A dog grooming business is a business that grooms dogs and, in some cases, other pets. Dog grooming refers to both the hygienic care and cleaning of a dog, as well as a process by which a dog’s physical appearance is enhanced for showing or other types of competition.

Please note that a professional dog grooming session consists of the dog being brushed, bathed, and dried, as well as trimmed or clipped with clean, sanitized brushes and clipper blades. Groomers brush or comb out mats before the bath, making it easier to lather the dog with shampoo.

The Pet Grooming & Boarding industry is worth over $8.5 billion in the United States. Around 42 percent of the pet care service market share comprises pet grooming services. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 103,996 pet grooming businesses that are presently operating in the US have an average growth rate of over 8 percent.

Is It Possible to Open a Dog Grooming Business at Home?

Yes, it is possible to open a dog grooming business at home especially if you have a big kitchen and space in your house. It will also be easier to operate a dog grooming business from your home if your house is centrally located, and if you have loads of dog owners in and around your home.

It is important to note that in some states in the United States, you may have to check with the local authority before you can operate a dog grooming business from home.

Can You Open a Dog Grooming Business Without Money?

Yes! Interestingly, the dog grooming business is one of the businesses you can comfortably start without money because most of the things you need to start a dog grooming business can be gotten for free or from your customers.

Steps on How to Start a Dog Grooming Business

  1. Conduct Market Research

If you are considering starting a dog grooming business, you would need reliable market research to be able to maximize profits from the business. The first step in the market research process for your dog grooming business should be to develop market-based research questions in line with your overall business goal and objective.

In this regard, you should source information that will help you maximize your business, information that will give you reliable data on what your potential market will be looking out for from a dog grooming business and also help you operate your dog grooming business with less stress and of course, build the business to profitability.

a. Who is the Target Market for Dog Grooming Business?
  • Owners of dogs and related pets
  • Vet clinics
  • Police (Police Dogs)
  • Pet shops.
b. Is Dog Grooming Business a Profitable Business?

Yes, the dog grooming business is very profitable. The middle 57% of Dog Groomers make between $43,651 and $110,179, with the top 86% making $243,610.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

No, there are no existing niches when it comes to the dog grooming business.

d. Who are the Major Competitors?
  • Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique
  • Sydnee’s Pet Grooming
  • The Dog Stop
  • Camp Run-A-Mutt
  • Doggies Gone Wild
  • Just 4 Paws Pet Spa
  • The Dog Wizard
  • Camp Bow Wow
  • Auntie Jo’s Pet Sitting Franchise Group LLC
  • Pet Sit Pros
  • Sitter4Paws
  • Just 4 Paws Pet Spa
  • Groom & Go
  • Sit Means Sit Dog Training
  • Dogtopia
  • EarthWise Pet
  • Fetch! Pet Care
  • Pets Are Inn
  • Zoomin Groomin
  • Snaggle Foot Dog Walks & Pet Care.
e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Dog Grooming Business?

Yes, there are county or state regulations and zoning laws for dog grooming businesses, and players in this industry are expected to work with the existing regulations governing such businesses in the county or state where their business is domiciled.

f. Is There a Franchise for Dog Grooming Business?

Yes, there are franchise opportunities for the dog grooming business. Here are some of them;

  • Auntie Jo’s Pet Sitting Franchise Group LLC
  • Pet Sit Pros
  • Sitter4Paws
  • Just 4 Paws Pet Spa
  • Groom & Go
  • Sit Means Sit Dog Training
  • Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique
  • Sydnee’s Pet Grooming
  • The Dog Stop
  • Camp Run-A-Mutt
  • Doggies Gone Wild
  • Just 4 Paws Pet Spa
  • The Dog Wizard
  • Camp Bow Wow
  • Dogtopia
  • EarthWise Pet
  • Fetch! Pet Care
  • Pets Are Inn
  • Zoomin Groomin
  • Snaggle Foot Dog Walks & Pet Care.
g. What Do You Need to Start a Dog Grooming Business?
  • A Feasibility Report
  • Business and Marketing Plans
  • Business Licenses and Permits
  • Facility
  • Vehicle (If you are operating a mobile dog grooming business)
  • Insurance
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number)/Federal Tax ID Number.
  • A Corporate Bank Account
  • Employees
  • Dog Grooming Supplies
  1. Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.

Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a dog grooming business are;

Creative Dog Grooming Business name ideas
  • Vanity Arena© Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Best Puppy® Dog Grooming, LLC
  • Ben Johnson© Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Top Dogs® Pet Grooming, Inc.
  • Pet King™ Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Dog Mart™ Dog Grooming, LLC.
  • Pet Zone© Dog Grooming, LLC
  • Laz Amstrong® Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Strong Tower© Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Dog Life© Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Blue Cross® Dog Grooming, LLC
  • Bingo Jack® Dog Grooming, LLC
  • Tilt Degree™ Dog Grooming, LLC
  • Allen Juncture© Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Billy Jones® Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Perry Pets™ Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Joe Bally™ Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Latitudes© Dog Grooming, Inc.
  • Watch Dogs® Pet Grooming, LLC
  • Queen’s Pet™ Dog Grooming, Inc.
  1. Register Your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for a Dog Grooming Business?

When it comes to the business structure of a dog grooming business, the one that most players in this line of business consider is an LLC. It is common to consider an LLC because providers want to protect themselves from lawsuits. Please note that an LLC will need an EIN if it has employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below.

b. Steps to Form an LLC
  • Choose a Name for Your LLC.
  • File Articles of Organization.
  • Choose a registered agent.
  • Decide on member vs. manager management.
  • Create an LLC operating agreement.
  • Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
  • File annual reports.
c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Dog Grooming Business?
  • General Business License
  • Zonal Permits
  • Signage Permit
d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Start a Dog Grooming Business?

You don’t need any certifications to start a dog grooming business.

e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Dog Grooming Business?
  • DBA
  • EIN
  • Business and liability insurance
  • Federal Tax Payer’s ID
  • State Permit and Building Approval
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Business License
  • Business Plan
  • Employment Agreement (offer letters)
  • Operating Agreement for LLCs
  • Insurance Policy
  • Online Terms of Use
  • Online Privacy Policy Document
  • Contract Document
  • Company Bylaws
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

If you are considering starting your own dog grooming business, usually you may not have any need to file for intellectual property protection or trademark. This is so because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successfully run it without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.

  1. Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Dog Grooming Business?

A dog grooming business will cost from $1,000 – $50,000 to start and that can easily go higher depending on your overall business goals and objectives.

b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Dog Grooming Business?
  • The total fee for registering the Business in the United States of America – $750.
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines, and other software) – $1,300.
  • Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening for $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of – $3,580.
  • Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
  • The cost for leasing and equipping the dog grooming shop- $35,000
  • Other start-up expenses include stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ($2,500).
  • Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, purchase of gas, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
  • The cost for start-up inventory (dog grooming supplies and equipment) – $5,000
  • The cost of storage hardware (bins, rack, shelves, case) – $3,720
  • The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $3,750
  • The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets – $5,000.
  • The cost of launching a website – $600
  • The cost of the opening party – $3,000
  • Miscellaneous – $1,000
c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Dog Grooming Business?
  • The size of the dog grooming business
  • The choice of location
  • The required licenses and permits
  • The cost of branding, promotion, and marketing of the dog grooming business
  • The cost of furnishing and equipping the dog grooming business
  • The cost of the insurance policy covers
  • The cost of registering the business
  • Cost of recruiting and training your staff
  • The cost for the purchase and customizing of uniforms
  • The cost of the grand opening of the dog grooming business
d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

No, it is not compulsory to build a new shop facility for your dog grooming business. This is because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to rent or lease a facility or even operate a mobile dog grooming business.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Dog Grooming Business?
  • Dog grooming supplies, and equipment
  • Gas
  • Utility bills (internet subscriptions, phone bills, signage, and software renewal fees et al)
  • Salaries of employees
  • Insurance
  • Marketing costs
f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?
  • Manager (Owner) – $45,000 Per Year
  • Accountant (Cashier) – $28,000 Per Year
  • Pet Groomers – $26,500 Per Year
  • Van Driver – $26,100 Per Year
g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Dog Grooming Business?
  • Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
  • Raising money from investors and business partners
  • Sell shares to interested investors
  • Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
  • Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends.
  1. Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Pet Zone™ Dog Grooming, Inc. is a neighborhood dog grooming business that will be located in a fast-growing pet-loving community in Montclair, New Jersey. We have been able to secure a one-year lease of a vacant facility within the city’s largest residential estate. We are fortunate to secure a facility with an option of renewal for 5 years at a rate that is favorable to us.

b. Products and Service
  • Dog grooming services
  • General merchandise of pet-related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog ties, dog chains, pet clothes et al).
c. Mission Statement

Our mission is to build a dog grooming business that will meet the needs of our customers in Montclair, New Jersey, and all across the United States.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to become one of the preferred choices when it comes to pet grooming services in Montclair, New Jersey.

d. Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of a dog grooming business are to groom dogs for dog owners.

e. Organizational Structure
  • Manager (Owner)
  • Accountant (Cashier)
  • Dog Groomers
  • Van Driver.

