Before you open a dog grooming business ask yourself if you are good with dogs. It is not enough to “like” dogs, you must be good with them, because dogs at the groomers can be aggressive and unpredictable.

Training

You will need to take some training. In most areas there are short courses (six to twelve weeks) that a person can take. The other option is to work as an apprentice for a current dog groomer, but many will be unwilling to teach you if they know you are going to open a new business, so you might need to find a groomer from another area that will teach you, or one that is getting ready to retire.

Location

Most dog groomers start out of their home. This saves a lot of money, but it is harder to attract a client to a home based business. You can lease out your own spot or, more ideally, rent a spot from a pet supply store/business. They will already have clients coming into the spot, you just need to attract them to have you groom their dogs.

Legalities

You will require a business license (special permission is often needed if it is a home based business), tax number, and so forth, depending on your area. You will also need to get a name and be sure the name is not taken and in use already.

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Equipment Needed

You will need a tub which should be raised off the floor to make grooming easier. This can be a bath tub or a proper tub for dog grooming. Be sure to have a back splash. The tub will also need a place where you can attach the dog to hold it still while you are bathing it.
You will need a table, again with a restraint system.
You will need a drier. Many dog groomers have blow driers that have hoses so they can direct the air on certain areas of the dog, and can hang the hose on the kennel so the dog can dry in a kennel. Some have larger driers where the dog is actually put inside the drier.
You will need a good vacuum for picking up dog hair.
You will require a few cages of various sizes.
You will need shampoos, conditioners, brushes, combs, clippers (with different blades), nail clippers, muzzles (if needed), scissors, towels, spray bottles, restraints, and perfume.
A special touch can be added by putting bandannas on male dogs, or bows on girl dogs.
You should also have business cards and a file to keep information on your clients.

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Advertising

Getting the word out about your new business is tough. Your competition will not want you to take their clients. You can give coupons to your local animal shelter to give out with their adoptable animals, and can increase awareness for your business by asking if pet stores will allow you to advertise in them. Be aware most businesses will want the favor returned.

Other Information

Tip: Unless you are subleasing your space you may also want to sell dog food because grooming alone might not pay all the bills, and when you offer a product it brings people into your shop on a regular basis. Offering specialty treats or dog products will bring people in throughout the year.

You may find grooming cats is a service you may want to offer as few groomers do this. You would be best to set aside one day every two weeks for grooming cats and not allow dogs in on those days.

Some people may only want their dogs nails clipped, this is a good service to offer and takes very little time.