Figuring out how to start a dog grooming business from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re working with limited resources and handling everything on your own.
As an aspiring entrepreneur, you’re likely wondering how to attract your first clients, build a solid reputation, and turn your love for dogs into a reliable source of income.
Whether you’re offering basic dog wash, dog nail clipping, or pet tidy-ups in your local neighbourhood, finding practical ways to reach pet owners is key.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, effective strategies to get your dog grooming business off the ground, connect with customers, and lay the foundations for long-term success in the pet care industry.
- Step 1: Identify the market of your dog grooming business
- Step 2: Plan for seasonal trends in the dog grooming industry
- Step 3: Research market rates and analyse competitors in the dog grooming industry
- Step 4: Explore funding options for your dog grooming business
- Step 5: Develop a strategic dog grooming business plan
- Step 6: Register your dog grooming business
- Step 7: Hire your dog groomers
- Step 8: Invest in the right dog grooming tools and equipment
- Step 9: Find clients for your dog grooming business
- Step 10: Get paid for your dog grooming services!
- Launch your dog grooming business today!
Step 1: Identify the market of your dog grooming business
Before diving into your dog grooming business plan, it’s important to understand who your ideal customers are and what grooming services they need. Identifying your target market helps you tailor your services, pricing, and marketing efforts to attract the right clients from the start. All of this can help you learn how to become the best dog groomer you can be.
Explore different types of dog grooming services
Offering a range of dog grooming services allows you to meet the needs of different breeds, coat types, and pet personalities. By understanding what each service involves, you can decide which ones to offer initially and which to add as your business grows. You can also grow your skills through dog grooming training near you.
Bathing and blow-drying
This is a basic service you can offer if you’re wondering how to start a dog grooming business at home. It involves thoroughly washing the dog with pet-safe shampoo, followed by a gentle blow-dry in order to remove dirt, odours, and loose fur while keeping the coat clean and fluffy.
Hair trimming and styling
Hair trimming keeps the dog’s coat neat, manageable, and suited to the breed’s needs, while styling can involve breed-specific cuts or custom looks. It’s ideal for long-haired dogs or those needing regular grooming.
Nail clipping and paw care
Trimming nails prevents overgrowth, splitting, and discomfort, while paw care can include moisturising pads and checking for debris or injuries. This service promotes better mobility and paw health.
Ear cleaning and plucking
Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears. In some cases, plucking excess hair from the ear canal is also done to improve airflow and cleanliness.
De-shedding treatments
This dog grooming service reduces excessive shedding by removing dead hair using specialised tools. It’s particularly useful for double-coated and high-shedding breeds.
Flea and tick treatments
This service involves applying topical treatments or using medicated baths to eliminate fleas and ticks. It helps protect both the pet and the home environment from infestations.
Anal gland expression
You can run a dog business from home, but you still need to have a dedicated space for it, especially when providing slightly more complicated services such as this one.
This involves manually expressing the dog’s anal glands to prevent discomfort, infections, or odours. It’s often recommended for dogs showing signs of scooting or swelling.
Toothbrushing
Brushing a dog’s teeth helps reduce plaque, tartar build-up, and bad breath. Regular dental care supports overall health and prevents gum disease.
Puppy grooming
A gentle introduction to grooming that includes basic services like bathing, light brushing, and nail clipping. It helps puppies get used to being handled and builds trust for future grooming sessions.
Mobile dog grooming
A mobile dog salon brings grooming directly to the customer’s home via a fully equipped van or trailer. It’s ideal for busy pet owners or dogs who get anxious in salon settings.
Special care for elderly or anxious dogs
Tailored grooming sessions that prioritise comfort and minimise stress. These services may include extra time, gentle handling, and calming techniques for senior or nervous pets.
Choose your dog grooming business niche
Find the right niche for your dog grooming business so you can stand out in a competitive market and attract a loyal customer base. By focusing on a specific area of grooming, you can tailor your services, pricing, and marketing to suit the needs of your ideal clients.
Eco-friendly dog grooming niche
This niche focuses on using natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable products, along with water-saving and waste-reducing practices. It appeals to environmentally conscious pet owners looking for safe and sustainable grooming options.
- Pros: Attracts eco-aware clients and builds a socially responsible brand.
- Cons: Eco-friendly products may cost more and have limited availability.
