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The professional dog grooming market has experienced strong growth year over year. Statistics show that owners spend an average of $122 per year, per dog, on grooming services. That’s more than food, gifts, boarding, training and walking services. If you’re passionate about dogs and have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may want to start your own mobile dog grooming business. There are a few things you should know, however, before embarking on this endeavor.

Overview of Mobile Dog Grooming Businesses

Mobile dog grooming businesses are professional dog groomers who drive to their clients’ homes to provide their grooming services. They don’t operate out of a brick-and-mortar storefront. As their name suggests, mobile dog grooming businesses are mobile, meaning they go to their clients to groom their clients’ dogs.

Advantages of Starting a Mobile Dog Grooming Business

While you can always start a traditional dog grooming business by leasing a brick-and-mortar storefront, starting a mobile dog grooming business offers several advantages. One of the biggest advantages is lower startup costs. There are startup costs for all types of dog grooming businesses. To provide grooming services, you’ll need to invest in brushes, combs, shampoo, conditioner, clippers, towels and other supplies. With that said, the startup costs for a mobile dog grooming business are lower than those for a traditional brick-and-mortar dog grooming business.

You won’t have to lease a brick-and-mortar storefront when starting a mobile dog grooming business. You’ll still have to purchase supplies, and you’ll still have to purchase a business license and insurance. Rather than leasing a brick-and-mortar storefront, though, you’ll just have to invest in a large van or truck. You can provide dog grooming services out of this vehicle rather than a brick-and-mortar storefront. As a result, the startup costs for mobile dog grooming businesses are typically low.

You may discover that it’s easier to secure clients with a mobile dog grooming business. Clients, of course, are dog owners. Some clients are hesitant to take their dogs to a traditional dog grooming business, believing that their dogs will experience anxiety. Many dogs do, in fact, experience anxiety when visiting unfamiliar environments. Mobile dog grooming businesses offer a solution. With a mobile dog grooming business, you’ll visit clients at their homes to provide dog grooming services. As a result, their dogs will feel more comfortable.

A mobile dog grooming business is a fun and fulfilling venture. It will allow you to work with dogs on a daily basis. You won’t be cooped up inside of an office. Instead, you’ll have the freedom of driving to clients’ homes to groom their dogs.

Disadvantages of Starting a Mobile Dog Grooming Business

Now that you know the advantages of starting a mobile dog grooming business, you might be wondering what the disadvantages are. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that mobile dog businesses spend a lot of time driving. You’ll have to drive to and from clients’ homes to groom their dogs.

You’ll also need the skills necessary to provide high-quality grooming services. Dog grooming services consist of more than just brushing dogs’ coats. You must know how to detangle their coats, which shampoo and conditioner to use, how to trim their nails without hitting the quick, and more. Without the necessary skills, you may struggle to retain clients with your mobile dog grooming business.

There really aren’t many disadvantages associated with starting a mobile dog grooming business. It will require a lot of driving, and you’ll need to possess the necessary skills. Other than that, though, starting a mobile dog grooming business is a rewarding career path that will allow you to work with dogs on a daily basis.

Tips on Launching a Mobile Dog Grooming Business

You typically don’t need any special education or training to start a mobile dog grooming business. Unlike veterinarians, as well as other veterinary professionals, most states don’t require dog groomers to obtain a license. With that said, you may still want to complete a grooming course to refine your skills. Several colleges offer dog grooming courses. Alternatively, there are private academies that offer dog grooming courses. By completing one of these courses, you’ll become a better dog groomer while increasing your chances of long-term success.

All businesses require marketing — and mobile dog grooming businesses are no exception. Client loyalty is typically high among mobile dog grooming businesses. But you’ll need to attract clients to your mobile dog grooming business first. This is where marketing comes into play. You can market your mobile dog grooming business by using social media, setting up a referral program and networking with other pet-related businesses in your area.

In Conclusion

Not all dog grooming businesses operate out of a brick-and-mortar storefront. Some of them drive to their clients’ homes to groom their dogs. Known as mobile dog grooming businesses, they’ve become increasingly popular.