Can I run a dog grooming business from home? Here’s the Answer

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What qualifications do you need for dog grooming?

Do I need qualifications? No, you don’t need any specific qualifications to be a dog groomer. However, a course in grooming, styling or animal welfare would be beneficial to help you stand out from the crowd and become a better dog groomer.

Open a Business Bank Account

Keep a separate business credit card that connected to the account.

In addition to a website, FB page and business cards, you can take other opportunities to reach new customers with special marketing efforts.

One of the best ways to market your business is to volunteer services with a local animal shelter or rescue. You’ll be promoting yourself to prospective customers as a dog lover, and also have impressive “before” and “after” pictures of makeovers.

Basics you’ll need:

  • Commercial general liability insurance, to cover you for any injuries to a dog or to a person, such as a customer slipping on a wet floor.
  • Professional liability insurance will cover you if a dog is injured.
  • Property insurance will protect your business from unexpected damages or events. If you operate within your home, you’ll need separate insurance in addition to your homeowner’s insurance.
  • If available, consider a BOP (Business Owner’s Policy) which includes general liability and property damage.
  • Workers Comp – If you hire employees.
  • Health Insurance – Make sure you have a robust policy. Dog groomers often are beset by sore backs. You could also be scratched or bitten by your four-legged customers. Pet groomers can even get a malady called “Groomers Lung” in the business – a congestive issue caused by hours working in a moist environment. Find a policy that will protect you if you’re injured or sick and unable to work for a period of time.

    • Start-up costs include basic equipment essentials such as:

  • Crates – to keep dogs away from other dogs while they’re waiting to be groomed or waiting for pickup.
  • Grooming tub
  • Grooming table – An elevated table with a raised arm to attach the dog’s collar.
  • Grooming Equipment including Dog shaving kit, shears, replacement blades.
  • Specialized brushes for removing undercoat, combs.
  • Flea and tick products, shampoos and conditioners.
  • Nail clippers or grinders (professional Dremels)

    • As needed, and remember you’ll need Workers Compensation insurance if you do. Many groomers, once established, begin to specialize in specific types of cuts and services.

    They employ a trained person who can handle the customer prep work, such as the shampooing. That way the specializing groomer can have more time to provide those services, as someone else handles the prep work.

    As part of your marketing plan, launch the business with grand openings.

    What do self employed pet groomers make?

    It really depends… in the beginning, you can expect anywhere from 23k to 30k, though many established groomers report an average around 65k, with the top 10 percent earning upto 75k to even 100k per year. It’s a lucrative business if you build it up right.

    If you have any doubts, consider how many of your friends have dogs themselves. An estimate 68 to 70% of American households have pets – making this a lucrative market that just grows and grows every year!

    HOW TO SET UP YOUR GROOMING BUSINESS ON A BUDGET | Pet grooming | Small business

    If you’re a dog lover with the right combination of experience and business savvy, there are many pet business ideas. And this includes successfully running a pet grooming business.

    In fact, starting a pet grooming business is a good choice for new business owners. You can start small with your new grooming business, gaining experience before expanding.