Two forms, free for any UK groomer: a consent form an owner signs before a matted coat is clipped short, and an intake form for a dog's first visit. Type your business name below and both print with it at the top.
Why a matted coat needs consent
A coat matted to the skin cannot be brushed out without hurting the dog, so it is clipped short. The owner sees a very different dog at collection, and sometimes sore skin the mats were hiding. Explaining that first, and having it signed, is what stops a welfare decision turning into a dispute.
The intake form records what you need before a first groom: who to call, health conditions, how the dog copes with handling, and the style wanted.
What you type stays in this browser. It is remembered here for next time and is never sent to us.
Templates, not legal advice. Read both forms through before you use them, change anything that does not fit how you work, and check them against what your insurer asks for.
Matted coat consent form
Owner's name Phone
Dog's name Breed Date
Your dog's coat is matted. Mats pull on the skin, and brushing them out hurts, so the kinder way to remove them is to clip the coat short, close to the skin. Please read each point and initial the box beside it.
The coat will be clipped short and may take several months to grow back to its usual length.
Skin under mats is often already red, sore or broken. Clipping can show problems the mats were hiding; the groom does not cause them.
Clipping close to matted skin can leave redness or itching for a few days, and small nicks are possible where a mat is tight to the skin.
Some dogs scratch, shake their head or seem unsettled after a full clip. This usually passes within a few days.
If your dog becomes distressed I may stop and finish on another day, and charge for the time already spent.
Matted coat work costs £ on top of the usual price.
If I find a wound, a lump or a skin problem I will tell you, and you will arrange any veterinary advice your dog needs. I remain responsible for any injury caused by my own negligence.
To stop the mats coming back: brush at home and book the next groom in weeks.
Owner's signature
Date
Groomer's signature
Date
Dog intake form
Owner
Name
Address
Phone Email
Emergency contact and phone
Dog
Name Breed Age
Sex Neutered Weight, roughly
Health
Medical conditions
Medication
Allergies or skin problems
Veterinary practice and phone
Handling
Unsettled by: dryer clippers feet ears other dogs
Has snapped or bitten when handled: yes no Used to a muzzle: yes no
This groom
Last professional groom
Coat today: fine some knots matted (consent form needed)
Style wanted
Anything else I should know
I confirm these details are correct and I will tell you about any change in my dog's health before each groom. If my dog is taken ill or injured during a groom, you may contact the practice above. I will pay reasonable vet fees for a condition my dog already had, or for an injury caused by my dog's own health or behaviour, that I did not tell you about. You remain responsible for any illness or injury caused by your own negligence.
Owner's signature
Date
These details are kept by to groom your dog and contact you, for as long as you are a client and months after, and are not passed to anyone else.
Updated forms by email
When these forms change, the monthly report to every claimed listing says so, with a link. Claiming is free and needs no plan.