diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df5ba59
--- /dev/null
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+# GroomBook — Agent Instructions
+
+## Repo Layout
+
+- `apps/api` — NestJS backend API
+- `apps/web` — React frontend (Vite)
+- `apps/e2e` — Playwright E2E tests
+- `apps/groombook` — CLI / meta package
+- `packages/` — shared libraries
+- `charts/` — Helm charts
+- `infra/` — infrastructure config
+
+## Development
+
+- Package manager: `pnpm` (workspace monorepo)
+- Run E2E tests: `pnpm --filter @groombook/e2e test`
+- Run API: `pnpm --filter @groombook/api dev`
+- Run web: `pnpm --filter @groombook/web dev`
+
+## Git Workflow
+
+- Branch from `main` using the pattern `fix/<issue-id>-<short-desc>` or `feat/<issue-id>-<short-desc>`
+- Push to origin and open a PR against `main`
+- If the issue specifies an existing PR/branch, push to that branch instead of creating a new one
+- Commit messages: short imperative summary, reference the issue ID
+
+## Task Handoff (Paperclip)
+
+When you receive an assigned task from Paperclip:
+
+1. **Checkout the task** immediately using `POST /api/issues/{issueId}/checkout`
+2. **Read the full issue description** and any comments for context
+3. **Do the work** — implement the fix/feature as described
+4. **Test your changes** — run relevant tests, lint, type-check
+5. **Commit and push** your changes to the appropriate branch
+6. **Update the task** with status `in_review` and a comment summarizing what you did, including the commit SHA and PR link
+7. **Never leave a task in `in_progress` without posting a comment** explaining current state before exiting your heartbeat
+
+If you cannot complete the work (missing info, blocked by another task, environment issue):
+- Set the task to `blocked` with a comment explaining what's blocking you
+- Tag your manager in the comment if escalation is needed
+
+Do NOT silently drop tasks. Every assigned task must get a status update and comment before your heartbeat ends.