How Much Does It Cost To Start a Dog Grooming Business?

How much does it cost to start a dog grooming business? Today, we’ll answer this very question!

Starting your own company can be an extremely lucrative and fulfilling endeavor… But it doesn’t come cheap! In order to launch (and run) a dog grooming business, you’ll need to invest in a variety of equipment. Moreover, you’ll need supplies, software, salon space, marketing materials, and more!

Here’s the good news: we’ve done the research for you!

In this article, you’ll find an exhaustive list of all the estimated expenses associated with starting a dog grooming business from scratch. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll know exactly how much you’ll need to save up and invest in your new venture!

PRO TIP: Before we get started, make sure to check out our Step-By-Step Guide on How to Become a Dog Groomer – even if you have no experience!

Is a Dog Grooming Business Profitable?

Before we dive into the startup costs, let’s answer a very important question: is a dog grooming business profitable?

The short answer is yes – but only if you do it right!

In order to make your business successful, you’ll need to offer high-quality services at competitive prices. You’ll also need to create a strong branding strategy and build a loyal customer base. If you can do all of that, then there’s no reason why your dog grooming business can’t be profitable!

Is Dog Grooming in High Demand?

In the United States alone, Future Market Insights reported the following in March, 2022: “The global pet grooming market valuation is poised to total US$ 1.3 [billion] in 2022. [The] growing trend of pet humanization across the globe is spurring demand for pet grooming products, which is expected to boost sales at a healthy 6.2% CAGR [compound annual growth rate]. Against this backdrop, the market valuation will reach US$ 2.5 [billion] by 2032.”

As you can see, there’s a lot of potential in the dog grooming industry! So, if you’re looking to start your own business, now is a great time to do it.

And in terms of demand in your area, that will depend on a variety of factors, including the population density, the number of pet-friendly households, and the competition.

To get a better idea of what the demand is like in your area, we recommend conducting market research. This will give you a good idea of whether or not starting a dog grooming business is feasible (and profitable) in your neck of the woods!

How Much Do Dog Groomers Earn?

The type of money you’ll make as a professional dog groomer will vary, depending on whether you work for someone else’s salon or are self-employed. Groomers employed by an existing company usually make 50% to 60% of the service fee, while those who are self-employed can keep 100% of their earnings.

Average Annual Groomer Salaries By Country

With this in mind, here’s an up-to-date range of what groomers are making in the following example country:

Top Factors That Can Impact Your Income as a Dog Groomer

Location

As you can see from the annual salary ranges listed above, where you live (and work) can have a big impact on how much money you make as a dog groomer. In general, dog groomers who work in larger cities tend to make more money than those who work in smaller towns.

Furthermore, where you live can affect the number of potential clients in need of your services. For example, a bigger city will mean more people with pets. This means that there’ll be that much more people in need of a professional groomer to take care of said pets.

That said, residing in a small town can also work to your advantage if you play your cards right. If, for instance, dog grooming services aren’t already provided where you live (or they’re in short supply), you could curb the market and become the go-to groomer for those residing in your area!

Experience Level

Obviously, the more experience you have, the more money you can expect to make. With that being said, those who are new to the dog grooming industry shouldn’t get discouraged! There’s always room for growth and as you become more experienced, you’ll be able to command higher prices for your services.

Not to mention, if you’re just starting out, you could always work for someone else to gain the experience you need before venturing out on your own.

Type(s) of Clients

The type of clients you have can also affect how much money you make as a dog groomer. For example, if you mostly cater to high-end clients who are willing to pay top dollar for premium services, you can expect to make more money than those who work with budget-minded pet owners.

That being said, it’s important to remember that all clients are important, regardless of how much they’re willing to spend. How you treat each and every one of them will determine whether or not they’ll come back for repeat business (and refer you to others).

Business Services Offered

The type of services you offer can also have an impact on how much money you make. For example, those who offer basic grooming services (i.e. baths, haircuts, nail trimmings, etc.) will typically charge less than those who offer premium services (i.e. specialty haircuts, de-shedding treatments, etc.).

Of course, the number of services you offer will also come into play. The more services you’re able to provide, the more money you can make. This is because you’ll be able to appeal to a wider range of clients who are in need of different types of grooming and/or pet services.

So, for example, if you were also a certified dog trainer, your business could offer training services and grooming services all under one roof. The same could be said about dog walking services, boarding services, etc. Our point is: the more services you can offer, the more clients you’ll attract and the better your bottom line will be!