Mobile dog grooming niche
This niche provides on-the-go grooming services directly to the customer’s home using a fully equipped mobile setup. It offers convenience for busy pet owners and less stress for dogs who dislike travelling.
- Pros: Low overheads and flexible schedule. Mobile dog grooming prices are also higher than traditional salons due to the travelling involved.
- Cons: High initial investment in a mobile grooming van and travel-related expenses.
Luxury dog spa niche
This premium niche offers high-end services like aromatherapy baths, facials, massages, and designer cuts. It targets pet owners who are willing to spend more on pampering their dogs.
- Pros: Higher profit margins and affluent clientele.
- Cons: Requires specialised training, equipment, and upscale branding for a smaller market with high expectations.
Breed-specific grooming niche
This niche specialises in precise grooming styles tailored to specific dog breeds, such as poodles, schnauzers, or spaniels. It appeals to show dog owners and breed enthusiasts who seek expert grooming knowledge.
- Pros: Builds a reputation for expertise and precision, so it’s easier to market for breed enthusiasts.
- Cons: Demands advanced skills and continuous training with dog grooming classes.
Elderly and special needs dog grooming niche
This niche caters to senior dogs and those with physical or behavioural challenges, focusing on gentle handling and personalised care. It attracts owners seeking safe, compassionate grooming for vulnerable pets.
- Pros: Fills a crucial gap, builds client loyalty.
- Cons: Services may take longer and require additional patience and care.
Decide on the service area for your dog grooming business
Choosing where to launch or expand your dog grooming business plays a critical role in its growth potential. With the latest 2024 job posting data from Oneflare, we can now identify the key cities in Australia showing the highest demand for dog grooming services.
The table below highlights the top five cities by their share of total national job postings for dog grooming in 2024.
| City | Percentage Share of Total Dog Grooming Job Demand |
| Dog grooming services in Melbourne | 36.3% |
| Dog grooming services in Sydney | 32.7% |
| Dog grooming services in Gold Coast | 9.6% |
| Dog grooming services in Brisbane | 9.3% |
| Dog grooming services in Adelaide | 4.3% |
Australian cities with the highest dog grooming job demand
Melbourne is in the lead, capturing 36.3% of all dog grooming job postings. This high demand reflects the city’s vibrant pet culture, large suburban sprawl, and strong preference for premium pet care. The growing popularity of pet-friendly living spaces and boutique grooming salons contributes further to this trend.
Sydney follows closely with 32.7% of the total demand. With a dense urban population and high pet ownership among apartment dwellers and busy professionals, Sydney presents an ideal market for mobile grooming and convenience-based services. Pet owners here often prioritise cleanliness, coat maintenance, and regular grooming appointments as part of their pets’ health regimen.
The Gold Coast and Brisbane account for 9.6% and 9.3% respectively. Both cities benefit from warm climates, which can drive frequent grooming to manage heat and hygiene, especially among active breeds. Their family-friendly suburbs and outdoor lifestyles also promote regular grooming, particularly for dogs exposed to sand, salt, and foliage.
Australian cities with lower dog grooming job demand
Adelaide, with 4.3% of the national job postings, represents a smaller but still viable market. While demand is lower compared to the East Coast capitals, Adelaide’s slower pace and lower competition provide an opportunity for dog grooming businesses to build loyal, local client bases.
Other cities not in the top five — such as Perth, Canberra, and Darwin — may also exhibit limited demand. Still, they offer potential for growth through targeted marketing, personal referrals, and specialised grooming services like breed-specific cuts or skin treatments. Business owners in these markets can succeed by positioning themselves as trusted, go-to providers for reliable, personalised pet care.
Step 2: Plan for seasonal trends in the dog grooming industry
Understanding seasonal trends in the dog grooming industry is essential for managing fluctuations in demand and optimising your operations. Certain months see a significant surge in grooming appointments, while other periods may naturally taper off.
By aligning your services with these trends, such as promoting shedding control during high-moult seasons or offering prep packages before major holidays, you can maintain consistent revenue and ensure long-term stability throughout the year.
Identify popular seasons for dog grooming services
The most in-demand months for dog grooming services in Australia, based on 2024 job posting data from Oneflare, are March, April, and May.
March marks the beginning of the seasonal rise in grooming appointments. As summer ends, pet owners often schedule grooming to clean and freshen up their dogs after months of outdoor activity. Removing residual dirt, sand, and moisture helps improve coat and skin condition ahead of autumn.
