pet grooming business plan

Dog Grooming Business Plan: How-To Guide & Best Practices

BUSINESS  |   9/6/24 9:59 AM  |  by Gingr

Thinking of starting your very own dog grooming business, or incorporating grooming services into your new dog daycare resort or boarding facility? Maybe you’ve always been a dog lover ever since you got your first pet as a kid, or you’ve dreamed of becoming a self-made entrepreneur and owning your own business. Whatever the case may be, you’ve come to the right place!

At Gingr , we’ve helped hundreds of pet care professionals get their businesses up and running. With the help of our pet business software, groomers, boarders, and daycare owners can stay organized and efficient with scheduling tools, communication features, and a speedy payment processing program. We’ve been around the block a few times, and we know what it takes to set yourself up to become the most pup-ular business owner around town. 

We’ll cover the basics of creating a dog grooming business plan in the following sections: 

Key Questions to Ask Before Starting a Dog Grooming Business

Components of a successful dog grooming business plan.

• Pet Grooming Business Plan Best Practices

As with any new business, starting a pet business comes with its own set of risks. But as the saying goes: nothing ventured, nothing gained. The benefit of owning your own business is that YOU have the power to make your own decisions, course correct when you face challenges, and reap the direct benefits of your hard work. 

This guide will answer key questions, provide guidelines for creating your business plan, and offer concrete steps to take to get your business underway. Let’s get started!

Before you embark on your dog-grooming journey, there are probably a lot of questions on your mind about what starting a pet care business will entail. We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about starting a dog grooming business to help address your concerns.

How profitable is a dog grooming business?

Dog grooming has the potential to be a very profitable venture, but the success of your business will depend on a few factors:

• How quickly you can grow your customer base
• What you decide to charge for your services
• Your startup and operational costs
• The level of competition in the local market

Your profitability will depend on localized aspects such as the cost of rent or how many competitors there are in the area. You also may have to factor in new costs as you grow, such as employee wages.

The good news is that the pet industry is seeing a striking growth spurt, with an estimated $99 billion spent on pets in 2020. We know that people are willing to spend piles of cash to pamper their pets. To become profitable, you must entice them to spend their money at your business rather than competitors’.

What is the best setup for a dog grooming business?

One benefit of starting a dog grooming business is that you have a few options for how you want to set up your business. 

Groomers can operate out of their homes, use buses or vans in a mobile set-up, or rent or purchase a space to set up their own grooming facility with a storefront. Home and brick-and-mortar businesses are more traditional options, while mobile pet grooming is a rising pet industry trend . Each option has pros and cons:

Home business

• Pros: You can eliminate commute time by running your business from home. Plus, you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like commercial rent.
• Cons: It can be hard to strike a work-life balance when working from home, and you’ll have to rely on word of mouth or digital marketing as you won’t have a physical storefront to draw in customers.

Brick-and-mortar store

• Pros: Your business will benefit from having a physical presence and sign that can attract people passing by, and you can offer extra services to customers such as a self-wash station where they can wash their own dogs inside your facility.
• Cons: You’ll have traditional business costs such as commercial rent and utilities.

Mobile grooming

• Pros: Taking your business on the road is convenient for customers, less stressful on pets, and a safer option for health-conscious clients during the pandemic.
• Cons: You’ll have to check local laws and regulations about where you can park your mobile business, and you’ll have overhead costs for gas and vehicle maintenance.

As you can see, each option comes with advantages and disadvantages. Decide what matters most to you (having a flexible schedule, room to grow, lower operating costs, etc.) and go with the option that best aligns with your overall business strategy. 

For example, say you have a dream to expand your business into a large operation with several staff members and a vast client base. In that case, you’d want to consider a brick-and-mortar store to have room to grow.

What do you need to start a pet grooming business?

