Imagine happy pups leaving your salon with fresh trims and wagging tails, and pet parents ready to book their next appointment. Starting a dog grooming business might sound far-fetched, but with the right plan, it’s easier than you think—and it could lead to a flexible, rewarding career doing what you love.
TL;DR: Your Dog Grooming Biz Launch Checklist:
- Get familiar with dog grooming licensing requirements in your area
- Build a solid dog grooming business plan
- Protect your new business with affordable pet groomer insurance
Looking for info on grooming skills and training? Check out our blog on How to Become a Dog Groomer.
1. Create Your Business Plan
Before you start buying supplies and booking appointments, it’s essential that you craft a simple step-by-step business plan. This plan should outline every aspect of your company and give you a clear roadmap to success. Think of it as your own how to start a dog grooming business checklist that keeps you on track.
Your business plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should cover a few basic items. These include:
- Target market
- Services you offer
- How much you’ll charge
- Location of your business
- Total startup costs
- Professional goals
Check out our pet care business plan blog for an in-depth breakdown and a free template!
2. Understand the Legal Requirements
Unlike many businesses, there are no universal licenses or regulations in the dog grooming industry. That means you’ll need to consistently wow clients with your skills and experience. However, there are still several legal requirements you need to meet before you put those scissors and clippers to use:
- Register your business name
- Choose a business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
- Get an EIN (tax ID)
- Open a business bank account
Some states require permits or general business licenses, so check with local officials if you have questions. For instance: salon owners must follow occupancy, fire safety, and sanitation rules to maintain their business, while mobile groomers should comply with city parking and gray-water disposal regulations.
Additionally, business owners must understand policies like service agreements, emergency vet authorization, matted hair consent forms, and social media photo and video permissions. Following these practices is essential not just for legal reasons, but also for the health and safety of the animals.
3: Obtain Your Equipment and Tools
While some of your equipment depends on where you conduct business, the basic supplies are the same. Keep in mind, you don’t need the most expensive clippers and hair dryers to get started. High-quality, affordable tools of the trade are enough when starting a dog grooming business.
A few starter-friendly options include:
- Grooming table: $90-$150
- Clippers and blades: $150-$250
- High-velocity dryer: $200-$320
- Bathing tub: $170-$250
- Brushes: $20-$30
- Scissors: $100-$200
4: Choose Your Business Location
A huge perk of starting your own grooming business is choosing your location and setting your hours. You might start by accepting clients at home or going mobile with a grooming van and build your customer base that way. Or, you could dive right into owning a salon and hire staff to help assist clients.
Regardless of location, it’s crucial to understand any legal requirements that might apply to you. For instance, if you’re operating out of your home, check applicable zoning and HOA rules to make sure you don’t violate parking laws while accommodating guests.
5: Develop Pricing and Marketing Strategies
Deciding how much to charge for your services can feel overwhelming. On one hand, charging too much will quickly reduce your client base, while charging too little will make it impossible to pay overhead costs. Finding a happy middle ground is crucial for the success of your business.
The best way to settle on a pricing model is by researching what other dog groomers in the area are charging for the same services. If you own a salon, look at a few of your competitors’ websites and analyze their strategies. The same goes for home and mobile services.
The best approach to your pricing strategy is to be knowledgeable about your competitors and the local dog grooming industry.
Sell Yourself
Marketing your business doesn’t have to be pricey. In fact, some of the best ways to promote your services are completely free. We recommend the following marketing strategies on day one:
- Make a website: A simple, easy-to-browse website that details your services, prices, and what sets you apart from the competition is a must-have for any business owner.
- Curate a social media presence: These platforms provide the perfect opportunity to show off your services. From before-and-after photos of clients’ fur babies to livestreams of your skills in action, putting yourself out there can translate to significant growth.
- Start a Google Business Profile: Positive customer reviews on Google are powerful and free word-of-mouth advertisements.
- Promote customer perks: Advertise seasonal specials and reward customers who pre-book with a small discount on their next appointment.
6. Protect Your Business
Starting a dog grooming business takes time, money, and hard work, and protecting that investment is important. Purchasing pet grooming insurance helps safeguard your livelihood against potential legal issues stemming from your business operations and services.
What it covers:
- General Liability: Helps cover bodily injury, property damage, and medical expenses related to your grooming services
- Pet Protection Coverage (Animal Bailee): Covers claims and lawsuits if a dog in your care gets lost, injured, or dies
- Veterinarian Reimbursement: Recovers out-of-pocket emergency vet expenses if a dog in your care is injured
Why Start a Dog Grooming Business?
Besides your love for animals, being your own boss in the dog grooming world is a smart business decision. Depending on the breed, dogs need repeat care to keep their coat, nails, and skin healthy. Whether it’s every four to six weeks or eight to 12 weeks, pet owners need professional groomers to provide regular care for their dogs.
Growing Demand for Dog Grooming
Business is booming in the pet grooming industry with a projected growth of 7.5% by 2032. The reason? Pet parents view dogs as another member of the family, and are willing to spend more money for consistent, high-quality care. They view grooming as an essential service for their pet’s well-being, so starting a dog grooming business in today’s market makes financial sense.
How that translates to profit:
- Repeat bookings mean steadier income
- Multiple revenue streams such as grooms, ear cleaning, deshedding, teeth brushing, etc.
- Deposits, no‑show, and late‑pickup fee policies
- Low overhead to start and upgrade tools and space as your client base grows
- Business insurance, clear pricing, and great online reviews build client trust
Affordable Startup and Flexible Growth
Depending on your business model and location, new dog grooming business owners can get everything up and running relatively quickly. In fact, many opt to start small with home-based or mobile grooming services. These entry points allow dog groomers to hone their skills and build a client base before owning and operating a commercial salon.
FAQs About Starting a Dog Grooming Business
How much does it cost to start a dog grooming business?
Starting a dog grooming business costs between a few thousand dollars for home and mobile setups, and tens of thousands for salons. Your most significant expenses will likely be grooming tools and supplies, rental space or van (if applicable), marketing, and maintenance.
Your total cost depends on how you structure your business and how big you want to go with advertising.
Do I need an LLC for dog grooming?
You do not need an LLC when starting a dog grooming company. However, an LLC helps protect your personal finances from lawsuits, debt, and other legal troubles tied to your business. It can also boost your credibility and show clients and vendors you take your business seriously.
What do you need to start a dog grooming business?
To start a dog grooming business, you need the following:
- Workspace: Home setup, mobile grooming van, or commercial salon space
- Grooming Equipment: Grooming tables, brushes, tubs, scissors, trimmers, etc.
- Grooming Supplies: Shampoos, conditioners, cleaning products, towels, etc.
- Marketing Tools: Social media presence, signage, advertising strategies
