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How to Start a Pet Grooming Business

What it takes to legally start a pet grooming business in the US — licensing, structure, EIN, taxes, insurance, and your first customers. The steps are the same everywhere; the forms and fees depend on your state, so pick yours below for the exact links.

Typical startup cost
$3,000–$10,000 (shop) to $50,000–$120,000 (mobile van)
Licensing
state + local — varies
Best structure
LLC for most
First customers
referrals + local search

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  1. Check the licensing for pet grooming work

    Only a handful of states/localities license groomers; most require just a local business license and insurance. A few states have salon inspection rules. Mobile units need a vehicle permit and often a commissary water source. This is the part that varies most by state — some require a state license or registration before you can advertise, others leave it to the city or county. Confirm both your state board and your local government before you take a job.

  2. Decide what the business needs to open

    Dog and cat grooming from a shop, mobile van, or home studio. The setup areas that usually matter for a pet grooming business: Local business license (+ mobile permit if a van), Liability + care-custody-control insurance, Grooming table, tub, dryer, clippers, Appointment software, Breed-based pricing. Typical cost to get operational: $3,000–$10,000 (shop) to $50,000–$120,000 (mobile van).

  3. Pick a structure — sole proprietor or LLC

    You can start as a sole proprietor with no filing, or form an LLC (usually $50–$300 depending on your state) for liability protection. For hands-on trade work where something can go wrong on a customer's property, most owners choose the LLC.

    LLC filing fee and steps by state ↗

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  4. Get a free EIN from the IRS

    An Employer Identification Number is free and takes a few minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and to hire.

    IRS — Apply for an EIN ↗

  5. Register for state taxes and get insurance

    Register with your state's tax agency if you'll collect sales tax, then line up general liability insurance — most contracts and license boards require proof of coverage.

  6. What pet grooming businesses charge

    $40–$90 per dog by breed, size, and coat condition ($60–$120+ mobile), with de-matting, nail grinding, and teeth brushing as add-ons. Cats and hand-stripping breeds priced higher. Recurring on a 4–8 week cycle, with spikes before holidays and in shedding season. Vet-office referral relationships and mobile convenience (premium pricing) are the differentiators.

  7. Get your first pet grooming customers

    Vet-office referral relationships, Google + reviews, and neighborhood/Instagram presence. Standing 4–8 week appointments create a predictable book. Mobile grooming commands premium pricing for the convenience.

    Getting customers for a pet grooming business ↗

  8. The mistake most first-year pet grooming owners make

    Booking new clients into open slots instead of standing appointments. Rebooking every client for their next 4–8 week appointment before they leave the chair is what turns a grooming business into a predictable, full book.

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Frequently asked

How do I start a pet grooming business?

Check the licenses for pet grooming work in your state, pick a structure (sole proprietor or LLC), get a free EIN from the IRS, register for state taxes, open a business bank account, get general liability insurance, then set up a Google Business Profile and line up your first jobs. The order and the exact forms depend on your state.

Do I need a license to start a pet grooming business?

Only a handful of states/localities license groomers; most require just a local business license and insurance. A few states have salon inspection rules. Mobile units need a vehicle permit and often a commissary water source.

How much does it cost to start a pet grooming business?

Plan for $3,000–$10,000 (shop) to $50,000–$120,000 (mobile van) to get operational, plus $50–$300 if you form an LLC (varies by state). An EIN is free, and general liability insurance runs a few hundred dollars a year for most solo operators.

What should I charge for pet grooming?

$40–$90 per dog by breed, size, and coat condition ($60–$120+ mobile), with de-matting, nail grinding, and teeth brushing as add-ons. Cats and hand-stripping breeds priced higher.

How much do pet grooming businesses make?

It depends on your rates, your utilization, and your area. See the income and pricing breakdown for a pet grooming business for typical owner take-home and what to charge.

How much does a pet grooming business license cost?

It depends on your state and exactly which license applies — a state professional license commonly runs $50–$300 plus any exam or renewal fee, and a local city/county business license is often another $25–$100. That's separate from the $50–$300 LLC filing fee if you form one. Use the License Finder tool with your state for the exact fee for pet grooming work.

How much does pet grooming business insurance cost?

General liability insurance for a solo pet grooming operator typically runs $300–$800 a year, more with commercial auto coverage or a higher liability limit. Most contracts, landlords, and license boards require proof of coverage before you can start.

Where do the first pet grooming customers come from?

Vet-office referral relationships, Google + reviews, and neighborhood/Instagram presence.

Official sources

Fees and timelines are commonly-cited figures last reviewed September 2026 and can change — always confirm on the official site. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.

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AI-generated guidance is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Disclosures · Trust center