4 Dog Grooming Business Ideas

If you are thinking of going into the grooming business then there are a number of dog grooming models that you can consider.

There’s quite a range of choices with respect to how you could operate as a dog groomer. 

For example, you could opt to be your own boss and work from home, or you could decide to work as an employee under the direction of an experienced groomer. Let’s look at the range of options and choices available to you.

How I Make Six Figures Playing with Dog Hair: 10 Step Guide to Start Your Pet Grooming Business

4 Types of Dog Grooming Business Set Ups

1. Work as a Dog Groomer From Home

• Less Stress
  Working from home is probably less stressful than commuting to a salon or operating a mobile unit, other than the stress involved in having to stick to a schedule. But then this is a requirement that exists in the other business models as well.
• No Commuting Expenses
  This is a huge plus in more ways than one. For example, you save on fuel costs and there is less wear and tear on your car. Furthermore, working from home, you can avoid road tolls as well as the stress that comes with battling traffic to and from your place of work.
• No Formal Dress Required
  You get to wear the clothes you are comfortable wearing. Having said that, most groomers prefer to stick to grooming apparel because this type of clothing is more suitable for constant bathing and hair clipping.
• Save on Rent Expenses
  If you are working out of your modified garage for example, then you eliminate the additional rent incurred when setting up a salon in a shopping centre.
• Cheaper than Mobile Grooming
  When working from home, you will have setup costs but you won’t need to purchase a mobile grooming unit.
• Flexibility for Parents
  Operating out of your own home can work well with parenting. If you have children, you can set your own schedule which can allow you to navigate school hours, after school activities and other parenting duties.

2. Work as a Dog Groomer in a Veterinary Clinic

• This is an option you can consider if you prefer to leave the house for work.
• In this scenario you could expect to be locked into a set number of days each week as well as specific hours each day.

3. Work in an Established Dog Grooming Salon

• Salons are often on the look out for additional help. This is a great way to get more experience with an established groomer while learning the ‘ropes of the business’.
• You can start off as an apprentice or if you already have a level of expertise as a groomer, then you can work towards becoming certified.

4. Work as a Mobile Groomer

• In this model, you can set yourself up with a mobile unit or work with a franchise.
• This type of setup is suitable for those who like to be out and about rather than based at home.
• You can reach a broader market by being able to go into neighboring communities.
• You do need to outlay an amount to cover the right vehicle and mobile grooming equipment (affiliate link).
• Fuel costs can be a downer in this business model however.

As you can see there are several different ways you can operate as a dog groomer. I think this adds to the attraction of the profession because you can choose the business model that best suits your personality and set of circumstances.

Two really useful books when setting up in business are featured here: Business Guide to Pet Grooming and Madson Management System for Pet Grooming Businesses

How to Start a Home-based Pet Grooming Business (Home-Based Business Series)