Taking card payments as a dog groomer
Updated 7 October 2026
Fewer clients carry cash, and bank transfers are easy to forget. Taking cards makes getting paid quicker and lets you take deposits when people book. Here are the options and what to compare.
The options
- A card reader linked to your phone or booking system.
- Tap to Pay on a phone, with no separate reader.
- Payment links sent by text or email, for deposits or paying later.
- Cards saved securely at booking, to charge for no-shows if your terms allow it.
Compare the real cost
Look at the fee per payment, any monthly charge, the price of a reader, and how quickly money reaches your bank. A system that links payments to the booking saves time matching them up later.
Keep it on the record
Every payment, deposit and refund should be recorded against the booking, so you can see who has paid and answer queries quickly.
Questions
Can I take card payments on my phone?
Yes. Tap to Pay lets many phones accept contactless cards without a separate reader, through a payment provider such as Stripe.
Should I pass card fees on to clients?
In the UK you generally can’t add a surcharge for card payments, so build the cost into your prices instead.
More guides
- How to cut no-shows in your dog grooming businessPractical ways for dog groomers to stop no-shows and late cancellations: reminders, deposits, a clear cancellation policy and a waitlist to fill the gaps.
- How to get dog grooming clients to rebookKeep your grooming diary full by getting regulars to rebook on time: book the next groom on the day, know who is overdue and send the right nudge.
- Starting a mobile dog grooming business in the UKA practical checklist for starting a mobile dog grooming business in the UK: training, insurance, the van, pricing your round, bookings and client records.