You already have one of the most important assets needed to get your dog grooming business started—a passion for pets! In addition, here’s the basic equipment you’ll need to get your business underway:

• Bathtubs/sinks
• Doggie shampoo and nail clippers
• Grooming tables
• Pet clippers and grooming shears
• Deshedding and dematting tools
• Puppy accessories (bows, bandanas, etc.) 
• Cleaning supplies

Along with your physical equipment, be sure to invest in a proper dog grooming business software system . Your business software can handle the organizational side of your business, from scheduling appointments to collecting payments. It will take much of the stress of running your business off your hands by allowing you to manage your digital processes more efficiently.

Finally, you’ll need a comprehensive business plan to give your business a solid foundation and a guide for completing your goals. Read on for an explanation of what a dog grooming business plan should look like.

Your dog grooming business plan offers a high-level overview of your business and can help guide your decision-making or help you access a business loan. If you are using this document to acquire a loan, be sure to tailor your language to be as persuasive and positive as possible to present your business as a dependable investment that will achieve long-term success. Your business plan should include these seven sections:

Company Description 

At the start of your business plan, introduce yourself and your vision for the business. Explain who you are and your qualifications. Describe the need in your community for this service and how your business will stand out from competitors (perhaps you’ll be a fully-mobile groomer or specialize in tough-to-groom breeds such as gigantic Newfoundlands or shaggy Old English Sheepdogs).

Products and Services

In this section, describe the goods and services you’ll be offering to customers. Will you just offer dog grooming services, or will you also provide products such as leashes, bandanas, or specialty dog shampoos? Emphasize the unique features of your products and/or services (e.g., you’re the only mobile grooming company in town, or you’re the only business with a full line of boutique shampoos) that meet an existing need in the market.

Market Research

Prove your expertise in the dog grooming industry within the market research section of your business plan. Answer these questions as you research: 

• Market need: What gap in the market do you intend to fill with your products and/or services?
• Competition: Who will be your local competitors? What do they have to offer? 
• Pricing: How much are competitors charging for their goods and services? 
• Target customer: What is your target market? Who are you trying to reach with your services? 

Describe how your new business will fit into this puzzle and emphasize your competitive advantage . For instance, you might have special training or experience at national dog shows, a prime location, or state-of-the-art equipment. Any feature that your business will have that competitors lack gives your business an edge in the market that can draw in more investors.

Marketing and Advertising

Describe your plan to market and advertise your business to attract customers. Perhaps you’ll launch a digital marketing campaign with targeted social media ads and geofencing strategies to reach people in a specific geographic location. You may also choose to send out direct mail flyers or purchase local radio or TV ad spots promoting your new grooming business. 

Use the data you gathered while creating the market research analysis to justify your marketing decisions. For instance, if you found in your market research that your target customer is likely a suburban resident in their early thirties to mid-fifties, you can place flyers in mailboxes in neighborhoods in your area as part of your marketing strategy.

Management Summary

Provide an outline of your management structure and descriptions of the key personnel involved. If you already have a few staff members on board, explain who they are and what their duties will be. If you’re bringing on additional staff members, describe the qualifications you’re looking for in new employees and what their day-to-day responsibilities will entail.

Financial Analysis

In this section, you’ll create a breakdown of important financial information. Include profit projections, a balance sheet, and cash flow statements:

• Profit projections: Broadly, your profit will be your business’s total revenue minus total expenses. Your expenses will include variable costs (expenses that fluctuate regularly, including charges for hourly wages, cleaning services, etc.) and fixed costs (costs that rarely change, such as rent or utility payments). Your revenue will be how many dogs you predict you’ll groom multiplied by how much your charge per dog. Use this information to create a profit projection chart for how you envision your business will stay profitable over the first five years of operation. 
• Cash flow statement: Similarly, your cash flow statement will show how much money you need to make in a given period such as a month or year to remain in business. It will paint a picture of where the needed cash will come from and also where money will be flowing out of your business to pay for expenses. 
• Balance sheet: This is a breakdown of your assets and liabilities. Assets are your resources or investments that help your business generate income, such as your state-of-the-art grooming equipment. Liabilities are debts or financial obligations you owe such as loans or mortgages. 

Overall, your financial section should include a profit breakdown and a more complex financial analysis for how you see your business growing over a five-year period. If you’re using your business plan to solicit a loan, be sure to include the monetary amount you’re seeking and what the funds will be used for.

