Yes — no email, no sign-up, no catch. Set your numbers, copy the policy, use it anywhere. It exists because no-shows are the most common pain UK groomers tell us about.

Will clients actually accept a no-show fee?

Almost always, if two things are true: the card is taken at booking (not chased afterwards), and the policy explains WHY — “I planned my day around your slot and turned other dogs away” lands far better than a bare fee. That's why the template keeps the why in.

How do I enforce it without awkward conversations?

Use any booking tool that keeps a card on file and charges the fee automatically — that removes the confrontation. Pretty Pooches does this out of the box (with a one-tap forgive for genuine emergencies), but the policy works wherever you take bookings.

Free tool — no sign-up

Your no-show & deposit policy, written in 30 seconds

A missed slot on a grooming round can’t be refilled like a walk-in shop. Set your numbers below, copy the policy, and pin it wherever clients book you.

Your business name

New-client deposit£20

[Your business name] — Booking & Cancellation Policy

Deposits. New clients pay a £20 deposit to secure a first appointment. It comes off your groom price on the day. Regulars: no deposit needed.

Life happens. Need to move your appointment? Free with 48 hours' notice — just message me and we'll find a new slot.

Late cancellations (under 48 hours): I set aside your slot, planned my day around it, and turned other dogs away — so 50% of the groom price applies.

No-shows: 100% applies. I will always waive it for genuine emergencies — I'd rather keep you than the fee.

Why I do this: a missed slot can't be refilled at short notice — it's time, fuel, and another dog's chance at the appointment. Thanks for understanding; it keeps my prices fair for everyone. 🐾

Paste it into your pinned post, booking confirmations and website.

Two tips that make it stick: take the card at booking (not after), and keep the “why” — clients accept “I planned my day around your slot” far better than a bare fee.

Curious what a marketplace app takes from you in a year? Run your numbers in 30 seconds →

Common questions

Is this really free?: Yes — no email, no sign-up, no catch. Set your numbers, copy the policy, use it anywhere. It exists because no-shows are the most common pain UK groomers tell us about.
Will clients actually accept a no-show fee?: Almost always, if two things are true: the card is taken at booking (not chased afterwards), and the policy explains WHY — “I planned my day around your slot and turned other dogs away” lands far better than a bare fee. That's why the template keeps the why in.
How do I enforce it without awkward conversations?: Use any booking tool that keeps a card on file and charges the fee automatically — that removes the confrontation. Pretty Pooches does this out of the box (with a one-tap forgive for genuine emergencies), but the policy works wherever you take bookings.

While you’re here: what does your booking app take from you in a year?

If clients your own Instagram brought in are being counted as a marketplace’s “new clients”, the maths is worse than you think. Run your numbers — it takes 30 seconds.

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