April reaches the peak of demand. This is when dogs begin shedding their summer coats, prompting many owners to book professional grooming to manage excess hair and avoid matting. With cooler weather setting in, coat maintenance becomes even more important for pet comfort and health.
May sustains high grooming demand as the transition into winter continues. Pet owners prioritise de-shedding, hygiene, and skin treatments to keep their dogs well-groomed and comfortable through the colder months. Regular grooming during this period also helps manage indoor allergens and odours as pets spend more time inside.
Plan strategies to adapt to seasonal fluctuations
Dog grooming cost and demand can rise and fall throughout the year, with peak times around warmer months and holidays. Planning with flexible strategies can help you maintain a steady dog groomer income and client bookings all year round.
Offer seasonal dog grooming service packages
To attract seasonal bookings, create themed packages that align with the seasons, like summer de-shedding treatments or winter coat conditioning. These packages can boost sales and give clients a reason to return throughout the year.
Diversify your dog grooming service offerings
Add extra services, such as flea treatments in summer or moisturising paw care in winter, to stay relevant during slow periods. Diversifying keeps you adaptable and helps meet changing pet care needs year-round, keeping your dog grooming business profit steady.
Focus on regular dog grooming schedules and memberships
Encourage clients to commit to recurring appointments through grooming plans or membership packages with perks. This creates a reliable dog groomer salary and helps smooth out seasonal dips in demand
Post on lead generation sites to secure recurring dog grooming clients
Use platforms like Oneflare to connect with pet owners looking for trusted, ongoing grooming services. Consistently listing your business online helps you attract steady enquiries even during quieter months. Here, you can also research how much other dog groomers make for their services if you request a quote.
Register your dog grooming business on Oneflare today and connect with clients searching for trusted dog groomers like you!
Step 3: Research market rates and analyse competitors in the dog grooming industry
Before setting your prices or launching your services, it’s essential to research what other dog groomers in your area are charging and offering. Analysing your competitors helps you position your business competitively, understand what pet owners are willing to pay, and find opportunities to stand out in the market.
Understand the cost of common dog grooming services
To price your dog grooming services fairly and profitably, it’s important to understand the factors that influence grooming costs. These can include the size and breed of the dog, the condition and length of its coat, the type and number of services requested, your level of experience, and your location.
Additional costs, such as travel for mobile grooming or the use of premium, eco-friendly products, can affect pricing. By identifying these influences, you’ll be better equipped to create a pricing structure that reflects your value while staying competitive.
| Types of Dog Grooming Services | Average Price Range |
| Full grooming (wash, cut, nails) | $65 – $120 per session |
| Bath and tidy (wash, brush, trim) | $40 – $80 per session |
| De-shedding treatment | $25 – $60 per treatment |
| Nail clipping | $15 – $25 per session |
| Ear cleaning | $15 – $30 per session |
| Flea and tick treatment | $20 – $40 per treatment |
| Mobile grooming service | $70 – $130 per visit |
| Puppy grooming | $40 – $70 per session |
| Breed-specific styling | $70 – $150 per session |
Keep in mind that the prices listed in the table are general estimates and can vary depending on your location, the dog’s size and coat condition, and the specific services offered. Factors such as mobile convenience, premium products, or handling of anxious pets may also influence the final cost. Always research local competitors and adjust your pricing to reflect your skill level, service quality, and business expenses.
Decide how to charge for dog grooming services
Choosing the right pricing method is key to running a sustainable and profitable dog grooming business. How much you charge for dog grooming should reflect the time, effort, and resources required while also appealing to your target market.
Flat rate pricing for common grooming packages
Set fixed prices for standard grooming services like baths, trims, or nail clipping to keep things simple and transparent for clients. This method works well for basic, repeatable services.
Hourly rate pricing for complex or behavioural grooming needs
Charge by the hour when working with dogs that require extra care due to matting, anxiety, or special handling needs. It ensures you’re fairly compensated for time-intensive sessions.
Size-based pricing for different breeds
Set rates based on the dog’s size or breed group, as larger dogs or those with dense coats often require more time and effort. This approach helps balance workload and pricing more accurately.
Membership and multi-visit discounts
Offer grooming memberships or discounts for pre-booked regular visits to encourage repeat business. It builds client loyalty while helping you maintain a consistent income.
Evaluate your unique selling points (USPs)
To stand out in a competitive market, it’s important to identify what makes your dog grooming business special. Your unique selling points (USPs) highlight the value you offer and help attract clients who align with your approach and services.