Legal Requirements

Prove that your business is qualified and fit for operation by describing how it adheres to all legal requirements. 

First, define your business structure—whether you’re operating as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. If you decide to structure your business as a corporation, you’ll have to register with your state’s Secretary of State office. Registering your business as a corporation establishes it as a separate legal entity, protecting you from personal liability if you were to be sued by a customer. 

Additionally, acquire any necessary business licenses issued by your state or local government and show proof of these licenses in your grooming business plan. This will protect your business from fines and ensure you can operate without any legal ramifications. 

Finally, research your options for business insurance and invest in a solution that meets your needs. Check out this guide to pet business insurance for detailed explanations of each type of insurance, including commercial liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and property insurance. 

Commercial liability insurance covers your business as a whole if an accident were to take place such as a customer slipping on a wet spot and getting injured in your facility. Professional liability insurance accounts for liabilities that are directly related to grooming businesses, such as a dog being injured while getting a haircut. Lastly, property insurance protects your business if any unexpected disasters were to occur like a tornado or fire. 

Once you’ve finalized your legal considerations, you’ll have a completed business plan to present to investors or use as a guiding force as you get started with your business. Be sure to take your time with this document. Think deliberately and realistically about your overall business strategy to create an accurate portrayal of your grooming business.

Pet Grooming Business Best Practices

In addition to creating a business plan, there are several best practices to adhere to that can take your grooming business to the next level. These include finding a niche, enhancing customer service, and leveraging powerful dog grooming software.

1. Define Your Pet Grooming Business Niche

Take the time to pinpoint your pet grooming business’s niche and how you will describe this niche to potential customers. 

First, define the breeds you will groom and how they will be served by your grooming business. For instance, will you serve all breeds, or specialize in a few such as large breeds? 

Further, think deliberately about your grooming business operating concept —the setup you choose to run your business out of. For any setup you choose, decide which unique offerings you’ll provide to customers. For example, if you choose a brick-and-mortar operation, you may decide to offer luxury doggie spa services to customers. Or, if you go with a mobile option, you can also provide dog-walking services.

However, you must also ensure the scope of your business is well-defined. You don’t want to offer too much to customers and confuse them about the purpose of your business, or offer too little and cause them to go with a competitor’s services instead. Take a Goldilocks approach and start by offering a few services that you can focus on growing and perfecting. 

Defining your niche up front gives you a focus point for all your planning as well as more time to hone your business’s concept. Once you have a clear picture of your business offerings, you’ll be better positioned to enact effective marketing campaigns that describe your business more accurately.

2. Focus On Customer Experience

As a new business owner, it’s critical to refine your customer service strategy. Providing clients with a streamlined, pleasant experience will keep them returning to your business each time their pet needs a trim.

As you gain new customers, keeping track of all customer interactions and pet information can quickly become an unwieldy task. This is where grooming business software can become a key asset to help you stay organized and give your customers an easy, hassle-free experience with your business. 

For example, Gingr’s grooming software allows groomers to develop appointment cards for each canine customer to track important information such as grooming history, behavior notes, and rates. You can use these cards to quickly access information at check-out time and schedule appointments while the customer is right in front of you.

Further, through your dog grooming business software, you can create custom email and text messages to ensure customers hear from you regularly and know when and how they can schedule their appointments. 

Customer service is more important now than ever because you need to communicate about how you’re prioritizing customer health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic . Clients will appreciate knowing that your business has responsibly instituted social distancing measures during pet drop-offs and pick-ups and increased sanitization efforts.

3. Leverage Effective Dog Grooming Software

When thinking about ways to set your business apart from competitors, it’s clear that investing in quality dog grooming software will not only make your life as a business owner easier but provide a framework for growing your client base. Dog grooming business software has the following advantages: 

• Saves time. You can schedule and view upcoming appointments, assign staff members to clients, and manage time-off requests all within one system. You won’t have to worry about keeping track of employee schedules or upcoming appointments within a complex spreadsheet or ad-hoc email chain. 
• Helps you communicate more effectively. You can automated email and text messages to go out to customers to save you time from having to plan and manually send messages. This boosts your marketing efforts by ensuring regular communication between you and your customers. 
• Increases profitability. Streamlined payment processing within your business software system ensures you get paid on time and accurately for your services. You can even increase your tip income by presenting tip options at check-out time.

