If you want to be your own boss and love working with animals, becoming a pet and dog groomer could be the perfect career for you. Learn more about how to become a pet groomer, starting your own in-home or mobile dog grooming business, the steps you need to take to work toward success, and whether or not starting a business is the right move for you.
Ever dreamed of turning your love for pets into a profitable venture without leaving your home? You’re not alone! As someone who’s researched this extensively, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about starting a home-based dog grooming business in 2025.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Absolutely Can!
Starting a dog grooming business from home is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding both financially and personally. With the pet grooming industry valued at a whopping $8 billion in the US and growing at an 8% annual rate through 2026, there’s plenty of opportunity for passionate entrepreneurs to carve out their niche.
Why Starting a Home Dog Grooming Business Makes Sense
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s look at why this might be the perfect business opportunity for you:
- Low overhead costs compared to renting a commercial space
- Flexible working hours that you control
- No commute (hello, extra sleep and savings on gas!)
- Comfort of working in your own environment
- Ability to start part-time as a side hustle before going full-time
One of my clients started with just weekend appointments and now runs a thriving full-time business from her converted garage!
The Financial Reality: Can You Make Good Money?
Let’s talk numbers. The average employed dog groomer makes around $36701 annually. But self-employed groomers? They can earn up to $61620 per year on average. Some home-based dog groomers report incomes ranging from $15,000 to an impressive $100,000 depending on their clientele, services, and business model.
Charging between $40-100 per grooming session is standard with prices varying based on
- Dog size
- Coat condition
- Services provided
- Your experience level
- Local market rates
Don’t forget about offering “extras” like seasonal photoshoots. specialty shampoos and custom styling options to boost your income!
Legal Requirements: Navigating the Red Tape
This is where many aspiring groomers get confused, so let’s break it down simply.
Business Licenses and Registration
At minimum, you’ll need:
- General business license – Required by nearly every city/county ($50-$300)
- Home Occupation Permit – Since you’re operating in a residential area
- Sales tax permit – If you’ll be selling products like shampoos or accessories
- Business registration – Registering your business name and structure
Some states have specific professional licensing requirements for animal groomers, which may involve passing exams or completing training hours.
Zoning and HOA Considerations
Here’s where things can get tricky. Most residential areas aren’t zoned for commercial activities, so you’ll need to check:
- Zoning regulations – Contact your local planning department
- HOA restrictions – If applicable, review your HOA covenants
- Property deed restrictions – Some properties have built-in limitations
Common residential business restrictions include:
- Limits on client visits per day
- Noise and odor controls
- Signage restrictions
- Square footage limitations for business use
- Employee restrictions
Insurance Requirements
Don’t skip this step! You’ll need:
- Professional liability insurance – Protects against claims if a dog is injured
- General liability insurance – Covers accidents on your property
- Business property insurance – Protects your equipment
My neighbor skipped insurance and regretted it when a dog knocked over and broke her $800 grooming table!
Setting Up Your Home Grooming Space
You’ll need a dedicated space that’s:
- Separate from your living quarters (ideally)
- Clean and hazard-free
- Properly ventilated for hair and dander
- Equipped with proper drainage
- Large enough for your equipment
Essential equipment includes:
| Basic Equipment | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Grooming table | $100-$500 |
| Professional clippers | $100-$300 |
| Grooming shears | $50-$200 |
| Bathing station | $200-$1,000 |
| Dryer | $100-$400 |
| Basic supplies (shampoos, etc.) | $200 initial stock |
Business Structures: Choosing What’s Right for You
You have several options:
Sole Proprietorship
- Simplest to set up
- No separation between personal and business assets
- Personally liable for business debts
- Business income reported on personal tax return
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- More paperwork and fees
- Separates personal assets from business liabilities
- Pass-through taxation
- Better protection if something goes wrong
Partnership
- Good if starting with someone else
- Can be general (equal liability) or limited partnership
- Requires formal agreement
I started as a sole proprietor but switched to an LLC after my first year when business picked up. The extra protection was worth the additional paperwork!
Financing Your Dog Grooming Business
Starting costs can range from $2,000 (bare minimum, using existing space) to $10,000+ (fully equipped). Financing options include:
- Business plan-based bank loan
- SBA microloans
- Personal savings
- Friends and family investors
- Credit cards (careful with interest rates!)
Remember to create a detailed business plan before seeking financing. This helps both you and potential lenders understand your vision and pathway to profitability.
Getting the Skills and Credentials
While no formal certification is required to be a dog groomer, getting properly trained will:
- Build your confidence
- Help you charge higher rates
- Reduce risk of injuring animals
- Make you more marketable
Options include:
- Online pet grooming certificates (like Penn Foster’s program)
- Apprenticeships with experienced groomers
- Certification from National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)
- American Kennel Club grooming certification
- Animal CPR certification (great for client peace of mind)
Marketing Your Home-Based Grooming Business
Marketing is crucial for attracting those first clients. Effective strategies include:
- Creating a professional website with before/after photos
- Establishing social media presence (Instagram works great for visual businesses)
- Offering introductory discounts to first-time clients
- Distributing flyers at local pet stores, dog parks, and vet offices
- Volunteering your services at local animal shelters
- Getting listed on Google Business
- Encouraging reviews from satisfied customers
I found that posting weekly before/after transformation photos on Instagram brought in more new clients than any other marketing method!