Marketing/Advertising Efforts

Next, the amount of money you spend on marketing and advertising can also have an impact on your overall income. If you want to attract more clients (and make more money), you need to be willing to invest in marketing and advertising efforts that will get your name out there.

This could include anything from creating a website and/or blog to distribute pet care tips and information, to attending local pet events and/or trade shows, to running ads in the newspaper or on local TV/radio stations.

The bottom line is: if you want your dog grooming business to be successful, you need to put some effort into promoting it!

PRO TIP: Need help getting your dog grooming business out there? Check out this helpful article for more marketing tips and tricks!

Competition

Obviously, the level of competition in your area can also affect how much money you make. If there are already a lot of dog groomers in your town or city, you’ll need to work that much harder to stand out from the crowd and attract clients.

On the other hand, if you’re one of the only dog groomers in your area, you could have a captive market and be able to charge higher prices for your services.

Either way, it’s important to know who your competition is and what they’re doing to attract (and keep) clients. This way, you can stay one step ahead and ensure that your dog grooming business is the one that pet owners turn to time and time again.

Your Dog Grooming Service Rates

Last but not least, your service rates will also play a role in how much money you make as a dog groomer. If you charge too little, you may not be able to make a profit (or, worse, you could end up losing money).

On the other hand, if you charge too much, you could price yourself out of the market and miss out on potential clients.

To find the right balance, we recommend conducting some market research to see what other dog groomers in your area are charging for similar services. Once you have an idea of what the going rate is, you can then adjust your rates accordingly.

Keep in mind that you may need to adjust your rates from time to time to stay competitive and/or keep up with the cost of living in your area.

Not sure how to properly set your rates? This helpful guide should give you a better idea of what to charge for your dog grooming services!

Is It Hard To Start a Dog Grooming Business?

Honestly, it depends.

If you’re starting from scratch and have no previous experience in the pet care industry, it could be tough to get your business off the ground. This is because you’ll need to not only learn how to groom dogs properly; you’ll also need to learn how to run a successful business!

On the other hand, if you already have experience working in a pet salon or kennel, starting your own dog grooming business could be much easier. After all, you’ll already have some of the necessary skills and knowledge required to get your business up and running.

No matter what your situation is, starting a dog grooming business is definitely not impossible. It just takes some hard work, dedication, and know-how!

Dog Grooming Startup Costs: What Do I Need To Start My Business?

Stay tuned, because we’ll discuss your business plan – as well as the necessary licenses and permits – later on in this article!

In addition to the above items, you’ll also need to invest in a few key supplies and pieces of grooming equipment. These are essential for running your dog grooming business smoothly and efficiently! The general list of what you’ll need includes (but, again, isn’t limited to):

A complete list of the grooming tools we personally recommend can be found here. Keep in mind that the cost of these items can vary depending on the brand, quality, etc. So, be sure to do your research before making any final decisions!

Additionally, we recommend investing in professional dog grooming supplies whenever possible. Though they may cost a bit more upfront, they will save you money in the long run by lasting longer and standing up to regular wear and tear.

Dog Grooming Business Expenses: One-Time Fees Vs. Recurring Fees

As we mentioned earlier, starting your own dog grooming business can be quite costly. Typically, there are 2 main types of expenses you’ll encounter as a business owner: (1) one-time startup expenses, and (2) recurring monthly expenses.

Let’s break down each one so you have a better idea of what they are!

One-Time Startup Expenses

These are expenses that you’ll incur when first starting your dog grooming business. They include the cost of registering your business, setting up your website, and purchasing any desired business management software. You can expect to invest the following amounts into your one-time expenses:

Recurring Monthly Expenses

Recurring expenses are the fees you’ll need to pay on a monthly basis in order to keep your dog grooming business operational. They include the cost of things like marketing, web hosting, and (of course) supplies. You can expect to pay the following amounts each month for your recurring expenses:

Of course, these are just general estimates. The actual costs will vary depending on the size and scope of your business!

Either way, as you can see, starting a dog grooming business is definitely not cheap. In order to give yourself the best chance at success, it’s important to be aware of all the potential costs involved before making any final decisions!

The 9 Categories for Your Estimated Business Expenses

Now let’s go even deeper… To get an even better understanding of how much it costs to start a dog grooming business, we’ve broken down all the estimated expenses into 9 categories:

1. Education/certification costs
2. Business formation expenses
3. Equipment and supply expenses
4. Salon space expenses
5. Software expenses
6. Website costs
7. Advertising and marketing costs
8. Employee expenses
9. Freelancer expenses

Here’s a breakdown of each individual category!

