Opening a professional dog grooming business is an exciting opportunity to turn your love for pets into a rewarding career. As grooming plays an important role in maintaining a pet’s health and well-being, the demand for reliable grooming services continues to grow alongside the increasing number of pet owners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your dog grooming business.
1. Research the Dog Grooming Industry
The most important first step in starting any business is understanding the industry and the potential competition you may face. Dog grooming is a highly competitive industry, with many successful businesses already in the market. Research your local market to determine who is your main competitor and understand the types of dog grooming services and add-ons that are in demand so you can set your business up for success.
You can research your local market by visiting other groomers to observe their offerings, pricing, and customer service. You can also speak with pet owners to identify any unmet needs or service gaps that will help you create a unique angle that sets your business apart. Finally, you can perform some online research. From there, you can begin to develop a business plan that highlights your target market, services, and pricing.
2. Develop a Business Plan
This step is essential for securing financing for your business as it provides investors with a clear picture of your business goals and outlines their potential return on investment. In your plan, you should outline the range of services your business will provide, will you offer basic grooming (bathing, brushing, nail trimming) or advanced options like creative grooming, de-shedding treatments, or spa services?
Establish competitive pricing by researching local market rates and ensuring your fees align with the quality of your expertise, the time required, and the cost of materials. Include options for long-term growth opportunities, such as adding mobile grooming services or introducing a retail section for pet care products, to expand your business over time.
Also be sure to cover your market analysis, marketing strategy, management structure, financial plans, and first-year projections.
3. Secure Financing
With your business plan in hand, you can start securing funds to launch your dog grooming business. There are several financing options to explore, including loans, grants, and investments. A well-prepared business plan will make it easier to pitch to potential investors and secure the funding you need.
4. Choosing & Registering Your Business Name
The name of your business curates the first impression your customers will have of you. You want to choose a name that is unique, memorable, and easy to spell. It’s important to register your business name a decide whether you want to operate as a:
You may want to consult a business law professional to help you determine which option is best based on your business needs.
Building a Strong Brand
The first step in developing a compelling brand is choosing a name that captures your commitment to quality care and professionalism in dog services. Design a unique logo and build a strong online presence through a well-designed website and active social media profiles. Showcase what sets your business apart, whether it’s highly trained staff, state-of-the-art facilities, or sustainable and eco-conscious practices, to attract and retain clients.
5. Acquire the Necessary Permits and Licenses
Obtaining the required permits and licenses is an important step for any commercial dog business. Research federal, state, and local zoning laws and regulations to ensure that your dog grooming business is operating legally.
At the federal level, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you plan to hire any employees, this is required for taxes.
At the local level, you may be required to get a permit to operate your business, including a zoning permit to ensure that your business is located in an area properly zoned for commercial use. Also, many businesses with dog kennels are required to follow certain legislation, including obtaining a permit to operate the kennel.
Do I Need A License To Start A Dog Grooming Business?
Most areas require that you obtain a business license from your state officials and any other required certifications or registrations for your business. Some states require you to be a licensed dog groomer to operate a business, which may require you to pass an exam or complete training.
If you need any help determining the licensing or permitting requirements for starting a business, you can contact your local government’s business registration office or the Small Business Administration (SBA) for more details.
6. Get Business Insurance
Another important decision to make when setting up your business ensuring all your assets are protected. To do this, make sure you have complete coverage. Consider getting crucial business insurance such as:
- General Liability Insurance
- Property Insurance
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Animal Liability Insurance
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Product Liability Insurance
The best way to determine which of these you need is to consult with an insurance agent. They can help you understand what each of these covers and whether they make sense for your business needs or not.
7. Choose Your Business Location
The best location for your business will depend on factors such as visibility, accessibility, zoning (as mentioned above), and cost of rent.
Visibility
Choosing a high-visibility location can help attract more walk-in customers and build brand recognition simply by being seen. Placing your business near pet stores, veterinary clinics, or dog parks puts you right where pet owners already go, making it easier to connect with potential customers.
Accessibility
Choose a location with plenty of parking, clear signage, and easy-access entryways, ensuring a hassle-free experience for customers and their pets.
Zoning
Check the zoning designation of the place you plan to locate your business and ensure that is properly zoned for a dog grooming business. Typically, areas with a commercial zoning designation are best. If locating your business in an area not zoned for commercial uses, apply for any special permits or licenses that are required to operate your business.