Your business software is the last piece of the puzzle that will kick your business plan into high gear and impress prospective customers. Be sure to contact us here at Gingr with any questions about how dog grooming business software can enhance your business management operations and fit into your business strategy.

Now that you have a solid understanding of how to create a dog grooming business plan and how to use your competitive advantage to set your business apart, you’ll soon be ready to open your doors to a flood of new furry friends and give them the most stylish haircuts they’ll ever receive. Be sure to check out these additional resources as you get prepped to open your business: 

• Starting a Dog Grooming Business: The Complete Guide . Check out this article for another perspective on starting your very own dog grooming business. 
• 10 Pet Industry Trends to Know. This guide outlines current pet business trends to consider implementing in your business.

Related Blog Posts

Centralized marketing tactics for multi-location pet businesses, top elements to revamp for a fresh pet business website, how to leverage customer feedback for your pet-care business, optimize your pet-care business, find out how gingr helps you streamline and grow your business..

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How to Write a Dog Grooming Business Plan + Free Sample Plan PDF

Elon Glucklich

8 min. read

Updated February 20, 2024

Download a free one-page dog grooming sample business plan

The bond between humans and their canine companions has always been strong. But spurred by increases in dog ownership across the U.S. , household spending on pets has risen in recent years.

The $5.4 billion global pet grooming services market is projected to grow at a 7% annual rate through 2030, creating new opportunities for dog-loving entrepreneurs to turn their passion into a business opportunity.

Whether you’re starting a boutique grooming salon or a mobile grooming service—a business plan can significantly increase your chances of success.

Download a free dog grooming sample business plan and complete it as you work through this guide.

• What should you include in a dog grooming business plan?

Here are the common sections to consider when writing your dog grooming business plan.

• Executive summary
• Market analysis
• Services and products
• Marketing and sales strategy
• Operations plan
• Company summary
• Financial plan and forecasts

The details of your plan will differ based on factors like the services you offer, whether you hire full-time employees or contractors, and whether your business is based in a brick-and-mortar building or goes to clients’ homes.

Check out our step-by-step guide to writing a full business plan for more details.

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• The 8 elements of an effective dog grooming business plan

Don’t make your dog grooming business plan longer than it needs to be . If you’re writing it for yourself, stick with a few pages and cover the aspects that will help you run your business.

But if you’re writing the plan because you’re seeking a bank loan or investment , it will likely need to be more detailed.

1. Executive summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your dog grooming business plan. The executive summary should briefly touch on your company overview target market but shouldn’t be more than 2 pages long.

Its purpose is to highlight the mission and unique aspects of your business, whether that’s to provide superior pet care or introduce innovative grooming techniques to your market. 

2. Market analysis

What’s the opportunity that exists for your business? 

The market analysis section is a detailed assessment of the market you’re entering. In this case, you should cover current trends in the dog grooming industry, such as increasing pet ownership rates and a growing emphasis on pet care and wellness.

You must also identify your primary customer segments . Include demographics that help define who your customers are and what they want. Maybe you target pet owners in urban areas, busy professionals, or families seeking convenient and comprehensive grooming services.

Be sure to list out key competitors in your region, noting their service offerings, pricing, and market positioning. This analysis will help you identify opportunities to differentiate your business. For instance, your research might lead you to realize there are a lack of options in your area for mobile grooming services, or specialized care for anxious pets.

3. Services and products

The products and services section is where you detail the full range of grooming services and products you plan to offer. 

Consider writing them out as a list, like this example:

Basic services

• Washing and drying
• Hair trimming
• Nail clipping
• Ear cleaning.

Specialty services

• Breed-specific grooming
• Skin care treatments
• Flea and tick treatments

Also, consider incorporating related products for sale, such as dog shampoos, conditioners, brushes, and other grooming tools. Whatever mix of products and services you choose to offer, connect them to your market opportunity. At its most basic, running a successful business is about identifying customer problems and providing solutions .

