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A pet grooming agreement is the document that turns a handshake into a professional relationship. It tells clients exactly what they're signing up for — what services you provide, what your policies are, what happens if a pet has a health event, and what both parties are responsible for.
Done right, it prevents misunderstandings that lead to disputes, bad reviews, and lost clients.
Grooming Agreement vs. Grooming Waiver: What’s the Difference?
Groomers often use these terms interchangeably, but they serve different purposes.
A grooming waiver focuses on liability — it confirms the client understands risks and releases you from responsibility in certain situations (matting shaves, senior pet risks, behavioral incidents).
A grooming agreement is broader. It includes:
- Services and pricing
- Policies (cancellation, no-shows)
- Client responsibilities
- Your rights as a business owner
Think of the waiver as one part of the agreement.
👉 Learn more here:
What to Include in a Pet Grooming Agreement
Service Description
Clearly define what’s included in your services. Don’t assume clients understand what a “full groom” means.
Example:
- Bath
- Blow dry
- Brush out
- Haircut/trim
- Nail trim
- Ear cleaning
List add-ons separately so expectations are clear.
Pricing and Payment Terms
Include:
- How pricing is calculated (size, breed, coat condition)
- When payment is due
- Accepted payment methods
- Additional charges (matting, behavior, time)
Transparency here prevents pushback at pickup.
Cancellation and No-Show Policy
This is one of the most important sections.
Include:
- Required notice (24–48 hours)
- Late cancellation fees
- No-show fees
- Deposit requirements
👉 Use a structured template here:
No-Show Policy Template for Pet Groomers
Health Requirements
State vaccination requirements clearly:
- Rabies (minimum)
- Bordetella (recommended/required)
Also include that clients must provide accurate health information.
Health Disclosure
Clients must disclose:
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Behavioral history
👉 Pair this with a proper intake system:
Free Pet Grooming Client Intake Form Template
Right to Refuse or Discontinue Service
Protect yourself with clear language:
- You can stop a groom if unsafe
- Clients are still charged for work done
- You can refuse future service if needed
Photo and Marketing Consent
Include a simple opt-in:
- Social media
- Website
- Marketing materials
Health Emergency Authorization
Give yourself permission to act fast:
- Seek vet care if needed
- Client covers costs
- Attempt to contact owner first
Liability Limitation
Limit your responsibility:
- Not liable for pre-existing conditions
- Not responsible for undisclosed issues
- Liability capped at service cost
Agreement Confirmation
Include:
- Signature
- Date
- Printed name
This is what makes the document enforceable.
Free Pet Grooming Agreement Template
[YOUR SALON NAME] — Pet Grooming Client Agreement
Client Information
- Client Name
- Pet Name / Breed / Age
- Date
Services
Standard grooming includes bath, blow dry, brush out, haircut/trim, nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression. Additional services available at extra cost.
Pricing
Pricing is based on size, breed, coat condition, and time required. Additional charges may apply for:
- Matting
- Behavioral difficulty
- Add-ons
Cancellation and No-Show Policy
- [24/48] hours notice required
- Late cancellation: [X]% fee
- No-show: full service charge
- Repeat no-shows may require deposit
Vaccination Requirements
Rabies required. Bordetella [required/recommended].
Health Disclosure
Clients must disclose all health and behavioral conditions. The salon is not liable for undisclosed issues.
Matting Policy
Severe matting may require shaving. Additional charges apply. Skin conditions may be revealed — not the salon’s responsibility.
Senior & Risk Acknowledgment
Senior or medically fragile pets carry higher grooming risk.
Right to Discontinue Service
Service may be stopped for safety reasons. Charges still apply for work completed.
Emergency Care
Salon may seek veterinary care if needed. Client is responsible for costs.
Photo Consent
[ ] I consent
[ ] I do not consent
Liability
Liability is limited to grooming service cost only.
Agreement
I confirm all information is accurate and agree to all policies.
Signature: ____________
Date: ____________
Making Your Agreement Digital
Paper agreements are easy to lose and hard to manage.
Digital agreements:
- Store client signatures automatically
- Link directly to client profiles
- Provide timestamps for legal protection
Tools like Teddy allow you to:
- Attach agreements to bookings
- Collect signatures before approval
- Store everything in one place
This removes the need for manual paperwork and makes enforcement much easier.
Updating Your Agreement Over Time
Your agreement should evolve with your business.
Update it when:
- Policies change
- Pricing changes
- New services are added
Best practices:
- Add a “last updated” date
- Have clients re-sign after major changes
- Keep old versions for records
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a grooming agreement legally binding?
Yes — as long as it’s clear, signed, and both parties agree voluntarily.
Can I use digital signatures?
Yes. Digital signatures are widely accepted and enforceable in most cases.
Should I have a lawyer review it?
Optional, but helpful if you run a larger operation or want extra protection.
Agreement vs contract — is there a difference?
Not really. Both are legally binding — “agreement” just sounds friendlier.
Do I need one agreement per pet?
You can:
- Use one agreement for all pets
- Or separate agreements per pet
Both are valid.
Final Thoughts
A strong grooming agreement protects your business, your clients, and the pets in your care. It sets expectations clearly and gives you something to stand on when issues come up.
When combined with tools like Teddy, you can automate agreements, streamline onboarding, and run a more professional, stress-free grooming business.
