Free Pet Grooming Client Intake Form Template

A solid intake form is the foundation of professional grooming. It captures everything you need to know about new clients and their pets before the first groom—health concerns, behavioral notes, grooming preferences, and contact information.

We created a comprehensive intake form template you can download and customize for your business.

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What's Included in This Intake Form

Client Information

• Full name
• Phone number (primary and secondary)
• Email address
• Home address
• Emergency contact
• How they heard about you

Pet Information

• Pet name
• Breed
• Age / date of birth
• Weight
• Color / markings
• Spayed or neutered status
• Microchip number (optional)

Health and Medical

• Veterinarian name and phone
• Vaccination status (rabies, distemper, bordetella)
• Known allergies
• Current medications
• Skin conditions (hot spots, lumps, sensitivities)
• Recent surgeries or injuries
• Seizure history
• Flea / tick prevention status

Behavior and Temperament

• Previous grooming experience
• Reaction to grooming (nails, ears, face, dryer)
• Bite history
• Anxiety triggers
• Behavior with other animals
• Special handling notes

Grooming Preferences

• Desired haircut style or length
• Specific areas of concern
• Add-on services interest (teeth, nails, de-shed)
• Preferred products (if any)
• Scheduling preferences

Policies and Agreement

• Cancellation policy acknowledgment
• Matting policy
• Health / injury liability waiver
• Photo release (optional)
• Signature and date

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Why Use a Client Intake Form?

Protect your business. A signed service agreement documents that clients understand your policies before you start grooming.

Get the info you need. No more discovering mid-groom that the dog has a heart condition or hates having his feet touched.

Look professional. A polished intake form tells clients you run a real business, not a fly-by-night operation.

Save time. Get all the details upfront instead of playing phone tag asking follow-up questions.

How to Use This Template

Pro tip: Many grooming software platforms let you send digital intake forms that clients complete on their phone before the appointment. This saves paper and ensures you have the info before they arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit this template?

Yes. The Word document is fully editable. Add your logo, adjust the policies, add or remove questions - make it yours.

Should I require this for every new client?

We recommend it. The 5 minutes it takes for a client to fill this out can save you hours of headaches later.

What if a client won't sign?

That's a red flag. A client who won't agree to basic policies may not be worth the risk. At minimum, document that they declined.

Do I need different forms for dogs and cats?

This template works for both. The questions are general enough to apply to any pet you groom.

More Resources for Groomers

Go Digital with Your Intake Forms

Tired of paper forms? Grooming software like Teddy lets you send digital intake forms that clients complete before their appointment. Forms are automatically saved to client profiles, and you can require completion before booking is confirmed.

Learn more about Teddy's digital forms →