Competition
Make sure that there aren’t too many grooming businesses nearby. You don’t want to locate your business in a place that has high competition already.
Cost
Rent is one of the biggest expenses for most businesses. While a prime location can attract more customers, it often comes with a higher price tag. On the other hand, choosing a more affordable space allows you to invest more in marketing to reach your target audience. Weigh the pros and cons of renting versus buying to determine which option best fits your budget and long-term goals.
8. Select An Operating Model
There are many different ways to operate a dog grooming business, here are some of the most common ones:
Dog Grooming Business From Home
This is a cost-effective and practical option for those just getting started. Operating your dog grooming business out of your home allows you to save costs on a business space, get your name out there, and begin building your brand. It’s also a great option for those dog grooming as a side gig. Please note, that this may not be a great option to reach a large customer base or create a strong brand image. This can be difficult without a physical storefront.
How Do I Start A Dog Grooming Business From Home?
The process will be mostly similar to what we are outlining here, but there are a few key differences.
- Startup: Since you won’t have to rent out or buy a space, you could save costs there, but you may need to spend money to renovate your home for a dedicated dog grooming space.
- Licensing & Zoning Laws: Most homes are zoned for residential use, which may prohibit operating a home business at all. Other areas will require that you adhere to home business zoning laws which can restrict the number of pets serviced per day and noise level.
- Staffing: Will typically have to be a solo or small-scale service which can limit the number of appointments.
- Marketing & Customer Base: While the usual model benefits from foot traffic, signs, and a broader customer base, a home business will have to rely on word-of-mouth, social media, and online marketing to attract customers.
Mobile Dog Grooming
Why not take your services directly to your customer’s home? This is great for customers with dogs that don’t like traveling and can save your customers the cost and time spent traveling to your location. It also saves you from having to open a physical storefront. However, the process for starting a mobile dog grooming business it slightly different and may include some additional costs. Here’s what to expect:
How To Start A Mobile Dog Grooming Business
The process for starting a mobile dog grooming business is similar to what we’ve currently outlined, but there are some key differences to make note of:
- Business Layout/Setup: When starting a mobile dog grooming business, you’ll need to invest in a van or trailer to operate out of that includes all the equipment needed for grooming.
- Travel Costs: You’ll have to factor in the added costs of traveling from appointment to appointment, this includes fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and distance traveled.
- Licensing & Permitting: When running your vehicle out of a van, you may require a permit to park your vehicle or to operate a business that’s “on the road”. Look into local zoning laws to see what applies to mobile businesses.
- Staffing: For a mobile operation, the amount of staff you can have will be limited. It will typically only be yourself or a small team, which could make scheduling easier, but may also limit how many appointments you can schedule in one day.
- Target Market: The customers for a mobile business will be more select than one with a physical location. Mobile grooming services are more likely to appeal to seniors and busy professionals.
- Weather & Road Conditions: Being on the road, your services will be affected by weather, road closures, and traffic, which could disrupt scheduling and potentially cause you to have to close down depending on the day.
Dog Grooming As An Add-on Service
You could choose to add grooming as an add-on service for your already-established commercial dog business. From veterinarians to dog boarders, having grooming included in your offered services could set you apart from the competition. Plus, it’s much easier to start doing with an already existing customer base.
The Dog Kennel Collection recently completed a kennel panel replacement for Skyline Kennels, a dog boarding business in Connecticut that also offers grooming services. Check out the video above to see how we helped Kandis transform her business!
Dog Grooming Salon At Pet Store
This can be an effective way to draw in customers already searching for grooming supplies. Plus, you can share costs with the pet store. However, it can be difficult as you have to compete with the grooming supplies already offered there and you have limited space.
Dog Grooming Salon With Rented Out Space for Professional Groomers
Similar to a hair salon, you can start a dog grooming business where you rent out space to fellow professional groomers. This option is a great way to share costs with others interested in having their own business and can help diversify your business by having groomers with different services offered. However, it will require a strong management and marketing plan to attract and retain not only groomers but customers as well.
Dog Grooming Shop
Or, you could simply go the traditional route and open up a dog grooming business of your own with a physical location. This opens up the option to work solo or to hire a team of groomers. It can also allow you to more easily develop a strong brand and customer base in the surrounding area. The only downside is that this option will include higher monthly rent or mortgage payments and higher overhead costs compared to a mobile business.