1. Education/Certification Costs

If you want to be a professional (and successful) dog groomer, it’s STRONGLY recommended that you receive the proper education and industry certification. The cost of these programs can vary quite a bit, but you can expect to spend $500-$2000 on average.

While some people choose to complete their training online, we recommend attending an in-person program at a reputable school – such as QC Pet Studies. QC’s Dog Grooming Course gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real dogs – all while finishing your training program from the comfort of home, at your preferred pace!

The best past?

In less than one year, you can graduate with an International Dog Grooming Professional™ (IDGP™) certification + designation – which will look extremely impressive on your resume!

Oh, and did we mention that our tuition is not only highly competitive, but able to be paid off in low monthly installments? It’s true! Learn more about QC Pet Studies’ tuition and payment options here.

In addition to this, keep in mind that if you live in the United States, many states require dog groomers to also obtain a license in order to operate their business legally. We’ll touch on this more in the next section.

All in all, though the upfront cost of education and certification may seem high, it’s definitely worth it in the long run. After all, you can’t put a price on peace of mind… And groomers with proper, accredited training are GUARANTEED to book more than groomers without a legitimate designation to their name!

Total Estimate for Education/Certification Costs

Interested in QC Pet Studies’ self-paced, online Dog Grooming Course? Check out the full details here and start your journey today!

2. Business Formation Costs

If you want to start a dog grooming business (such as in the United States), you’ll need to take care of some legalities first. This includes obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, as well as registering your business with your state – or provincial – government. Such licenses and/or permits might include a business license ($25-$500), as well as potentially a dog grooming license ($125-$1000).

Moreover, the type of business entity you choose will affect how much money you’ll need to spend on formation expenses. So, ask yourself: “Do I want to operate as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation?”

To get a better idea of how to go about registering your specific business type within the United States, we recommend checking out this useful article by UpCounsel. Here are some additional resources, in case you live in a different country:

Overall, the cost of business formation expenses can vary, depending on your location. That said, you should expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars on legal fees.

Total Estimate for Business Formation Costs

3. Equipment and Supply Expenses

Now that you’re ready to start your dog grooming business, it’s time to think about the equipment and supplies you’ll need.

To run a successful dog grooming business, you’ll need at least the following:

While some of this equipment might be expensive upfront – such as a professional bathing system – keep in mind that many of these items are one-time purchases. And once you have them, they should last you many years!

Other expenses, such as clipper blades and scissors, will need to be replaced on a regular basis. However, these items are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at any pet store.

Total Estimate for Equipment and Supply Expenses

4. Salon Space Expenses

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what you’ll need to get started, let’s move on to the next step… Finding the perfect salon space for your business! Here, you have 3 main options at your disposal:

1. Renting or leasing salon space
2. Grooming out of your own home
3. Mobile grooming

1 – Renting or Leasing Salon Space

The cost of renting or leasing salon space will vary, depending on the size and location of the property. However, you should expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars per month for a small grooming salon.

In addition to rent or lease payments, you’ll also be responsible for monthly utility bills, such as water, electricity, and gas. Moreover, you’ll also have to pay for any other miscellaneous expenses associated with running your business out of a physical space.

Total Estimate for Renting or Leasing Salon Space Expenses

2 – Grooming Out Of Your Own Home

If you decide to groom out of your own home, you’ll obviously save money on salon space expenses. However, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration first!

First and foremost, is your home large enough to accommodate a grooming business? Do you have the necessary equipment and supplies? And most importantly, is it zoned for commercial use?

Assuming that your answer to all of these questions is “yes”, then grooming out of your own home can be a great way to save money. Just keep in mind that you might have to make a few adjustments to your homeowner’s insurance policy. For this, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly for their subject-matter expertise and recommendations.

Total Estimate for Home-Based Grooming Expenses

3 – Mobile Grooming

Mobile grooming is when you groom your clients’ pets in their own homes (or wherever else they might be). To do this, you’ll need a specially-equipped van or trailer.

The cost of a mobile grooming rig will vary depending on the size and features you choose. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000-$100,000 for a high-quality setup.

In addition to the initial investment, you’ll also have to pay for monthly van or trailer payments, insurance, and gas.

Total Estimate for Mobile Grooming Expenses

Total Estimate for Salon Space Expenses

5. Software Expenses

In today’s digital age, there’s a wide array of software options available to help you run your business smoothly and efficiently!

