How to Invoice as a Pet Groomer
How to bill each appointment so the owner sees the base groom, every add-on and any products, pet by pet, with a worked example.
A grooming invoice should read like the appointment: which pet, which groom, which add-ons, and any products the owner bought. The steps below run from the price list to the receipt.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (last modified September 14, 2026) describes the work: "Groomers specialize in maintaining a pet's appearance." It adds: "Groomers also schedule appointments, sell products to pet owners, and identify problems that may require veterinary attention." Products and grooming can share one invoice, each on its own line.
Worked example (sample figures, before any sales tax; check your state's rules): a household brings two dogs. The large dog's full groom is 85.00 plus a de-matting charge of 20.00 that the owner agreed to at check-in. The small dog's bath and tidy is 45.00 plus nail clipping at 12.00. The owner also buys a bottle of shampoo for 16.00. The invoice totals 85.00 + 20.00 + 45.00 + 12.00 + 16.00 = 178.00.
Step-by-step invoicing guide
- 1
Set prices by size and coat
Price the base groom by size and coat type, and list add-ons such as nail clipping, teeth brushing or de-matting with their own prices. Billed's help center says: "You can use these items and services to bill your clients."
- 2
Check the coat at drop-off
If matting or another coat issue will add time, tell the owner the extra charge before you start, and note it on the invoice.
- 3
Group each pet's lines under its name
For a household with more than one pet, start each pet's lines with the pet's name. When you add the line, Billed's help center tells you to "fill this section to charge against new items and services."
- 4
Add products the owner buys
Shampoos, brushes or other products go on their own lines. Billed's invoice software page says you can "save the products and services you sell so you can pull them into an invoice instead of retyping them."
- 5
Invoice at pickup
Billed's mobile app page says: "Build a professional invoice from your phone the moment a job wraps." It notes that you can "Add line items, your logo, and tax".
- 6
Take payment and send a receipt
Billed's invoice software page says you can "Create branded invoices, send them by email, take card and PayPal payments on them, and see which invoices are paid, partly paid or past due, all from one Billed account." It also says: "After a client pays, you can send them a payment receipt."
Tips for pet groomer invoicing
- Write the pet's name on every line, so a household with two dogs can tell which charge is which.
- If you run a mobile service, say on your price list whether travel is in the price or a separate line.
- Mention any skin, ear or coat issue you noticed in the invoice notes and suggest a vet visit, without giving a diagnosis.
- To see who still owes you, Billed's invoice software page says: "Invoice reports show which invoices are paid, partially paid or past due, and you can see who owes you money and send them a payment reminder."
- For cash at pickup, Billed's invoice software page says: "When a client pays by check or cash, record it as an offline payment so all your income is in one place."
Common invoicing mistakes to avoid
- One total for the whole visit, so the owner can't see what each add-on cost.
- Adding a de-matting charge without telling the owner first.
- Putting two pets on one line.
- Selling a product and leaving it off the invoice.
- Sending the invoice days after pickup.
How this works in Billed
Saved Services and Products
Billed's invoice software page says you can "save the products and services you sell so you can pull them into an invoice instead of retyping them."
Invoicing at Pickup
Billed's mobile app page says: "Build a professional invoice from your phone the moment a job wraps."
Card and PayPal Payments
Billed's invoice software page says you can "Create branded invoices, send them by email, take card and PayPal payments on them, and see which invoices are paid, partly paid or past due, all from one Billed account."
Payment Receipts
Billed's invoice software page says: "After a client pays, you can send them a payment receipt."
Frequently asked questions
Start Invoicing With Billed
Set up your account and send your first invoice with Billed.
At a glance
| Pet or item | Line | Sample amount |
|---|---|---|
| Large dog | Full groom | 85.00 |
| Large dog | De-matting | 20.00 |
| Small dog | Bath and tidy | 45.00 |
| Small dog | Nail clipping | 12.00 |
| Product | Shampoo | 16.00 |
| Total | 178.00 |
When this isn't for you
If the way you invoice pet owners today already works for you, there's no need to switch.