How to Start a Pet Grooming Business
Setting up as a groomer, from choosing a salon or a mobile van to the first appointment you bill.
Grooming on your own means choosing a salon or a mobile setup, checking local rules, registering, getting tax IDs and insurance, and pricing and billing appointments. This guide covers those steps in order. For invoicing add-ons, no-shows and repeat visits, see the pet groomer invoicing guide in the links.
The BLS animal care and service workers profile (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) says "Groomers may work in or operate a grooming salon, kennel, veterinary clinic, pet supply store, or mobile grooming service, a self-contained business that travels to clients’ homes." It adds that "Groomers also schedule appointments, sell products to pet owners, and identify problems that may require veterinary attention." For licensing, ask your city, county and state what a grooming business needs.
Example appointment (sample figures): a full groom for a large dog at 1 × $85.00, a nail trim add-on at 1 × $15.00 and a mobile visit fee at 1 × $20.00 come to $85.00 + $15.00 + $20.00 = $120.00. Use your own prices.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your pet groomer business on solid footing.
- 1
Choose a salon, a van or home visits
Each setup changes your equipment and the insurance you look at; step 2 covers the rules to check.
- 2
Check local and state rules
Ask local officials and your state which licenses or permits a grooming business needs where you work.
- 3
Register the business
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "You’re automatically considered to be a sole proprietorship if you do business activities but don’t register as any other kind of business." A lawyer or accountant can go over other structures.
- 4
Get an EIN
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID number." The IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) says "You never have to pay a fee for an EIN."
- 5
Arrange insurance
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "You also may be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance." Ask an agent about cover for animals in your care and for a grooming van.
- 6
Book and bill the first groom
Confirm the breed, size and services when booking, then invoice the groom and any add-ons after the visit.
Tips for starting your pet groomer business
- Record each pet's breed, size and coat notes so repeat quotes stay consistent.
- Write your no-show and late-arrival terms on the booking page.
- Hold back some of each fee for taxes; the IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 30, 2026) says "The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%."
- Keep product receipts if you sell shampoos or accessories to owners.
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Client Profiles
Billed's features page says: "Create and save client profiles to bill them quickly."
Due Dates
Billed's features page says: "Set due dates for payment on your invoices so your clients know when they have to pay you."
Payment Receipts
Billed's features page says: "Send payment receipts to your clients after they have paid for your invoices."
Top Customers
Billed's features page says: "See who your top customers are to give them special treatment."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Invoice Your First Groom
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Step | Where to check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Salon, van or home visits | BLS (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) |
| Licenses | Your city, county and state | Local and state pointer |
| Tax ID | An EIN, with no fee | IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) |
| First invoice | Pet, services, add-ons, due date | Pet groomer invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
Grooming at a pet store or salon as an employee? This setup guide won't apply; the shop handles licensing, insurance and billing.