How to track your dog's grooming appointments
When a groomer asks when your dog last came in, “a little while ago” is not much of a record. A grooming log keeps the appointment date alongside what was done, so you can find both when you book again.
You do not need a complicated pet organiser to start. One entry per dog, with a few details after each visit, is enough for a useful history.
Track the visit and the services separately when needed
If every grooming visit includes the same services, an event such as “Milo — grooming” may be all you need. Put the services in its note.
If some jobs happen between appointments, give those jobs their own counters. A bath at home should not reset the date of the last groomer visit. The same applies if a nail trim happens on a different day.
| Event | Example note |
|---|---|
| Milo — groomer visit | Salon name, services completed and the style requested |
| Milo — bath | Product used and anything to mention at the next appointment |
| Milo — nail trim | Where it was done and any instructions you were given |
| Luna — groomer visit | A separate record for another pet |
These are log examples. Ask your groomer or vet about the care and timing appropriate for your pet.
What to save after an appointment
Record the date first, then the details you are likely to forget. A salon name, a description of the cut and a request you want to repeat can all be useful. If the groomer gives you instructions, write them down accurately rather than relying on a shortened memory of the conversation.
Keep observations factual. “Asked for shorter fur around the paws” is something you can refer to at the next appointment. A long account of the whole day will be harder to scan when you are standing at reception.
Keep the history in Last Time
Create an event for the visit and set its date. You can use a past date from an appointment confirmation when starting the log. After the next visit, mark the event done and add a note about that appointment.
The counter shows how long it has been since the latest visit. Open the history to look back at previous dates and notes. If you have two dogs, use their names in every event so you can search for the right record quickly.
Last Time for iPhone and iPad keeps these entries together, with optional iCloud sync between your own devices.
Keep future bookings in your calendar
A completed-visit log and an appointment booking answer different questions. Record the next appointment, time and location in your calendar. Mark the grooming event done after the visit actually happens.
If an appointment moves or gets cancelled, your last-completed date will still be accurate. You can also use the days-since calculator to check a date from an old confirmation before creating your first entry.