Dog groomers face liability from multiple angles: injuries to the groomer from biting or scratching, injuries to the pet during grooming, and stress-related health events in dogs with undisclosed medical conditions. A grooming waiver documents the owner's consent and protects your business.
Selecting a state sets the governing-law section of your document. It does not mean WaiverTemplate has verified that this document satisfies every legal requirement in that state.
WaiverTemplate creates customisable waiver templates based on the information you provide and the type of activity you select. The generated document includes commonly used provisions relevant to that activity, populated with your business details.
WaiverTemplate is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We don't determine whether a waiver is enforceable in your jurisdiction, or guarantee that a generated document satisfies every law, regulation, insurer requirement, or circumstance applicable to your business. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Your generated waiver will include these clauses — each worded for your business name and selected state.
Owner discloses all known health conditions, medications, and allergies that could affect the pet during grooming.
Owner acknowledges that grooming can be stressful for some pets, particularly those with anxiety, and accepts this inherent risk.
Owner consents to dematting procedures if needed and understands that severely matted coats may need to be clipped short.
Owner acknowledges that certain breeds face elevated grooming risks due to conformation (e.g. brachycephalic breeds, flat-faced dogs).
Owner acknowledges that elderly pets face higher risks during grooming, including cardiovascular stress and mobility issues.
Owner accepts that unexpected health events (seizures, cardiac events) can occur during grooming and releases the groomer from liability for pre-existing conditions.
Grants the groomer the right to pause or stop grooming and refer the pet to a veterinarian if a health concern arises.
Optional clause allowing the groomer to photograph finished groom results for portfolio and social media use.
Owner authorises the groomer to seek emergency veterinary treatment if the pet requires urgent care.
Identifies the state whose law governs the agreement.
A well-structured dog grooming waiver does more than collect a signature — it documents informed consent, discloses specific risks, and protects your business under your state's laws. Every dog grooming waiver should include these clauses:
Owner discloses all known health conditions, medications, and allergies that could affect the pet during grooming.
Owner acknowledges that grooming can be stressful for some pets, particularly those with anxiety, and accepts this inherent risk.
Owner consents to dematting procedures if needed and understands that severely matted coats may need to be clipped short.
Owner acknowledges that certain breeds face elevated grooming risks due to conformation (e.g. brachycephalic breeds, flat-faced dogs).
Owner acknowledges that elderly pets face higher risks during grooming, including cardiovascular stress and mobility issues.
Owner accepts that unexpected health events (seizures, cardiac events) can occur during grooming and releases the groomer from liability for pre-existing conditions.
Grants the groomer the right to pause or stop grooming and refer the pet to a veterinarian if a health concern arises.
Optional clause allowing the groomer to photograph finished groom results for portfolio and social media use.
Owner authorises the groomer to seek emergency veterinary treatment if the pet requires urgent care.
Identifies the state whose law governs the agreement.
Groomers need to know about heart conditions, seizures, anxiety, and medications before handling any pet. A signed waiver collects this information upfront — protecting both the animal and your business.
If a pet requires urgent veterinary care during grooming, a signed waiver gives you the legal authorization to act immediately — without waiting for owner contact that may be delayed.
Brachycephalic breeds, senior pets, and animals with undisclosed conditions present elevated risk. Documenting owner awareness of these risks protects your business and demonstrates professional care standards.
Your waiver documents that you disclosed your pet's known health conditions. If a reaction occurs, the groomer has authorization to seek emergency veterinary treatment. The waiver clarifies that reactions arising from pre-existing or undisclosed conditions are the owner's responsibility.
Many groomers use an annual waiver; others require a new form for each visit. If your pet's health or medications have changed, a fresh waiver ensures the groomer has current information. Check with your insurer for their preference.
Older dogs can be more sensitive to the stress, heat, and handling involved in grooming. The waiver addresses this specifically so owners are informed and can make decisions accordingly. For very senior or medically fragile dogs, a brief veterinary check-up before grooming may be appropriate.
Flat-faced breeds face elevated respiratory risk during grooming, particularly in warm environments. Your WaiverTemplate waiver includes a breed-specific risk section to ensure owners of these breeds are explicitly informed.
No. WaiverTemplate generates template documents. For advice specific to your grooming business and state, consult a licensed attorney.
Last reviewed for accuracy: August 2026 · Template v1.0