Dog Grooming · Free Template · ~8 steps
Dog Grooming Intake Procedure
A grooming shop owner who wants every dog drop-off to follow the same intake protocol — for safety and dispute prevention.
Free SOP template — copy it, adapt it, or generate a custom version for your business in 5 minutes
Who it's for
Groomers, bath assistants, shop owners.
When to run it
Every dog drop-off, no exceptions.
Before you start
- •Intake form with health questions and grooming history
- •Vaccination records on file (rabies minimum)
- •Camera for photo documentation
- •Designated calm intake area away from other dogs
The procedure
Step-by-step, in order. Each step has the action and the reason it matters.
- 1
Greet the owner and the dog at the door
Greet by name. Crouch and offer the back of your hand to the dog. Read the dog's body language — relaxed, anxious, or fearful.
- 2
Verify rabies vaccination on file
Current rabies certificate required. If you don't have it on file, the owner provides it before the dog is taken back. No exceptions.
Why: Rabies vaccination records are legal protection. A bite incident without records is a much bigger problem than a turned-away appointment.
- 3
Walk through the grooming order with the owner
Confirm the cut style, length, areas to focus on, areas to avoid. Get specific: 'Standard poodle cut, body short, leave the head fluffy, sanitary trim, nail clip, no de-shedding shampoo.'
- 4
Ask about behavior and bite history
'Has she ever bitten or snapped at a groomer? Anything she doesn't like — face, paws, tail?' Document the answer. Behavior history is the single best predictor of incidents.
- 5
Photograph the dog from multiple angles
Front, side, back. Document any pre-existing conditions: matting, hot spots, ear gunk, eye discharge, missing fur, scars. Time-stamped photos.
Why: Pre-existing condition photos prevent 'you cut my dog' disputes.
- 6
Quote the price including any add-ons
Standard groom = $X. Nail clip = +$Y. De-shedding = +$Z. If the dog needs significant matting removal that costs extra, quote it now and get verbal approval before starting.
- 7
Set the pickup time and explain what to expect
'She'll be ready at 2pm. I'll text you when she's done. Pickup is in the front, just ring the bell.'
- 8
Walk the dog to the kennel calmly
Don't drag. Lead with treats. Settle the dog in their kennel before starting work on another dog.
Verify when done
- ☐Rabies vaccination on file
- ☐Photo documentation of pre-existing conditions
- ☐Behavior history documented
- ☐Price quoted and acknowledged
Common mistakes
- ✕Taking a dog without current rabies records
- ✕Skipping the behavior history because the owner says 'she's friendly'
- ✕Quoting price after the matting is found instead of before
- ✕Skipping intake photos
Trainer notes
The single most-skipped step is the photo documentation. Train every new groomer to photograph every dog at intake. It's the cheapest insurance you have.
Common questions
Who should run the dog grooming intake procedure?
Groomers, bath assistants, shop owners.
When should this dog grooming procedure be run?
Every dog drop-off, no exceptions.
How many steps does the dog grooming intake procedure have?
8 steps. The procedure starts with "Greet the owner and the dog at the door" and ends with "Walk the dog to the kennel calmly". Each step in between has the action and the reason it matters.
What's the most common mistake when running this procedure?
Taking a dog without current rabies records. The single most-skipped step is the photo documentation. Train every new groomer to photograph every dog at intake. It's the cheapest insurance you have.
Can I get a custom version written for my dog grooming business?
Yes. TalkNDone generates a custom SOP from your voice or text description in about 5 minutes — written using your team's words, your equipment, and your specific procedure. $49 one-time, free preview before you pay, no subscription. Start at talkndone.com.
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