Congratulations on your decision to start a dog grooming business! 

Now is an exciting time to start a pet-care business, as the industry is successful year after year. Americans are spending more on pets than ever before, a number expected to reach $99 billion this year.

But now that you have made the courageous decision to start your business, you may be overwhelmed with what to do next. There are many steps ahead on your journey to creating a dog grooming business, from legal paperwork and licensing to selecting a name and designing a logo. 

We created this guide to lead you through the process of starting a dog grooming business. Read on for everything you need!

Create a Dog Grooming Business Plan

To start a business, you need to write a business plan. This comprehensive document is necessary to secure funding and includes crucial information about your business, such as market and financial analyses and management structure. 

Select an Operating Concept

A person trims a dog's face

It’s time to decide where you will operate your dog grooming business. Your choices may include:

  • Rent space in a salon
  • Run a mobile grooming salon
  • Run a dog grooming salon from your home
  • Run a dog grooming salon as the only groomer
  • Run a dog grooming salon and invite groomers to rent space 
  • Run a dog grooming salon and hire groomers to work for you

Size and layout are significant factors when renting or purchasing space. A dog grooming business floor plan typically includes four sections: lobby, kennel or holding space, bath area, and grooming space.

Operating out of your home might be the most cost-effective choice, but there are things to consider. Running a business out of your home can limit growth opportunities, making expansion both in physical and staff size difficult. You also might anger your neighbors, mainly because dogs are loud. If you decide to run your business out of your home, first verify if you can legally do so. 

A growing trend is the mobile dog grooming business. Mobile dog grooming is convenient for pet parents and provides freedom for the business owner. While there are benefits, operating out of a van presents issues like faulty equipment and the cost of fuel. 

Establish a Business Entity

Establishing a business entity is a crucial way to protect yourself from liability and save money on taxes. Consult with a lawyer to evaluate which option is best for your dog grooming business. Options include: 

  • Limited liability company (LLC): Owners of an LLC are not personally liable for the business’s debts and liabilities. LLCs are exclusive to the US and join a corporation’s characteristics to a partnership or sole proprietorship.
  • Corporation: A corporation is a group acting as a single legal entity. 
  • Sole proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is a business owned and operated by one person. There are no legal distinctions between the business and the owner.
  • Partnership: A partnership is a business owned and operated by two or more parties. Partnerships vary in how owners share liability and profits.

Obtain Insurance, Licenses, and Permits

Depending on your location, the types of licenses, permits, registrations, and insurance required to start a dog grooming business vary. Standard local, state, and federal registrations include:

  • Sales tax permit
  • Employer Identification Number
  • Occupancy Permit

If you are working in a salon or your home, get general liability insurance to protect yourself from a dog bite or pet parent slipping. If you run a mobile grooming business, you will most likely need to add a policy to your personal auto insurance since most don’t include commercial activity.

Buy Dog Grooming Tools and Supplies

A woman brushes a dog on a grooming table

The price tags on grooming equipment might raise an eyebrow (or two). But investing in the right tools now will pay off in time, safety, and customer satisfaction later. Here are the essentials every grooming business needs to get off the ground:

  • Grooming tables
  • Fur dryers
  • Washing machines and dryers
  • Bathing tubs
  • Kennels
  • Grooming hose
  • Shower attachments
  • Dog brushes 
  • Combs
  • Shears
  • De-matters
  • Gloves
  • Grooming clippers
  • Nail clippers
  • Nail grinders
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Ear cleaning products
  • Bandanas and bows
  • Face masks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cleaning products

Not sure which brands to look for? Grooming trade shows are a great place to start! These events bring together the biggest names in pet grooming supplies, accessories, and software under one roof. Plus, you'll be able to network with other groomers and pick up helpful tricks or strategies for running your business.

Earn Certifications and Training

There are no legal certifications required for dog groomers, but training helps ensure you do an exemplary job and show customers you are qualified. 

Training ensures you know necessary skills like:

Virtual and in-person schools offer training and certification. You might also consider training in bookkeeping software and business management.

Establish Pricing

A black and white spotted dog sits on a grooming table

Set your rates in a similar range to local dog groomers to ensure your business is competitive. When establishing rates, keep in mind the breed, type of service, and the time it takes to complete the service.

Consider bundling services together for special memberships, offering discounts and free add-ons.

Pricing should reflect actual cost, taxes, insurance, and a little extra for your savings. The more prepared you are for unexpected expenses like equipment failure or a pandemic, the better off you will be.

Promote Your Dog Grooming Business

When starting, it’s crucial to spread the word. Marketing generates buzz, and you want people talking about your dog grooming business. Promote special offers and incentivize potential clients to try your grooming services. Some things to try include:

  • Create a memorable business name.
  • Design a catchy logo.
  • Design a professional website.
  • Mail or email coupons.
  • Launch a referral program.
  • Give business cards and flyers to pet boutiques, vet clinics, animal rescues, dog trainers, and doggie daycares.
  • Get active on social media.
  • Launch advertising on Google and Facebook.
  • Be engaged in local Facebook groups.
  • Offer gift certificates as a part of a fundraising event. 

Get Pet-Care Business Software

Running a grooming business means juggling a lot—but with Gingr, it doesn’t have to feel like it. With powerful tools for scheduling, staff management, marketing, and payments, it’s everything you need in one place. Gingr makes it easier to manage your team, delight your customers, and get more done in less time.

Grow your grooming business with Gingr. Get a personalized demo today!