The mobile pet grooming business offers a wealth of exciting opportunities to professional groomers. In 2024, the global mobile pet care market topped $722.7 million in the U.S. and is projected to keep growing for at least the next decade. 

Mobile dog grooming particularly appeals to entrepreneurs because the hours are flexible, the overhead is low, and the service is in high demand. Business-minded people who enjoy helping animals find that the mobile grooming business scores well in career satisfaction. 

Mobile groomers set their own schedule. They don’t have to pay monthly rent or other costs that come with a brick-and-mortar shop. Working for yourself means you decide which pets you want to groom and how much to charge. 

With so many positives, it’s no wonder many pet lovers are asking how to start a mobile dog grooming business of their own. Starting any type of business takes planning and patience, but when you take the right steps, you can create a successful career you will love for the long term. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Mobile Pet Grooming Business

Are you ready to learn how to start a mobile dog grooming business? To get your mobile pet grooming business started on the right foot, you’ll want to take these seven key steps:

Step 1: Learn How to Groom Professionally

If you’re not already a professional pet groomer, getting the right education is your first step. With so many different breeds, you’ll need to learn how to handle a wide variety of coats, behaviors, and temperaments for the animals you serve.

Start by enrolling in a well-reviewed grooming school. Some grooming courses are available online. Your course may also require an apprenticeship program to provide hands-on experience. Once you’ve completed your education, you can take a written exam to demonstrate your practical skills and become certified.

Working as an apprentice with an established groomer may be an option as well. Completing coursework or hands-on apprenticeships can help you to feel more confident in the services you offer.

Step 2: Build a Business Plan

A business plan is like a roadmap that helps you identify your goals and track your progress. It’s also important to create a plan to secure funding for your business. 

Generally, a business plan for a mobile pet grooming business should include:

• What services you want to provide
• Pricing
• Who your target clients are
• Any competitors in the local area
• Business goals
• A marketing plan
• Total start-up costs
• Sources of financial support

A complete and thorough business plan can help you discover any weaknesses in your proposed business so that you can address them before they cause a problem. 

Step 3: Gather Your Equipment & Supplies

In addition to the pet grooming vehicle, you will need a variety of tools and other supplies. Grooming in a mobile station is different from grooming in a salon. Some of the items you’ll need must be tailored for mobile use. 

Supplies you may need can include:

• Table
• Clippers
• Scissors
• Dryers
• Tub
• Brushes and combs
• Shampoos, conditioners, and other coat care products
• Cleaners and disinfectants

Keep in mind that supplies for a mobile dog grooming business must be portable, scalable, and tailored for your van, trailer, or other mobile setup. For example, a portable table from Waggz can easily be secured for travel and moved into position prior to grooming, which could be a better option than a table designed to be stationary. If your mobile van has a ramp, it makes the process even easier. 

A start-up package is a convenient and economical way to purchase all your major equipment at once. Waggz offers a customizable mobile grooming package as well as many of the primary supplies needed to provide your clients with a top-of-the-line grooming experience. 

Step 4: Get Licensed and Insured

When it comes to how to start a mobile dog grooming business, understanding the requirements for licensing, insurance, and other permits is essential. Each state, city, and county has its own rules. Check with your local city hall to learn exactly what’s needed in your area. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a variety of resources to help you get started and to answer questions about licensing and permits. For example, you may need an animal care license and a sales tax license in addition to a standard business license.  

Liability insurance protects you from lawsuits, injury claims, and other financial losses. Compare liability policies from different insurance providers to find the best price and coverage for your needs. 

You can speak with your current home or car insurance agent to start. Bundling business liability insurance with your other policies may provide the best price. 

Step 5: Choose a Memorable Business Name and Branding

One of the most important parts of how to start a mobile dog grooming business is branding. Branding sets your mobile dog grooming business apart from potential competitors. Start with a name that lets customers know you are mobile. 

Most online print companies offer design assistance and software to help creative DIYers design their own materials. Another alternative is to consult with a graphic designer to create your logo and other forms of advertising.

You will also need a website and a presence on social media platforms, such as Instagram. Even with professional help, it takes time to establish a following on social media, so make sure to begin sharing photos and creating posts as soon as possible. You’ll also want to post on a regular basis to keep customers engaged.

Step 6: Set Your Service Area and Pricing Structure

Where will your mobile pet grooming business take you? Your city’s licensing structure may limit where and when you are able to take appointments. In addition to considering legal restrictions, decide how far you’re willing to travel. 

Every business person must calculate their expenses before setting prices. Knowing what other groomers charge is only part of the equation. Consider ongoing costs such as shampoos and fuel, and maintenance of your mobile unit to set your minimum service rate. Other costs can include:

• Advertising
• Vehicle cost
• Equipment setup and maintenance
• Insurance and permits
• Phone bill

The overhead for a mobile groomer is typically much less than for a traditional salon, but costs must still be considered when deciding on pricing. You must also weigh how many appointments you are willing or able to complete in a day, week, or month.