Use of natural, dog-safe grooming products
Using gentle, natural products shows your commitment to pet safety and wellbeing, appealing to health-conscious owners who want the best for their dogs.
Specialised services for anxious or senior dogs
Offering tailored care for nervous or elderly pets demonstrates compassion and expertise, building trust with owners seeking extra attention for their furry friends.
Mobile or in-home dog grooming options
Providing convenient grooming at the client’s home saves time and reduces stress for dogs, making your service especially attractive to busy or mobility-challenged pet owners. This makes a mobile dog grooming business profitable.
Customised grooming packages by breed or coat type
Personalising grooming based on specific breed standards or coat needs showcases your skill and professionalism, appealing to owners who want expert care tailored to their dog’s unique requirements.
Pro tip: Promoting these USPs on platforms like Oneflare can help your dog grooming business stand out and attract clients seeking tailored services that competitors may not offer.
Step 4: Explore funding options for your dog grooming business
Securing funding for your dog grooming business is an essential first step, and it’s crucial to seek professional advice before making any financial commitments. Consulting with financial planners and local accountants can help you understand the implications of each option and choose the best fit for your business goals.
Self-funding
Self-funding involves using personal savings or funds from family and friends. This approach allows full control over finances without needing to meet lender requirements, although it also involves using personal financial resources.
Small business loans
Australian banks and financial institutions offer small business loans designed for startups. These loans generally require a business plan, financial projections, and a good credit history. Small business loans can provide the capital needed for startup expenses, with set repayment terms and interest.
Secured and unsecured business loans
Both secured and unsecured business loans are small business loans that can be viable funding options for purchasing initial dog grooming business tools, equipment, and transportation assets.
Secured loans offer manageable, low-interest rates, provided collateral is available. This collateral could include personal assets such as residential properties or assets associated with your dog grooming business, like vehicles, dog grooming tools, and equipment.
Meanwhile, an unsecured loan offers businesses fast access to funds without collateral. However, they generally have higher interest rates with shorter loan terms than secured loans, so the monthly payments can be higher.
Government and industry programs
Certain Australian states provide grants and financial support for small businesses, especially those with innovative or eco-friendly services. These programs are structured to assist with initial costs and often have specific application requirements and conditions.
The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is one of the government programs in Australia that supports job seekers who want to start small businesses. This offers new entrepreneurs mentorship, accredited training, and income support to help them sustain themselves while establishing their businesses without requiring immediate profit. However, NEIS does not directly fund business costs, so startup capital would still need to be sourced separately.
Equity Investment
Startup dog grooming businesses can secure significant funds without taking on debt that needs immediate repayment through equity investment. It’s a funding option where investors provide money to a business in exchange for ownership shares to get a stake in the company.
There are two types of equity investors: angel investors and venture capitalists (VCs). Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who invest their personal funds into early-stage companies in exchange for equity. Meanwhile, venture capitalists are firms or groups that pool funds from multiple investors to support high-potential businesses.
Step 5: Develop a strategic dog grooming business plan
Starting a dog grooming business requires a well-thought-out business plan. This plan will be your roadmap, guiding you through each stage of starting and running your business.
It should include key elements, such as:
- Executive summary
- Company profile
- Business description
- Market analysis
- Services offered and pricing strategy
- Marketing strategies
- Budget and cash flow forecast
- Operations plan
- Risk mitigation strategy
- Long-term growth plan
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create a business plan tailored to your dog grooming business.
Draft an executive summary
First, begin with the executive summary, which is a brief overview of your dog grooming business and your goals. This section gives readers a quick sense of what your business is all about. Summarise what services you’ll offer, your target market, and what sets you apart from competitors. It’s often best to write this last so it truly reflects the rest of your plan.
Write your dog grooming business description
Your dog grooming business plan also needs a clear company description. In this section, outline the foundational details of your dog grooming business, including its legal business structure (e.g., sole trader, company, partnership, etc.), ownership details, business name, and location.
Moreover, your company description should describe your business’s vision, mission, and core values. This section will provide essential context as you move into the more operational and financial specifics of your business plan.
Describe your dog grooming business niche and types of services
The next step is to define the core focus of your dog grooming business. Are you offering standard grooming for family pets, breed-specific styling for show dogs, mobile grooming services for convenience, or a specialised niche such as puppy grooming, senior dog care, or hypoallergenic grooming treatments?
