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Dog Grooming Consent & Matting / Shave-Down Agreement Form

A grooming consent template — matting, humane shave-down and the small risks of grooming a matted or senior dog, agreed before work starts.

Description

De-matting a badly matted coat isn’t always possible without hurting the dog — and the kind, correct option is often to clip it short and start again. This agreement explains that plainly and gets the owner’s consent before the groomer begins, so a shave-down is never a shock. It sets out the humane approach: matted coats are tight to the skin and hide nicks, lumps and sores, so clipping carries a small risk of grazes and can reveal skin problems underneath. The owner acknowledges this, consents to a shave-down if the groomer judges it the humane choice, and agrees that the dog’s comfort comes before the look. It also covers senior and health-compromised dogs, where grooming is done in the dog’s interest and may be stopped if it’s too much. Respectful, clear and protective for both sides — free to use and brandable to your salon.

Form fields

Everything the Dog Grooming Consent & Matting / Shave-Down Agreement Form above collects — 12 fields across 2 pages, so you can see exactly what it captures before you make it your own.

Grooming Consent & Matting Agreement

  • Dog's name

    Short Answer Icon
    Short Answer
  • Breed

    Short Answer Icon
    Short Answer
  • Do you understand that a matted coat may need to be clipped short (shave-down)?

    Yes/No Icon
    Yes/No
  • Do you consent to a humane shave-down if the groomer judges it the kindest option?

    Yes/No Icon
    Yes/No
  • Please acknowledge the following

    Multi-Select Icon
    Multi-Select
  • Is your dog senior (8+) or managing a health condition?

    Single-Select Icon
    Single-Select
  • Any health issues, lumps, sore spots or areas to avoid

    Long Answer Icon
    Long Answer
  • Happy for us to take before/after photos for your record and our social media?

    Yes/No Icon
    Yes/No

Owner confirmation

  • Your name

    Name Icon
    Name
  • Email address

    Email Icon
    Email
  • Contact number

    Telephone Icon
    Telephone
  • Signature

    Signature Icon
    Signature
Use Template Arrow Right Icon

Template FAQs

Common questions about the Dog Grooming Consent & Matting / Shave-Down Agreement Form — what it captures, when to use it, and how to make it your own.

What is a humane shave-down?

When a coat is matted tight to the skin, brushing it out would be painful and slow. The humane option is to clip the coat short, remove the mats in one piece, and let it grow back healthily. This form gets your consent for that in advance.

Why can de-matting be risky?

Mats sit tight against the skin and hide what’s underneath — grazes, sores, even lumps. Clipping through them carries a small risk of nicking the skin, and problems hidden by the coat may only show once it’s off. Knowing this up front means no surprises.

Will my dog always be shaved?

No. A shave-down is only used when the coat is too matted to brush out safely. Where a coat can be saved, it will be. The groomer makes the call on the day based on what’s kindest for the dog.

Why a separate form for senior or unwell dogs?

Older or health-compromised dogs find long grooms stressful. This agreement confirms grooming is done gently, in the dog’s interest, and may be paused or stopped if it becomes too much for them.

Does signing mean I accept any outcome?

It means you understand the small, unavoidable risks of grooming a matted or fragile coat and consent to the humane approach. Groomers still take every care — this simply makes the realities clear before work starts.

Is this consent form free?

Yes — free with a Fun Forms account, fully customisable, and it can be signed online before the appointment or on arrival.