Grooming Salon

Daily Workflow

4 min read

Daily Workflow

Opening Procedure

Complete these before the first client arrives:

  • Unlock and disarm
  • Turn on equipment (HV dryer, stand dryer, water heater if applicable)
  • Run a quick sanitation check of the grooming stations and tubs
  • Check supply levels — restock anything below par (see supply-management)
  • Pull up the day’s appointment schedule
  • Review each dog’s profile for the day — read flags, coat notes, preferences
  • Confirm all dogs on today’s schedule have current vaccine records on file
  • If any vaccine records are expired or missing: call the client before the appointment — do not wait until they arrive
  • Set out any special products needed for today’s dogs (medicated shampoos, specific conditioners)
  • Verify groomer assignments are set

Morning Prep (Before First Appointment)

The 15 minutes before the first dog arrives are the most important of the day.

  1. Read each dog’s profile for the day, in appointment order
  2. Note any flags or special handling notes — put them top of mind, not in your back pocket
  3. Check if any dog has a Kendra’s Notes entry — read it
  4. Prepare your station for the first dog (brush selection, shampoo set out, blade selected)
  5. Know which dogs are flagged and confirm Kendra is available for those approvals

Appointment Flow

For each appointment, follow this sequence:

CLIENT DROP-OFF
  ↓
Profile check (groomer) — any new info from client at drop-off? Update profile immediately
  ↓
Pre-groom coat/health assessment
  ↓
BATH — minimum two full washes; more if the coat warrants it. The groom starts here.
  ↓
DRY — full blow-out per coat type (see kendra-standards.md). Dogs are NEVER left in a kennel to air dry.
  ↓
TRIM / BRUSH-OUT / FINISH — per dog profile style notes
  ↓
FINISH QUALITY CHECKLIST (self-check)
  ↓
CALL FOR APPROVAL — Kendra or certified lead
  ↓
IF APPROVED → update dog profile → call/text client
  ↓
CLIENT PICKUP
  ↓
Post-appointment profile update (service history row + any observations)

Client Drop-Off Communication

When a client drops off their dog:

  1. Greet the dog by name — clients notice this
  2. Confirm the service being performed today
  3. Ask: “Anything new or different since the last visit? Any health changes, sensitivity, new preferences?”
  4. If new information is provided: update the dog profile immediately — don’t rely on memory
  5. Give an estimated pickup time
  6. Confirm the best way to reach them (call, text) when the dog is ready

Client Pickup Communication

When the dog is ready:

  1. Call or text per client’s preference
  2. Give the client the completed service total so they know before they arrive
  3. When the client arrives: bring the dog out, greet them, briefly describe anything notable from the groom (“Her coat was a little dry today, we used extra conditioner” / “He did great on the nails this time!”)
  4. This brief debrief builds trust — it’s the equivalent of the chef coming to your table

Closing Procedure

At end of day, before locking up:

  • Clean and sanitize all grooming stations — tables, tubs, dryers
  • Sanitize all tools (clippers, shears, nail tools) — disinfect blades
  • Run all towels through laundry (or bag for laundry service)
  • Check supply levels against par sheet — note anything to reorder
  • Empty trash
  • Update any dog profiles not yet updated from today’s appointments
  • Review tomorrow’s schedule — any flags or special situations to prepare for?
  • Lock up, set alarm

Emergency Procedures

Dog Illness During Groom

  1. Stop the groom safely; secure the dog
  2. Call Kendra immediately
  3. Call the client — calmly describe what you observed
  4. If symptoms are serious (difficulty breathing, collapse, seizure): call a local emergency vet and follow their guidance; then call the client
  5. Document the incident in the dog profile

Nearest emergency vet:

[Agent prompt: Fill in the address and phone number of the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic]

Dog Injury During Groom

  1. Apply styptic powder immediately for any nail quickening
  2. For cuts or lacerations: stop the groom, apply pressure, assess severity
  3. Notify Kendra
  4. Notify the client — disclose what happened and what was done
  5. If severe: transport to emergency vet; call client from the car
  6. Document in dog profile; complete an incident report

Groomer Injury

  1. Any bite or scratch: wash the wound immediately with soap and water for 5 minutes
  2. Document the incident (see aggressive-dog-policy)
  3. Seek medical attention if warranted
  4. Notify Kendra

Facility Emergency (fire, flood, power outage)

  1. Ensure all dogs are secured safely
  2. Contact clients to arrange pickup if dogs cannot remain in the salon
  3. Contact Kendra and the building owner/landlord as appropriate
  4. Do not leave dogs unattended during a facility emergency

Graph View

Backlinks