OVERVIEW
This SOP establishes a repeatable closing process so the grooming salon ends each business day clean, safe, documented, and ready for the next day. It recognizes that closing involves more than locking the doors and requires staff to account for pets, document services, review payment issues, clean and reset work areas, and prepare information for the following business day.
The procedure addresses operational problems that can carry into the next morning, including missed notes, dirty stations, forgotten laundry, unsafe tools, unpaid balances, supply shortages, and schedule confusion. It provides a defined sequence for completing end-of-day responsibilities and includes an End-of-Day Reset Checklist for daily use.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- How to confirm every pet has been picked up, released, transferred, or otherwise accounted for
- How to complete final grooming notes and document concerns
- How to review payments, deposits, tips, refunds, credits, and unpaid balances
- How to review the next business day's schedule and special appointment notes
- How to clean and reset grooming, bathing, and drying areas
- How to clean and reset kennels and holding spaces
- How to handle dirty towels and unfinished laundry
- How to remove trash, pet waste, and other debris
- How to restock supplies or document shortages for tomorrow
- How to complete the final safety walkthrough and secure the building
BUSINESS BENEFITS
A standardized closing process helps create consistency in how the salon is left at the end of each business day. It supports documentation by requiring grooming notes, concerns, follow-up information, payment issues, and next-day preparation notes to be addressed. It also supports communication between closing and opening staff by leaving clear information about unfinished laundry, supply shortages, repairs, safety concerns, and the following day's schedule. The End-of-Day Reset Checklist provides a daily method for recording completed tasks and initials, while manager review helps identify repeated closing problems that affect the next morning.
RECOMMENDED FOR
- Salon Owners
- Managers
- Groomers
- Bathers
- Front Desk Staff
- Closing Employees
- Mobile Grooming Operators with adjusted end-of-day reset needs
IMPLEMENTATION NOTES
Use this SOP at the end of every business day after the final pet has been picked up, checked out, documented, and safely released. Staff should complete the closing procedure in sequence, including pet accountability, client documentation, payment review, next-day schedule review, cleaning, restocking, equipment security, and the final safety walkthrough. The included End-of-Day Reset Checklist can be used as a daily print sheet or dry-erase sleeve checklist. Use the Training Sign-Off to document employee understanding, and use the related SOPs for opening procedures, grooming station setup, tool cleaning, sanitation scheduling, and kennel and holding-area sanitation where applicable.
