How to Start a Pet Grooming Business: A Friendly Guide for Pet Sitters & Beginners

Why a Pet Grooming Business Is a Smart Move?

If you love working with animals and already spend time caring for pets, starting a pet grooming business can be a rewarding next step. Whether you’re a pet sitter looking to offer more services or someone dreaming of a pet-focused career, grooming is a practical way to grow your income, help animals stay healthy, and build stronger relationships with clients.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from skills and tools to marketing and setup, all written with first-timers in mind.

What Exactly Does a Pet Groomer Do?

Groomers do more than just make pets look clean. They help pets feel better, stay healthier, and avoid painful issues like matted fur, ear infections, or overgrown nails. A typical pet grooming session may include:

• Brushing and combing (removing tangles, loose fur)
• Bathing with pet-safe shampoos
• Nail trimming
• Cleaning ears and eyes
• Flea and tick checks
• Coat trimming or styling (especially for breeds that need it)

Many groomers also offer special add-ons like teeth brushing or paw balm for cracked pads.

Who Is This Business Right For?

You don’t need to be a vet tech or run a full grooming salon to get started. This business is great for:

• Pet sitters who want to expand services and earn more per visit
• Pet lovers looking for a low-cost way to work with animals
• People who enjoy working with their hands and have patience
• Side hustlers with flexible schedules

The best part? You can start small, even from your home, and grow at your own pace.

What You’ll Need to Start a Pet Grooming Business

Before you jump in, here’s a list of the basic tools and setup you’ll need:

Essential Tools	Purpose
Slicker brush and comb	Daily brushing, removing tangles
Clippers with blade guards	Coat trimming
Nail clippers or grinder	Safe nail care
Pet-safe shampoo & conditioner	Bathing without irritation
Ear and eye wipes	Hygiene maintenance
Towels and a pet dryer	Post-bath drying
Grooming table with arm/restraint	Safer handling (optional at first)

Start with a basic kit. You can upgrade as you learn what works best.

Mobile, Home-Based, or Salon: Choose the Right Setup

There are a few ways to structure your pet grooming business depending on your space, budget, and comfort level:

1. Mobile Grooming

• You travel to the pet owner’s home or have a van equipped for grooming.
• Great for convenience and busy clients.
• Higher startup costs but often lower competition.

2. Home-Based Grooming

• Use a spare room or garage with good ventilation and drainage.
• Lower startup cost.
• You’ll need clear rules for pet pickup and drop-off.

3. Salon Setup

• A brick-and-mortar grooming shop.
• Higher costs and more regulations, but room for more clients and services.

Starting as a pet sitter? Mobile or in-home is often the most affordable and flexible option.

What It Costs to Start

Here’s a rough breakdown of startup costs (based on a mobile or home-based setup):

Item	Estimated Cost
Basic grooming tools	$200–$400
Training or certification	$0–$1,500 (optional)
Business license/insurance	$100–$500
Website & branding	$100–$300
Marketing materials	$50–$200

You can start your grooming business for under $1,000 with the basics and grow from there.

Do You Need Training or a License?

In most areas, no formal certification is required to start a pet grooming business, but learning proper technique is key. You can:

• Take an online grooming course (many under $500)
• Shadow or apprentice with a professional groomer
• Watch free YouTube tutorials and practice on friends’ pets

Look for training that covers:

• Coat types and breed-specific care
• Safe grooming techniques
• Handling nervous or reactive animals
• First aid basics

Even if certification isn’t required, it can build trust with new clients and help you stand out.

How to Price Your Services

Start by researching what local groomers charge. Then set your rates based on experience, time, and effort.

Service	Starter Price Range
Bath & brush	$25–$40
Full grooming	$40–$75+
Nail trim only	$10–$20
Add-ons (teeth, balm)	$5–$10 each

As you gain experience and build a client base, you can raise your rates or offer bundled packages.

Marketing Your Pet Grooming Business (Without Breaking the Bank)

Getting your first clients is the hardest part, but word of mouth is powerful in the pet world.

Here’s how to start:

• Create a Google Business Profile so you show up in “pet groomers near me” searches
• Share before-and-after photos on Instagram or Facebook
• Join local pet groups or post on community boards
• Offer discounts for referrals or first-time visits
• Partner with pet sitters or dog walkers (or offer both!)

👉 Check out our article on How to Market Your Pet Sitting Business on a Budget for more practical ideas.

Real Talk: Common Challenges (and How to Handle Them)

Starting your own grooming business sounds great, but there will be bumps along the way. Some things to be ready for:

• Nervous pets — Learn calming techniques and keep sessions short at first.
• Mess and cleanup — Grooming is messy. Invest in good towels and organize your space.
• Slow seasons — Offer seasonal services (e.g., winter paw care, spring deshedding).
• Client no-shows — Use booking software or require deposits to avoid wasted time.

Remember: Every business has growing pains. Take it one client at a time.

Key Takeaways

You don’t need a salon or fancy setup to start a pet grooming business — just care, skills, and basic tools.

Grooming is a great add-on for pet sitters or a strong side business on its own.

Start small, keep your setup simple, and focus on quality care.

Learn proper techniques, stay organized, and connect with your local pet community.

Marketing doesn’t need to be expensive — it needs to be consistent and personal.