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Creating a client

Clients are the backbone of your business. Barkway makes it easy to keep their details tidy, complete with deposits, preferred contact methods, and even maps for mobile groomers.

Step-by-step​

  1. Click New Client
    From the Clients & Pets menu, choose Clients, then hit New Client.

  2. Enter the client’s details

    • First Name (required)
    • Last Name (required)
    • Phone (optional but recommended for quick calls/texts)
    • Email (optional but required if you want to send reminders by email)

  3. Add an address

    • Start typing a postcode or address — Barkway uses autocomplete to speed things up.
    • Once saved, the address will also display on a map in the edit screen (handy for mobile groomers needing directions).

  4. Set contact preferences
    Choose the client’s preferred contact method (Email or Text). Barkway will always use this for reminders and notifications.

  5. Add an emergency vet (optional)
    You can note the client’s preferred vet. It’s there if you ever need it, but hopefully you never will!

  6. Add notes (optional)
    Anything quirky or important about the client (e.g. “Always pays cash” or “Prefers early morning slots”). These notes stay with the client and can be updated later.

  7. Save a deposit on file (optional)
    Tick the box to store a deposit for the client. This deposit will automatically apply to future bookings. You can also add or update deposits later from the edit screen.

  8. Save the client
    Click Save Client to add them, or Save & Add Pet to go straight into adding their first pet.

Extra features​

  • Address autocomplete & maps
    Speeds up adding addresses, and on edit you’ll see a live Google Map to help with directions.

  • Deposit handling
    Deposits saved here are automatically applied to bookings — no extra steps.

Pro tips​

  • Always grab at least one contact method (phone or email) — you’ll need it for reminders and recalls.
  • Use client notes for business-related info (like payments or preferences). Pet quirks are best stored in the Pet Notes field instead.
  • If you’re a mobile groomer, keep addresses updated — it makes routing much easier with the built-in map link.

🐾 With clients set up properly, the rest of Barkway runs smoother — bookings, reminders, and payments all tie back neatly.