How To Start A Pet Grooming Business In 2026?

Reports from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggest that the total population of dogs in the United States rose to 87.3 million in 2025. In comparison, the dog population in the United States was just 52.9 million in 1996. 

On the other hand, the AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook states that the cat population has grown to 76.3 million in 2025. But in 1996, it was around 59.8 million. 

Thus, this shows a massive increase in the total number of cats and dogs in the United States alone.  

This rise in the total number of pets and dogs has created immense opportunities in the pet grooming sector. 

Moreover, the pet grooming business at home requires a very low start-up cost.  Most importantly, it provides entrepreneurs with the convenience of working from home.  

Thus, home grooming is no longer a side hustle but an expandable business in today’s world. Vet techs, groomers, and other animal lovers who are quitting their jobs at salons can enormously benefit from this growing opportunity.  

This article seeks to provide you with a proper guide on how to start a pet grooming business at home. We will brief you on investment grooming costs, hidden fees, soundproofing your space, and several other topics. 

Find Out If Your Home Actually Suits The Needs And Requirements For Grooming

Everyone’s home cannot really easily support grooming. Thus, it becomes important not to overestimate the facilities at your house. This can lead to several consequences, such as damaged property. 

1. Check With The Local Rules And Regulations  

The local rules and Home Owners Associations’ rules vary from place to place and from region to region. Several residential areas often restrict businesses that create noise, foot traffic, or even visible signage. 

Thus, the entrepreneurs willing to start a business should always remain aware of the local regulations in the region. 

Businesses should be aware of local zoning laws. Most of the rules and regulations remain published on the city or the county websites.  

Various areas allow home businesses only when there are no external signs of operations. Thus, any form of noise or queue outside the household premises can cause immense problems for entrepreneurs. 

Animal-related businesses often cause issues with smell and noise. Thus, various HOAs ban these types of businesses. 

2. The Plumbing  And Electricity Needs And Requirements In The Houses 

Many home businesses often overestimate their houses’ capabilities. Moreover, the homes require a major upgrade. The high-velocity dryers usually require a dedicated 20-amp circuit. 

A proper electrical upgrade can help prevent accidents and mishaps. However, this is primarily applicable to houses with old wiring. 

Several other accessories and amenities also play a crucial role, such as a utility sink or tub, GFI outlets, and a consistent source of hot water. 

Home plumbing can not handle the mess caused by pet hair clogging. Thus, home drainage systems require proper upgrades to ensure pet hair does not clog the drains. Therefore, a hair trap can actually help prevent pet hair from entering the drainage system. 

3. The Requirement Of Space: Why Is The Bathroom Not Enough? 

The amount of space varies from pet to pet. At the same time, some small breeds require very little space. The larger breeds can often require an enormous amount of space. 

However, the amount of space required for grooming an animal depends on the animal’s temperament. Some dogs and cats are known for creating a mess despite being really small.  

Hence, groomers must choose an appropriate space for their dogs and cats. Thus, the minimum workable space shall be around 6×8 feet. However, the ideal space should be around 8×10 or more than that.   

Separate spaces should be allotted for bathing, drying, grooming, or even for towels and other tools. Properly designated spaces help you avoid clumsiness during operations. 

The bathrooms lack space for tables, electrical outlets, and even ventilation. The pet grooming business requires proper ventilation. Otherwise, the space for grooming can stink from animal odor. This will result in the neighbors complaining. 

What Are The Legal Needs And Requirements? Are Insurances Necessary In These Situations? 

Various home businesses forget to get the paperwork done. The businesses often forget about the insurance, licenses, and other requirements they need to meet. Here is the list of documentation and official paperwork that business owners should keep. 

1. Business License & Home Occupation Permits 

In most cases, grooming licenses are not required. However, any operations from the home require proper approval from the authorities. But most regions require a basic business license, a home occupation permit, and possibly an inspection, fire safety, and sanitation permit. 

No matter how small the business is, it must ensure compliance with the criteria mentioned above. 

2. Why Is Insurance So Important? 

People often go for standard insurance in their pet grooming business, as they do not know about the terms and conditions. Thus, small businesses frequently take the standard insurance. Moreover, standard insurance only covers people who get hurt. Therefore, the pet groomers should go for Bailee insurance. 

The Bailee insurance covers injuries to the pets. Thus, this is a must for the groomers.  

Additionally, the Bailee insurance covers clipper burns, nicks /cuts, heat stroke, accidental escape, and several other things. 

Thus, grooming without Bailee insurance poses a legal and financial risk to pet owners. In the event of any accident or mishap, the business may have to pay for it out of pocket. 

3. Contracts  

The contracts play a vital role in some of the most complicated cases. A matted dog is a complex case. Most matted dogs require high-risk dematting procedures. This can often cause clipper burns, high-risk cuts, and, most importantly, uncovering pre-existing conditions under the mats. 

Thus, the grooming business should secure a properly written document that ensures seeking permission from the dog owner for actions such as partial or complete shaving.  

Shaving plays a crucial role as dematting is often inhuman or unsafe. The owner should definitely acknowledge the risk factors involved. Moreover, the risks include the occurrence of things like post-grooming complications, injuries, and cosmetic changes due to the condition of the coat. 

The signed contract should also require the owner to accept responsibility for matting caused by any form of neglect and to pay any additional fees that may be levied in severe cases. 

The pet grooming businesses should be very clear about the additional charges that shall be applied when fleas are found. The groomers should also mention the sanitation fee in the contract. There should be no surprises on the bill later. 

The aggressive dogs often cause a mess. Thus, businesses should clearly state the use of muzzling and any fees for special handling of the dog. 

