Pet Grooming Business Overview
Pet grooming businesses provide professional cleaning, styling, and hygiene services for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. These services help maintain pets’ appearance, comfort, and health through bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and other grooming procedures.
Starting a pet grooming business requires technical skills in animal handling and grooming techniques, as each animal needs individualized attention based on their breed, size, and temperament. Most groomers work with dogs and cats, though some also service smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs.
The most common business models for pet grooming operations include:
- Mobile Grooming Service: Professional groomers travel to clients’ homes in specially equipped vehicles with all necessary grooming supplies and equipment
- Retail Location: Stand-alone grooming shops in commercial spaces that serve walk-in and appointment-based customers
- Veterinary Partnership: Grooming services operated within or affiliated with veterinary clinics
- Pet Store Integration: Grooming services offered within larger pet retail stores
Related: Checklist To Start A Business
How Do Pet Groomers Make Money?
Pet grooming businesses earn their primary income by charging per-service fees for grooming packages. These fees vary based on the pet’s size, coat condition, and temperament. For example, grooming a small, short-haired dog might cost $30-$50, while a large dog with thick fur could cost $100 or more.
Most groomers operate on an appointment basis, scheduling multiple pets throughout the day. A typical grooming session can take between 1-3 hours depending on the services needed, allowing groomers to service 4-8 pets per day depending on their complexity and the groomer’s experience level.
Industry Statistics
Pet grooming services fall under NAICS code 812910 – Pet Care Services (except Veterinary Services). Here are some highlights about the pet grooming side of the industry.
Pet Grooming Industry Size & Growth: The total pet care industry (including grooming, boarding, and training) generated $14.7 billion in revenue last year, with pet grooming services accounting for 35% of this revenue, or $5.1 billion. The entire industry has grown by 6.0% annually over the past five years. Growth is expected to continue by 7.3% annually as pet owners increasingly prioritize regular grooming services for their animals’ health and well-being. (IBISWorld)
Number of Pet Groomers: Approximately 103,996 pet grooming businesses operate across the region. No single company controls a significant portion of the market, with no business holding more than 5% market share. This creates opportunities for independent operators and small business owners to establish successful operations in their local areas. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Pet Grooming Profit Margin: The average profit margin for pet grooming businesses ranges between 20% and 35% of total revenue after accounting for expenses like wages, supplies, and overhead costs. Businesses that offer additional services or operate mobile grooming units often achieve higher margins.
States with Most Pet Groomers: California, Texas, Florida, and New York have the highest concentration of pet grooming businesses. These states have large populations and high levels of pet ownership, supporting numerous grooming operations in both urban and suburban areas. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Startup Stories
Also See: Ideas for Naming a Grooming Business
Costs To Start a Pet Grooming Business
Starting a pet grooming business typically costs between $4,000 and $75,000. The lower end represents a home-based business, while the higher end could be a mobile operation or storefront.
Equipment and Supplies: Professional grooming tables, bathing tubs, drying systems, and clippers typically cost $5,000 to $12,000. This includes adjustable tables with restraints, commercial-grade washing stations, high-velocity dryers, and multiple sets of professional clippers and blades.
Vehicle or Location: A mobile grooming van with custom modifications costs $25,000 to $45,000. For a physical location, the first and last month’s rent plus improvements to the space can cost $8,000 to $20,000.
Training and Certification: Professional grooming courses and certification programs cost between $3,000 and $8,000. These programs teach proper grooming techniques, animal handling, safety protocols, and business management skills.
Initial Inventory: Starting inventory of shampoos, conditioners, brushes, combs, nail clippers, and other grooming supplies ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. This includes professional-grade products and enough supplies to serve multiple pets daily.
These costs are estimates and will vary based on location, business size, and whether you choose a mobile or fixed location.
Resources
Groomer to Groomer
Grooming Business
National Cat Groomers Institute
National Dog Groomers Association of America
Pet Business