Detailing these services and products gives your customers a clear understanding of what your business provides and its value proposition .

4. Marketing and sales strategy

Your marketing and sales strategy turns your market research into a set of marketing strategies you can execute to attract customers. 

Through your research, you should understand how your target customers find dog grooming services — online, in print advertisements or commercials, through social media or word of mouth, etc.

Based on what you think are the most relevant marketing channels , develop strategies to make your business more visible. Strategies to consider include:

• Advertising online or in local publications
• Creating a website and establishing a social media presence
• Interacting with the public at community events
• Pursuing partnership opportunities with local pet stores

You may also want to consider discounts or special offers for repeat customers to build loyalty. 

Whatever tactics you deploy, it’s crucial to measure the impact of your marketing efforts through key performance indicators, and adjust your strategies based on what delivers value.

5. Operations plan

The operations section outlines how you will run your dog grooming business efficiently day to day. 

Whether you’re operating out of a brick-and-mortar building, a mobile van, or in clients’ homes, include details on the physical setup of your grooming salon, equipment needs, and staff requirements.

You should also discuss the process for booking appointments and managing customer relationships. Detail any software or systems you’ll use for scheduling and record-keeping. Also, outline your plan for meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining a clean, safe environment for pets.

6. Milestones

Outlining the key milestones for your business can help you determine how long it will take to meet your goals. You can keep these brief, even writing them in bullet points. Milestones for a dog grooming business could include:

• Obtaining initial financing
• Securing relevant permits
• Initiating marketing efforts
• Acquiring a certain number of clients
• Reaching specific revenue benchmarks

Each milestone should have an estimated completion date and designated team members responsible for achieving them.

7. Company summary

Summarize the history of your business, including its legal structure and location. Also, highlight your background in pet grooming and your reasons for wanting to start a dog grooming business.

If you’re just starting out, discuss the initial startup costs required to get the business off the ground. If you’re writing your business plan to secure a bank loan, state how much funding you need, what you will use it for, and how it will benefit your grooming business.

8. Financial plan

The financial plan is where you provide a look into your dog grooming business’s financial projections, including sales , costs , and profitability .

Remember, financial forecasts are really just educated guesses created to give you a sense of how your business can be profitable over the long term. 

They’re meant to be adjusted over time as your actual financial numbers come in, helping you determine which aspects of your business are performing as expected and where you might need to adjust your strategy.

Your financial plan should include a cash flow statement , income statement , and balance sheet .

• Tips for writing a dog grooming business plan

Understanding pet owners’ needs and how you can best serve them is vital for writing a dog grooming business plan that you can actually use to help your business grow.

As you write the plan, give some attention to these key points.

1. Consider your business structure

Choosing the right structure is pivotal. When writing the company overview section, consider factors like taxation, liability, and business growth potential to determine whether an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation best suits your needs. This decision will influence your operational flexibility, financial management, and legal obligations.

2. Develop a pricing strategy

Establishing a pricing strategy that balances market competitiveness with profitability is essential. As part of your market analysis, take the time to explore pricing tiers and client expectations. Offering a variety of service packages can cater to different customer needs and enhance revenue streams. Connect those packages and pricing tiers to your projected revenues and expenses as you create your financial forecasts.

3. Create an online presence

A strong online presence is non-negotiable. So, even if you plan to leverage traditional marketing channels, you will still want to have digital marketing efforts be part of your plan. 

At a minimum, invest in a professional website, optimize for local search , and engage actively on social media platforms. This visibility attracts new clients and serves as a platform for showcasing your work and customer testimonials.

4. Highlight your credentials and training

Highlighting your credentials and commitment to ongoing professional development can set your business apart. 

Regular training in new grooming techniques, customer service excellence, and pet safety reassure clients of the quality and reliability of your services. Start by mentioning the qualifications of you and your team and include any supporting documentation, like resumes or awards, in your appendix.

