Matted Dog Policy and Shave-Down Consent Template

Every groomer has had the conversation. A client drops off a doodle who hasn't been brushed since spring and says, "Just a little trim, I want to keep him fluffy." You run your hand down his side and feel a solid mat from shoulder to hip.

Without a clear policy, that conversation turns into a negotiation at the counter, a dog stuck on your table for three painful hours of de-matting, or an angry client at pickup who says you "scalped" their dog.

A written matted dog policy, plus a signed shave-down consent, protects the dog, protects you, and makes the conversation easier for everyone. Below you'll find a ready-to-use template, a matting fee structure, the words to use at drop-off, and how to document everything.

This template is general guidance, not legal advice. Have a local attorney review your final version, especially the liability language.

Why you need a written matting policy

• The dog's welfare. Brushing out severe mats is painful and can cause skin damage. A short shave is usually kinder.
• Clear expectations. Clients often don't realize how matted their dog is. A policy explains it before there's a problem.
• Liability. Shaving matted coats can reveal skin irritation, hot spots, cuts, or bruising that was hidden under the mats. A signed release documents that the owner was told.
• Fair pay. De-matting takes a lot of time. A policy lets you charge for it consistently.

Many groomers sum it up with the phrase "humanity over vanity": the dog's comfort comes before the haircut the owner wanted.

The matted dog policy (template)

Copy this into your intake paperwork, website, and salon wall. Replace the bracketed parts.

[Salon Name] Matted Coat Policy

At [Salon Name], your pet's comfort and safety come first. Matted fur is uncomfortable, can trap moisture against the skin, and can hide skin problems.

What matting is. Mats are tangles of hair that tighten over time and can pull on the skin. Severe matting (also called pelting) forms a solid layer close to the skin.

How we handle matting.

1. Light tangles may be brushed out during the groom if it can be done comfortably for your pet. A de-matting fee may apply.
2. Moderate matting may require extra time. We'll contact you before starting de-matting that will take longer than [15] minutes, and a de-matting fee of [$X per 15 minutes] applies.
3. Severe matting will be shaved short. We will not brush out severe mats, because it is painful and can injure your pet's skin.

What may happen after a shave-down. Shaving a matted coat can reveal skin irritation, redness, hot spots, small nicks, or bruising that was hidden under the mats. Some pets may scratch or shake their heads afterwards. Hair will grow back, usually within [6–12] weeks depending on the breed.

Preventing matting. Regular brushing at home and grooming every [4–6] weeks are the best way to keep your pet's coat healthy. We're happy to show you how to brush your pet.

Agreement. By signing below, you understand and accept this policy.

The shave-down consent form (template)

Use this when a dog arrives matted. It's separate from your general policy and is signed at drop-off for that specific visit.

Shave-Down Consent and Release

Pet name: ____________ Breed: ____________ Date: ____________

I understand that my pet's coat is matted to a degree that requires shaving. I have been shown the matting and have had the chance to ask questions.

I understand that:

• My pet's coat will be shaved short (approximately [blade length]) on the following areas: ☐ full body ☐ legs ☐ ears ☐ tail ☐ other: ____________
• Shaving matted fur can reveal or cause skin irritation, redness, hot spots, nicks, or bruising, and pets may scratch or shake their heads afterwards.
• Pets with heavily matted ears may shake their heads a lot after the mats are removed, which can occasionally lead to an ear hematoma that needs a vet visit.
• The final look will be different from my pet's usual style.
• A matting or shave-down fee of $______ will be added to today's service.

I authorize [Salon Name] to proceed. I release [Salon Name] and its staff from liability for conditions related to the matting that existed before today's groom.

☐ I would like before-and-after photos sent to me.

Owner signature: ____________ Phone: ____________

How to set your matting fees

There's no universal standard, but these three approaches are the most common:

Whatever you choose, put it on your price list so it's never a surprise. Our free grooming price list template has space for add-ons like this.

What to say at drop-off

The conversation matters as much as the form. Do it before the owner leaves, with the dog in front of you.

1. Show, don't tell. Run their hand over the matted area. Most owners genuinely don't know.
2. Explain the options kindly. "I can feel some tight mats against his skin here. Brushing these out would really hurt him, so the kindest thing is to shave them short. His coat will grow back in a couple of months."
3. Give the price now. "There's a $30 matting fee for today, so his total will be $105."
4. Get the signature. "I just need you to sign this so we're on the same page."
5. Book the next visit. "If we see him every five weeks, we can keep him fluffy without this happening again. Want me to book that now?"

That last step is the long-term fix. A dog on a 5-week schedule rarely mats.

Document everything with photos

Before photos are your best protection if a client is unhappy later. Take:

• A full-body photo at drop-off
• Close-ups of the worst mats, and any skin issues you see before you start
• A photo of any irritation or nicks revealed during the shave
• A final after photo

Save them to the pet's profile with the date. Most grooming software lets you keep notes and photos per pet. If you use digital forms, you can also send the consent form to the client's phone and keep the signed copy attached to their record.

Go digital with your forms

Paper consent forms get wet, lost, or filed in the wrong drawer. Digital forms are signed on the client's phone, stored with the pet's profile, and easy to find if there's ever a dispute.

Teddy includes digital intake forms and agreements on every plan, so you can send this policy with your new-client paperwork and have the shave-down consent ready at drop-off. MoeGo and DaySmart Pet (from its Deluxe tier) also offer digital forms. For more on going paperless, read ditching paper intake forms and service agreements.

Pair this policy with your other paperwork:

• Dog grooming waiver template
• Grooming service agreement template
• Dog grooming intake form

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a matted dog policy?

It's a written policy that explains how a grooming business handles matted coats: when mats are brushed out, when they're shaved, what fees apply, and what risks the owner accepts. It sets expectations before there's a problem.

Should groomers shave matted dogs?

For severe matting, most professional groomers shave rather than brush out, because brushing out pelted coats is painful and can damage the skin. Many groomers follow a "humanity over vanity" approach that puts the dog's comfort first.

How much should I charge for de-matting?

Common approaches are a time-based fee such as $15 per 15 minutes, a flat matting fee by size, or a shave-down fee. Set your amounts based on your local market and how long matted dogs actually take you.

Do I need a client to sign a shave-down consent form?

It's strongly recommended. A signed consent shows the owner was told about the matting, agreed to the shave, and understood that skin issues may be revealed. Keep it with the pet's record, along with before photos.

How do I stop clients from bringing in matted dogs?

Educate them at every visit, show them how to brush, and prebook the next appointment at a 4- to 6-week interval before they leave. Regular appointments are the single best way to prevent matting.

The bottom line

A matting policy doesn't make you the bad guy. It makes you the professional who puts the dog's comfort first and explains it clearly. Write the policy, use a consent form at drop-off, charge fairly, take photos, and prebook the next visit.

If you'd like your policies signed digitally and stored with each pet's profile, Teddy includes digital forms and agreements on every plan, starting at $49 a month. You can try it free for 14 days. MoeGo and DaySmart Pet offer digital forms too, so pick the system your team will actually use.