9. Plan The Layout of Your Dog Grooming Business
The layout of your business plays a crucial role in your success. It can not only enhance customer experience but also ensure that you’re using your space to its fullest potential and increasing the flow of operations.
Your dog grooming business floor plan should make considerations for:
- A Lobby
- Kennels
- Bath Area
- Grooming Space(s)
Lobby
This will be the first area your customers enter and will serve as a waiting space for them and their pets. It should be a welcoming environment with ample seating and enough room for everyone to feel comfortable. Plan for a building that is large enough to accommodate a spacious lobby that will still provide enough space for the other areas listed.
Choose a Suitable Kennel
A kennel or holding area is where dogs will be kept while they wait to be groomed or in between grooming sessions. When purchasing a dog kennel for grooming, prioritize options made from durable, easy-to-clean materials to ensure hygiene and long-lasting use. Look for designs that provide privacy and create a stress-free environment for dogs, helping them feel secure. If flexibility or future expansion is a consideration, consider portable kennels that can be easily moved or adjusted to fit changing needs.
Bathing Area
This is where dogs will be cleaned and prepped for your grooming services. This area will need a sink, shower, or other wash-down solutions as well as any other needed grooming supplies and easy access to the grooming area.
Carefully Consider the Layout of Your Grooming Spaces
This is where the actual grooming takes place. Depending on how many grooming tables you want to have available, you’ll need to provide enough space to accommodate each grooming station as well as space for groomers and dogs to easily move through the area. You’ll also need to set aside storage space for grooming tools.
10. Equip Your Business with the Right Tools
Equip your facility with top-notch grooming tools to ensure the quality of your services. Design designated play areas stocked with toys and equipment to keep dogs active and engaged. For added security and to build customer confidence, install surveillance cameras to monitor the premises and ensure a safe environment for pets.
Here are some of the most common tools and how much you can expect them to cost:
- Grooming Table: $50-$2,000
- Clipper & Trimmer Set: $25-$400
- Dryer: $50-$400
- Brushes & Comb: $5-$30
- Shampoo & Conditioner: $10-$30
- Scissors: $5-$30
- Nail Clippers & Grinders: $10-$100
- Ear & Eye Dog Care Products:$10-$30
- Grooming Restraints or Holds: $10-$30
- Aprons & Gowns: $10-$30
Find Dog Grooming Supplies For Your Business
11. Hire Dog Grooming Staff
Having the right team is essential for operating a successful dog grooming business. They not only help you keep up with customer demands and take on more appointments but also create an atmosphere that brings customers back.
Determine Your Staffing Needs
The first step to hiring staff is to determine your needs. If you plan to operate a home or mobile dog grooming business, you may not need staff or only want a small number of staff. You may decide to hire more part-time workers compared to full-time employees. For a traditional dog grooming business, you’ll want a fuller staff consisting of receptionists, groomers, and assistants. Decide how many appointments you want to hold and hire the number of staff accordingly.
Finding the Ideal Staff
Now that you know your staffing needs, you can start conducting interviews. Search for candidates with resume items such as experience in dog grooming or notable certifications. Make sure that they have the required licenses and certifications in your area. During the interview, you can choose to hold a test grooming session to evaluate their skills and handling abilities. Once you’ve found someone who meets your requirements, you can begin building your staff.
Building Your Staff
Be sure to provide your new hires with adequate training, set expectations, competitive pay, and benefits. With the right training and compensation, you can build a staff that creates a positive experience and brings in more customers for your business. It’s crucial to set clear roles and responsibilities as well. Clearly defined job duties and sanitation, safety, and animal welfare standards lead to smooth and compliant operations.
Foster A Positive Work Environment
To maintain a set of employees you can trust who stay with your business for a long time, you must create a positive working environment. Develop a team-oriented and pet-friendly culture with seamless collaboration and happy pets and pet owners. Meet with your staff regularly to encourage feedback and provide growth opportunities.
