Dog Grooming Business

A dog grooming business can be a wonderful career for anyone who loves the idea of working with dogs on a daily basis. But, it does require specialized training if you hope to be successful.

You need to learn how to handle the special grooming needs of the different breeds and how to handle the different temperaments that you will encounter.

Training for a Dog Grooming Business

If you're thinking about dog grooming as a career, you must bear this in mind and make a plan to get the training you need. This training can be obtained by:

• Taking formal training (usually about 300 hours of coursework),

• Online Training (this is becoming more and more popular), or

• Working alongside an established groomer, usually for years.

If you’re looking to get started, but have limited funds, the online training can be a good option.

The Business Side of Dog Grooming

Once trained, you would be wise to consult with an accountant or lawyer to determine the best structure for your new business: sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.

At the same time you'll need to come up with a catchy name for your business...one that people will remember.

You will need to decide, also, where you will work...there are a number of options:

• Renting/leasing a storefront location (this is the most common choice).

• Convert a space in your home or around your property.

• Rent space in an established salon (this is probably the cheapest option if you can find a satisfactory situation).

• Convert a van into a mobile grooming station (this has become more popular in recent years, but can be expensive).

Tools of the Trade

Next you'll need to purchase equipment like clippers, scissors, shears, brushes, driers, nail clippers, bathtubs, grooming tables and cages.

You'll also need to regularly purchase supplies like shampoos, conditioners, ear cleaning products, bandannas and bows.

Getting Your Business Off the Ground

You'll want to consider setting up a website that has all the information that a potential or current customer would want to know about you and your business. Include a brief, honest biography of yourself that shows your experience (if you have some) or your training at the very least.

Also, include the services that you provide and the rates you charge for your services.

Offering a regular email newsletter (monthly or quarterly) that contains helpful information about caring for pets, is a great way to keep your name in front of your customers.

When it comes time for their pet's next grooming, you want them to think of you first. If they don't remember your name, they could stumble upon a competitor's business first.

Beyond this, you'll need to establish your pricing (it's best to start off slightly cheaper than your competition until you get a steady stream of repeat business) and work on marketing your new business.

Don't Forget to Advertise Your Dog Grooming Business

At the start, you must spend time and money just letting people know that you exist. And, you must give them a reason for trying you. Many have found that coupons in the newspaper or posted on Craig's List are a good way to promote your business anytime you're looking for more customers.

And don't forget business cards. Include all your contact information, address, hours, and website address.

As you can see, of all jobs working with pets, grooming is likely one of the most expensive to get into and to make profitable. It may take months to even make enough to cover your monthly lease on the storefront. 

Making Residual Income

Like most jobs, with a dog grooming business you only make money when you work (assuming you have a steady stream of clients). This can leave you in an uncomfortable situation if you get injured and can’t work.

So, it’s best for you to begin early getting some type of residual income along with your dog grooming business. One way to gain residual income is to hire staff groomers. When you do this, you make money off the work they do in your shop. But, you need to have sufficient business to keep them busy (tough to do when you’re just getting started).

---

Return from Dog Grooming Business to Jobs With Pets

Return from Dog Grooming Business to the Homepage