Guide · Pet grooming
17 dog grooming text templates that bring clients back
Short, friendly messages for groomers, pet daycares and boarding: a regular pup running late for their groom, an owner who went quiet, the day after a groom, and an opening you need to fill. Tap Copy, swap in the parts in brackets, and send. They work as emails too.
What makes them work
- Sent at the right time. Every pup has their own schedule. A doodle and a short-coated dog are due at very different times.
- About the pet. Use the pet’s name. Owners answer messages about their dog faster than messages about a booking.
- One easy ask. A real time or a booking link, and something they can answer with one word.
- Short. Each template is about one text long, so it reads at a glance.
Due for a groom
For regular pups who are coming up on, or a little past, their usual groom. Friendly, short, no discount. The owner usually just lost track.
The gentle nudge
When a regular is a little past their usual groom.
Hi [Name]! It's [Your name] at [Shop]. [Pet] is about due for a groom. Want me to save you a spot this week or next? [Link]
Offer a real time
When you have openings in the next few days.
Hi [Name], I have [Tuesday at 9:00] or [Friday at 1:00] open for [Pet]. Want one of them?
Before the mats
For doodles, poodles and other coats that mat when grooms run late.
Hi [Name]! Just a heads-up: [Pet]'s coat is probably getting long by now. Booking in the next week or two helps us skip the mats and keep the cut you like. [Link]
Gone quiet
For regulars well past their usual groom. Warmer, and it’s fine to ask why. Some owners will tell you something useful.
We miss them
When a regular has been gone well past their usual groom.
Hi [Name], it's [Your name] from [Shop]. We haven't seen [Pet] in a while and wanted to check in. We'd love to have them back on the table whenever you're ready: [Link]
The honest check-in
When a long-time regular goes quiet.
Hi [Name], it's [Your name] at [Shop]. It's been a while since [Pet]'s last groom, so I wanted to ask: was everything okay last time? I'd love to hear from you.
The last friendly note
After a few months with no reply. Send it once, then stop.
Hi [Name], it's [Your name] at [Shop]. I won't keep messaging, but [Pet]'s spot is always here if you want it: [Link]. Give them a scratch for us!
After the groom
These keep good clients on their schedule, so they never reach the “gone quiet” stage.
The fresh-cut photo
The same day, with a picture.
Thanks for bringing [Pet] in today, [Name]! Here's the fresh look 🐾 [Photo]. If anything isn't right once you're home, just reply here.
Book the next one
Right after the groom, when they didn’t book their next visit.
Hi [Name]! To keep [Pet]'s coat easy to brush between visits, about [6] weeks from now is great timing. Want me to book [date]?
First-time pup
The day after a new client’s first groom.
Hi [Name], it was great meeting [Pet] yesterday! We'd love to see them again. For their coat, about [6] weeks from now is perfect timing: [Link]
Filling openings
Send these to the pups who are due soon anyway, not to your whole list.
Last-minute opening
When a cancellation opens a slot today or tomorrow.
Hi [Name]! I just had a [time] open up [today/tomorrow], and [Pet] is about due. Want it? Reply yes and it's yours.
Holiday rush
A few weeks before Thanksgiving and the December holidays.
Hi [Name]! Holiday grooms book up fast here. If you want [Pet] looking sharp before [date], now is a great time to grab a spot: [Link]
Summer cut
At the start of hot weather.
Hi [Name]! Warm weather is here. Want to book [Pet] in for a cooler summer trim? I have openings next week: [Link]
Feedback and reviews
Ask every client the same way, happy or not. Sending the review link only to happy clients breaks Google’s rules.
How is the cut holding up?
A few days after the groom.
Hi [Name], it's [Your name] at [Shop]. How is [Pet]'s cut holding up? If anything isn't right, reply and I'll make it right.
The review request
After a visit, to every client.
Hi [Name], thank you for trusting us with [Pet]! If you have a minute, a Google review helps a small shop like ours more than you'd think: [Review link]
Pet daycare and boarding
For shops that also run daycare or boarding. Same idea: a friendly note at the right time, with one easy ask.
Missed daycare days
When a regular daycare pup hasn’t been in for a while.
Hi [Name]! We've missed [Pet] at daycare. Want me to save a spot this week? [Link]
Boarding before the holidays
A few weeks before holidays and school breaks, to past boarding clients.
Hi [Name], holiday boarding fills up fast. Traveling around [date]? Want me to hold a spot for [Pet]? [Link]
Groom before pickup
When a pup is booked for boarding or a long daycare stretch.
Hi [Name]! Want [Pet] to go home fresh? We can add a bath or groom before pickup on [date]. Just reply yes.
Before you text: consent
Only send marketing texts, like “we miss you” messages or offers, to clients who agreed in writing to get texts from your grooming shop. Use your business’s name, and stop texting anyone who replies STOP. Rules vary by state. This isn’t legal advice, so check with a professional if you’re unsure. Email is a good option for clients who haven’t opted in to texts.
The hard part isn’t the wording
It’s knowing who to send it to, and when.
The free Leak Check reads your visit history and shows how many regulars are past their own usual visit, and what they used to spend with you. Connect Square or Jobber, or upload a file from any booking app. About 2 minutes, no card.
Get my free Leak Check →Common questions
When should I text a pet parent who hasn’t rebooked?
Go by that pup’s own schedule, not one fixed day for every client. A doodle who comes every few weeks and a short-coated dog who comes a few times a year are due at very different times, so a single cutoff will be too late for one and too early for the other.
Can I legally text my grooming clients?
Appointment reminders to clients who gave you their number are generally expected. For marketing messages, like “we miss you” notes or offers, get the client’s written agreement to receive texts first, use your shop’s name, and stop texting anyone who replies STOP. Rules vary by state, so check with a professional if you’re unsure. This isn’t legal advice.
Should I offer a discount to bring clients back?
Not at first. Most owners who fall behind just got busy, and a friendly note with an easy way to book is often enough. Save offers for clients who have been gone a long time, so regulars don’t learn to wait for a deal.
Should I mention matting?
Gently, and only for coats that mat. Owners respond well to a friendly heads-up that booking sooner keeps the cut they like. Avoid anything that sounds like a scare tactic or a fee warning in a first message.
How many times should I message a client who doesn’t reply?
Two or three times, spaced out, is plenty. After that, send one last friendly note and stop. People remember a shop that respected their space.
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