Pawdiary

Dog grooming consent form: what to include

Updated 6 October 2026

A consent form protects you and the dog. It makes sure you know about health problems and behaviour before the groom, and that the owner has agreed in advance to the things that can go wrong or cost extra. This guide covers what to put in one and how to get it signed. It isn’t legal advice: if you’re unsure about wording, ask a solicitor or your insurer.

Owner and dog details

Start with who you’re dealing with and which dog. Keep it to what you actually use.

  • Owner’s name, address, mobile and email, and how they’d like to be contacted.
  • An emergency contact if the owner can’t be reached.
  • The dog’s name, breed, age, sex and whether they’re neutered.
  • Their vet practice and phone number.

Health, medication and behaviour

Ask about anything that changes how you groom: skin conditions, allergies, heart or breathing problems, fits, arthritis, recent surgery, and any medication. Ask about behaviour too: nervous with dryers, snaps at feet, doesn’t like being lifted.

Ask the owner to tell you if anything changes before a future groom, and ask again at each visit for older or unwell dogs.

Matting and shave-downs

Matted coats are where most disagreements start. Explain that badly matted dogs may need to be clipped short for their welfare, that de-matting can be uncomfortable and is limited to what the dog can tolerate, and that skin underneath a matted coat can show redness or irritation that was already there.

Ask the owner to agree that you can clip short if you judge it necessary, and whether they want a call first.

Older, anxious and unwell dogs

Grooming can be tiring or stressful for elderly dogs and those with health problems. Many groomers include a line that they may stop a groom, or do a shorter one, if the dog becomes distressed, and that the owner understands the risks for a dog in that condition.

Emergency vet treatment

Say what happens if the dog is injured or taken ill during the groom: you’ll try to contact the owner, and if you can’t, you may take the dog to their vet or the nearest one. Make clear who pays for that treatment.

Photos

If you post before-and-after photos on social media, ask for permission separately and make it optional. Owners should be able to say no without it affecting their booking.

Cancellations, no-shows and payment

Put your cancellation notice, no-show fee and deposit rules here so they’re agreed before the first booking. State when payment is due and what you charge extra for, such as matting or difficult handling.

Data protection

You’re collecting personal data, so tell owners what you keep, why, and how long for. Health notes about the dog are fine to keep for grooming, but you shouldn’t use contact details for marketing unless the owner has opted in.

Getting it signed and kept

Paper forms get lost and are hard to find when you need them. A form the owner reads and signs on their phone before the first groom gives you a dated record of exactly what they agreed to, and you can ask them to sign again if you change your terms.

  • Ask new clients to sign before their first appointment.
  • Keep a copy of the version each client signed.
  • Ask everyone to sign again when you make a real change.

Questions

Is a dog grooming consent form a legal requirement?

There’s no law that says you must have one, but insurers often expect you to record health information and the owner’s consent, and a signed form is your evidence if something goes wrong. Check your insurer’s requirements.

Can clients sign online?

Yes. An electronic signature with a record of who signed, when and which version is generally accepted for this kind of agreement in the UK.

How often should clients sign it?

Once before the first groom, and again whenever you change the terms. Check health details at each visit for older dogs.

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