Challenges of Home-Based Dog Grooming
Let’s be real—it’s not all cuddles and cute pups. Challenges include:
- Difficult dogs that may bite, scratch or be uncooperative
- Demanding pet parents with unrealistic expectations
- Work/home boundary issues when your business is in your home
- Inconsistent income especially when starting out
- Physical demands (standing for hours, handling large dogs)
- Isolation if you’re used to working with colleagues
Is Home-Based Dog Grooming Right for You?
Consider these questions:
- Do you have the physical stamina to groom multiple dogs daily?
- Can you handle nervous or aggressive dogs safely?
- Are you comfortable with the business aspects (bookkeeping, taxes, marketing)?
- Does your home have suitable space?
- Will your family support having strange dogs in your home?
- Can you invest in proper equipment and setup?
Steps to Get Started Today
- Research local regulations specific to your area
- Check with your HOA if applicable
- Enroll in grooming education to build skills
- Create a business plan with financial projections
- Choose a business name and check availability
- Apply for necessary permits and licenses
- Set up your home grooming space
- Purchase equipment and supplies
- Get proper insurance coverage
- Develop pricing structure and service menu
- Create marketing materials and online presence
- Network with local vets and pet businesses
Starting as a Side Hustle
Many successful home-based groomers start part-time while maintaining other employment. This approach allows you to:
- Build skills gradually
- Test the market without full financial commitment
- Grow your client base organically
- Transition to full-time when financially viable
A mobile grooming approach (going to clients’ homes) might work better as a side hustle since you won’t need to dedicate permanent space in your home.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Running a dog grooming business from home isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, it can be incredibly rewarding. Beyond the financial benefits, there’s something special about helping pets look and feel their best while building relationships with loyal clients.
As someone who’s researched countless home-based businesses, I genuinely believe dog grooming offers one of the best combinations of startup affordability, growth potential, and personal satisfaction.
The pet industry continues to grow year after year, with pet parents increasingly willing to invest in quality care for their fur babies. If you have the passion, skills, and determination, 2025 might be the perfect time to launch your home-based dog grooming adventure!
Remember, every successful business started with a single step. Why not make today the day you take yours?
Have questions about starting your home-based dog grooming business? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to help!
What are the pros and cons of starting a dog grooming business? When you’re thinking of starting your own dog grooming business, you want to make sure you’re confident that it’s the right choice for you. Like any job, there are pros and cons to starting your own business you should consider before investing your time and money into the next steps.
The pros of starting your own dog grooming business include
- Being your own boss. When you own your own dog grooming business, you’re the boss. You get to decide when you work, how much you charge, and what your workday is like.
- Doing something you love. As a pet groomer, you’ll work with a variety of cute animals.
- Lots of variety. This is especially true if you decide to have a mobile dog grooming business. Your days will often involve seeing different clients and completing different tasks, so no two days are really every exactly the same.
- Having a hand in every aspect of business. As a business owner, you don’t just make decisions, you also get to be involved in every aspect of owning a dog grooming business from hiring to marketing.
Do you need to be certified to be a dog groomer?
No, certification isn’t required to be a dog groomer. However – especially if you’re starting your own dog grooming business – being certified can help you attract more clients and potentially earn more money. Certification shows that your skills meet certain standards and can act as proof to new customers that you know what you’re doing!
You also don’t need to be licensed to work as a pet groomer. You will need a business license, though, if you plan on owning your own dog grooming service. Generally, you can apply for a license through your state or local government website.
You’ll also need professional liability insurance to protect yourself and your business. While you never intend accidents to happen, you want to make sure you’re protected in case a pet you’re grooming gets hurt or ill during the appointment.
Read more: How to Become a Pet Groomer
How to become a pet groomer | How much money do groomers make?
FAQ
Can I start a dog grooming business from home?
Running a grooming business from home isn’t as simple as buying clippers and putting up a sign. Before you take your first booking, you’ll need to meet the legal requirements that apply to small businesses, home occupations, and in some areas, pet service facilities.
Can I be a dog groomer from home?
Dog groomers are lucky in that they can work from home if there’s space. Some choose to go mobile with a van while others rent space in a dog grooming salon. The most positive aspect is the pooches you will meet, make friends with and help become spruced up and looking fabulous.
Why do dog grooming businesses fail?
Poor customer service is one of the main reasons that dog grooming businesses fail. Customers who are not treated well or given poor service will quickly take their business elsewhere. This means that it is essential to provide excellent customer service from the moment a customer walks in the door.
Can I work from home as a dog groomer?
Successful home–based groomers will tell you that in order to be able to enjoy your home business, you will need to be firm about setting up some guidelines. Post your hours clearly, make sure the business entrance is clearly marked and separate from private areas, and only answer your phone during business hours.