Pet Grooming Service Agreement Template

A service agreement is what turns a casual grooming arrangement into a clear, professional relationship, one where both you and the client know exactly what's expected. It sets the terms: what services you'll provide, how pricing and cancellations work, who's responsible if something goes wrong, and what the client consents to. A well-written pet grooming agreement prevents the misunderstandings that sour client relationships and, occasionally, end up in disputes. This guide gives you a complete agreement template you can adapt, explains each section, and shows how to get it signed without paperwork hassle.

A note: this is a practical template, not legal advice. Have a local attorney review your final agreement to ensure it complies with your state's laws.

Why You Need a Service Agreement

An intake form gathers information and a waiver covers liability, but a service agreement defines the whole working relationship. It does three jobs:

• Sets expectations on services, pricing, timing, and policies up front
• Protects your business with liability and consent language
• Reduces disputes by putting the terms in writing both parties agreed to

Think of it as the foundation document every client signs before their first appointment.

What a Pet Grooming Agreement Should Include

The Agreement Template (Copy and Adapt)

Pet Grooming Service Agreement

This agreement is between [Salon Name] ("Groomer") and [Client Name] ("Owner"), dated _______________.

Pet: Name _____ / Breed _____ / Age _____

1. Services. The Groomer agrees to provide the grooming services selected by the Owner, which may include bathing, drying, brushing, haircutting, nail trimming, and add-on services. Final services and pricing will be confirmed at or before the appointment.

2. Pricing and payment. Pricing is based on the pet's breed, size, coat condition, and selected services. Additional charges may apply for matting, behavioral handling, or extra time. Payment is due at the time of service.

3. Cancellation and no-show policy. The Owner agrees to provide at least [24–48] hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations may incur a fee of [amount/percentage], and missed appointments (no-shows) may incur a fee of [amount/percentage]. Repeat no-shows may be required to prepay.

4. Health and vaccinations. The Owner confirms the pet is in good health, vaccinations (including rabies) are current, and any medical conditions, allergies, or medications have been disclosed.

5. Behavior. The Owner has accurately disclosed the pet's temperament and any history of biting or aggression. The Groomer may decline or stop a service if the pet is unsafe to handle.

6. Matting. The Owner understands that de-matting or shaving a matted coat may reveal or cause skin irritation and authorizes the Groomer to proceed in the manner judged safest and most humane.

7. Liability and emergency care. The Owner acknowledges grooming carries inherent risks and releases the Groomer from liability for outcomes occurring despite reasonable care. The Owner authorizes the Groomer to seek emergency veterinary care if needed, at the Owner's expense.

8. Photo release. The Owner grants / does not grant permission to photograph the pet for portfolio and marketing use.

9. Agreement. By signing, the Owner confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.

Owner signature: _______________  Date: _______________

How Each Section Protects Both Sides

A good agreement protects the client as much as you, it tells them exactly what they're paying for, when payment is due, and what your policies are, which builds trust. For you, the cancellation policy protects your calendar, the health and behavior clauses protect your safety, the matting clause prevents a common dispute, and the liability and emergency-care language protects you when grooming carries inherent risk. Clear terms make for happier clients and fewer arguments.

Pair It With Your Other Documents

A service agreement works best alongside a detailed intake form and, for some shops, a standalone waiver. Together they form a complete client record. For the cancellation side specifically, our guide on reducing no-shows explains how to structure and enforce the policy, and pairing the agreement with a thorough intake captures the health and behavior details the agreement references.

Get It Signed Digitally

A paper agreement that lives in a binder is hard to enforce and easy to lose. Digital agreements solve this: the client signs on their phone before the first appointment, the signed document attaches to their profile with a timestamp, and you can retrieve it instantly if a question ever arises. Teddy includes digital service agreements tied to each client's CRM record, so every signed agreement lives next to the pet's history alongside scheduling, reminders, and unlimited texting. Competitors like MoeGo and DaySmart offer digital agreements too, the advantage of an integrated system is that your client records stay organized automatically.

If you want agreements, intake forms, and waivers that send and sign themselves and store with each pet's profile, Teddy was built for grooming shops that want it all in one place. See it at tryteddy.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a pet grooming service agreement include?

Key sections cover the parties and pet details, services and pricing, a cancellation and no-show policy, health and vaccination terms, behavior disclosure, a matting clause, liability and emergency-care authorization, a photo release, and the owner's signature.

Is a pet grooming agreement legally binding?

A clear, signed agreement is generally enforceable, though enforceability varies by state and circumstance. It documents the agreed terms and consent, which protects your business in a dispute. Have a local attorney review your agreement to ensure it complies with your state's laws.

What's the difference between a grooming agreement and a waiver?

A waiver focuses narrowly on liability and consent, while a service agreement defines the whole relationship, services, pricing, cancellation policy, health and behavior terms, and liability. Many shops use the agreement as the comprehensive document and may include waiver language within it.

Should every grooming client sign an agreement?

Yes, ideally before the first appointment. Having every client agree to your terms up front sets clear expectations, protects your business, and reduces disputes. Returning clients should re-confirm periodically, especially if your policies or their pet's situation changes.

Can clients sign a grooming agreement online?

Yes, and it's the better approach. Digital agreements let clients sign on their phone before the visit, attach the signed document to the pet's profile with a timestamp, and let you retrieve it instantly. Platforms like Teddy, MoeGo, and DaySmart support digital signatures.