How To Start a Dog Grooming Business

If you’re like many dog lovers, you’ve likely thought about working with animals. Maybe you’ve already worked as a dog bather, dog walker, or pet groomer and now want to open your own dog grooming business.

It could be a smart move. The pet industry is a fast-growing $8.5 billion dollar industry, and every dog lover knows it’s a challenge to keep their pets clean and well-groomed. From ear cleaning and nail clipping to breed-specific haircuts, there’s always a pet in need!

But where do you even start? Starting your own dog grooming business may seem overwhelming, but we’ve compiled the ultimate list of steps to help you begin with confidence!

Define Your Business Concept
Name Your Business
Register Your Business
Get Any Necessary Training and/or Certifications
Choose a Prime Location
Get the Right Type of Equipment
Set Your Pricing
Find a Business Management Software
Get the Word Out and Start Marketing
“Train” Your Customers
Build on Brand Loyalty
Focus on Customer Retention
Pay Attention to Personal Development

Filled with expert advice and tips, this guide has everything you need to launch your dog grooming business. Let’s dive in!

1. Define Your Dog Grooming Business Concept

Before launching your business, take time to consider what kind of grooming service you want to offer. There are several options at different starting costs, from a physical storefront to a DIY dog wash or even mobile grooming. Ask yourself: What does your ideal dog grooming business look like? Writing it out or sketching a rough plan can help bring your vision to life.

Here are a few key questions to consider:

Do you picture an upscale, full-service salon with chandeliers for the “designer” dogs in your neighborhood? Or would you prefer a self-service model for the many “bath dogs” in your area?

Do you want a mobile grooming business, or would you rather have a storefront?

Are you interested in investing in the franchise approach?

Do you want to include a retail section selling dog food, treats, collars, and other pet accessories?

What services do other pet grooming businesses in your community offer? How will yours stand out?

The most successful business owners understand their potential customers and tailor their services to meet local demand. Take a look at your community: What kinds of dogs do you see? Are they breeds that require meticulous grooming, or do most just need a good bath?

Even local car washes can provide insight into customer habits. It may sound odd, but they can indicate whether people in your area prefer detailed professional services or a DIY approach. If you notice many using hand-detailing services, they may appreciate professional dog grooming. On the other hand, a strong DIY culture could indicate demand for self-service washes.

Mobile grooming is another great option, especially for busy families, elderly pet owners, or those who prefer the convenience of at-home services.

Understanding these preferences will help you shape a dog grooming business that truly fits your community’s needs.

2. Name Your Dog Grooming Business

Coming up with a name for your dog grooming business is exciting! You’ve probably seen plenty of creative pet business names, and there’s lots of room for fun and originality. If you’re looking for more in-depth guidance, check out our dedicated blog post on choosing the perfect name. It’s packed with inspiration and expert advice to help you find the right fit!

Read the Blog

In the meantime, here are some quick tips to keep in mind while brainstorming:

Choose a name that’s unique yet easy to remember.

Make sure it’s web-ready, meaning that it’s not already taken and you’re able to buy the domain name.

Verify that your name is available on the social media platforms you plan to use. There’s nothing worse than securing a business name only to find out someone else already claimed it on Facebook or Instagram.

Once you’ve locked in your name, secured the domain, and claimed your social media handles, you’re ready for the next step!

3. Register Your Business

Make sure to register your business according to legal requirements. It’s also a good idea to patent or trademark your business name to protect your brand. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers helpful resources around this process on their website.

Next, decide on the best business structure for your goals:

Sole Proprietorship: You operate alone and keep full control of the business.

Partnership: You share responsibilities and profits with a business partner.

LLC (Limited Liability Company): A great option if you plan to hire employees and want limited liability protection.

Corporation: Functions as a separate legal entity, making it ideal for larger businesses or those planning to expand to multiple locations.

Choosing the right structure from the start will help set your business up for long-term success!

4. Get Training and Certification for Dog Groomers

Dog grooming businesses don’t have to follow the same rules that human hair salons and barbershops do. That is, you won’t need a license that shows you’re trained to groom a dog. However, taking courses can be a valuable investment in your skills and credibility.

Most dog groomers are passionate about learning, and like any profession, there are best practices to follow. For example, some breeds require specific haircuts, and their owners expect groomers to know the difference.

Fortunately, there are many ways to gain training. Animal Behavior College, for instance, has over 6,000 locations across the U.S. and offers courses on pet handling and grooming techniques.

Official training will make you seem, well, more official! It legitimizes your work, even if it’s not technically required. Plus, many groomers enjoy the sense of community they gain by connecting with others at training events. Keep in mind, though, that training isn’t everything. You’ll also need essential dog grooming tools and maintenance products to get started.

5. Choose a Prime Location

You’ve probably heard the saying, “location, location, location.” That’s because where you set up your dog grooming business can have a big impact on your success.

It’s a good idea to choose a location near plenty of potential customers. For example, is there a dog park, veterinary clinic, or pet store (that doesn’t already offer grooming) nearby?

Alternatively, consider a neighborhood with plenty of foot traffic. One groomer shared that she opened her shop in a historic district near a popular walking trail, which helped her quickly attract new customers.

6. Get The Right Type of Equipment

The type of equipment you need for your dog grooming business depends, of course, on which kind of grooming service you’re offering.

For example, if you’re providing self-serve dog washes, you’ll need several large tubs with pull-down sprayers. You’ll also need plastic aprons for customers to wear so their dogs don’t soak them, as well as different soaps for sensitive and regular skin.