Consider investing in a tool to manage appointments and map out the best routes so you can maximize the number of clients you serve with minimal driving time.

Add-ons can help make your mobile business more profitable. Services like ear cleaning, teeth brushing, or medicated shampoos appeal to pet owners who want basic services at a competitive price with the option for extra pampering on occasion. 

Step 7: Market to Local Pet Parents

Any plan for how to start a mobile dog grooming business should include ideas for marketing your services. How will you get the word out? Common strategies for attracting new clients include:

• Offering special discounts for new customers
• Networking with other pet-related businesses
• Offering free grooming samples at pet-related events
• Becoming a reliable source for education for pet parents by posting helpful tips in your newsletters, emails, or social posts
• Using social media, flyers, and discount coupons to increase awareness of your brand
• Providing discounts for new referrals

Of course, keeping customers is as important as finding new ones. Loyalty programs that reward regular clients can entice pet parents to book services on an ongoing basis. Follow-up texts or emails to let customers know you value their business can also increase customer loyalty. 

Budgeting and Startup Costs

Your exact startup costs will vary depending on your needs. If you have not yet been trained as a pet groomer, you will need to include education costs in your budget. 

Depending on your options and preferences, and the legal requirements in your location, your starting costs could begin at around $65,000 if you’ll be needing to purchase a vehicle. Opting for affordable tools and equipment while you learn and grow can help keep these costs lower.

Waggz offers fully customizable business packages that can scale to meet your individual needs, along with financing options, which can support your cash flow as you open up your business.

Why Mobile Grooming Is Growing in Popularity

It’s estimated that about 94 million households in the U.S. have a pet, and pet ownership is spread fairly evenly across the generations. Over 65% of pet owners consider grooming a priority, a fact that is helping drive the 50% growth of mobile pet grooming. 

There are many reasons pet parents love the option of having a groomer come to their home:

Low-Stress Environment

Going to a traditional grooming salon can be stressful for pets. Waiting in a crate and being surrounded by strange animals, unfamiliar people, and loud noises would put anyone on edge.

Mobile pet grooming allows pets to be cared for in a quiet, cage-free environment without other animals around them. One-on-one attention also means the groomer can complete the job faster without compromising the dog’s safety or the quality of the groom. 

Convenient for Senior People and Senior Pets

Seniors and others with limited mobility can’t always get their pets to a groomer as often as they’d like to. The convenience of having a mobile dog grooming business park in front of their house can help older adults keep their beloved dogs and cats looking and feeling great.

Mobile grooming is also ideal for senior animals. Going to a pet salon may be especially stressful for animals with hearing or vision deficits. Mobile grooming provides a gentle environment where senior pets can get one-on-one attention without all the stress. 

Greater Flexibility and Less Time

Traditional pet salons typically require a four- to five-hour window for appointments. Scheduling drop-off and pick-up times around a busy schedule can be difficult. 

With curbside service, though, pet parents don’t have to worry about fighting traffic or allowing extra time for driving. Mobile grooming typically takes less than two hours. Customers can even arrange for the groomer to access their homes, allowing a dog or cat to be groomed when their owner is at work. 

Tips for Long-Term Success

Great customer service is the first step to building a successful mobile pet grooming business. Keeping pets and their parents happy increases your chances of rebooking and building a strong business through word of mouth. 

Ask customers to leave a review on your social media pages or website. Knowing that other pet parents are happy with your work helps to show new clients why they should choose you as their mobile groomer. 

Don’t forget to share plenty of photos and videos on your social platforms. Let viewers see how mobile grooming works and why it may be a better option for both people and pets. Know who your target audience is and do your best to keep them engaged. 

The pet grooming industry is constantly evolving. Keeping up with business and grooming trends will keep you on the cutting edge. By taking continuing education classes and attending industry events, you can let customers know you are dedicated to providing the best possible service. 

Start Your Mobile Grooming Business With Waggz

The steps on how to start a mobile dog grooming business can seem intimidating, but like all journeys, focusing on taking one step at a time and building a solid business plan is key. You can save money on startup costs by purchasing bulk supplies and staying within your proposed budget. 

When you follow these steps on how to start a mobile dog grooming business, you can soon become the proud operator of a thriving mobile pet grooming business.

The Mobile Grooming Packages from Waggz offer affordable, convenient ways to purchase high-quality equipment specifically intended for mobile grooming. In addition to customizable options, we offer three pre-made business packages designed to meet essential needs for groomers of all kinds. We even provide financing for qualified individuals.

Waggz is your go-to grooming equipment manufacturer and marketplace. With exclusive designs and a long-standing reputation for excellence, Waggz carries all the equipment a busy mobile groomer needs. Contact us to learn more about the products we offer today!