Is your grooming business one slip away from a lawsuit?
What would you do if a dog escaped during check-in?
You’ve poured your heart into your grooming studio. The tools, the training, the regulars who trust you with their furry companions — it’s all built on reputation and results. But even seasoned Texas groomers like you face risks that can wipe out your business overnight.
In this guide, we break down the five most common liability claims filed against pet groomers in Texas. You’ll see real examples, understand the causes behind these claims, and — most importantly — learn how to prevent them.
1. Pet Injuries During Grooming: The #1 Liability Claim
Pet injuries account for over 40% of all grooming-related claims. These incidents often arise from routine moments that take a wrong turn.
Common Injury Scenarios
- Clipper burns or cuts from overheated blades
- Falls from tables due to faulty restraints
- Heat injuries from drying cages
- Allergic reactions to grooming products
Example: A groomer in San Antonio paid $3,500 after a Bichon Frise suffered heatstroke in a malfunctioning drying cage.
How to Prevent It
- Use detailed intake forms noting sensitivities and medical conditions
- Cool and clean clipper blades regularly
- Install temperature monitors on dryers
- Document every incident, no matter how small
Bold Takeaway: A dew claw cut can cost you $2,000 if it causes an injury.
2. Slip-and-Fall Incidents: The Most Expensive Claims
Slip-and-fall accidents often result in the highest payouts, sometimes exceeding $150,000.
High-Risk Zones
- Wet floors near bathing or drying stations
- Water tracked in at entrances
- Pets or leashes underfoot during drop-off
Example: A Plano groomer paid $150,000+ after a client slipped, fracturing their wrist and hip.
How to Prevent It
- Install non-slip flooring and use absorbent mats
- Conduct hourly floor checks and log them
- Use wet floor signage and restrict pet access in key areas
- Designate pet-free waiting zones
Bold Takeaway: Your floor care protocol is part of your legal defense strategy.
3. Escaped Pets: Small Mistakes, Huge Repercussions
Whether the pet is recovered or not, escapes carry serious emotional and legal weight.
Common Causes
- Doors left open during check-in or out
- Faulty kennel latches or loose crates
- Premature release from grooming tables
Example: A groomer in Waco paid $2,000 after a Jack Russell escaped and was never found.
How to Prevent It
- Use double-door entry systems
- Enforce leash-to-leash transfers
- Monitor door transitions
- Create a “Missing Pet Response Kit” with photos and contact templates
Bold Takeaway: One unsecured door can cost you a weeks worth of appointments.
4. Property Damage Claims: High Cost, High Frustration
While these claims are usually over $1,000, they can damage your reputation just as much as larger ones.
Typical Scenarios
- Collars damaged during bathing
- leaks from mobile vans staining driveways
- Accidently backing into the clients home
Example: A McAllen groomer paid $7500 after her van clipped the eve of her clients home when backing up her mobile grooming van.
How to Prevent It
- Photograph accessories at check-in
- Use waterproof mats in vans
- Ask clients to remove high-value items
- Use signed acknowledgments for property risk
Bold Takeaway: You’re not just grooming pets — you’re handling people’s prized possessions.
5. Allergic Reactions & Skin Irritations: The Hardest to Defend
These are the trickiest claims because symptoms often appear days later, and proving what caused them is difficult.
Common Triggers
- Shampoos and sprays
- Close clipper cuts on sensitive skin
- Flare-ups of existing conditions
Example: A Tyler groomer paid $1,800 after a Labrador developed a rash, even though allergies weren’t disclosed.
How to Prevent It
- Do skin checks and document them before grooming
- Offer hypoallergenic and patch-tested products
- Record every product used
- Follow up with clients 1–2 days after appointments
Bold Takeaway: If you can’t prove you checked, you’ll pay like you didn’t.
How to Truly Protect Your Grooming Business
Avoiding individual claims is important — but comprehensive protection is where true peace of mind lies.
Build a Strong Liability Defense
- Review your insurance coverage with a pet business specialist annually
- Use digital systems for intake, consent, and incident tracking
- Keep detailed records of staff training and safety procedures
- Perform monthly safety audits on your grooming space or van
Conclusion: Don’t Let One Mistake Ruin Your Business
You now know the five most common liability claims Texas pet groomers face — and how to avoid them. Even seasoned groomers like Jess can be blindsided by a simple oversight.
Next Step: Audit your safety protocols, documentation systems, and insurance coverage today.
Need help protecting your grooming business?
At PetBusinessInsurance.com, we help Texas grooming professionals secure customized policies and real-world advice.