Pet Grooming Service Agreement Template

A handshake and good intentions work fine right up until they don't. The client who "always pays cash" forgets their wallet. The one who books a full groom disputes the de-matting fee. The no-show who insists they never confirmed. A written pet grooming service agreement heads off these situations by putting your policies in plain language and getting the client to agree to them before you start. It's not about being adversarial; it's about everyone knowing the rules. Below is a template you can adapt, plus notes on why each section belongs in it.

Agreement vs waiver vs intake: how they fit together

These three documents overlap, so it helps to separate them. Your intake form gathers information about the pet. Your waiver records consent to the risks of grooming. The service agreement is the business contract: it covers payment, cancellations, late pickups, pricing changes, and your operating policies. Many groomers combine all three into one signed document, which is perfectly fine as long as each area is covered.

The pet grooming service agreement template

Adapt the language to your services, prices, and local laws.

1. Services and pricing

I understand that prices are based on the pet's breed, size, coat condition, and behavior, and that the final price may differ from an initial quote if the pet's condition requires additional work (for example, de-matting or extra time for a difficult groom).

2. Payment terms

Payment is due at the time of service. Accepted methods: [list]. A [X]% fee or rebooking hold may apply to declined or missed payments.

3. Cancellation and no-show policy

I agree to give at least [24/48] hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less notice, or no-shows, may incur a fee of [amount or percentage]. Repeated no-shows may require a deposit for future bookings.

4. Late drop-off and pickup

I agree to drop off and pick up my pet at the scheduled times. Late pickups beyond [X] minutes may incur a [holding fee], as space and staffing are limited.

5. Matting and coat condition

I understand that severely matted coats may require a shave-down for the pet's welfare, that this can change the price, and that grooming a matted coat may reveal skin irritation or injury beneath the mats.

6. Health, behavior, and liability

I have disclosed all known health and behavioral issues, my pet is current on required vaccinations, and I understand that grooming carries inherent risks. I authorize emergency veterinary care if needed and accept responsibility for related costs.

7. Right to refuse or stop service

The groomer may decline or stop a service if the pet poses a safety risk to itself or staff, and a service fee may still apply.

8. Photo and marketing consent (optional)

I permit before-and-after photos of my pet to be used in marketing and social media. (I may opt out.)

9. Acknowledgment and signature

I have read and agree to these terms. Client name, signature, date, and pet name(s).

Make it easy to sign and easy to find

An agreement only works if it's signed and retrievable. Cornering clients at drop-off to sign paper is awkward and easy to skip, and paper files are hard to search when a dispute comes up months later. Digital agreements solve both problems: the client signs once, before arrival, and the signed document lives on their profile for every future visit. Grooming platforms like Teddy include digital service agreements alongside scheduling and unlimited texting, so the signed terms are attached automatically and easy to pull up. MoeGo and DaySmart offer digital forms too. Whatever you use, get agreement before the first groom, not after a problem.

A few practical notes

Keep the language clear enough that clients actually read it; a plain agreement they understand is stronger than dense legalese they skim. Set cancellation windows you'll actually enforce, because an unenforced policy trains clients to ignore it. Re-secure agreement when your terms change. And have a local attorney review your final version once, since enforceability varies by jurisdiction. For the cancellation piece specifically, our no-show policy template gives you ready wording.

Frequently asked questions

What should a pet grooming service agreement include?

Cover services and pricing, payment terms, a cancellation and no-show policy, late pickup rules, a matting clause, health and liability with emergency-care consent, a right to refuse service, optional photo consent, and a signature.

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

A waiver focuses on consent to the risks of grooming, while a service agreement is the broader business contract covering payment, cancellations, pickup, and policies. Many groomers combine both into one signed document.

Is a grooming service agreement legally binding?

A signed agreement can be binding, but enforceability varies by location and it won't cover genuine negligence. Have a local attorney review your version, and treat it as one layer of protection alongside insurance and good practices.

Should I use digital or paper agreements?

Digital agreements are easier to collect and store, since clients sign before arrival and the document attaches to their profile for future visits. Software like Teddy handles this automatically. Paper works but is harder to manage and retrieve.

How do I enforce a cancellation policy?

Put the policy in writing, have clients agree to it, and apply it consistently. Requiring a deposit for repeat offenders and sending clear reminders both help. An unenforced policy quickly loses its effect.