The cost of software will vary depending on the features and functionality you need. However, there are also many great options available for FREE – or at a very low cost. For example, Google Sheets is a free alternative to Microsoft Excel that offers all of the same basic features.

Software Recommendations

Business Software:

Accounting Software:

Appointment Scheduling Software:

Email Marketing Software:

Total Estimate for Software Expenses

6. Website Costs

A website is a great way to promote your business and connect with potential customers! However, there is a cost associated with creating and maintaining a website.

The cost of a website will vary, depending on the features and functionality you need. For example, a basic website with just a few pages will be much less expensive than an eCommerce site with dozens of pages and complex functionality.

In addition to the initial investment, you’ll also have to pay for monthly hosting and domain name costs.

Total Estimate for Website Expenses

7. Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing are KEY ingredients to your success! After all, how else are you supposed to let people know about your dog grooming business and attract new clients?

There are a multitude of different ways that you can market your dog grooming business. That said, some methods will obviously be more effective – and more expensive – than others. For example, TV commercials, print ads, and social media ads (such as on YouTube or TikTok) can be a bit pricey. However, they do reach a wide audience… And they can generate a lot of buzz for your business!

On the other hand, targeted online ads and social media campaigns tend to be a lot cheaper and more budget-friendly. Of course, keep in mind that with a smaller budget comes a smaller audience reach. That said, they’re still incredibly effective!

At the end of the day, it’s up to YOU to decide which marketing channels makes the most sense for your dog grooming business. Generally, though, you should expect to spend at least $100-$1,000 per month on advertising and marketing expenses.

Total Estimate for Advertising and Marketing Costs

8. Employee Expenses

If you plan on hiring employees to help you run your dog grooming business, then you’ll need to factor in the associated costs. These costs include employee salaries, as well as the cost of any benefits that you offer (such as health insurance, retirement plans, etc.).

In addition, don’t forget to budget for employee training! After all, you’ll want to make sure that your employees are properly equipped to handle all of the demands of the job.

The cost of employees will vary depending on their experience level and the number of hours they work per week. However, you can expect to spend at least $2,500-$4,300 per month on employee expenses.

Total Estimate for Employee Expenses

9. Freelancer Expenses

If you decide to outsource some of the work associated with running your dog grooming business, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of freelancers.

The cost of freelancers will vary depending on their experience level and the scope of work. However, you can expect to spend at least $500-$800 per month on freelance expenses.

Total Estimate for Freelancer Expenses

So, How Much Does It Cost To Start a Dog Grooming Business?

Now that we’ve gone through all of the different expenses you need to consider when starting a dog grooming business, let’s do a quick recap of everything!

Estimated Total Investment Required Per Month: $500-16,500

Estimated Total Investment Required Per Year: $6,000-$197,160

BONUS ADVICE: How To Write Your Dog Grooming Business Plan

Now that we’ve gone over the cost of starting a dog grooming business, it’s time to start thinking about your business plan.

In a nutshell, a business plan is a roadmap for your business that outlines your goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. Furthermore, if you’re looking to receiving funding from your bank or an investor, you’ll need to have a business plan in place.

It’s important to have a well-thought-out business plan because it will help you stay organized – as well as on track – as you grow your company!

Not sure where to start? No problem! Below is a breakdown of all the essential information your business plan should cover:

Executive Summary

A brief overview of your company, including your mission statement, business model, and key financial highlights.

Company Description

A more detailed description of your company, including your history, products/services offered, target market, and competitive landscape.

Market Analysis

An in-depth look at the current state of your industry, as well as an analysis of your target market.

Sales & Marketing Plan

Your strategies for generating leads and converting them into customers.

Operational Plan

A detailed outline of how you plan on running your day-to-day operations.

Management Team

A list of your executive team members and their qualifications.

Financial Plan

Your company’s financial statements (including income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets).

PRO TIP: Need help writing your very first business plan? Check out this helpful article from the Small Business Administration! Also, there’s also this article by Bplans that provides a list of 500+ free business plan templates at your disposal!

MORE BONUS ADVICE: How To Fund Your Dog Grooming Business

If you’re looking to start a dog grooming business, then you’ll need to start thinking about how you’re going to fund it.

There are a few different options available to small business owners when it comes to funding. The 4 most popular examples include loans, credit cards, private lenders, and personal savings.

Option #1: Loans

The first main option for funding your dog grooming business is to take out a loan with a bank. Luckily, this route offers a ton of options! There are all sorts of different loans available to small business owners, such as SBA-backed loans.

