If you want to combine your passion for animals with a service that your community will benefit from, starting a pet grooming service might just be the right entrepreneurial venture for you. A pet grooming service, whether at a physical or mobile location, can allow you to work with animals every day while sustaining yourself financially.
Sounds like a dream job right? It can be, but there is a lot more that goes into starting this type of business than meets the eye. In this guide, we discuss what it takes to start a pet grooming service in your area.
Location, Location, Location
If you want to combine your passion for animals with a service that your community will benefit from, starting a pet grooming service might just be the right entrepreneurial venture for you. A pet grooming service, whether at a physical or mobile location, can allow you to work with animals every day while sustaining yourself financially.
Sounds like a dream job right? It can be, but there is a lot more that goes into starting this type of business than meets the eye. In this guide, we discuss what it takes to start a pet grooming service in your area.
Location, Location, Location
The first thing you will need to decide is where you want to operate your business from. Many people who start a pet grooming service opt to run their business from a mobile base, such as a van. This allows potential customers the convenience of meeting you right outside their house, and having the pet groomed and safely back home in a small amount of time.
However, some would argue that operating out of a mobile base seems unprofessional. Others choose to start their pet grooming services directly from their homes, keeping your overhead low and allowing for write-offs come tax season. If they have the capital, a select few decide to operate their business from commercial real estate property they have rent or bought. Having a storefront is the gold-standard in being viewed as a professional groomer, but the costs can add up quickly.
Should I incorporate my pet grooming business?
While I am not a legal advisor, I think it would behoove you to incorporate your business, especially if you have regular clientele. After all, you are working with animals that many people regard as family members. If something were to happen to the animal while under your care, you could be subject to civil litigation. If you have not established yourself as a legal business, your personal assets are at stake, and a lawsuit could leave you financially shattered.
This is not to say that people have not successfully grown and maintained a business while unincorporated, this is just a reminder of the risks you take while operating unincorporated. The fees for incorporating in most states are fairly reasonable, and in my opinion, worth it compared to the risk you take by choosing to not pay them.
Inventory for pet grooming services
You can’t start a pet grooming service with a hair brush and some shampoo. Pet grooming takes specialized inventory that you will need to replenish regularly, and the needs for different types of inventory will depend heavily on the types of animals you are working with. For instance, the nail clippers you use to clip a dog’s nails should not be the same nail clippers you use to clip a cat’s nails. You should have separate bathtubs for different animals, so they can be bathed properly.
You also have to consider the decor of your business, such as doggy beds, pet- related wallpaper/carpet, and other aspects. Even if you are operating out of a van, simply hanging a custom pet portrait will make customers feel more at home in your place of business. Other items you have to consider are recurring costs, such as dog shampoo, powder, and any other disposable items that you will be using daily. These items are inexpensive, but the cost can add up when your client base grows.
The bottom line for pet groomers
Starting a pet grooming service sounds like fun and games, but it isn’t easy. It takes preparation, time, and resources to successfully get your business up and running. If you are considering starting a business that involves pet grooming, you have to consider the costs that come with it, and if you have the resources available to make it happen.
However, if you are an animal lover that has that entrepreneurial mind set, starting a pet grooming business could be a very rewarding career in the long run.
The first thing you will need to decide is where you want to operate your business from. Many people who start a pet grooming service opt to run their business from a mobile base, such as a van. This allows potential customers the convenience of meeting you right outside their house, and having the pet groomed and safely back home in a small amount of time.
However, some would argue that operating out of a mobile base seems unprofessional. Others choose to start their pet grooming services directly from their homes, keeping your overhead low and allowing for write-offs come tax season. If they have the capital, a select few decide to operate their business from commercial real estate property they have rent or bought. Having a storefront is the gold-standard in being viewed as a professional groomer, but the costs can add up quickly.
Should I incorporate my pet grooming business?
While I am not a legal advisor, I think it would behoove you to incorporate your business, especially if you have regular clientele. After all, you are working with animals that many people regard as family members. If something were to happen to the animal while under your care, you could be subject to civil litigation. If you have not established yourself as a legal business, your personal assets are at stake, and a lawsuit could leave you financially shattered.
This is not to say that people have not successfully grown and maintained a business while unincorporated, this is just a reminder of the risks you take while operating unincorporated. The fees for incorporating in most states are fairly reasonable, and in my opinion, worth it compared to the risk you take by choosing to not pay them.
Inventory for pet grooming services
You can’t start a pet grooming service with a hair brush and some shampoo. Pet grooming takes specialized inventory that you will need to replenish regularly, and the needs for different types of inventory will depend heavily on the types of animals you are working with. For instance, the nail clippers you use to clip a dog’s nails should not be the same nail clippers you use to clip a cat’s nails. You should have separate bathtubs for different animals, so they can be bathed properly.
You also have to consider the decor of your business, such as doggy beds, pet- related wallpaper/carpet, and other aspects. Even if you are operating out of a van, simply hanging a custom pet portrait will make customers feel more at home in your place of business. Other items you have to consider are recurring costs, such as dog shampoo, powder, and any other disposable items that you will be using daily. These items are inexpensive, but the cost can add up when your client base grows.
The bottom line for pet groomers
Starting a pet grooming service sounds like fun and games, but it isn’t easy. It takes preparation, time, and resources to successfully get your business up and running. If you are considering starting a business that involves pet grooming, you have to consider the costs that come with it, and if you have the resources available to make it happen.
However, if you are an animal lover that has that entrepreneurial mind set, starting a pet grooming business could be a very rewarding career in the long run.