Grooming booking should collect breed, size, coat condition, last groom date, vaccination proof and behavior notes, then send reminders and rebook at pickup.
Booking flow
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Book | Breed, size, coat details |
| Vaccines | Upload proof |
| Reminder | Day before |
| Drop-off or arrival | Owner discusses cut |
| Groom | Photos |
| Pickup | Rebook |
What to collect at booking
Grooming time depends on the dog, so booking must capture the details: breed or mix, weight, coat type and length, date of the last professional groom, any matting, behavior notes such as fear of dryers or nail trims, health conditions like arthritis or seizures, and proof of required vaccinations. For mobile grooming, add the address, where the van can park and whether there is an outlet or water access if needed. First-time clients may need a longer slot so the groomer can meet the dog and discuss the cut.
Use the notes in your booking software so every visit starts with the last cut length, blade numbers and any behavior notes. Owners notice when you remember their dog.
Sample confirmation message
"Hi Ana, Biscuit is booked for a full groom on Friday at 10. Please bring her on a leash and upload her rabies certificate if you haven't. If her coat is matted, we'll call before deciding on a shorter cut. Pickup is usually two to three hours after drop-off; we'll text when she's ready."
Running the day
Stagger drop-offs so dogs do not wait long in kennels, text owners when their dog is ready, and ask for pickup within a set time. For mobile, group appointments by neighborhood and send an on-the-way message. Rebook the next appointment at pickup, at the interval that keeps that coat healthy.
Mistakes
- Booking every dog in the same time slot length
- No behavior notes
- Long kennel waits
- Forgetting to rebook
Sample confirmation
"Max is booked for a full groom Friday at 9. Please upload his rabies certificate. We'll text when he's ready."
Mistakes
- Same slot length for every dog
- No vaccine checks
- No rebooking at pickup
Running the calendar
Plan the day so large or difficult dogs are booked when the groomer is fresh, and leave buffers for dogs that need breaks. Text owners when their dog is ready and ask for pickup within a set time, so dogs spend less time waiting in kennels.
Workflow
- Booking link
- New pet form: breed, size, vaccines, behavior notes
- Cancellation policy
Free tools
Common questions
Vaccines?
Proof at booking.
Reminders?
Yes.
Rebook?
At pickup.
Deposits?
For new clients.
How long should a groom take?
It varies by size, coat and behavior; time your own grooms and set booking lengths accordingly.
Should I text when a dog is ready?
Yes; it shortens kennel time and keeps owners informed.
Should I take deposits from new clients?
Some groomers do to reduce no-shows; state the policy.
Should we limit bookings per day?
Yes; know your capacity to avoid rushing dogs.
Show your services and connect customers to your booking provider
Your service menu, prices if you show them, photos and a booking button that goes straight to the booking tool you already use.
See salon and booking websites