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis
Strength:
  • Excellent operational history
  • Top-notch grooming services
  • Experience and trained professionals.
  • Excellent customer testimonials.
Weakness:
  • The owner is new to large-scale marketing
  • We will need a loan to lease a shop facility
  • The owner is currently running the business solo
  • Lack of economies of scale.
Opportunities:
  • Build upon existing clientele
  • Online market, new services, new technology, and of course the opening of new markets.
  • Increase in the number of families who own dogs.
Threat:
  • Loans diminish profitability until they are paid off
  • The first year will be financially tight while we gain customers and pay off loans
  • Competition in the area could increase
  • Management of employees requires time, money, and efforts
  • The regulatory department could change its regulatory status and decide to enforce strict regulations that can strangulate new businesses.
b. How Do Dog Grooming Businesses Make Money?

The dog grooming business makes money by grooming dogs and other pets for clients and also from the merchandise of pet-related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog ties, dog chains, and pet clothes et al).

c. Payment Options
  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via mobile money transfer
d. Sales & Advertising Strategies
  • Introduce your dog grooming business brand by sending introductory letters to dog owners and other stakeholders in and around the city you intend to cover.
  • Advertise your dog grooming business in community-based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
  • List our business and products on yellow pages ads (local directories)
  • Leverage the internet and mobile apps to promote your dog grooming business brands
  • Engage in direct marketing and sales
  • Deliberately brand your food truck
  • Encourage the use of word-of-mouth marketing (referrals)

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product/Service?

The cost generally runs between $30 and $90, depending on several factors. The biggest impact on cost is the dog’s size and length.

b. How Much Profit Do Dog Grooming Business Owners Make a Year?

It depends, but the available report shows that the middle 57 percent of dog groomers make between $43,651 and $110,179, with the top 86 percent making $243,610.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?
  • The capacity of the dog grooming business
  • The location the dog grooming business is covering
  • The management style of the dog grooming business
  • The business approach of the dog grooming business
  • The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the dog grooming business.
  • The number of years the dog grooming business is in business
d. What is the Profit Margin of a Dog Grooming Business?

The profit margin of a dog grooming business is not fixed. It will depend on some factors and it could range from 45 percent to 75 percent.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

Below is the sales forecast of a dog grooming business. It is based on the location of the business and other factors as it relates to such startups in the United States;

  • First Fiscal Year: $220,000
  • Second Fiscal Year: $380,000
  • Third Fiscal Year: $450,000
  1. Set Up your Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Dog Grooming Business?
  • The demography of the location especially as it relates to people who own dogs
  • The demand for dog grooming services in the location
  • The purchasing power of businesses and the residents of the location
  • Accessibility of the location
  • The number of dog grooming businesses in the location
  • The local laws and regulations in the community/state
  • Traffic, parking and security et al
b. What State and City are Best to Open a Dog Grooming Business?
  • Montclair, New Jersey
  • Brooklyn, New York
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Durham, North Carolina
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • Dallas, Texas
  • Manhattan, New York.
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Boston, Massachusetts
c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Dog Grooming Business?
  • Vehicle: Car, customized van, or grooming trailer.
  • Grooming tools: Scissors, clippers, shears, brushes, nail trimmers, hoses, sprayers, dryers, and tubs.
  • Consumables: Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, ear cleaners, skin and fur treatments.
  1. Hire Employees

When it comes to hiring employees for a standard dog grooming business, you should make plans to hire a competent manager (you can occupy this position), dog groomers, accountants (cashiers), and van drivers.

  1. Launch the Business Proper

No dog grooming business opens its door for business without first organizing an opening party to officially launch the business. You can choose to do a soft opening party if you are operating on a low budget or you can go for a grand opening party.

With a proper launching of the dog grooming business, you will officially inform people in your city that your dog grooming business is open for business.

a. What Makes a Dog Grooming Business Successful?
  • Choose a good location to launch the business
  • Hire only competent, hardworking, and trustworthy staff
  • Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
  • Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your dog grooming business
  • Leverage all available online and offline platforms to promote your dog grooming business
b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Dog Grooming Business?
  • The business is open for the day’s work
  • Dog owners bring in their pets
  • Dogs are assessed and subjected to the required grooming
  • Administrative works are carried out (documentation and reconciling of accounts et al)
  • Dog owners come in to pick up their dogs
  • The facility is cleaned
  • The business is closed for the day.
c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Dog Grooming Business?
  • Customer services skills
  • Interpersonal skill
  • Patience and dog-friendliness
  • Good endurance skills (must be willing to work outdoors regardless of the weather)
  • Accounting and bookkeeping skills
  • Business management skills
  • Bargaining skill
  • Work experience in a pet grooming company
  • Experience in managing people
  • Experience in business administration
  • Experience in handling different types of pets and dogs.