Clearly define why you’ve chosen this field and provide a short overview of your ideal clients. For example, your target audience might include busy pet parents looking for regular, stress-free grooming at home, dog owners of specific breeds that require high-maintenance coat care, or health-conscious clients seeking natural, cruelty-free grooming products for their furry friends.
Analyse your market and define your customer base
Once you have completed writing your company profile and dog grooming business niche, it’s time to define your customer base. First, you’ll need to conduct a market analysis to understand your target customers, local competitors, and industry trends.
From there, outline who your ideal clients are, what they need, and how you plan to serve them better than competitors. This analysis will help you identify market gaps and inform your service offerings.
Outline your dog grooming services and pricing strategy
Your business plan should also specify the types of dog grooming services you’ll offer and your pricing approach. Consider the costs of supplies, labour, and other expenses to price competitively yet profitably. Plus, think about whether you’ll offer package deals, discounts for repeat clients, or seasonal promotions.
Detail your marketing and sales plan
For your marketing and sales plan, you need to map out how you’ll attract and retain clients. Detail your marketing channels — such as social media, SEO, or partnerships — and any customer loyalty or referral programs. Think practically about your initial steps to grow your client base and raise brand awareness in your target market.
Create a budget and forecast cash flow
The budget and forecast cash flow are a crucial part of your business plan. For this section, it’s wise to break down your startup costs, monthly operating expenses, and anticipated revenue.
Include one-time expenses such as equipment and marketing materials, as well as recurring costs like supplies, transportation, and insurance.
Then, project your cash flow to understand when you’ll reach profitability and how to manage finances through any seasonal ups and downs.
Establish an operations plan
The operations plan details how you’ll manage day-to-day operations, including hiring, training, and scheduling. Here, describe systems you’ll implement to maintain high-quality service, handle customer feedback, and manage bookings or billing. This section is key to ensuring smooth, efficient operations as your business grows.
Develop a risk mitigation strategy
After the operations plan, develop a risk management plan to address potential challenges and safeguards for your business. Identify common risks in the dog grooming industry, such as accidental injury to pets during grooming, allergic reactions to products, equipment faults, or aggressive animal behaviour.
Implement clear safety protocols to manage these challenges. This might include proper handling and restraint techniques, thorough pet assessments before each session, regular maintenance of grooming tools, and the use of vet-approved, non-toxic grooming products.
You can also look into the types of business insurance coverage needed. Key policies may include public liability insurance to cover third-party injury or property damage, pet care liability insurance for incidents involving animals in your care, and coverage for your grooming equipment and vehicle if you offer mobile services.
Conclude with a long-term growth plan
Lastly, conclude with a long-term growth plan to demonstrate your vision for the future and commitment to sustainable growth. In this section, you need to define your business’s short-term and long-term objectives, such as adding new dog grooming services, increasing your client base, or expanding to new locations. Outline strategies to retain existing clients, such as loyalty programs, and how you plan to scale your marketing efforts.
Step 6: Register your dog grooming business
To start a dog grooming business, you may need to obtain registrations, specific dog grooming business licenses, and permits. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re compliant with all applicable laws and meet your tax obligations.
For information about registering your business or applying for an ABN, we recommend you check out this helpful information from the Australian government.
Step 7: Hire your dog groomers
Building a reliable team for your dog groomer business is essential for your company’s success and growth. Below, we’ll discuss how you can hire dog groomers near you and ensure that they meet your business’s needs.
Write a job description
First and foremost, you need to create a job description that highlights your business and what you offer. Be transparent about job duties, hours, pay, employment type and any training opportunities. Describe specific tasks (such as bathing, brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, coat trimming, and any specialised services like de-shedding treatments, breed-specific styling, flea and tick rinses) and any qualifications or technical skills required. This helps candidates understand expectations from the start and ensures a good match for the role.
Most candidates also appreciate knowing the pay range, benefits, or potential for growth within the company. If you offer flexible hours, a supportive team environment, or training for new employees, mention these aspects. This can make your ad stand out and attract applicants who genuinely want to be part of a stable, rewarding role in a growing company.
Use local Australian platforms to advertise your job
After crafting the job ad, post a ‘dog groomers hiring’ ad on multiple platforms to maximise its visibility. To reach the best candidates and find the right dog groomers for your business, you may consider advertising on platforms that are popular and effective in Australia, such as:
- SEEK – Australia’s largest job board, ideal for professional job seekers across industries.
