Dog grooming consent form: what to include (UK)
A consent form makes sure owners know what to expect, and gives you their agreement before you start on a matted, elderly or nervous dog. This is general information, not legal advice: if you're unsure, ask your insurer, who may have a template they want you to use.
Health
- That the owner has told you about health conditions, medication, allergies and recent surgery
- That older dogs and dogs with health problems can find grooming more stressful
- That you may stop a groom if the dog is distressed, and what you'll charge if you do
Matting and shave-downs
Badly matted coats often have to be clipped short, because brushing them out would hurt the dog. Clipping can reveal skin problems that were hidden, and can sometimes cause irritation. Ask the owner to agree to a shave-down if it's needed, and say whether it costs extra.
Behaviour and handling
- Whether the dog has bitten or snapped before
- Whether you may use a muzzle or other safe handling
- What happens if a dog is too stressed or dangerous to groom
Emergency vet care
Ask for the owner's vet details and their consent for you to take the dog to a vet in an emergency if you can't reach them, and who pays.
Photos
If you'd like to share before and after photos on social media, ask for consent separately, and let owners say no without it affecting their booking.
Your policies
Include, or link to, your deposit, cancellation and no-show policy, so owners agree to it in the same place.
Keep a record
Keep the signed form, or a record of their agreement, with the dog's grooming record. Update it if the dog's health changes.
Last updated 30 October 2026.