A dog grooming cancellation policy that clients accept

Updated 6 October 2026

A cancellation policy isn’t about catching people out. It tells clients how much notice you need so you can offer the slot to someone else, and what happens if they don’t give it. Written clearly and agreed up front, most clients respect it. This isn’t legal advice; if you’re unsure about wording, ask a solicitor.

Decide the notice you need

Work back from how long it takes you to fill a gap. If you can usually fill a slot with a day’s warning, ask for 24 or 48 hours. Mobile groomers who plan a route a few days ahead may need more.

Keep it the same for everyone, and short enough to remember.

Say what happens with less notice

Late cancellation (less than your notice): a fee, often a share of the groom price, or the deposit is kept.
No-show: the full price, or the deposit plus a fee.
Arriving late: the groom may be shortened or rebooked, and the full price may still apply.
Repeated late cancellations: you may ask for a deposit or full payment when booking.

Template wording you can adapt

“Please give at least [48] hours’ notice if you need to cancel or move an appointment, so I can offer the time to another dog.”
“Cancellations with less than [48] hours’ notice will be charged [50%] of the groom price [or: your deposit will be kept].”
“If you don’t attend without letting me know, the full price of the groom will be charged.”
“If you arrive more than [15] minutes late, I may need to shorten the groom or rebook, and the full price may still apply.”
“I understand things happen. I may waive a fee for genuine emergencies at my discretion.”

Get it agreed before the first groom

A policy only works if the client has seen and agreed to it in advance. Put it in your terms, show it on your booking page, and ask new clients to accept it before their first appointment. A signed record makes a fee much easier to ask for.

Apply it fairly

Many groomers waive the first late cancellation and charge from the second, or always charge new clients but use judgement for long-standing regulars. Whatever you decide, keep a note of each late cancellation, so you can spot the clients who make a habit of it and treat everyone the same way.

Make it easy to give notice

Clients are more likely to cancel in time if it’s easy: a reminder the day before with a way to reply, or a link where they can cancel within your notice period themselves.

Questions

Can I charge a no-show fee as a dog groomer?

Yes, if the client agreed to it before booking and the amount is reasonable compared with what you actually lose. Keep a record of what they agreed to.

How much notice should a groomer ask for?

Commonly 24 to 48 hours. Choose the time you realistically need to fill the slot.

What’s the easiest way to collect a cancellation fee?

Take a deposit or save a card when the client books. Asking for money after a missed appointment is much harder.