- Indeed Australia – a wide-reaching job platform, popular among full-time and part-time job seekers.
- Jora – a job aggregator that pulls listings from various sources, increasing visibility.
- Workforce Australia – a free job advertising service from the government, suitable for small business owners.
If you have a business page, you might also consider posting on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. For a local touch, posting on community boards or participating in job fairs can attract applicants in your area.
Don’t overlook employee referrals, either — current employees often know reliable candidates, and offering a referral bonus can incentivise them to help bring in great new hires.
Screen and interview thoughtfully
As applications start coming in, review them carefully to find candidates with the right qualifications and experience. Conduct initial interviews with the most promising applicants to gauge their interest in the role, dog grooming skills, and alignment with your business.
This is the perfect chance to ask questions that reveal their previous experience, problem-solving abilities, and reliability. For example, you might ask how they’ve handled challenging grooming situations in the past, such as working with anxious or aggressive dogs, managing severe matting or skin conditions, grooming senior pets with mobility issues, or preparing dogs for shows with specific breed standards under time constraints.
It’s also helpful to perform criminal history checks and reference checks to ensure the trustworthiness of your candidates. This is particularly important if your dog groomers will work in sensitive environments like offices or schools. A quick call to past employers can provide insight into their reliability, history, and work quality.
Make an offer and onboard your new hire
When you’ve selected your top candidate, make a clear and detailed job offer that outlines pay, benefits, work hours, and expectations.
Once they’ve accepted your offer, the next step is running a smooth onboarding process to set up your new hires for success. Start with training sessions to familiarise them with your dog grooming business’s standards, animal handling procedures, client communication practices, and the specific grooming techniques and tools they’ll be using. This helps ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality grooming that aligns with your business’s expectations.
If possible, have them shadow an experienced team member for their first few shifts so they can learn on the job. After their first week, check in with them and provide feedback to support their improvement and integration into the team.
Offer ongoing support and fair treatment
A supportive work environment promotes employee retention. Openly address concerns about shifts, workload, and safety. This initiative will help create a positive work culture that encourages loyalty and productivity among your staff.
Step 8: Invest in the right dog grooming tools and equipment
Each dog grooming business niche requires specialised tools and equipment. Here’s a breakdown of key items, their estimated costs, and where to purchase them in Australia:
| Dog Grooming Tools and Equipment | Price Range (AUD) | Where to Buy |
| Professional dog grooming table | $200 – $1,000 | Clipper World, PetEdge Australia (via eBay) |
| High-velocity dog dryer | $300 – $900 | Clipper World, Petbarn |
| Dog grooming clippers (corded or cordless) | $100 – $500 | Pet Circle, Clipper World |
| Grooming shears and scissors set | $80 – $400 | Clipper World |
| Dog bath or tub | $300 – $1,500 | Vevor |
| Grooming arm with noose | $50 – $150 | eBay Australia |
| Deshedding and dematting tools | $30 – $120 | Pet Circle, Bunnings |
| Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner | $20 – $100 | Petbarn, Pet Circle |
| Personal protective equipment (PPE) | $50 – $200 | Bunnings |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on retailers, brands, and product quality.
Step 9: Find clients for your dog grooming business
Attracting and retaining clients is crucial to growing your dog grooming business. With the right strategies, you can connect with local pet owners, build a loyal customer base, and keep your appointment book full.
Expand your online presence
Building a strong online presence is essential for reaching more dog owners and showcasing your grooming services. By creating a professional website, engaging on social media, and listing your business on platforms like Oneflare, you can increase your visibility and attract new clients easily.
Build your dog grooming business website
A website is essential for establishing your dog grooming business’s credibility and providing clients with easy access to your services. It allows potential clients to learn about your offerings, view testimonials, and request quotes directly. Working with a web designer can ensure a user-friendly, optimised site that effectively showcases your services and improves search visibility.
To guide you, we’ve compiled examples of successful dog grooming business websites that display the effectiveness of building a good website to boost brand credibility and improve customer experience.
Shazza’s Pampered Paws website
Shazza’s Pampered Paws is a great example of a website for an independent pet groomer. Its simple layout has a homey vibe that could make pet owners feel a general sense of security, which also builds trust. The About page has friendly and straightforward copy, while the Contact page features a form that could help interested clients get in touch. The best feature of this website is the Gallery page of cute pets they’ve groomed, as well as the before-and-after photos on the Home page.
