How To Start a Dog Grooming Business in Six Steps

A business plan sets your goals and helps organize your new business for success. While many use a business plan to get financing or a bank loan, even if you plan to finance your own business, a business plan identifies areas you need to address to run a successful dog grooming business.

Within your business plan, you should address the following:

Where Will You Operate Your Business?

Are you going to operate out of your own home or lease storefront space for a dog grooming salon? Can you get a van and outfit it with grooming equipment to offer mobile dog grooming services?

Who Is Your Competition?

Check out your local competitors and see the services professional dog groomers offer and what they charge.

What Will You Charge?

It is crucial to determine your pricing to be competitive but also profitable. If you have pets come to you, you can charge anywhere from $45-$75. And if you have a mobile business, you can charge more.

What Are Your Startup Costs?

Besides the space to run your business or a van for mobile groomers, you need basic grooming supplies and equipment such as:

• Shears, nail clippers, brushes, combs, and other grooming tools (i.e., for ear cleaning)
• Tubs, grooming tables, and dryers
• Shampoos, conditioners, and other styling products

Determine a budget with your monthly expenses so you know how much revenue you need to break even and have a profitable business.

What Services Will You Provide?

Besides trims and haircuts, determine what other services you will offer. Will you provide additional services such as dog walking services or a start a dog daycare? Can you handle all types of dogs, such as pit bulls or large breeds?

How Will You Reach Potential Customers?

You must develop marketing strategies to promote your business to new customers. Determine your target market and how you will attract new clients.

Your business name is important to identify your brand and services. However, there are some things you should consider when naming your business. First, make sure you are not using the name of another pet business. You can research online and with the Secretary of State to see if your chosen business name is available. Then, you can secure your name by setting up your business in the state as a corporate entity or with a "doing business as" (DBA) registration.

Many small businesses are run by one person as a sole proprietor. The benefit is that any income or losses go on their personal tax return. However, the business owner's personal assets are at risk from the debts and liabilities of the business operations. A popular solution is to form a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC is a business entity that provides the tax flexibility of a sole proprietorship and the personal liability protection of a corporation. LLCs are easy to form with the Secretary of State and involve less paperwork than a corporation. Or you can let our trusted partner LegalZoom handle your business formation filing for $99 plus filing fees.

You may need a business license from your state, county, or town. Investigate what licenses and permits you need to operate your type of business.

Determine what business insurance you need for your operation. Business liability insurance covers you from lawsuits arising from your business. If you have employees, you must provide workers' compensation insurance, which you get through your state.

You don't have to spend a huge amount of money. Use social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube to demonstrate your skills. For example, you can show before and after photos of your work.

And word of mouth referrals are the best form of advertising. Consider giving a discount to your current customer base who refer you to their friends and family.

Get your dog grooming business off to a great start by planning, organizing, and researching the laws and regulations in your state.