What to bring to a first appointment
Showing up to a first grooming appointment unprepared causes delays, stress, and sometimes refused service. Here's what to bring.
Vaccination records. Most Florida salons require current rabies, DHPP, and bordetella. Bring printouts or have them on your phone.
Your dog's medical history. Allergies, skin conditions, previous reactions to medications or shampoos, recent surgeries, and any current medications. Be specific.
Photos of recent grooms. If you've had your dog groomed before and liked the result, show photos. If you've had a bad experience, show that too. Pictures save misunderstandings.
Clear instructions about the cut. "Same as the photo," "1-inch teddy bear," or "summer cut, leave the topknot." Vague instructions = unpredictable results.
Treats your dog likes. Most groomers have treats, but yours are familiar and high-value. Especially helpful for first visits.
A familiar item. A small blanket or toy that smells like home reduces stress for anxious dogs in the kennel between bath and cut.
Honest information about behavior. "He nips when you touch his back paws." "She freezes during nail trims." Hiding this gets your dog hurt and the groomer bitten.
Time buffer. First appointments take longer than recurring ones. The groomer needs time to assess the coat, ask questions, and adjust as they go.
If your dog is heavily matted, accept that the cut may be shorter than you'd like — matting limits options.