Matted Hair Release Form | Dog Grooming Salon Client Service Policy | Instant Download

Every grooming salon needs this form. Does yours have one?

When a matted coat walks through your door, the last thing you want is a difficult conversation with no paperwork to back you up. This professionally written Matted Coat Release Form protects you, protects your client relationship, and most importantly - protects the dog.

Written by a working dog groomer who knows exactly what happens when a matted coat comes in, this form covers everything you need to proceed with confidence, stay legally protected, and ensure your client fully understands what's happening and why.

What this form covers:

— Your legal obligations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and what this means in practice

— Clear explanation of why clipping or shaving is sometimes the only humane option

— Written confirmation that coat length is determined by the gap between the matting and the skin

— The risks associated with clipping a matted coat - pre-existing skin conditions, minor grazing and temporary coat texture changes

— A liability disclaimer protecting your salon from claims relating to pre-existing skin conditions or injuries found beneath the coat

— Professional advice on preventing matting recurring, including correct brushing technique and the metal comb test

— A direct link to a free How To Brush Your Dog guide for clients to take away

Why every salon needs this:

Without a signed release form, you have no written evidence that your client understood the situation, agreed to the groom proceeding, and accepted the outcome - including a shorter than expected coat length. 

Disputes happen. Unhappy clients happen. This form means you're covered.

It also does something just as valuable: it educates your client. Many owners genuinely don't understand why their dog needs to be clipped short, or why brushing to the skin matters. This form explains it clearly and professionally, so you don't have to have the same difficult conversation over and over again.

**Fully customisable on Canva** — no design skills needed:

This template is designed to be completely your own. Once purchased you can add your salon name, logo, address and contact details in minutes using Canva — a free, easy to use online design tool that requires no previous experience.

Here's exactly how it works:

When you complete your purchase you will instantly receive a PDF download containing your personal link to the fully editable Canva template. Simply click the link, sign in to your free Canva account, and the template opens as your own editable copy. Change the salon name, add your logo, adjust any wording to suit your business - then save, print or share digitally. Your changes are yours to keep and the original template remains untouched.

No subscription needed. No design software required. Just click, customise and print.

What you'll receive:

— Instant PDF download containing your unique Canva template link

— Fully editable A4 template — customise fonts, colours, logo and text

— Print ready format — simply print and add to your client paperwork

— Digital friendly — share via email or WhatsApp before appointments

— For personal business use — not for resale

This template is perfect for:

— Independent dog groomers and sole traders

— Dog grooming salons and mobile groomers

— New grooming businesses setting up their client paperwork

— Any groomer who has ever had a difficult conversation about a matted coat

Purchased and loved by groomers across the UK — made by a working dog groomer who has been in your shoes.

⭐ Looking for more grooming business templates?

Visit the Top Chops shop for a full range of professional forms, waivers, info sheets and stationery — all made by a dog groomer, for dog groomers.