Business Overview:

If you love pampering your pet and you’re looking for a lucrative business idea, consider starting a dog grooming business by opening a pet spa. Pet owners spend billions of dollars on their furry friends so what better way to tap into this booming industry than to open an environmentally and dog friendly pet spa? If you want to start a dog grooming business, you could also offer services such as pick-up and delivery, healthy doggie snacks and the latest fashion items like sweaters, collars and hair bows to bring in customers of all economic levels. Dog owners will jump at the chance to have their pooches pampered with a hypoallergenic bath and professional haircut and blow-dry. When you add to that organic dog treats and fun toys and accessories, your spa will be the talk of the town among dog owners. The first thing you need to do is find the perfect spot for your pampering palace. The more items you offer, the more space you will need so you should determine what types of goods and services will be available before deciding where you will set up your spa. You may be able to handle the workload solo for a while but eventually you will need to hire pet professionals to help you. In no time at all, your spa will be the most popular luxury destination for all dogs from petite Pomeranians to massive Mastiffs.

A Day in the Life of a Dog Grooming Business Owner:

This article brought to you by Business Ideas! If you enjoyed this article, make sure to subscribe to the Business Ideas Newsletter to get ideas sent straight to your email inbox.As owner of a pet spa specializing in dog grooming, your day will begin by making sure your shop is clean and ready for your customers. You will greet your customers or arrange for pick-up of the day’s doggie clientele. If working alone, you will work your way through your furry customers and arrange pick-up or delivery when they are finished and fabulous. If you have a pampering staff working for you, you will oversee their work and talk to the owners to make all the other arrangements. You will spend a portion of your day talking to designers, bakers and distributors to stock your bakery and boutique. If it’s a slow day, you will concentrate on marketing your business with online ads, ads in local pet magazines and fliers in shops pet owners frequent like pet food stores and obedience schools. Finally, you will check your finances to ensure the day’s earnings have been properly recorded and you will make sure the shop is clean for the next day.

About Your Customers:

Ultimately your customers will be dogs in need of a day of pampering and primping but you will be dealing with dog owners who want their furry pals to enjoy the cleaning and socializing your spa offers.

What You Need to Start:

• Storefront
• License and insurance
• Dog shampoos
• Dog grooming equipment (tables, electric clippers, nail clippers, brushes, etc.)
• Designated area for the dogs to roam around
• Staff (if desired)
• Vehicle for pick-up and delivery of dogs (if that service is offered)
• Computer with finance software

The Good:

• You can spend your day doing what you love by working with dogs.
• You don’t have to be stuck behind a desk 9-5.
• The startup investment is relatively low.
• You can charge top dollar for high quality pet pampering services.
• Excellent customer service and friendly personnel will go a long way toward repeat business.

The Bad:

• It can take time and patience to build up your client list.
• You will work with some difficult dogs (and owners) from time to time.

Resources:

• National Dog Groomers Association
• Pet Care Services Association
• Bureau of Labor Statistics on Animal Care and Service Workers
• Wikipedia on Dog Grooming

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