Terms and conditions for a dog groomer

A groomer works on an animal on the instructions of an owner who is not present. The terms have to place disclosure on the owner, deal with matted coats that have to be clipped, say what happens if the dog is injured or falls ill, and charge owners who collect late. I draft those terms for a fixed fee of £995, delivered in five working days.

Who this is for

Dog grooming salons and mobile groomers in England and Wales, from a single groomer to a salon with several staff, taking bookings online, by phone and in person. Your customers are consumers, so the terms are written for the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the online booking rules.

What matters in dog grooming terms

Behaviour, health and what the owner must tell you

The terms should require the owner to disclose the dog's temperament, any history of biting, health conditions, medication, skin problems and recent surgery, and to keep the information current. They should give you the right to stop a groom, to use a muzzle, and to refuse a dog that cannot be handled safely, with the appointment still chargeable. A groomer relying on what the owner said is in a much better position than one who never asked, and you owe the animal a duty of care under section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 while it is with you.

Matted coats, clipping and consent

A heavily matted coat often cannot be brushed out and has to be clipped short, and clipping can reveal skin problems that were already there and cause irritation that is not the groomer's fault. The terms should explain that, obtain the owner's consent to clip where necessary, and say that the result on a neglected coat is not a defect in the service. That is the most common grooming dispute and the terms should settle it before the appointment.

Vaccinations, parasites and other dogs

The terms should require dogs to be vaccinated and free of fleas and other parasites, allow you to refuse or send home a dog that is not, and charge for treatment of the salon if fleas are found. They should say whether dogs are kept apart, and put the risk of a dog brought in unwell on the owner.

Injuries, emergencies and liability

Dogs move, and minor nicks and cuts can happen even with reasonable care. The terms should say that you take reasonable care and that minor injuries may occur despite it, give you authority to seek veterinary treatment in an emergency at the owner's cost, and require the owner to be contactable. You cannot exclude liability for your own negligence in a way that cuts down a consumer's statutory rights, and elderly or unwell dogs are best dealt with by a recorded acceptance of the risk rather than a blanket exclusion. Your insurance should be stated.

Bookings, collection, no-shows and payment

A booking made online or by phone is a distance contract under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, and the booking flow needs the owner's express request for the groom to take place inside the 14-day period for a no-show or late-cancellation charge to be enforceable; the charge itself must reflect what you lose. Late collection should carry a stated charge, and the terms should say what happens to a dog that is not collected. Payment is on collection, prices depend on breed, size and coat condition and the terms should say so, and photographs of the dog for marketing need the owner's agreement.

What it costs

Customer or supplier terms and conditions, £995. One set of terms, customer-facing or supplier-facing, drafted for your business. Five working days.

Review of your existing terms, £495. You already have terms and want them checked and brought up to date. Returned marked up with my amendments and an explanation of the changes. Three working days.

Buying online forms the engagement on payment. The scope is what the terms and conditions drafting page describes, you accept the Terms of Service at checkout, and I email you within four working hours to get started. If you would rather ask something first, email me.

What you get

• A full set of bespoke terms drafted for your business, reflecting the legal requirements that apply to your business and sector
• A note in plain English explaining the terms I have drafted for you
• Liability, payment, termination and IP provisions that protect your position and are drafted to withstand scrutiny from the other side
• Guidance on how to incorporate the terms properly
• Your questions and comments answered by email or phone
• One round of amendments to finalise the terms ready for use

What is not included

• Negotiating your terms with individual customers (I am happy to quote for this as an additional service if required)
• Sector-specific regulatory compliance beyond the contract terms themselves
• Website privacy notice and cookie compliance, which I quote separately
• Terms governed by the law of another country
• Tax advice

Questions I am often asked

The owner is unhappy that I clipped the coat short. Where do I stand?

If the terms explain that a matted coat may have to be clipped and the owner consented, and the condition of the coat was recorded at drop-off, you are in a strong position. Photographs at drop-off are worth more than any clause.

Can I charge the full price for a no-show?

You can charge what you lose, which for a no-show can be close to the full price if the slot could not be refilled, provided the owner agreed to it at booking and the booking flow met the distance selling rules.

What if a dog bites me or another dog?

The terms should require disclosure of any bite history, give you the right to stop and to refuse the dog in future, and make the owner responsible for injury caused by their dog. Owners are liable for damage caused by their dogs under section 2 of the Animals Act 1971 in any event, and the terms make sure the point is recorded.

Related guidance and services

• Terms and conditions drafting, £995, the service this page describes
• Contract review, £495, if a main contractor or business customer has sent you their terms to sign
• Terms and conditions for a domestic cleaning business, for a similar structure of regular and one-off bookings

This page is general guidance for businesses in England and Wales, not advice on your own circumstances. Last reviewed: September 2026. Email geoffrey@caesar.co.uk.