# Add a Client

Create a client record in Veterian — the required and optional fields, notification switches, customer groups, and the automatic mobile app registration link.

Client records are the foundation of the workflow in Veterian. Every pet profile, visit, invoice and message is tied to a client account.

## Where to Find This Section

1. Open **Customers** from the left menu.
2. Click **New Customer**.

You can also create a client without leaving the appointment form. See [Create an appointment](/appointments/create-an-appointment).

## How to Add a Client

1. Open **Customers** → **New Customer**.
2. Fill in the form.
3. Save.

## Form Fields

### Required Fields

| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| **Name** | The client's first name |
| **Surname** | The client's surname |
| **Phone** | Used for contact and notifications, and to search for the client later |

### Optional Fields

| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| **Email** | Used for email notifications |
| **Identity** | For invoicing and e-document generation |
| **Gender** | Left as *Unspecified* if you skip it |
| **Date of Birth** | Optional demographic information |
| **Customer Group** | See below |
| **Notes** | Staff-only; see below |
| **Address** / **State** / **City** / **Post Code** | Address details. **City** is pre-filled with your clinic's own city; change it where it does not apply |

## Customer Group

Bulk communication and reporting select clients by group, so groups you can describe in a sentence are the most useful ones, such as "boarding clients" or "large animal". A client can belong to several groups.

## Notes

The **Notes** field is marked **Private** and is visible only to staff, never to the client.

## Notification Switches

All four channels are **on by default** on a new client. Switch off any the client has opted out of:

- **Email Notification**
- **SMS Notification**
- **Mobile Notification**
- **WhatsApp Notification**

> **Info**
> When a channel is switched off, no automated message reaches that client through it, including appointment reminders.

## Mobile App Registration

**Automatically send mobile app registration link to customer.** is also **on by default**. If you leave it on, the client is invited to the mobile app as soon as you save.

> **Caution**
> This sends a real message to the client the moment the record is created. Turn it off if you are entering historical clients in bulk, or entering someone who has not yet agreed to be contacted.

## Adding Pets

Once the client is saved you can add one or more pets from their profile page. Each pet record belongs to the client.

> **Tip**
> An **Add a Pet** prompt appears as soon as the client is saved. Adding the pet at that point is easiest, and a visit record requires one. See [Add a pet](/patients/add-a-pet).