The US is a pet-loving country, with 70% of households in the US owning at least one pet. Out of the 70%, about 69 million households own a dog or many dogs, for that matter. This makes the US the perfect country to start a dog grooming franchise.
Dog grooming helps ventilate the dog's coat and keeps it strong and healthy. It also ensures that dogs look lovely and reduces the level of grease on their coats. The demand for qualified dog groomers is climbing by the day, and you could take advantage of the supply gap.
If you're looking to start a dog grooming business, we're here to help. In today's post, we'll be showing you how to start your own dog grooming business.
Do Tons of Research
The worst thing you could do is jump into the dog grooming business blindly. This will almost always end badly. That's why it's important to do tons of research before venturing into a business.
Start by reading books and articles about dog grooming. This will give you a good foundation for the basics of dog grooming. You should also look into more specific topics, like how to groom different types of dogs, what equipment you'll need, etc.
Aside from reading, try talking to people already in the business. Ask them about their experiences and what advice they would give to someone just starting out. This will give you a more well-rounded view of what it's really like to be a dog groomer.
By the time you're done with your research, you should have a good understanding of the dog grooming business. By virtue of reading this article, you're already on the right track.
Get Professional Training
While you don't need professional training to start a dog grooming business, it certainly doesn't hurt. Professional dog groomers usually have to go through an apprenticeship, which can last up to two years.
If you decide to get professional training, look for schools that are accredited by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA). These schools will teach you everything you need to know about dog grooming, from the basics to more advanced techniques.
Once you've completed your training, all that's left is to start your business with the confidence of knowing fully well that you're a qualified professional.
Decide on a Type of Dog Grooming Business
You can divide dog grooming businesses into two types: physical dog grooming and mobile dog grooming. You'll have to decide which one works best for you between the two.
As the name suggests, a physical dog grooming business is one with an actual physical location. This can either be commercial property or someone's home.
A mobile grooming business is one where you, the groomer, go to the client. All you have to do is drive your mobile grooming van to the client's house and get down to business.
You'll have to pick a type of dog grooming business based on your business plan and flexibility. Most people choose to start a dog grooming business with a physical location. That's because it involves less hassle, but it limits the number of clients accessible to you.
Pick the Services You Want to Offer
The type of services you offer will also play a role in the kind of dog grooming business you run. You can either offer full-service or self-service dog grooming.
Full-service means that you'll be providing all the services that a client's dog might need, from bathing and haircuts to nail clipping and teeth cleaning. Self-service, on the other hand, is more limited and usually just involves bathing and haircuts.
Some dog groomers offer different packages for their services. That way, the client can pick and choose which services they want for their dog. More expensive services are typically found in the premium packages.
Other dog groomers just stick to one service, like providing mobile dog grooming services or only doing self-service haircuts. It all depends on what you're most comfortable with and what works best for your business.
Create a Business Plan
Starting a business requires a comprehensive plan. Like any other business, your dog grooming business will need one to get off on the right foot.
Your business plan should include your business goals, a market analysis, a SWOT analysis, start-up costs, a marketing strategy, and a business name.
Creating a business plan will help you flesh out all the details of your dog grooming business. It'll also give you something to refer back to as your business grows and something to give potential investors.
If you need help creating a business plan, there are plenty of resources out there to help you. The Small Business Administration, for instance, has a great guide that can help you create a comprehensive and effective business plan.
Form a Business Entity
The next step is to form a business entity. This will help you protect your personal assets in case your business is sued.
There are four main types of business entities: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. Each has its own set of pros and cons, so it's important to pick the one that makes the most sense for your business.
If you're not sure which business entity to choose, you can always consult with an attorney or accountant. They'll be able to help you figure out which business entity is best for your dog grooming business.
Get the Necessary Licenses and Open Your Business
The last step is to get the necessary licenses and permits to open your dog grooming business. The requirements vary from state to state, so it's important to check with your local government to see what you need.
You'll also need to get liability insurance for your business. This will protect you in case one of your clients sues you. Once you have everything in order, you can officially open your dog grooming business.
Start Your Dog Grooming Franchise Today
If there's a perfect time to start your dog grooming franchise, it's today. So what are you waiting for? Gather your funds, talk to the right people, and start your dog grooming business.
Remember, hard work and consistency always win. Also, never skimp on your service quality if you want to grow your name and business.
If you can’t start your own franchise, you can join one instead. Contact us today to become part of a dog grooming franchise that's taking the country by storm.