How to Start Your Dog Grooming Business When You Don’t Have the Money
So you’ve got the dog grooming skills, the passion for dogs, and that spark to build something of your own, but maybe you’re looking at the cost of a grooming van or salon and thinking, how am I supposed to afford that?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy setup to start your dog grooming business. You can absolutely begin small, build your reputation, and grow into something bigger over time. Some of the most successful groomers out there started just like this, one client, one dog, one living room at a time.
Let’s talk about how to do it.
Start Where You Are
If you don’t have a van or salon yet, start by offering in-home grooming services. You travel to your client’s home, set up in a space they already have, and groom their dog right there. Pet owners love it because:
Their dog doesn’t have to deal with car rides or stress from new environments
It’s convenient and personal
It feels safer and more comfortable for nervous pups
All you need are your grooming tools, a portable grooming table, and a plan for cleanup. Always let clients know that you’ll clean up afterward and leave their space spotless. That builds trust and professionalism from the start.
Be Transparent and Professional
When starting small, professionalism is everything. Have a clear list of what’s included in your services and your prices. Be upfront about how long grooming usually takes and what clients need to provide, like a tub or sink if you’re bathing the dog there.
You might even bring your own quick-dry towels and a small vacuum or broom to handle cleanup. The more polished and self-sufficient you seem, the more confident people will feel hiring you.
Build Word of Mouth
When you’re new, your best marketing tool is happy clients. Encourage them to leave reviews, share before-and-after photos with their permission, and recommend you to friends. You can offer a small referral discount like “10% off your next groom when you refer a friend.”
Even if you only have a handful of clients at first, treat each one like gold. Excellent service and genuine care for their dogs will grow your dog grooming business faster than any ad.
Get Visible Online Even on a Small Budget
Here’s the part a lot of new dog groomers overlook: you still need an online presence, even if you’re starting small. Clients want to be able to find you, see your work, and trust that you’re legitimate.
That’s where we come in. At Pixels Unleashed, we create affordable, beautiful one page websites for dog groomers who are just getting started. Your dog groomer one page site can be simple at first, maybe just a home page, about section, service list, and contact form. It’s enough to help you look professional and make it easy for clients to book or message you. We will work with your budget because we want to be your biggest cheerleader.
Then, as your business grows, maybe you add more clients, buy a van, or open your own salon, we can grow your dog groomer website with you. Add online booking, gallery pages, gift cards, or even an online store when the time comes.
A basic dog groomer website now sets you up for long-term success. It helps you look established from day one and gives new dog parent clients confidence that you’re serious about your work.
Don’t Wait Until Everything Is Perfect
Here’s the truth. If you wait until you have a van, a storefront, or all the fancy gear, you might never start. You can begin small, professional, and intentional right now. The perfect time to start your dog grooming business is the moment you decide to.
Take your skills, take your drive, and take that leap. With dedication, great service, and a clean, professional online presence, you’ll be amazed at how fast things can grow.
And when you’re ready, Pixels Unleashed will be right there to help your dog groomer brand look as amazing as your dog grooming work.