The groomers should charge a small fee for late pickups after a set time has passed. The number of available spaces in a home grooming business remains limited. Thus, the groomers should empty the spaces to practice efficiently. 

Which Are The Most Essential Equipment For The Homme Groomers?

The groomers at home require professional equipment. However, to some extent, the equipment must be suitable for a home scale. Thus, they are not as large and bulky as the equipment at commercial salons.  

However, they must also be efficient and suitable for professional use. Here are some of the equipment that are a must. 

1. Tub 

The Flying Pig tubs serve the best purpose for businesses. These tubs generally have a low maintenance cost. The companies can easily purchase them at a very low price. 

The groomers should definitely include a ramp along with the tub for convenience. The ramp allows the animal to get in or get out of the tub easily. 

2. Table 

Hydraulic or electric tables make grooming easier for groomers. The hydraulic or electric tables save your back from carrying a 50 lb furry client. The table should be strong enough to handle the weight of the larger breeds as well. 

3. Dryer  

The dryer is the most important tool for fast services. The dryer allows the groomers to dry up their furry clients really fast and then move on to the next one as soon as possible.  

Dog groomers love products like the ZENY Pet Dog Hair Dryer and others. These are portable pet dryers that can be plugged in and used anywhere. 

While you wonder how to start a pet grooming business, you should also keep in mind that your business should not bother others, especially those in your neighborhood. 

Thus, applying foam to the walls can prevent noise from escaping through them. Even the smallest dryers can be really noisy. It is essential to soundproof the interiors. 

4. Trimming Equipment  

Trimming equipment is one of the most important elements of a pet grooming business. Thus, it is important to purchase all the equipment beforehand.  

1. Clippers  

While you wonder how to start a pet grooming business, it becomes necessary to be efficient. Clippers play a very crucial role in trimming. Thus, the groomers should have at least two for efficiency. 

Moreover, a cordless one offers the groomer flexibility and convenience. The chord can often get entangled with highly energetic animals. 

2. Blades 

The groomers should keep all types of blades to provide proper cuts. Different types of blades serve various purposes. #10 for sanitary purposes, #7F, #5F, #4F help for trimming the body hair. 

3. Shears   

Shears help trim areas with curvature. Not all places can be cut with the clippers. Thus, this allows the groomers to add minute details.  

4. Disinfectants And Lubricants 

The trimming equipment should always be disinfected with proper disinfectants. The fleas and other elements from one animal can always travel to the coat of another. Thus, while people wonder how to start a pet grooming business? They should also think of keeping things hygienic for their quadrupedal clients.  

5. Equipment To Save Your Plumbing  

The plumbing of your house cannot always handle the heavy load of fur and other debris from the dog. Thus, it becomes important to use things like a hair trap inside the tub. 

A secondary drain mesh can also be helpful as a precautionary measure. The groomers should avoid rinsing or washing off the big clumps of hair down the drain.  

Hence, some of these small pieces of equipment can help prevent long-term pipe damage and help you save costs. 

Cost Breakdown: An Approximate Estimation For Your Pet Grooming Business

While you wonder how to start a pet grooming business, let me tell you that grooming is really easy, smart, and can be done with a very small investment. However, several hidden costs often accompany the actual investment, and hence, investors should be aware of them. 

Here is an overview of total expenditure. 

Equipment	Expenditure
Pet Hair Dryer	$57.48
Tub	$394.78
Table	$379.98
Clippers	$58
Blades	$119.96 (Set of 5)
Shears	$11.99
Hair Trap	$12
Total	$1022

How Much Should You Charge For Your Services?

While you wonder how to start a proper business for the dogs, it is important to decide howmuch to charge for your services in the first place. Here are some of the main factors that you should consider first. 

1. Salon Vs Home  

The home grooming businesses should never compare or compete with the salons in terms of pricing or benefits. 

The pet parents often consider the home grooming exercises to be inferior to those at salons. Thus, the home groomers should point out the benefits of home grooming to them. 

Home grooming provides dogs with comfort and convenience for their owners. Thus, these things should be rightly highlighted. 

2. How Much To Charge For The Matted Dogs? 

The matted dog pricing should be based on the time required to provide the service. The dog parents should explain the added risks and the potential hazards to their clients beforehand. 

The pet parent should be rationally briefed on the use of additional equipment, such as a muzzle. The groomers should also consider additional charges, such as extra labor handling. Never hesitate to decline animals that are unsafe to handle.  

How To Market Your Home Dog Grooming Service?

While you wonder how to start a pet grooming business, it is also important to market your business properly. Proper marketing of the company can help you thrive in multiple ways. Here are some of the most reliable options to help you reach the target audience effectively.  

1. Presence On The Internet With A Proper Website  

Have a proper website and ensure that you are visible online. Incorporate hyperlocal SEO to ensure the best results with the help of the business. 

Hyperlocal SEO helps you to reach out to the local dog parents in the best possible way. Most local searches happen on Google. 

Try to make the website more encouraging while embedding visually engaging elements, such as videos. Do not forget to add joyful photos that will attract people. 

2. Social Media  

Social media platforms like Instagram are among the best for reaching people. The short-format content, like shorts and reels, can be really engaging for people. 

Other platforms, like Facebook, can also help reach out to people. Always highlight the cute moments of the pets. 

Challenges That Home Grooming Businesses Can Face

The business can face numerous challenges. Moreover, these challenges include things like stinky interiors. Handling aggressive and difficult dogs, the costs of laundry and other sanitation procedures. 

The neighbor can definitely complain about the dogs’ noise. This shall be a hurdle in the business. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to start a pet grooming business.