If you’re looking to take out a loan, then be sure to shop around and compare interest rates before making your decision. Moreover, we recommend checking out Investopedia’s list of the best small business loans!

Option #2: Credit Cards

The second option for funding your business is to use a credit card. On the one hand, this can be a great option if you have good credit and can qualify for a low interest rate.

But on the other, there are a fair share of risks that come with using credit cards to fund a business. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of these potential risks from the get-go – lest you rack up a bunch of unwanted credit card debt!

Option #3: Private Lenders

A third option for funding your dog grooming business is to work with a private lender. Private lenders are typically individuals or businesses that’re willing to lend money to small businesses in exchange for an equity stake in the company.

This can be a great option if you’re unable to qualify for a loan from a traditional lender. Just make sure that you’re fully aware of the potential risks involved!

Option #4: Personal Savings

Last but certainly not least, you always have the option of funding your dog grooming business with your own personal savings. This is the ideal solution for those who don’t want to take on any debt. Furthermore, this is often the safest option, since you won’t have to worry about making loan payments or accruing interest.

Of course, with that being said, it’s important to make sure that you have enough saved up to cover ALL of your start-up costs, as well as any unexpected expenses that might come up. And for some individuals, this isn’t realistic or feasible.

Ultimately, however YOU choose to go about funding your business, just make sure that you do your research and weigh all of your options before making a decision!

EVEN MORE BONUS ADVICE: Types of Business Insurance You Need To Know About

(We’re nearing the end of the article, I swear.)

Starting a business is a huge undertaking – and with that comes a LOT of responsibility! One of the most important responsibilities you have as a small business owner is to make sure that your company is properly insured.

There are all sorts of different types of insurance available to businesses, but here are 4 of the most common examples…

Property Insurance

What Is It?

This type of insurance protects your business in the event that your property is damaged or destroyed.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of property insurance will vary depending on the value of your property and the location of your business. That said, according to HowMuch.net, the average small business owner pays approx. $500.00/year on commercial property insurance. Moreover, they also report that certain variables – the structure of the property, occupancy, risk, exposure, and protection – all must be taken into account by property insurance providers when determining the cost of your coverage.

Consequences Of Not Having It

If you don’t have property insurance and your business location is damaged or destroyed, then you’ll be stuck footing the bill for repairs/rebuilding costs. And depending on the extent of the damage, this could end up being a very costly endeavor!

General Commercial Liability Insurance

What Is It?

General commercial liability insurance protects your business in the event that someone is injured on your property or by one of your products.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of general commercial liability insurance will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your business, the type of business you have, your location, and more. That said, NerdWallet reports that there are options out there for small business owners that are as affordable as $50.00/month.

Consequences Of Not Having It

If you don’t have liability insurance and someone is injured on your property or by one of your products, then you could be held liable in a court of law. This means that you could be forced to pay damages out-of-pocket. Depending on the extent of the injuries, this could wind up costing you a fortune!

Equipment Breakdown Insurance

What Is It?

This type of insurance protects your business in the event that your dog grooming equipment or machinery breaks down.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of equipment breakdown insurance will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of business you have, the type of equipment you need to insure, and more. That said, this article by Investopedia lists 7 recommendations for what they consider to be the best equipment breakdown insurance.

Through the above article, you can then visit each provider’s individual website and compare their prices!

Consequences Of Not Having It

If you don’t have equipment breakdown insurance and your machinery or equipment breaks down, then you’ll be stuck footing the bill for repairs. Again, depending on the extent of the damage, this could end up being a very costly endeavor!

Business Interruption Insurance

What Is It?

This type of insurance protects your business in the event that you have to close up shop for an extended period of time due to a covered incident.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of business interruption insurance will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your business, your location, and more. But as an example, Insureon offers business interruption coverage ranging from approx. $40.00-$130.00/month.

Consequences Of Not Having It

If you don’t have business interruption insurance and you’re forced to close up shop for an extended period of time, then you’ll lose out on a significant amount of revenue. This could ultimately lead to the demise of your business!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a variety of investments that go into starting a dog grooming business. But if you’re diligent and do your research, then you should be able to find affordable options for ALL of your necessary expenses!

Do you have any questions about how much it costs to start a dog grooming business? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other articles over on our blog, Sniffin’ Around!

Thanks for reading! 🐶

Become an internationally-certified dog groomer in as little as 9-12 months by starting your training with QC Pet Studies today!