12. Market Your Kennel Effectively
Effectively promote your grooming services by using social media and local advertising to engage with your ideal clients. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and share their experiences online to enhance your credibility. Here are some common marketing strategies that work for dog grooming businesses:
- Offer special promotions, deals, and discounts (especially for new/first-time customers)
- Use social media to reach a wider audience
- Connect with local pet-related businesses to cross-promote your services
- Participate in community events or pet shows to get your name out there
- Implement a loyalty program
- Utilize email marketing and targeted advertising
- Offer free grooming samples or consultations
13. Track Your Progress
Track the success of your grooming business by actively seeking customer feedback to refine and elevate the quality of your services. Regularly review your financial performance to pinpoint opportunities for growth and improvement. Stay competitive by staying updated on new trends and advancements in the grooming industry, ensuring your business remains relevant and appealing to clients. Consider finding a dog grooming business software that can help you more seamlessly track your business operations.
How Much Does It Cost To Start A Dog Grooming Business?
It can be hard to pinpoint an exact startup cost for a dog grooming business as many variables can impact the overall cost. Between location, operating model, equipment, and staff, costs can vary greatly. For example, a home-based grooming operation costs between $2,000 and $10,000 while a traditional physical grooming business costs between $15,000 to over $100,000 or more. On the other hand, a mobile grooming business can cost between $10,000 to $150,000. It’s best to set a budget and then choose your operating model and equipment accordingly.
Dog Groomer Prices: How Much Should You Charge?
How much you should charge for your dog grooming services will depend on your business goals. There are a few pricing strategies you can follow:
- Competitive Pricing: Set prices based on what competitors are charging. You can either match, undercut, or set your prices slightly above what they’re charging.
- Cost-Plus Pricing: This method factors in the cost of providing your grooming services plus the amount you need to make a profit. Therefore, you set prices slightly above the cost to supply them to generate revenue.
- Value-Based Pricing: This method of pricing sets prices based on perceived value rather than actual cost. So, if customers see your services as premium or exclusive you can price services slightly higher than most groomers.
- Price Skimming: You start by pricing your services high and then gradually lower them over time.
- Penetration Pricing: This method is often used by those trying to break into the market. You start by charging low prices to attract customers and then gradually increase them.
- Economy Pricing: Keep your prices as low as possible to attract budget-conscious customers.
- Dynamic Pricing: Pricing can change depending on demand, season, or customer behavior.
Common Groomer Prices
Here are standard grooming services, and the common price range for them to help you get started. Please note that they typically vary within this range depending on dog size, coat type, and complexity.
- Basic Bath: $20-$80
- Bath & Brush: $30-$100
- Full Groom (Bath, Brush, Haircut, Nails, and Ears): $45-$150
- Puppy Groom: $25-$100
- Deshedding Treatment: $15-$100
- Nail Trimming: $10-$40
- Ear Cleaning: $5-$25
Cost of Add-On Dog Grooming Services
- Flea & Tick Bath: $10-$30
- Medicated Shampoo Treatment (for skin conditions): $10-$25
- Teeth Cleaning: $25-$75
- Blueberry Facial: $5-$15
- Nail Polish: $5-$20
- Paw Balm Treatment: $5-$15
- Hydrating/Oil Coat Treatment: $10-$30
- Speciality Haircut (Breed specific/Show cut): $20-$50
You can also offer special packages or discounts for regular customers to help encourage repeat visits. Some grooming salons may charge an hourly rate or encourage tips.
How Profitable Is A Dog Grooming Business?
A dog grooming business can be highly profitable, with common profit margins typically ranging from 20% to 60%. However, the actual profit margin can vary depending on location, services offered, pricing, and business model. It’s important to note that any business just starting may take a while to see a profit. Be sure not to panic if you don’t start making a profit right away, the goal is to start breaking even.
Equip Your Business With Custom Kennels To Make It Stand Out Against the Competition
One way to make your dog grooming business stand out from the competition is by creating a satisfying experience for your four-legged customers. Designing a kennel waiting area with proper ventilation, comfortable flooring that’s gentle on paws, and features like wash-down capabilities and climate control can set your business apart.
At The Dog Kennel Collection, we’ve helped customers elevate their businesses with high-quality commercial kennels. Hear from some of our customers to see how we designed and built dog kennels for groomers that met their needs and helped their businesses grow.
If you’re ready to create a custom commercial kennel setup for your dog grooming business, contact us! We’ll work with you to bring your vision to life. Plus, with our partner, Backyard Pet Supplies, you can find all the grooming supplies you need to get your business up and running.
Congratulations on your new business venture—we wish you the best of luck!
