🐾 How to Start a Dog Grooming Business in the UK: The Ultimate Guide

The UK is a nation of dog lovers — and that makes dog grooming one of the fastest-growing service industries in the country. Whether you want to work from home, go mobile, or open a salon, grooming is a highly rewarding career that offers great flexibility and strong earning potential.

Summary: Discover the steps to launch a successful dog grooming business in the UK, including training, equipment, legal requirements, and marketing strategies. Learn how SMB Booster can help you establish a strong online presence with a fully managed, mobile-optimized website for just £79/month.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get started, what you’ll need, and how to stand out online with a professional website built by SMB Booster.

✅ Why Start a Dog Grooming Business?

With over 12 million dogs in the UK, the demand for professional grooming services is on the rise. Dog owners seek reliable groomers to keep their pets clean, healthy, and stylish. Starting a dog grooming business offers:

• 🐕 Huge demand — Over 12 million dogs in the UK, and growing

• 🧼 Regular repeat business — most dogs are groomed every 6–8 weeks

• 🕒 Flexible hours — work from home, mobile van, or shop

• 💰 High earning potential — average grooms range from £35–£80

• 💛 Rewarding — work with animals and happy pet owners daily

From cockapoos to huskies, every breed needs grooming — and many owners are looking for local, reliable groomers they can trust.

🎓 Qualifications You’ll Need

You don’t need a formal licence to become a dog groomer in the UK, but training and certification is highly recommended — especially for handling dogs safely and running a professional service. While formal qualifications aren't mandatory, obtaining professional training enhances credibility and skills. Consider enrolling in courses like the Level 3 Dog Grooming Course offered by institutions such as The Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy . These programs cover essential grooming techniques, safety procedures, and business management skills. More info - pawpaddogs.

Popular training options:

• City & Guilds Level 2/3 Diploma in Dog Grooming

• iPET Network or OCN-accredited courses

• First Aid for Pets certification (optional but valuable)

You can train at college or through private grooming schools. Many courses include hands-on practice with real dogs.

Choose Your Business Model

Decide on the type of dog grooming business that suits your goals and resources:

• Home-Based Grooming: Operate from a dedicated space in your home.

• Mobile Grooming: Provide services using a specially equipped van, offering convenience to clients.

• Salon-Based Grooming: Set up a commercial salon, allowing for multiple clients and staff.CPD Online College

Each model has its pros and cons regarding startup costs, flexibility, and client reach.

🧰 Equipment You’ll Need to Get Started

Whether home-based, mobile or salon, you’ll need the basics:

• Grooming table (adjustable preferred)

• Dog bath & professional dryer

• Clippers, scissors, brushes & combs

• Shampoo, conditioner & ear/eye cleaning products

• Restraints and safety gear

• Towels, apron & PPE

• Booking software (or website with forms!)

• Optional: Mobile grooming van or converted trailer

Startup costs range from £1,000–£5,000, depending on how you operate.

📈 Market Size & Earning Potential

The UK pet care market is worth over £7 billion, and grooming is a huge slice of that. With increasing focus on dog health and hygiene, demand keeps growing — especially for mobile and home-based services.

💷 Typical grooming prices:

• Small breeds: £35–£45

• Medium breeds: £45–£60

• Large breeds or specialist grooming: £60–£90+

• Extras: Teeth cleaning, de-shedding, nail trims, mud baths

5 dogs a day @ £50 average = £1,000+ a week
That’s not bad for a solo operator — and it scales easily if you grow a team.

Understand Legal Requirements

Starting a dog grooming business involves several legal considerations:

• Business Registration: Register as a sole trader or limited company with HMRC.

• Insurance: Obtain public liability insurance to protect against accidents or damages.

• Licenses: While no specific grooming license is required, ensure compliance with local regulations, especially if operating from home or a commercial property.

✨ What Services Can You Offer as a Dog Groomer?

Here are popular services dog owners love:

• Full grooming (wash, cut, dry, nails, ears)

• Puppy grooms & intro sessions

• De-shedding for heavy coats

• Mobile “groom at home” visits

• Flea treatment baths

• Creative grooming (for the fancy pups!)

• Teeth cleaning & paw balm treatments

• Loyalty programs & subscriptions for regulars

Many groomers increase their income by selling dog treats, shampoos, or accessories too.

Market Your Services Effectively

Building a strong client base requires effective marketing:

• Professional Website: An SEO-optimized, mobile-friendly website showcases your services and allows online bookings. (see below)

• Social Media Presence: Engage with potential clients on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

• Local Advertising: Distribute flyers, attend local events, and network with pet-related businesses.

• Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews to build trust.

💻 Why You Need a Proper Website to Grow

Dog owners search Google when looking for groomers in their area. If your website is outdated (or non-existent), you’re missing out on local bookings.

That’s where SMB Booster comes in.

We help new and growing dog grooming businesses launch and grow with:

✅ A beautiful, mobile-friendly website
✅ Service pages and location-based SEO
✅ Tap-to-call buttons & online quote/request forms
✅ Chat widget for quick questions
✅ Google review integration + “Review Us” button
✅ Booking & contact system — all fully managed
✅ From just £79/month, no contracts

We’ve helped locksmiths, cleaners, landscapers — and now dog groomers — look professional and get booked online.

🚀 Ready to Start Your Dog Grooming Business the Smart Way?

Whether you’re still training or already grooming friends’ dogs, a professional online presence will help you stand out and grow. Check out our Dog Grooming website that could be yours.

👉 Visit smbbooster.co.uk for more information and request your FREE website mockup today.

Let us handle the website — you focus on the wagging tails.