Most grooming disputes come from a few predictable situations: a matted dog that had to be shaved short, a senior dog that had a health episode, a nick from clippers on a squirming dog, or a skin issue the owner discovers a few days later. A written service agreement and release form explains these risks before the first groom, so owners understand and you are protected. Here is what to include.
This is a planning checklist, not legal advice. Contract, liability and animal care rules vary by state. Have a local attorney review your final form and ask your insurer what they recommend it say.
The checklist
1. Client and pet details
Owner name, address where you will park, phone, emergency contact, and for each dog: name, breed, age, weight, and the regular veterinarian’s contact details.
2. Health disclosure
The owner confirms they have told you about health conditions such as heart or breathing problems, seizures, diabetes, arthritis, skin conditions, allergies, recent surgeries and medications. Many groomers also ask that dogs be current on vaccinations required where they live, and that they are free of fleas, or note how fleas found during a groom are handled.
3. Behavior disclosure
Bite history, aggression, fear of grooming, sensitivity around feet, ears or face, and anything else that affects handling. State that you may use reasonable safety restraints, such as a grooming loop or muzzle, and that you may stop a groom if the dog becomes unsafe to handle, with the fee for partial grooms.
4. Matting and shave-down consent
Explain that severely matted coats often cannot be brushed out humanely and may need to be clipped short. Note that shaving a matted coat can reveal skin irritation, hot spots or other issues that were hidden under the mats, and that some dogs may feel itchy or act differently afterward. Include any matting fee. Our mobile dog grooming pricing guide covers how groomers usually handle matting charges.
5. Senior and special-needs dogs
Grooming can be physically demanding for older dogs or those with health issues. Note that you will take extra care and breaks, that the owner understands the increased risk, and whether you may ask for a vet’s OK before grooming dogs with certain conditions.
6. Minor nicks and grooming risks
A plain statement that even careful grooming carries some risk of minor nicks, clipper irritation or quicked nails, especially with moving dogs or matted coats, and how you will handle and report any injury. How far you can limit liability in writing depends on your state, so get professional advice on this section.
7. Veterinary care authorization
What you will do if a dog needs veterinary attention during a groom: contact the owner first, then the emergency contact, and if no one can be reached, take the dog to the nearest vet. State who pays for that care.
8. Owner presence and handoff
Whether someone needs to be home for handoff, where the dog will be returned, and what happens if no one is available at the end of the groom.
9. Parking and utilities
Where you will park, whether you need an outlet or water hookup (many vans are self-contained), and that the owner confirms you can park there. HOAs, apartment complexes and some cities have rules on commercial vehicles and wastewater, so check yours. Our guide on grooming van options covers self-contained setups.
10. Cancellations and late arrivals
Notice required to cancel or reschedule, any late-cancellation or no-show fee, and what happens if the dog is not ready when you arrive.
11. Pricing and payment
How pricing works by size, coat and service, what may change the price on the day (matting, behavior, extra time), and when payment is due. Many mobile groomers keep a card on file and charge after each appointment.
12. Satisfaction and touch-ups
How owners should raise concerns about a cut, and within how many days you will do a free touch-up.
13. Photos
Permission to photograph the dog for records and, separately, for social media and marketing.
14. Signature and date
Signed or accepted online before the first groom, and updated when health or behavior changes.
Keep it friendly and readable
Use plain language and short sections. Send the form when a new client books, and briefly walk through the matting and senior dog sections in person. Owners appreciate a groomer who explains things up front. It shows you care about their dog’s comfort, not just the cut.
Get a grooming release form with the kit
Our mobile dog grooming starter kit includes booking by breed and size, pet profiles with notes, rebooking reminders, a van setup checklist and a grooming release form. We build it once 25 people vote for it, and voters get 20% off at launch. Vote for the mobile grooming kit.
This is general information, not legal or veterinary advice. Contract, liability and animal care rules vary by state and city. Have your form reviewed by a local attorney.
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