So you want to be a Dog Groomer!

Dog grooming as an occupation

Shop Based

Opening a grooming shop can be a very lucrative business. However, there are a number of factors that are dependent on its success. Location is key as in any small or large business. Folks like to have easy access to bring their dogs in to you. Remember that there are a greater number of senior citizens with dogs for companions and you may want to consider a pick up and delivery service for those who cannot drive. Be sure you have the potential clientele. Does the area you are setting up in need another groomer or one at all? Can the area support your business?

Be sure you have the potential clientele. Does the area you are setting up in need another groomer or one at all? Can the area support your business?

TO be sure it is really what you expect, volunteer to help out at a grooming shop to have a hands on idea of the way a shop runs.

Cost of setting up a shop will depend on the scale you want to achieve, and of course, on the area you live in. In general smaller communities will cost less than large cities for rent or real estate, but will offer better deals on equipment. The things to consider will be :

1. Monthly rental or mortgage payment
2. Telephone services eg-- Yellow page ads, telephone rental etc
3. Utilities -- heat and light
4. Insurance for the building and protection of your services
5. Monthly costs sharpening of scissors and blades
6. Shampoos and other necessary supplies
7. Wages and any tax and/or benefit related costs for any assistants
8. Advertising
9. Inventory costs of any retail products( If you include this service you should consider all the additional expense and work involved)

The equipment for a one-man operation will consist of:

Bathing area

1. A bathtub equipped with a noose and shower nozzle(Preferably raised to save your back)
2. Shampoos(medicated, flea, moisturizing and tearless) Conditioners
3. Flea and tick preparations(dips)
4. Rubber gloves

Grooming area

1. Table with adjustable grooming arm ( a second table is recommended )
2. Mirror table length so you can view your work from all sides( Optional)
3. Good animal clippers( I recommend Andis or Oster A5)
4. Blades for clipper #30, #15, #10, # 3/8 POODLE, #7F, #4F (it is wise to have an extra set for backup as sharpening may require shipping and loss of equipment temporarily)
5. Slicker brushes varying sizes , pin brushes and good steel combs
6. Mat splitters
7. Good scissors 7-9 inch blades straight and curved ( cost can be as little as under$50 and as high as
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