Aussie Grooming Solutions website
Aussie Grooming Solutions is a pet grooming company with a strong brand personality. You’ll notice this immediately upon visiting their colourfully pink website. Their website is a good example of how to organise sites for larger pet grooming teams. They have dedicated pages for introducing their team members, dog grooming courses, and even how to collaborate with their brand. But even if you’re just an independent groomer, you can still get a lot of ideas from this site in terms of web design and organisation.
Estella’s Pet Paradise website
Estella’s Pet Paradise is a slightly more advanced website than Shazza’s because, even though it’s for an independent pet groomer, it has features like an AI site chat, shop, and even a blog. These are great for search engine optimisation (SEO) and audience engagement. However, their blogs use AI-generated images, which might not reflect well on their brand.
Post on lead generation platforms
Posting on lead-generation platforms is one of the most effective ways for dog grooming businesses to find clients. These platforms connect you directly with clients actively searching for dog grooming services, providing an immediate source of leads.
Oneflare, in particular, allows you to showcase your dog grooming expertise without upfront fees, making it easier to attract clients with minimal risk. This platform’s job posting system helps bring in quality leads and enables you to specify job types, budgets, and locations, so you can target projects that fit your capabilities and business goals.
Get started on Oneflare by registering your dog grooming business today—connect with clients, post targeted jobs, and grow your business with ease!
SEO and paid search for visibility
SEO and paid search improve your website’s visibility in search engine results, attracting organic traffic. While effective, SEO requires regular updates and can be costly in competitive areas. Consulting an SEO specialist helps implement ranking strategies to boost your business’s online presence.
Social media advertising
Social media advertising helps you reach a wide audience and showcase your dog grooming services and client work visually. Targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok can attract local clients, but maintaining a presence requires ongoing posting and budget management. A social media manager can optimise your campaigns for consistent engagement.
The following sections provide samples to inspire you and give you an idea of how social media advertising works. They showcase effective strategies for boosting a dog grooming business’s visibility on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Barking Bubbles Mobile Pet Grooming – Facebook advertising
Barking Bubbles Mobile Pet Grooming is great at blending professional visuals with a friendly brand voice. They also clearly show their qualifications and community involvement while consistently communicating with their clients via their Facebook page. This is reflective of transparent reputation management that builds trust and drives client bookings. If you’re wondering how to start a mobile dog grooming business, you can check out their page for inspiration.
Ella’s Pet Studio – Instagram advertising
Ella’s Pet Studio features the most adorable pet portraits of the dogs they’ve groomed. You can really appreciate the artistry behind every photo and reel they post, and this helps potential customers to see their talent not just with taking photos and videos of their pets, but also with styling their fur babies. Even with a modest 200+ following, this page is a good example of how you can feature your pet grooming work on Instagram.
Suburban Dog – TikTok advertising
Suburban Dog has a TikTok page that is still quite unpolished. But among top-rated pet groomers on Oneflare, they’re the only one that has one. Most pet groomers focus their efforts on Facebook on Instagram, so exploring TikTok is a way to set you apart from the crowd. As they say in the content creation industry, it’s all about getting started. So learn from Suburban Dog, don’t stress too much about perfectionism, and grow your business following on TikTok.
Build your dog grooming business’s reputation through reviews and referrals
A strong reputation is key to long-term success. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your website or lead platforms like Oneflare to boost credibility and attract new dog grooming clients. Consistent reviews on a platform ensure reliable feedback, helping potential clients trust your quality.
Take bookings and manage quotes efficiently
Responding quickly to quote requests can also help you win dog grooming jobs, as clients often select the first reliable response. In fact, Oneflare data reveals that 60% of winning quotes are submitted within 60 minutes of the job posting, highlighting that faster quotes significantly boost job success rates.
Here are some tools that can help with automated booking and quoting:
- Calendly – Enables easy scheduling by allowing clients to book available time slots directly, reducing back-and-forth communication.
- Square Appointments – Provides booking, invoicing, and payment processing in one platform, helping streamline the client experience.
- Setmore – Offers online booking with customisable reminders, plus client management and integration with social media for easy appointment setting.
- HoneyBook – Combines booking, quoting, and invoicing, letting you automate responses and manage projects all in one place.
- Zoho Bookings – Integrates with Zoho CRM to manage client relationships, offers automated reminders, and allows for easy rescheduling.
