Mobile pet grooming is a companion animal service sector that is rapidly growing for a host of reasons. As people lead very hectic lives and there are more senior pet owners than ever, who are less mobile themselves, more folks now seek convenience and ease in caring for their pets.
This is also potentially a better option for pets that get stressed when traveling by car, are anxious or aggressive in the presence of other pets, or are elderly and less able to get around. Even better, a pet doesn’t have to sit in a cage for hours; they are in and out, as they are serviced right at the clients’ doorsteps.
Advantages of Owning a Mobile Pet Grooming Business
Among the advantages of owning a mobile grooming business as opposed to operating out of a brick-and-mortar location is that you don’t have to pay rent or property taxes or utility costs. Your hours are more flexible. You can justify charging more for your services, and your vehicle can be a virtual rolling advertisement for your business.
How to Get Started in Your Own Business
- Get experience. Before launching any type of business, it’s best to actually work in the industry and acquire enough experience and training to build your skills and confidence. You can go about this in a number of ways, from apprenticeships with established groomers to working for another groomer and/or formal training that leads to certification. This process gives you several advantages: You already understand the pros, cons, challenges, and opportunities that are part of the industry; you have contacts and support among people in the industry; you start your business with a strong positive reputation and credentials (especially if you choose to earn a certification).
- Determine mobile pet grooming business licensing and insurance requirements. First, find out what kind of business licenses, permits, and insurance you need for your particular region. Check with your city, town, and county government offices to learn what is required. In addition to specific liability and other required insurance, you have to consider vehicle insurance. If you can, consult with a business attorney before launching any endeavor.
- Determine the cost of the equipment you will need. This is to include the mobile unit.
The Tools You’ll Need
- A vehicle: Depending on what kind of startup capital you have; a mobile grooming vehicle can range in price from $20,000 to $100,000. Used or new? Lower-priced options include vans and tag along trailers, the latter of which are less expensive. You can build out your own van or buy one already equipped pet grooming van. There are many companies that have great reputations, Wagn’Tails, a market leader based in Granger, Indiana. Hanvey in South Carolina.
- Grooming tools and equipment: While you will need the usual tools of the trade required for a brick-and-mortar pet grooming operation—such as clippers, shears, brushes, shampoos, combs, sink, grooming table, dryers, and more—some other equipment is involved that is unique to running a mobile operation:
- A power generator (battery operated is the current preferred choice)
- Water tank
- Liquid and solid waste containers
- Adequate lighting
- Water heater
- Power connections
Important Business Requirements
In addition to being good with animals and capable of buying and managing your equipment, you’ll need to keep the following issues in mind:
- A mobile grooming vehicle must have proper flooring and ventilation and be kept sparkling clean and sanitary at all times.
- All waste must be disposed of in compliance with municipal and environmental ordinances and regulations.
- Like any motor vehicle, your grooming operation will require ongoing general maintenance, such as regular oil changes, proper tire inflation, and other forms of preventative upkeep.
- Inclement weather is always a possibility, so you need to prepare your vehicle accordingly, as an out-of-service vehicle can grind your operation to a halt.
Create a Business Plan
Most communities have programs designed to help entrepreneurs create a successful business plan. Without such a plan, it’s easy to overspend and wind up with bills rather than a thriving business. Business plans include:
- Sources of funding: Where will you find capital (money to invest in equipment) before you even start your business? Some common funding sources include savings, family loans, bank loans, and credit cards (though credit cards should be last on your list).
- Expenditures: What will it cost you to get up and running with the equipment and licenses you need? What will your weekly costs be for equipment, supplies, gas, etc.? What will you budget for advertising and promotion? What are the costs of insurance for yourself and your vehicle?
- Income: What will you be able to charge for your work? Based on that information, you can make an educated guess about how much you’ll be able to earn as you get started and then build your business. Luckily, pet groomers get lots of repeat business, so once you have customers who like your work, you should have a stable income.
Some Other Tips to Help You Get Rolling
Be sure to choose a catchy business name and logo, which should be displayed largely, colorfully, and prominently on your vehicle. A wrap is worth it! Your vehicle is a virtual rolling advertisement for your business, which puts you at an advantage.
- Don’t forget to use both conventional and currently popular ways of advertising and promoting your business through print ads in local community publications, social media, and internet business listing sites.
- Of course, you absolutely should have a professional-looking website.
If you follow these tips, you should be on the road to success in no time, as mobile pet grooming is a sector that is still growing.
Contact Kathy Sanders at Through Dreaming to help you with your mobile dog grooming business.
