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A pet grooming service agreement isn't just paperwork — it's the document that sets expectations, prevents disputes, and protects your business when something goes wrong. Most grooming salons either skip the service agreement entirely or use one cobbled together from random Google searches that misses the policies that actually cause problems. This template gives you a complete, plug-and-play service agreement built specifically for grooming operations, with sections covering pricing, scheduling, liability, photo permissions, payment, and the cancellation policy that keeps your schedule profitable. Adapt it to your business, get it signed by every client, and you'll save yourself a lot of headaches over the next 12 months.
What a Service Agreement Actually Does
Three things, in order of importance:
Sets expectations. When clients sign the agreement, they've actively committed to your pricing, scheduling, and policy structure. This dramatically reduces disputes later.
Documents authorization. Without a signed agreement, you have no documentation that the client authorized the services, agreed to the pricing, or accepted your cancellation policy.
Protects you legally. Combined with a separate waiver (which addresses liability for grooming-specific incidents), the service agreement is your legal foundation for the business relationship.
Most grooming businesses combine an intake form, waiver, and service agreement into a single document signed at first visit. This template covers the service agreement portion.
Pet Grooming Service Agreement — Template
[YOUR SALON NAME] Pet Grooming Service Agreement
Client Name: _________________________________
Pet Name: _________________________________
Effective Date: _________________________________
This Service Agreement ("Agreement") establishes the terms under which [Your Salon Name] will provide grooming services for the above-named pet(s).
1. Services Provided
[Your Salon Name] offers the following grooming services, with current pricing available on our published service menu:
- Full grooming (bath, dry, brush, haircut, nails, ears, sanitary)
- Bath and brush services
- Nail trimming and grinding
- De-shed treatments
- De-matting services
- Specialty services (ear plucking, teeth brushing, anal gland expression)
- Add-on treatments (medicated baths, conditioning treatments, breed-specific styling)
All services are performed by trained professional groomers. Pricing is tiered by pet size, coat type, and condition. Final pricing is confirmed at booking or drop-off.
2. Pricing and Payment Terms
Pricing: Current pricing for all services is available at our salon and on our website. We reserve the right to update pricing with 30 days' notice to existing clients.
Surcharges may apply for:
- Matted coats requiring de-matting or shave-down
- Difficult-to-handle or aggressive pets
- First-time or anxious pets requiring extra time
- Doodles, dense double coats, or breeds requiring specialty handling
- Pets significantly outside published size tiers
Surcharges will be quoted upfront when possible (at booking) and at minimum communicated at drop-off before work begins.
Payment: Payment is due at time of service. We accept all major credit cards, debit, cash, and digital payment methods. A valid credit card may be required on file to hold appointments.
Tipping: Tips are appreciated but never expected. Standard tip range is 15-20% of service total.
3. Scheduling and Appointment Policies
Booking: Appointments may be booked online via our request-based booking system, by phone, by text, or in person. Requested appointments are confirmed by [Your Salon Name] once verified.
Confirmation: All confirmed appointments will receive an automated reminder 48 hours and 24 hours before the scheduled time. Clients are responsible for noting confirmed appointment details.
Arrival and pickup: Please arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled drop-off time. Pickup is expected within 30 minutes of pickup notification. Late pickup may result in a holding fee of $1/minute after 60 minutes past pickup notification.
Walk-ins: Walk-in services are accepted only as schedule permits and may not be available during peak times.
4. Cancellation and No-Show Policy
I understand and agree to the following:
- Cancellations require 24 hours' notice to avoid a fee
- No-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged 50% of the booked service value
- A valid credit card may be required on file to hold all appointments
- Three (3) missed appointments within a 12-month period may result in [Your Salon Name] declining future bookings
I authorize [Your Salon Name] to charge the credit card on file for no-show or late cancellation fees as outlined in this policy. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of [Your Salon Name] for documented emergencies.
5. Communication Preferences
[Your Salon Name] communicates primarily by text message for appointment reminders, "pet is ready" notifications, scheduling, and follow-ups. Standard message rates may apply per your carrier.
By providing your phone number on this Agreement, you consent to receive transactional and appointment-related text messages from [Your Salon Name]. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.
For account-related issues that require longer communication, email is available.
6. Photo and Marketing Authorization (Optional)
☐ I grant [Your Salon Name] permission to photograph my pet and use the images in marketing materials, including but not limited to social media posts, website content, advertising, and printed promotional materials.
☐ I do NOT grant photo permission. My pet's images will not be used in any marketing materials.
I understand I can revoke or modify this permission at any time by notifying [Your Salon Name] in writing.
7. Service Modifications and Refusal of Service
[Your Salon Name] reserves the right to:
- Modify the requested service if it is not safe for the pet (e.g., shaving rather than de-matting a severely matted coat)
- Decline or discontinue service for any pet displaying aggression that poses a safety risk to staff
- Decline service for pets without current vaccinations
- Refuse service to clients who repeatedly violate cancellation policy or treat staff disrespectfully
Clients will be billed for time spent and services completed up to the point of service discontinuation.
