The Complete Guide to Starting a Dog Grooming Business in 2025
The pet grooming industry is booming. Americans spent over $11 billion on pet grooming in 2024, and that number continues to grow year over year. If you love dogs and have grooming skills, there's never been a better time to start your own business.
But passion alone won't guarantee success. This guide covers everything you need to know to launch a profitable, sustainable dog grooming business in 2025.
Is Dog Grooming the Right Business for You?
Before diving into logistics, let's make sure this is the right path. Successful groomers share these traits:
You'll thrive if you:
- Genuinely love working with dogs (even the difficult ones)
- Have patience and calm energy
- Can handle physical demands (standing, lifting, repetitive motions)
- Enjoy building relationships with clients
- Want control over your schedule and income
Consider carefully if you:
- Expect immediate high income (it takes time to build clientele)
- Struggle with unpredictable animals
- Have severe allergies to pet dander
- Dislike getting wet, dirty, or occasionally scratched
Step 1: Get Trained and Certified
While many states don't require formal certification, professional training is essential for:
- Learning proper techniques for different breeds
- Understanding animal behavior and safety
- Building credibility with clients
- Avoiding injuries to yourself and pets
Training options:
Recommended path: Complete a formal program, then work for an established salon for 1-2 years before going solo. This builds skills, confidence, and often a client base you can take with you.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Model
There are several ways to structure a grooming business:
Home-Based Salon
Pros: Low overhead, no commute, tax benefits Cons: Zoning restrictions, limited space, work-life boundary challenges Startup cost: $5,000-$15,000Mobile Grooming
Pros: Convenience sells, less competition, no facility costs Cons: Vehicle investment, travel time, weather challenges Startup cost: $50,000-$100,000 (van + equipment)Retail Location
Pros: Professional image, walk-in potential, room to grow Cons: Highest overhead, lease commitments, more complex operations Startup cost: $75,000-$200,000Booth Rental
Pros: Lower risk, shared expenses, built-in traffic Cons: Less control, shared reputation, fee structures Startup cost: $2,000-$5,000For most new groomers, we recommend starting home-based or mobile to minimize risk while building your client base.
Step 3: Handle Legal Requirements
Don't skip this step—proper setup protects you legally and professionally.
Business Registration
- Choose a business structure (LLC recommended for liability protection)
- Register your business name
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Licenses and Permits
Requirements vary by location, but typically include:- Business license
- Zoning permit (especially for home-based)
- Sales tax permit (if selling products)
- Some states require grooming-specific licenses
Insurance
Essential coverages:- General liability ($1-2 million recommended)
- Professional liability (covers grooming-related incidents)
- Property coverage (equipment and facility)
- Commercial auto (for mobile groomers)
Step 4: Invest in Quality Equipment
Cutting corners on equipment costs more in the long run through inefficiency, poor results, and replacements.
Essential Equipment List
Grooming tables:
- Hydraulic or electric table: $300-$1,500
- Grooming arm and loop: $50-$150
Bathing:
- Tub (stainless steel recommended): $500-$2,000
- Professional sprayer: $100-$300
- Dryers (high-velocity + stand dryer): $300-$800
Clippers and blades:
- Professional clippers (Andis, Wahl): $150-$400
- Blade set (various sizes): $200-$400
- Clipper maintenance supplies: $50-$100
Shears:
- Straight shears: $100-$300
- Curved shears: $100-$300
- Thinning shears: $100-$300
Brushes and combs:
- Slicker brushes: $20-$50
- Dematting tools: $20-$40
- Combs (various): $30-$60
Supplies:
- Shampoos and conditioners (professional grade)
- Ear cleaner, nail supplies
- Sanitizing products
- Towels and aprons
Total initial equipment investment: $3,000-$8,000 for a quality setup
Step 5: Set Your Prices
Pricing is where many new groomers struggle. Price too low and you'll burn out; too high and you won't get clients.
Research Local Rates
Call competitors posing as a potential client. Ask about:- Bath and brush prices by size
- Full groom prices by size
- Add-on services (teeth brushing, nail grinding, etc.)
Calculate Your Costs
Your prices must cover:- Product costs per dog ($3-$10)
- Time investment (your hourly rate)
- Overhead (rent, utilities, insurance, etc.)
- Profit margin (20-30% minimum)
Sample Pricing Structure (2025 Averages)
| Service | Small (0-20 lbs) | Medium (21-50 lbs) | Large (51-80 lbs) | XL (81+ lbs) |
|---|
| Bath & Brush | $35-50 | $50-70 | $70-90 | $90-120 |
| Full Groom | $55-75 | $75-100 | $100-130 | $130-180 |
| Puppy Intro | $30-40 | $40-50 | $50-60 | $60-75 |
Step 6: Set Up Booking and Management Systems
This is where many groomers make a critical mistake: they try to manage everything manually.
The manual approach:
- Paper appointment book
- Phone calls and texts for booking
- Handwritten client cards
- Mental notes about pet preferences
The problem: As you grow, this becomes unsustainable. You'll miss appointments, forget important notes, and spend hours on admin instead of grooming.
Modern Grooming Software Essentials
Look for software that includes:
- Online booking: Clients book 24/7 without calling
- Automated reminders: Reduce no-shows by 30%+
- Client and pet profiles: Track history, notes, and preferences
- Digital agreements: Protect your business legally
- Calendar management: See your day at a glance
This is exactly why we built Pawfect Appointments—software designed specifically for groomers, not adapted from generic scheduling tools.
Step 7: Market Your Business
You could be the best groomer in town, but it doesn't matter if no one knows you exist.
Build Your Online Presence
Google Business Profile (FREE and essential):
- Appear in local searches
- Collect and display reviews
- Post updates and photos
Social media strategy:
- Before/after photos are grooming gold
- Short videos of happy dogs
- Educational content (breed-specific tips)
- Client testimonials
Website:
- Professional but doesn't need to be fancy
- Clear services and pricing
- Easy booking (online booking is huge here)
- Mobile-friendly
Get Your First Clients
Retain and Grow
Acquiring new clients costs 5x more than retaining existing ones.
- Send rebooking reminders
- Implement a loyalty program
- Celebrate pet birthdays
- Ask for referrals
Step 8: Plan for Growth
Once you're established, think about scaling:
- Add services: Teeth cleaning, spa treatments, retail products
- Hire staff: When you're booked 4+ weeks out consistently
- Expand hours: Bring on groomers for additional days
- Second location: Once systems are solid and replicable
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Your First Year: Realistic Expectations
- Months 1-3: Building systems, getting first clients, lots of learning
- Months 4-6: Word of mouth kicks in, schedule fills up
- Months 7-9: Developing rhythm, raising prices if needed
- Months 10-12: Consistent bookings, thinking about growth
- Year 1: $30,000-$50,000 (part-time to full-time transition)
- Year 2: $50,000-$70,000 (full schedule)
- Year 3+: $70,000-$100,000+ (optimized pricing and efficiency)
Take the First Step
Starting a dog grooming business is exciting, challenging, and rewarding. The key is taking it one step at a time:
Ready to get started? The best time to begin is now. And when you're ready to set up your booking and client management systems, Pawfect Appointments is here to help you look professional from day one.
Have questions about starting your grooming business? We love helping groomers succeed.