How to Open a Dog Grooming Shop

Opening a dog grooming shop is a challenging and rewarding endeavor. It will take physical labor and a love of dogs in general to be a success in this business. It is a good idea to mentor under a professional dog groomer for a short period, especially if you have never groomed before. There are colleges that specialize in this industry, but many small groom shop owners will allow students or persons interested in joining the business to watch what goes on for a few days in their shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Business plan
  • Secure location
  • Accountant
  • Attorney
  • Veterinarian
  • Drying kennels
  • Products for resale (optional)
  • Dog clippers
  • Grooming scissors
  • Combs
  • Brushes
  • Shampoos
  • Conditioners
  • Website
  • Advertising
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a location for the grooming shop. You can start grooming out of your home if you want to keep cost lower at first. Remember, there will be a tremendous amount of hair and dirt (and fleas, possibly) involved in the grooming process, so the area will have to be far enough away from the living area of the home.

    • 2

      Make a budget for opening the shop and another for estimated expenses after the grooming shop is established. Include any remodeling charges in the opening budget. Also include the expenses for purchasing quality equipment.

    • 3

      Find a reliable attorney who is knowledgeable in agriculture laws in the state and neighborhood you are opening the shop in. Laws against certain breeds or how many dogs can be on a premise can differ in separate neighborhoods of townships. Proper licensing will be required to operate a grooming business in any city.