Ah yes… the last-minute booking request.

That message that lands just as you’re settling down for the evening:
“Any chance you’ve a slot tomorrow?”
“I know it’s very short notice, but my dog is desperate for a groom.”

If you’re a home-based dog groomer, these messages can leave you torn. You want to be kind. You want to help. But you also don’t want to feel under pressure, rushed, or resentful.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and the good news is, there is a way to handle last-minute bookings that feels calm, professional, and fair on you.

Let’s chat through it.

1. Decide Your Rule Before You’re Put on the Spot

Most of the stress around last-minute bookings comes from having to decide in the moment.

So instead, decide now.

Ask yourself:

• How much notice do I actually need to feel comfortable?

• Am I open to last-minute bookings at all?

• Would I accept them only if I genuinely have space?

There’s no right or wrong answer here — just what works for your life and business.

Once you’ve made that decision, responding becomes far less emotional and far more straightforward.

2. Let Clients Know How Your Booking Works

Clients aren’t mind readers — and most genuinely don’t realise how busy you are.

That’s why it helps to clearly explain your booking process on:

• Your website

• Your booking form

• Your welcome messages

• Your social media highlights

Something simple and friendly like:

“I recommend booking a few weeks in advance, as spaces fill up quickly.”

This gently sets expectations and saves you having awkward conversations later on.

3. Have a Polite Reply Ready to Go

When you’re busy grooming all day, the last thing you need is to be crafting replies on the fly.

Having a couple of pre-written responses makes life so much easier.

For example:

If you can’t fit them in:

“Thanks so much for getting in touch! I’m fully booked at the moment, but I’d be delighted to offer you my next available appointment.”

If you can fit them in (with a condition):

“I may be able to squeeze you in. Just to let you know, I do charge a short-notice fee for bookings under 24 hours.”

Calm, friendly, and professional — no explaining yourself to death.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Charge a Short-Notice Fee

Last-minute bookings usually mean:

• Juggling your schedule

• Less flexibility for you

• Giving up personal time

Charging a short-notice fee isn’t cheeky or unfair — it simply reflects the extra effort involved.

It also:

• Encourages clients to book ahead

• Filters out unsuitable requests

• Helps you feel better about saying yes when you do

Even a small fee can make a big difference to how these bookings feel.

5. You’re Allowed to Say No (Really)

This is your gentle reminder:
You do not have to say yes to every request.

Saying no doesn’t make you:

• Rude

• Unkind

• Unprofessional

It makes you a business owner who respects her time.

A simple, polite “I’m fully booked” is more than enough — no guilt, no long explanations required.

6. Use These Requests as Helpful Feedback

If last-minute bookings are popping up all the time, it might be a sign that:

• Clients don’t realise how far ahead you book

• Your availability isn’t clear enough

• You need to remind people to pre-book more often

Instead of getting frustrated, see it as useful information that can help you tighten up your systems.

Final Thoughts

Last-minute booking requests don’t have to throw you off or leave you feeling flustered.

With clear boundaries, kind but confident communication, and a little preparation, you can handle them in a way that feels good — whether you say yes or no.

You’re not being difficult.
You’re being professional.
And your time matters 💗

If you’d love more support with boundaries, booking systems, and creating a polished client experience — that’s exactly what I help home-based groomers with. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.