Tip: You can start with new or used equipment. There’s no reason you can’t begin small and add more as your business grows!

7. Set Your Pricing

One of the biggest mistakes new business owners make is competing on price.

While offering an “introductory” rate might seem like a good way to attract new customers, it can backfire. Price-conscious customers often lack loyalty and will jump to the next best deal. This can lead to burnout for you and an inconsistent experience for the dogs, who benefit from seeing the same groomer regularly.

Instead of competing on price, focus on service and what makes you unique, whether that’s being the only mobile groomer in your area, offering specialized breed cuts, or providing a luxury spa experience.

Most importantly, your pricing should cover your real costs, including taxes, insurance, and a rainy-day fund. Unexpected expenses happen, whether it’s a plumbing issue, a van breakdown, or something as unpredictable as a pandemic. Setting sustainable prices from the start ensures your business can thrive long-term.

8. Find a Business Management Software

You might not have considered it, but the right software can make a huge difference in running your dog grooming business! Why? Because you have a lot to juggle—managing payments, booking appointments (both online and over the phone), keeping track of clients, and handling payroll. The right software can automate scheduling, streamline payment processing, and even help you stay on top of online reviews.

Many groomers start out using pen and paper instead of cloud-based software, but experienced business owners will quickly tell you that’s a mistake. Deana Deitchler, owner of Dogs Paw Inc. in Park Rapids, Minnesota, has been in business for over 12 years and recalls the challenges of starting without software:

“I was doing everything on paper—from booking to billing—and chasing my tail to figure out appointments and financials every day. I was struggling to keep track of my customer base, especially because handwriting everything was getting messy.”
— Deana Deitchler, Owner, Dogs Paw Inc.

Making the switch to business management software can save you time, reduce stress, and help your grooming business run smoothly from day one.

9. Get the Word Out and Start Marketing

Social media is a powerful way to connect with customers, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To attract clients and grow your business, it’s best to use multiple marketing strategies:

Run Targeted Ads: Use paid ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach potential customers in your area. Want to target Goldendoodle owners within a 5-mile radius? You can do that!

Showcase Your Work: Post photos and videos of your grooming space, happy clients, and before-and-after transformations to build credibility and attract new customers.

Connect with Your Community: Introduce yourself to local pet shops and veterinary clinics. Attend dog shows, pet fairs, and other events to network and hand out information about your services.

Build an Email List: Start building an email list early so when the time comes, you can use email as an inexpensive marketing tool.
Boost Your Online Reputation: Ask happy customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook. Reviews are one of the most trusted forms of recommendations—an Inc. article reported that 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a friend’s recommendation! Using reputation management software can help you automate review requests and keep those 5-star ratings coming in.

By using a mix of these strategies, you can build a strong customer base and keep your appointment book full, even as a brand-new business!

10. “Train” Your Customers

As a new business owner, it’s natural to want to go above and beyond for your clients and their dogs. You’ll build strong relationships, and owners will appreciate how comfortable their pets are with you. But setting clear boundaries is essential to minimizing stress.

We’ve heard stories of groomers receiving middle-of-the-night texts and other unrealistic demands. While it’s tempting to always say yes, maintaining healthy boundaries helps you stay happy, focused, and in control of your business.

Communicate your work hours and response times upfront through a welcome page or FAQ section on your website or social media. You can also set up automated messages to manage expectations. If you’re grooming, that deserves your full attention, so let clients know when they can expect a response, whether that’s between appointments or through a receptionist.

It’s your business, so you get to set the rules!

11. Build on Brand Loyalty

Branding goes beyond logos and colors. It starts with your values. What do you want to be known for? In pet grooming, building trust through clear communication is essential for strong client relationships. Trust isn’t just about the pet but also about the owner, who is entrusting you with their beloved companion.

One way to build that trust is by following a consistent routine with every dog. One groomer shared that her team always starts with the same paw, then moves to the next, creating a familiar process that puts pets at ease.

When clients, both four-legged and two-legged, know they can trust you, they’re more likely to stay loyal. By being consistent, relatable, and transparent about your process, you not only gain trust but also foster long-term loyalty that keeps them coming back.

12. Focus on Customer Retention

Returning customers are the bread and butter of any successful dog grooming business. One groomer we spoke with said she no longer takes one-off customers because it doesn’t make good business sense.

If you think about it, she’s right. Did you know that getting a new customer is 5 times more expensive than retaining an existing one? (OutboundEngine)

Every new client requires extra time, from greeting them, inputting their information into your CRM, learning their dog’s preferences, and building rapport. With a loyal customer base, scheduling becomes more predictable, and so does your income.

Clear communication helps set expectations and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s using terms your customers will understand, admitting a mistake, or sending them a card on their dog’s birthday, small gestures go a long way in building loyalty!

13. Pay Attention to Personal Development

Success in business often starts with the right mindset—not necessarily how smart you are or how hard you work, but what you believe is possible. This may sound a little “woo woo,” but hear us out!

Running a business requires both hard and soft skills, like accounting basics, marketing, and communication. While these skills can be learned, what’s often overlooked is the need for resilience and persistence to keep going, especially during tough times.

There are plenty of books, TED Talks, and other resources to help, but one thing every successful business owner needs is a supportive community. Fellow business owners can offer a pep talk when you’re feeling down, point you toward helpful resources, and celebrate with you during the good times. You can connect with other successful dog groomers online or through events like Groom Expo.