Dog grooming business

[Jerica]

I have been curious for a long time how to start a dog grooming business. Is there anyone on here that has started one or can give me some kind of information on it. I need a lot more practice and would need to save up for awhile before I could ever start one, but for a long time now I've wanted to start one. I want to know if its legal to run that kind of business out of your own home (which probably depends on the state I'm in Nebraska), what kind of licensing you'd have to have to run it or whatever, and I'm wondering if I am right that I don't have to have a certification or anything to do dog grooming? I've just been so curious and have trouble finding any info on it. thanks.

[Ltlpistol]

You should first check with your city or county for their laws concerning home business and what licenses you would need. Here in TX there is no license required to groom dogs, and there are loads of home groomers. Once you get that underway, start practising on friend's dogs, get the experience and some clientele built up.

As you save up and get your equipment, a tub, a dryer, your tools, etc. You will also be building your clientele, don't worry about show cuts, most of the dogs you will be doing will be pets, keep your customers happy and treat their dogs with respect and compassion and you will start to get word of mouth referrals. Once you have a steady clientele, then you can see about opening a store front. If you want one, that is. There are lots of people who will only use a home groomer that gives one on one care to their dog, and their are those who prefer a business like atmosphere. You need to decide which you are more comfortable with. You can make good money at it, working from your home, but not right away.

[Jerica]

Thanks. I know I don't need a license to groom dogs I'll just have to find out, whats required to run a business like this. I'd like to run it out of my home (when me an my husband can buy a house), but maybe I could rent a place downtown, I don't which I'd prefer. I think what I'm going to do is when I get some more practice and finish my internship for my vet assistant degree (which I've planned on doing) I am going to get a business plan written up and see if I can get a small business loan. Then I can get what I need to start up. I have even thought about asking the shelter about practicing by grooming those dogs which would help me and them. I've only ever groomed my dog and a couple family dogs so I definatly need practice, I've watched videos and read books is all the other experience I've had, if you can call it that. One thing I've been wondering is with all the different kinds of brushes, combs, clippers and clipper blades, which of these do you actually need? There are so many kinds. Which kind of dryers are the best? And which shampoos are the best? I know these things I can worry about later, but if I'm going to be practicing I need to know what tools to practice with. I also am trying to get a good list of everything I need to start the business so I can get a rough idea of start up costs so I have that for when I try to get the loan. Thanks!

[dlaura]

I am so glad you started this thread as I have been wondering the same thing myself! Duh, never dawned on me to ask here. (slaps self in head)