New Client Intake Checklist for Groomers
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Everything to collect, record, and confirm before a new dog or cat is on your table for the first time, from the rabies certificate to the signed intake agreement.

[ ] Owner full name, mobile number, and email captured in the pet profile, with the mobile number confirmed for text reminders
[ ] Emergency contact who can make decisions about the pet if the owner cannot be reached during the appointment
[ ] Veterinarian clinic name and phone number recorded so you can call about a medical question or an injury
[ ] Pet name, breed or mix, approximate age, weight, and sex noted, including whether the animal is spayed or neutered
[ ] Rabies certificate received as an actual document (photo or upload), not a tag on the collar or a verbal assurance
[ ] Rabies expiration date entered in the profile with a flag that shows at booking before it lapses
[ ] Other vaccines your written policy requires (commonly distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella for dogs, FVRCP for cats) collected with their expiration dates
[ ] Local requirements checked with your city or county for the vaccines you must see, since rules vary by state and locality
[ ] Medical flags recorded: seizures, heart conditions, skin problems, allergies, current medications, and any recent surgery
[ ] Behavior notes recorded: bite history, dryer sensitivity, dislike of paw or face handling, and reactions to other animals
[ ] Coat condition assessed at drop-off and any matting discussed with the owner before the groom starts, including the dematting fee
[ ] Requested style, clip length, and any reference photos noted so the same result can be repeated next time by anyone on the team
[ ] Intake agreement signed that discloses the risks of grooming, including for matted, elderly, or medically fragile pets
[ ] Cancellation window, deposit terms, and late pickup policy explained and acknowledged in writing at booking
[ ] Deposit collected online at booking and recorded against the appointment so it can be applied to the final bill
[ ] Confirmation message sent with the pet name, date, time, address, and a one-tap way to reschedule
[ ] Photo permission asked for report cards and social media, and the answer recorded either way
[ ] Appointment duration set in the calendar based on size, coat type, and known handling needs, with a buffer after it
[ ] Assigned groomer confirmed as suitable for this pet (cats, large breeds, bite risk, or a trainee who should not take it yet)
[ ] After the visit: nicks, incidents, refusals, or unusual stress logged the same day in plain language
[ ] Next appointment offered at checkout and placed on the calendar before the client leaves