3: Configure Booking Settings

Decide how you want online booking to function.

Request vs. Instant Booking

Request-Based
You approve appointments before they’re confirmed.
Recommended if you want more control.

Instant Booking
Appointments auto-confirm.
More convenient but less flexible.

Advance Booking Window

• How far ahead can clients book? (2–8 weeks typical)
• How close to the appointment can they book? (Same day? 24 hours?)

New Client Requirements

• Required contact information
• Pet details
• Policy acknowledgment

Cancellation Rules

• Can clients cancel online?
• What is your required notice period?

Step 4: Customize Your Booking Page

Make it reflect your business.

Business Information

• Business name
• Logo
• Contact details
• Location

Welcome Message

Example:
“Book your grooming appointment in just a few clicks. We can’t wait to see your pup!”

Display Policies

• Vaccination requirements
• Cancellation policy
• Important notes

Visual Customization

• Brand colors
• Clean, professional layout

Step 5: Test Everything

Before launching, test it yourself.

1. Go through the booking flow as a client
2. Select a service
3. Choose a time
4. Enter test information
5. Complete the booking
6. Confirm it appears in your calendar
7. Check that confirmation messages send

Fix issues before real clients encounter them.

Step 6: Share Your Booking Link

Now promote it everywhere.

Website

• “Book Now” button on homepage
• Link in navigation
• Multiple call-to-action placements

Social Media

• Link in Instagram bio
• “Book Online” button on Facebook
• Regular reminder posts

Google Business Profile

• Add booking button
• Update description

Email Signature

Your Name
Business Name
Book online: your-booking-link

Existing Clients

• Send a text announcement
• Mention during appointments
• Include in follow-up messages

Managing Online Bookings

Reviewing Requests (If Using Approval-Based Booking)

1. Review client and pet details
2. Confirm the time works
3. Approve or contact client to adjust
4. Client receives confirmation

Respond quickly for the best experience.

Handling Booking Issues

Double Bookings
Good software prevents this. Approval-based systems give extra control.

Problem Clients
You can block specific clients from booking online.

Wrong Service Selection
Contact the client to clarify before confirming.

Outside Service Area (Mobile Groomers)
Decline or add a travel fee.

Syncing with Other Calendars

Keep everything aligned:

• Sync with Google Calendar
• Import existing appointments
• Enable two-way sync if available

Avoid double-booking caused by mismatched calendars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Many Options

Keep services clear and limited.

Unclear Descriptions

Explain what’s included in each service.

No Buffer Time

Back-to-back bookings create constant stress.

Not Promoting It

Clients won’t use what they don’t know exists.

Ignoring Mobile

Most bookings happen on phones. Test accordingly.

Measuring Success

Track these metrics:

Booking Source
What percentage book online vs. phone?
Goal: 40–60% online within a few months.

Time Saved
Compare phone time before and after implementation.

No-Show Rate
Online bookings often result in fewer no-shows.

New Clients
Ask how they found you. Online booking often attracts search-based clients.

Troubleshooting

Clients Aren’t Using Online Booking

• Are you actively promoting it?
• Is the process confusing?
• Is phone booking still easier?

You’re Getting Too Many Bookings

• Tighten availability
• Switch to request-based approval
• Adjust maximum daily bookings

Clients Book the Wrong Services

• Improve descriptions
• Add clearer guidance
• Confirm details before appointments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Approve Bookings Before They Confirm?

Yes. Use request-based booking for full control.

Can I Limit How Far in Advance Clients Book?

Yes. Set your advance booking window (2–4 weeks is common).

Can I Treat New and Existing Clients Differently?

Yes. Require extra information for new clients or restrict online booking if needed.

How Do I Block Holidays or Personal Days?

Use your calendar’s blocking feature to mark unavailable dates.

What If the Technology Feels Overwhelming?

Start simple. Get basic booking live, then refine later.

Your Action Plan

This Week

• Choose your platform
• Create your service menu
• Set your availability

Next Week

• Customize your booking page
• Test thoroughly
• Add booking links everywhere

Ongoing

• Tell every client about online booking
• Track performance
• Refine as needed

Final Thoughts

Online booking isn’t complicated — it just requires a focused afternoon to set up properly.

The payoff?
More appointments.
Fewer phone calls.
Less stress.
Happier clients.

Set it up this week. Your future self will thank you.