Deposits for dog groomers: when and how to take them
Updated 6 October 2026
A deposit is the simplest way to make a booking feel real. It doesn’t have to apply to everyone: used for the right bookings, it protects your diary without putting good clients off.
When to ask for one
- New clients, before you know them.
- Long or expensive grooms, like a full hand strip or a big double-coated breed.
- Your busiest days and the slots before holidays.
- Clients who have cancelled late or not turned up before.
Many groomers don’t ask regulars who have never let them down, or move them to a “rolling” deposit that’s held and carried over to their next groom.
How much to take
Enough that the client takes the booking seriously, and enough to cover some of what you lose if they don’t come. A fixed amount is easy to explain; a percentage works better if your prices vary a lot.
Collect it when they book
Asking for a deposit by bank transfer after the booking means chasing it. It’s much easier to take it online as part of booking, or to send a payment link that confirms the booking once it’s paid.
Card payments cost a small fee, so build that into your prices rather than adding it on top.
Say what happens to it
- It comes off the bill on the day of the groom.
- It’s kept if the client cancels with less notice than your policy asks for, or doesn’t turn up.
- It’s refunded, or moved to a new date, if they cancel in time or you have to cancel.
Put this in your terms and show it when they pay, so there are no surprises.
Keep a clear record
Note every deposit taken, used, kept or refunded against the booking. When a client queries it, you can show exactly what happened and when.
Questions
Do dog groomers have to refund deposits?
It depends on what the client agreed to. If your terms say a deposit is kept for late cancellations, and the client agreed before paying, you can usually keep it. Always refund if you cancel.
Will deposits put clients off?
Rarely, if it’s explained and easy to pay. Most clients understand that a groomer holding a slot needs to know they’ll come.
More guides
- How to cut no-shows in your dog grooming businessPractical ways for dog groomers to stop no-shows and late cancellations: reminders, deposits, a clear cancellation policy and a waitlist to fill the gaps.
- How to get dog grooming clients to rebookKeep your grooming diary full by getting regulars to rebook on time: book the next groom on the day, know who is overdue and send the right nudge.
- Starting a mobile dog grooming business in the UKA practical checklist for starting a mobile dog grooming business in the UK: training, insurance, the van, pricing your round, bookings and client records.