5. Build on success with client referrals and reviews

Encourage satisfied customers to refer others and leave positive online reviews . Word-of-mouth and digital endorsements can significantly impact your business’s reputation and trustworthiness. Consider implementing a referral program to incentivize clients to share their positive experiences.

• Download your free dog grooming one page sample business plan

Download your dog grooming business plan sample now for free. You can also explore Bplans’ collection of over 550 sample business plans to find other examples.

Writing a business plan for your dog grooming business helps you stand out in a crowded market. It’s one of numerous reasons that a business plan increases your chance of success. 

The plan is essential for getting your business funded. But even if you don’t need a bank loan, thinking through each aspect of your business will help you make the best strategic decisions and use your limited resources effectively.

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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How to Build a Dog Grooming Business Plan

by MoeGo on Mar 21, 2023 1:01:28 PM

Thinking of starting a pet grooming business? You're definitely barking up the right tree, but getting started can be a real paw-stopper. Lucky for you, we've dug up all the essential elements of a pet grooming business plan and put them together in this blog post. Sit, stay, and read on!

Types of Business Plans

There are two types of business plans:

• a business plan that includes market research and in-depth analysis that you can use to secure a loan to fund your pet grooming business, and;
• a practical business plan that functions as a checklist to help you, the new owner, take the right steps toward opening your first business.

In this blog, we’re focusing on the second type of business plan to give you the practical tools and information you need to build a successful grooming business.

What to Include in Your Pet Grooming Business Plan

Your dog grooming business plan should include the following elements. Don't worry, we’ll get to all of them below!

• Business Model
• Supplies & Equipment

Your Customer Focus

• Marketing & Advertising
• Financial Funding

Pricing Strategy

👋 New to grooming? Kickstart your business and apply for the MoeGo Care Program ! 

Choosing the Right Business Model

There are three types of dog grooming businesses: at-home, mobile, and brick-and mortar.

• At-home dog grooming services generally take place in the groomer's residence, providing a personal touch and comfortable environment for pets.
• Mobile dog grooming services , on the other hand, bring the grooming services to the client's doorstep. This convenience saves time and energy, eliminating the need for pet owners to transport their furry friends to a grooming salon.
• Brick-and-mortar dog grooming shops , also known as grooming salons, are traditional storefronts that provide a range of pet grooming services. These businesses often have a team of experienced groomers and advanced grooming equipment to cater to various pet grooming needs.

Each type of dog grooming business provides unique advantages that cater to different pet owners' preferences and schedules. At the end of the day, the "best" business model boils down to your preference, needs, and lifestyle as the owner.

🐶 Unleash the power of MoeGo and watch your grooming business grow!  hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(21611652, 'eb91c94e-4850-455e-a993-b1a59040199c', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"});

Business Model Pros & Cons

At-home business

• Pros: Eliminates commute time and overhead costs. 
• Cons: May be challenging to maintain work-life balance and attract customers without a physical storefront. 

Brick-and-mortar store

• Pros: Physical presence can attract passing customers and offer extra services. 
• Cons: Traditional business costs involved such as commercial rent and utilities. 

Mobile grooming

• Pros: Convenient for customers and pets while being safer during the pandemic. 
• Cons: Overhead costs for gas and vehicle maintenance, and local laws and parking regulations can get tedious. 

🐶 Check out our in-depth look at each grooming  business model: Salon vs. Mobile vs. At-Home

Grooming Supplies & Equipment 

The exact supplies you need will depend on your business model. That said, here's a checklist of some essential items you will need to include in your business plan:

