Grooming Appointment Etiquette: Tips for Dog Groomers and Pet Parents

Whether it’s a fresh haircut, nail trim, or a full spa day, dog grooming is more than just about keeping your pet looking their best. Each grooming session contributes to maintaining health, hygiene, and comfort. But for many pups (and their people), grooming day can be a mix of excitement and nerves.

That’s where proper grooming etiquette comes in, helping ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. From showing up on time to your grooming appointment, to being honest about your dog’s coat condition, small acts of courtesy make grooming smoother for everyone — especially your pet. While we can't always control how our animals act at grooming salons, understanding the proper etiquette for before, during, and after the human process can help our furry friend feel more at ease.

Let's walk through the essential etiquette tips every dog groomer and pet parent should know to ensure every grooming session runs safely, smoothly, and stress-free. Plus, we’ll explore how pet-grooming software helps businesses and pet parents communicate more clearly before, during, and after every visit. Now let's go over the basics to keep your grooming business covered.

Pet Grooming Etiquette for Dog Groomers

Professional groomers juggle many moving parts, from anxious dogs to back-to-back bookings. These etiquette tips help create a calm, efficient, and positive environment for everyone, whether they're in the grooming table or waiting room, enhancing the experience through positive reinforcement .

1. Communicate Expectations Clearly

Before an appointment, walk clients through your process: what’s included in each grooming service, how long it takes, and what add-ons are available (like nail grinding or deshedding treatments) for their furry friend. Transparency helps set realistic expectations and reduces surprises at checkout.

2. Send Confirmations and Dog Grooming Appointment Reminders

Cut down on no-shows with text or email reminders 24–48 hours before appointments. Clients appreciate the reminder — and you’ll appreciate a full, predictable schedule.

3. Set Boundaries Around Punctuality

Running late happens, but clear policies help keep your day on track. Many salons reschedule or charge a small late fee for arrivals more than 15 minutes behind. Consistency keeps everyone accountable.

4. Prioritize Health and Safety

Ask about medical conditions, allergies, or behavior issues before grooming begins, including sensitivities around the dog's ears . If a dog is anxious or reactive, discuss strategies for handling stress safely. For an added layer of protection, don’t forget the importance of pet business insurance.

5. Keep a Calm, Clean Environment

A tidy workspace, gentle handling, and a relaxing atmosphere put both pets and people at ease. It’s a reflection of your professionalism — and helps both your dog and other pets feel safe.

6. Follow Up After the Appointment

A quick thank-you message or grooming note (“Bailey’s coat looked great today!”) goes a long way. It builds rapport and encourages rebooking.

Grooming Etiquette for Pet Parents

Your groomer is your partner in keeping your dog happy and healthy, contributing to their overall well being. A little preparation makes a stress free experience with your pet's comfort as the top priority. It also strengthens relationships so future visits are smooth and enjoyable.

Before the Appointment

Be on Time or Early

Arrive on time or a few minutes early. If you need to cancel, call the salon as a courtesy.

Bring Your Dog on a Leash

Even the calmest dogs can get excited or spooked or display unexpected aggressive behavior in new environments. Always keep your pet leashed for safety.

Brush Regularly

If your dog has a long or thick coat, brush between visits to prevent mats. Severe matting can cause skin irritation and may require shaving. If brushing isn’t manageable at home, ask your groomer to schedule brushing sessions between full grooms.

Communicate Honestly

Tell your groomer about sensitivities — ears, paws, face, etc. If you have a style in mind, bring photos, but stay realistic based on both you and your dog’s coat condition and temperament.

During the Appointment

Towel Dry Only if Needed

Unless told otherwise, it’s fine to bring your dog towel-dried, especially if they ran into an unforeseen puddle or rubbed their heads on a patch of freshly mowed grass and you gave them a pre-groom bath. Your groomer will handle bathing and blow-drying regardless.

Be Honest About Brushing

Your groomer will know if your dog hasn’t been brushed — and that’s OK! Honesty helps them manage expectations and avoid issues like clipper burn. Openness about regular brushing and trusting the groomer's expertise will make the grooming process easier for all.

Inform About Health Conditions

If your dog requires a prescription or medicated shampoo, let the groomer know how long it should sit before rinsing. That contact time may affect the price or duration.

After the Appointment

Tip Your Groomer

A standard tip is 15–20% of the total bill. So for a $50 groom, $7.50–$10 is appropriate. Of course, you are free to tip extra if your dog is looking extra primped and you're happy with the overall experience.

Tip for Small Services, Too

Even for nail trims, ear cleaning, or quick touch-ups, a few dollars shows appreciation for the groomer’s time and skill.

Be Clear (and Kind) About Styles
If the cut isn’t what you envisioned, politely share feedback. Bring pictures for next time, but understand that coat type matters — a fluffy Maltese and a silky Maltese will look completely different after grooming.

Keep the Communication Flowing

The best grooming experiences come from teamwork between groomers and pet parents. Groomers should share coat-care advice, while pet owners should ask questions and stay transparent about their dog’s needs.

How Gingr Helps Grooming Businesses and Pet Parents Communicate Seamlessly

Gingr’s all-in-one pet-grooming software bridges the gap between groomers and pet parents — making it easier to stay organized, informed, and connected before, during, and after every appointment.

Before the Appointment

• Online Booking & Availability Management: Clients can view open time slots, choose services, and book 24/7 — no phone tag required. Increase customer satisfaction by offering fun add-ons during the booking process.

• PreCheck & Digital Pet Profiles: Collect vital information in advance, like vaccination records, allergies, coat type, and preferred styles. Groomers walk in prepared; pet parents enjoy a faster check-in process.

• Automated SMS & Email Reminders: Reduce no-shows with friendly reminders that keep pet parents on schedule.

During the Appointment

• Appointment Cards & Real-Time Notes: Track every detail — from coat condition to behavior notes — in one organized dashboard.

• Two-Way Text Messaging & Photo Sharing: Send updates, share adorable “after” pictures, and notify owners when their pet is ready for pickup.

• Tip & Commission Tracking: Manage tips automatically and track groomer commissions accurately, freeing staff to focus on what matters most — the pets.

After the Appointment

• Follow-Up Messaging & Rebooking: Send personalized thank-you notes or grooming reminders. Encourage regular visits with recurring reservations and memberships.
• Pet Profile Updates: Keep health records, vaccine dates, and service preferences up to date for easy reference next time.

Why It Matters

• For Groomers: Less time juggling calls and spreadsheets, more time focusing on high-quality grooming.
• For Pet Parents: Seamless booking, instant updates, and peace of mind knowing their pet’s care details are always accurate.
• For Pets: A calmer, safer, and more consistent grooming experience.

With Gingr, communication and organization are built right into your daily workflow — ensuring that every appointment feels as effortless as a perfect haircut.

Create a Positive Experience for Humans and Pets

Grooming isn’t just about keeping dogs clean — it’s about creating positive experiences that build trust and joy. When groomers and pet parents work together, supported by the right tools, every visit can be smooth, safe, and satisfying.

Ready to simplify scheduling and improve communication at your grooming salon? Book a free Gingr demo to see how software by pet lovers, for pet lovers can transform your business!