These tools help you automate responses, manage quote requests, and follow up with clients, ensuring that no lead falls through the cracks.
Step 10: Get paid for your dog grooming services!
Now that you have everything set up, from choosing your business niche and setting up your service area, to finally finding your clients, it’s time to get paid for your dog grooming services. Here’s how:
Choose a reliable accounting software
Managing payments is a lot easier with a dedicated accounting system. This will save you time, reduce errors, and give you a clear picture of your finances.
Some popular accounting software options commonly used in Australia are:
- Xero – easy-to-use software with invoicing, bank feeds, and reporting.
- MYOB – offers payroll, tax tracking, and inventory management.
- QuickBooks Online – handles invoicing, expense tracking, and payments.
- Reckon One – customisable and budget-friendly, with modules for payroll and invoicing.
- Sage Business Cloud Accounting – simple solution for expense tracking and payroll.
Create a dog grooming business invoice
Creating a professional invoice template is essential to get paid quickly. The invoice should clearly list your services, rates, and payment terms.
Many accounting platforms offer invoice templates for customisable dog grooming services, but you can start with free templates and modify them as needed. Consider these free dog grooming templates as a guide:
Canva’s dog grooming invoice templates
It’s easily customisable with fields for services, rates, and payment terms. You can also add your logo and other brand elements to maintain consistency across all client communications.
Conta’s dog grooming invoice templates
It provides a customisable, downloadable template specifically tailored for different businesses, like dog grooming businesses. These templates are compatible with Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and Excel, allowing you to easily tailor them as needed.
Microsoft Office’s dog grooming invoice templates
It offers free invoice templates that are straightforward and professional and can be saved as a PDF. Even better, they have Excel-based templates that can automate calculations, streamlining the billing process and reducing errors.
Zoho’s dog grooming invoice templates
The template offers a clean and organised layout, ensuring clarity and professionalism in client communications. It includes essential sections such as service details, additional charges, taxes, and terms and conditions, facilitating accurate and transparent billing.
Set up a bank account for business payments
Separating personal and business finances with a dedicated bank account makes it easier to track income, manage deposits, and handle reconciliations. Most banks offer online options specifically for businesses, streamlining all your financial needs in one place.
Offer digital payment options
Make payments easy and convenient for clients by providing digital options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards, and bank transfers. Many clients, especially those booking dog grooming services through platforms like Oneflare, prefer the flexibility of paying directly from their devices. Offering digital payments not only enhances client satisfaction but also speeds up the payment process, helping you maintain a reliable cash flow.
Establish clear payment terms
Define your payment terms upfront to avoid confusion—include due dates, late fees, and preferred payment methods. Clear terms, such as a 14-day payment window, help maintain a steady cash flow and foster professional client relationships.
Take the Next Step for Your Dog Grooming Business with Oneflare
Starting a dog grooming business can be an exciting and rewarding venture when you have the right knowledge and strategies in place. From identifying your target market and choosing your niche, to setting competitive prices and marketing your services effectively, each step helps build a strong foundation for success. Whether you’re offering basic grooming or specialised care, adapting to seasonal demands and highlighting your unique selling points will set you apart in the pet care industry.
Now that you’re equipped with practical tips and insights, figuring out how to get dog grooming clients should be a breeze. Posting your dog grooming services on Oneflare connects you directly with local pet owners actively seeking trusted, quality groomers. With Oneflare’s easy-to-use platform, you can grow your client base, increase bookings, and turn your passion for grooming into a thriving business. Get started today and watch your dog grooming business flourish.
FAQs on how to start a dog grooming business
How much does it cost to start a dog grooming business?
Starting costs can vary but typically range from $4,000 for basic equipment and supplies if you’re working from home, up to higher amounts if you invest in a mobile grooming van or a dedicated salon space.
Do I need council approval to run a dog grooming business from home?
Dog grooming business license requirements depend on your local council regulations. Many councils require permits or approvals for home-based businesses, especially if you expect regular customer visits or increased noise.
Do I need to register my dog grooming business?
Yes, dog groomers need a license to operate legally. In Australia, you’ll need to register your business with the government and obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN).
How should I price my dog grooming services?
Consider factors like the dog’s size and breed, the complexity of the service, your experience, and local market rates. You can use flat rates, hourly pricing, or size-based fees, and offer memberships or discounts to encourage repeat clients.