• Dog Grooming Clippers : Essential tools for groomers in order to maintain a consistent, efficient, and quick grooming process.
• Clipper Blades : A range of removable clipper blades are necessary to address different coat types.
• Clipper Oil : Helps maintain clipper blade function.
• Coat Stripping Tool (like the Coat King): Necessary for longer-coated canines to remove undercoat.
• Scissors : Groomers require a variety of straight, curved, and thinning scissors to style and shape hair.
• Slicker Brushes : Use these brushes to brush out and untangle matted fur.
• Combs : Necessary for detangling and grooming hair.
• Sterilizer : A basic need for cleansing metallic grooming equipment.
• Shampoo : Need a variety of shampoos that cater to different skin concerns and coat types.
• Finishing Spray : Helps provide a long-lasting scent customers will love.
• Professional Dryer : A reliable tool that dries dog's fur quickly.
• Grooming Table : Can choose between hydraulic or non-hydraulic models to accommodate budget and needs.
• Tub / Sink : Necessary for bathing dogs before grooming.
• Bath Equipment : Mitts, sponges, combs, and towels are essential for bathing dogs.
• Nail Clippers : Vital for preventing claw infections and clipping nails.
• Leashes / Leads : Necessary for safely controlling each dog.
• Grooming Shoes : To protect your feet from hair slivers and keep them dry.
• Accessories: Bows, bandanas, etc. to keep your furry customers looking their best.
• Cleaning supplies : To keep your grooming space tidy and grime-free.
• Vacuum : To clean up excess hair after blow drying and clipping.

The cost of each item on this list can vary widely. If you're just starting out, look into mid-range or affordable options so that you can figure out what your preferences are for certain tools. As your business grows, look into upgrading to tools that include the features most important to you.

Your customer focus will help you answer the two critical questions when it comes to your target market: "Who do you want to buy your grooming services?" and "Who is your ideal customer?" By identifying your target audience, you can tailor your marketing efforts to attract them effectively.

This might include understanding their dog's breed, size, and personality to offer grooming services that meet their unique needs. It could also include targeting specific neighborhoods to reach high-earning pet parents.

If you're just starting out, you may not know who your ideal customer is yet - and that's okay! This can change over time as you build your customer base and launch various marketing efforts.

Tips to Build Your Customer Base

• Leave your business card at local vets, coffee shops, doggy daycares, and community boards.
• Offer referral discounts for existing customers
• Encourage all customers to leave reviews on Google, etc.
• Use social media to promote your business (Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook groups, etc.)
• Ask customers if they'd like to rebook before they leave, or offer a small discount for rebooking before they leave.
• Partner with local animal shelters to give free nail trims or discounts to newly adopted dogs.
• Give discounts to veterans and emergency responders

Also, remember that retaining clients is just as important as getting them through the door the first time. Create a pawsome customer experience by handing out new customer welcome bags, for example.

You could also consider offering loyalty programs that provide customers  with special discounts or perks if they return for repeat business. Providing a personalized experience can help build stronger relationships and positive word-of-mouth referrals for your business within your pet-loving community.

Marketing & Advertising 

As a dog groomer, marketing and advertising can help you attract new clients and is an important part of your business plan. Social media, online advertisements, and your business website are all ways to help your business stand out from the competition. Here, we'd like to focus on two of the most important ones: your website and Google. 

Your Website

Your business website is like a digital business card. You can use it to feature your services and pricing, offer discounts, and as a landing page for paid ads (if you want to invest in them). A few common website builder platforms include Wix, Squarespace, and Wordpress.

Pet grooming website best practices:

• Clearly define your services and the city where you provide them
• Include before and after pictures of dogs you have groomed 
• Showcase customer testimonials
• Have a contact page with your business address (if applicable), phone number and email address
• Feature an “About Us” page so visitors can learn more about you
• Feature offers or discounts, if you offer them (such as a veteran's or first-time customer discounts) 
• Make sure the website is easy to read on mobile devices, because most people search from their phones (Many website builders can do this for you)

The cheapest way to build a website as a dog groomer is to do it yourself. However, this can take a lot of time - something most new business owners don't have a lot of. That said, hiring someone to build it for you can be expensive, not to mention maintenance or changes to the website you may want to make. 

If you want to avoid the cost of a website altogether, consider using a grooming software like MoeGo that includes a website landing page in its online booking portal. This can help you show up when people search for your business on Google.

🐶 No website? No problem! Book a demo to see how MoeGo's online booking portal can help - plus a bunch of other cool features, too!  hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(21611652, 'eb91c94e-4850-455e-a993-b1a59040199c', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"});

Your Google Listing

Google listings (Google Business Profiles) are a great way to help customers find your business online. Plus, they're free! A Google listing will allow customers to find you through Google searches and Google Maps, so it’s an important (but often overlooked) part of your new business plan.

