Dog Grooming Contract

What is a dog grooming contract template?

A dog grooming contract template is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions between a professional pet groomer and a pet owner. This document defines:

• details of the client, groomer, and the pet;
• scope of requested services;
• fees and payment methods;
• termination clause;
• dispute resolution clause; and
• liability clause.

The parties involved in a pet grooming contract template are the client and the service provider. The client is an owner of a pet that needs grooming services and could be represented by an individual or an organization like a pet shelter.

The service provider is always a business entity (e.g., a pet salon) or an independent contractor (groomer). Neither federal nor state laws require the obtainment of a separate grooming license prior to the provision of services under the dog grooming contract template.

The primary purpose of this template is to establish pet or dog grooming terms and conditions of services. First, it helps to better measure the client’s expectations. Second, it ensures legal clarity regarding both parties’ responsibilities. Finally, it acts as a powerful tool for preventing disputes between the parties along the road.

How to draft a pet grooming contract template?

When creating a pet grooming contract template, it is important to include all essential sections that define the service relationship. Below we provide the list of key components every template should have:

Pet Description

A well-drafted dog grooming contract template should start with the description of the pet. This information helps the service provider to better understand the personality of a pet and accommodate the provision of services. Therefore, the text of a document should include:

• pet’s name and gender;
• pet’s age;
• pet’s previous biting history (especially applicable for dogs);
• pet’s list of vaccines;
• pet’s current medical conditions; and
• any other additional notes (e.g., pet’s behavioral notes).

Scope of Services

This type of contract represents dog grooming terms and conditions according to which the services shall be provided. Therefore, a well-drafted template of a pet grooming contract should include:

• Types of services to be provided. The price for the services is a fee paid for the services listed in that agreement. Therefore, if the client wishes to order any additional services, they should be ready to pay for them on top of the agreed fees.
• The name and address of a veterinary facility, where the pet should be delivered in case of emergency. The text of a document shall normally include a standard client’s disclaimer confirming the client’s readiness to cover all expenses related to any emergency treatment for their pet.
• Safety rules during the services. Some service providers may request the clients to stay with their pets while grooming.
• Rules regarding property damage caused by the pet. Normally, the service providers should have professional insurance coverage for the property damage caused by animals while providing services. On top of that, you can also include an additional disclaimer in the text of a document stating that any uncovered costs for the property damage should be covered by the client in full.
• Personnel and staff. Some clients may wish their pet to be treated only by specific grooming professionals. Thus, the text of a pet grooming contract template shall lay out if the service provider is allowed to use subcontractors in the provision of their services.

Payment Terms

Inclusion of clear payment terms is a must-have for every pet grooming contract template. This section typically sets out:

• payment model (e.g., hourly rate, weekly rate, daily rate, or fixed fee);
• acceptable payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, cash, PayPal, etc.);
• payment deadlines (e.g., weekly invoicing, payment in full upon completion of all services, etc.)

Usually the service provider has an exclusive right to end the contract immediately if the client fails to pay fees or delays their payment for a certain period of time. The service provider may also apply late fees to the client in case of a delay. However, unlike in other types of service contracts, it is less common to include a clause about the late fees in the text of a pet grooming contract template.

Schedule of Services

Every grooming contract template for pets should also include a detailed schedule according to which the services shall be provided:

• on an as-needed basis;
• according to a specific schedule (e.g., every other week, once a month);
• on a specific date only.

Parties should include an additional disclaimer allowing a service provider to stop provision of the services if (i) a pet is aggressive or behaves in a dangerous way or (ii) a pet has signs of illness or contagious conditions.

Signature and Dates

Once a printable dog grooming contract template is ready, both parties should sign it. It does not matter if a signature is put by hand or using online e-signature tools.

The law does not require further notarization of this type of services contract. Along with signatures, the date of signing should also be included in the text of a document.

How to draft a contract template at FasterDraft?

To get a fully customized legal document, follow a few easy steps below:

1. Click the “Create Document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a desirable template’s format—grooming contract template PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.
5. E-sign, download, and instantly use a customized template.