Business ideasPets
Start a dog grooming business.
Every dog needs a groom every few weeks, and good groomers are booked up. You groom. Your team fills the diary and keeps owners coming back.
- Where
- A room at home, a van, or owners’ homes
- Sells
- To dog owners nearby
- Busiest
- Spring, summer and before Christmas
- You do
- Groom the dogs
- Your team
- Website, bookings, reminders, reviews, email
Why it works
There are about 15.5 million dogs in UK homes, up three million since 2021, and most need grooming every four to eight weeks. The UK grooming market is about £420 million and growing around 5–6% a year.
What you need to start
- A grooming course or qualification
- Insurance for grooming
- A table, dryer, clippers and shears
- Shampoos and towels
- A safe, non-slip space
- A booking diary
Train before you take paying customers. Some councils ask home groomers to register.
Who does what
You
- Choose your services and prices
- Groom each dog
- Book the next visit
- Decide in your Review
Your team
- Name, logo and look
- The website and bookings
- Posts and reviews
- Emails and reminders
A sample launch plan
- Day 1You send one line about your dog grooming.
- Week 1You pick a name and a look from three.
- Week 2Bookings open, with reminders for the next groom.
- Week 4Your first Review: what sold, and what to try next.
Things to watch
Nervous dogs.Book longer first visits and keep notes on each dog.
Gaps in the diary.Rebook every customer before they leave.
Your one line could be
Change it to your own words. That is all your team needs to begin.