8. Liability and Limitation of Damages
Grooming services are provided with reasonable care. However, [Your Salon Name]'s total liability for any incident or dispute related to services provided shall not exceed the amount paid for the service in question.
Specific limitations:
- [Your Salon Name] is not liable for medical complications arising from undisclosed medical conditions
- [Your Salon Name] is not liable for behavioral changes or injuries resulting from undisclosed aggression or anxiety
- [Your Salon Name] is not liable for skin issues exposed by removal of matted coats
- [Your Salon Name] is not liable for normal wear-and-tear of grooming (minor brush sensitivity, temporary stress responses)
This limitation does not apply in cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
9. Term and Termination
This Agreement remains in effect for the duration of the client relationship with [Your Salon Name]. Either party may terminate the relationship at any time by providing notice in writing or by text.
Termination does not relieve the client of any outstanding balances or applicable cancellation fees for appointments scheduled at the time of termination.
10. Updates to This Agreement
[Your Salon Name] may update this Agreement from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to clients at least 30 days before taking effect. Continued use of services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
11. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [Your State]. Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of [Your County/City, State].
12. Acknowledgment and Signature
I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Service Agreement. I confirm that I am the legal owner of the pet listed above, or authorized to make decisions on behalf of the owner.
Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: _________________________________
Date: _________________________________
How to Use This Template
Three options:
Option 1: Digital Signature (Recommended)
Build the agreement into your grooming software as a digital form. Teddy, MoeGo, DaySmart, Gingr, and Pawfinity all support digital service agreements with e-signature. Signed copies live on the client profile for easy reference.
Option 2: PDF
Convert the template to a PDF, print copies, and have new clients sign at first visit. Scan and store the signed copies digitally.
Option 3: Online Form (Free Tool)
Use Google Forms, Jotform, or DocuSign Free to build a digital version. Email the link to new clients before their first appointment.
Service Agreement vs. Waiver vs. Intake Form
Three documents, three purposes:
- Intake form: Collects info about the pet (breed, behavior, medical history, service preferences).
- Waiver: Acknowledges legal liability for grooming-specific risks (matted coats, senior pets, behavioral incidents).
- Service agreement: Establishes the business relationship terms (pricing, scheduling, cancellation, communication).
Most salons combine these into a single document signed at first visit, with separate sections for each function.
For companion documents, see the Dog Grooming Intake Form Template and Dog Grooming Waiver Template.
How Often to Update This Agreement
Review and update your service agreement annually. Update sooner if:
- Your pricing structure changes meaningfully
- Your cancellation or no-show policy changes
- You add new services that need explicit terms
- Your state passes new regulations affecting grooming or business contracts
- An attorney reviewing your documents recommends changes
For material updates, notify existing clients 30 days before the changes take effect.
Mobile Grooming Adaptations
If you operate a mobile grooming business, add a section to this agreement covering:
- Travel fees and service area boundaries
- Client's responsibility to provide parking access
- Restrictions on entering the mobile unit
- Greywater disposal and property considerations
- Weather-related rescheduling policies
- Generator noise expectations
Mobile-specific policies prevent the most common disputes that come up in van-based service.
Legal Disclaimer
This template is provided as a starting point and does not constitute legal advice. Have your final service agreement reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state to ensure compliance with local laws and adequate protection for your business. Contract enforceability and certain required disclosures vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Legally Need a Service Agreement for My Grooming Business?
There's no federal law requiring a service agreement, but operating without one exposes your business to significant legal and financial risk. Every reputable grooming business uses one. The agreement establishes the basis for charging cancellation fees, enforcing pricing, and protecting your liability.
What's the Difference Between a Service Agreement and a Waiver?
A service agreement establishes the business relationship terms (pricing, scheduling, cancellation policy, communication). A waiver specifically addresses legal liability for grooming-related incidents (matted coats, behavioral disclosure, medical complications). Most salons use both, often combined into a single onboarding document.
For liability language and risk acknowledgments, use a dedicated Dog Grooming Waiver Template alongside your service agreement.
Can I Require Existing Clients to Sign a New Service Agreement?
Yes. Most salons require all clients to sign an updated agreement when material changes are made (new pricing, new cancellation policy, etc.). Send the updated version 30 days in advance with a clear explanation of what's changed and why.
Where Should I Store Signed Service Agreements?
Digital storage inside your grooming software is the most secure and easily retrievable option. Teddy, MoeGo, DaySmart, and Gingr all support digital storage of service agreements on the client profile. If you store paper copies, keep them in a locked filing cabinet for at least 5 years.
What If a Client Refuses to Sign the Service Agreement?
You can decline service. Most professional grooming businesses require agreement completion for first-time clients. Politely explain the agreement protects both the client and the salon. Clients who refuse to sign standard service terms are typically signaling future problems and are better declined.