Here are some steps for setting up your Google listing:

• Visit the Google Business website and sign in with your Google account
• Enter your business name and address (you may need to verify ownership of the location)
• Add a profile photo, logo, and other relevant information about your business
• Include additional images of your grooming services or dogs you’ve groomed
• Set up your hours and contact information
• Monitor your reviews and respond to them appropriately
• Include a link to your website (if you have one)
• Add any additional categories or services you offer 

Having a Google listing also allows customers to leave reviews and feedback, which can help establish your credibility in the pet grooming industry.

Google Ads can be used to target potential customers who are looking for pet grooming services in their area, as well as those searching for specific services such as dog washing, nail trimming, and styling. Here are some tips for setting up Google Ads and maximizing your budget:

• Research keywords related to your services to ensure you reach the right audience
• Create targeted campaigns for each service you offer
• Set a daily budget so that you don’t overspend
• Monitor and adjust bids for keywords regularly to get the most out of your budget
• Check reports regularly to make sure you’re getting the most out of your campaigns
• Try different ad types such as display or video ads to target a wider audience
• Link ads back to relevant pages on your website for better conversion rates

To fund a pet grooming business, you can use personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, or angel investors. Most pet grooming businesses rely on personal savings and bank loans for funding. But, to get a bank loan, you must submit a convincing business plan that ensures loan repayment with interest. The loan officer will assess your business plan and financial projections to see if your business can thrive.

Just like any business, pet groomers need to have a strong brand to stand out from competitors - especially at the beginning. Here are a few things you'll want to have in place as part of your business plan to create a strong and memorable brand:

• Your mission and values
• Appealing brand colors and logo
• A memorable business name
• Services and products offered

Setting the right prices for your dog grooming business is crucial for success, so include it in your business planning. Not only does it play a role in gaining and retaining customers, but it also affects your profitability. 

Creating a pricing menu that outlines each service's cost and how those prices vary based on the dog's weight is usually the best approach. Weight-based pricing is more effective because it eliminates confusion between owners about what size category their pet falls under.

It’s important not to undervalue your services to attract new business. Charging what's fair for your valuable grooming services is best for long-term success, opposed to setting the precedent that your services are worth less than competitors.

Here are a few tips for creating a pricing strategy that works:

• Different dog breeds and sizes make pricing grooming services complicated.
• Pricing should be weight-based instead of by standard size categories.
• Beware of undervaluing services while accounting for competition.
• Charging what's fair for valuable grooming services extends the understanding of their true worth to customers.

If you like this post, check out our tips for starting a dog grooming business ! 😍

How Profitable Can a Dog Grooming Business Be?

While dog grooming has the potential to be a very profitable venture, there are multiple factors that may impact your success. These factors include:

• Customer base: The speed at which you can grow your customer base will impact your profitability, as a larger customer base may lead to more revenue.
• Pricing strategy: What you charge for your services can affect how much revenue you generate. Pricing too high may drive potential customers away, while pricing too low may lead to lower profits.
• Startup and operational costs: The costs associated with starting and running your dog grooming business may impact your profitability. Larger costs may require more revenue to offset them.
• Competition: The level of competition in your local market will impact your profitability, as more competition may lead to fewer customers.
• Cost of rent: Depending on your location, the cost of rent may be a significant expense that affects your bottom line.
• Employee wages: As your business grows, you may need to hire employees to keep up with demand, which will impact your profitability.

The Growing Pet Industry

Despite these potential challenges, the pet industry is experiencing remarkable growth. In 2020, an estimated $99 billion was spent on pets. In 2022, 2 out of 3 U.S. households had a pet and  $124 billion was spent on them - roughly the net worth of Bill Gates. In other words, the pet industry is growing and so is the need for pet care professionals, including groomers. 

Changelog Vol. 18: September 16 - October 20, 2024

We're Removing Booking Fees

Changelog vol. 17: august 31 - september 15, 2024.

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