It’s clear that Americans love their pets, and loyal pet owners are willing to spend money to keep their pets healthy and happy. Pet owners were projected to spend a whopping $150.6 billion on their furry friends in 2024. According to a study conducted by YouGov, nearly 50% of dog owners consider them their best friends, and 77% think their dogs know them, “very well.” At least 44% of dog owners have taken them to a professional groomer, making it an ideal area of focus for a new venture. Learn more about how to start a dog grooming business, and why dog grooming is a growth industry with a dedicated customer base and low initial investment.
Explore Franchising
Starting any business from scratch can be cumbersome. Developing a brand, finding the best equipment, and securing groomers is a heavy load. If you want to learn how to start a dog grooming business on a shorter timeline, investing in a franchise provides a recognized brand, training, and the best tools, support, and technology to help you succeed.
Let’s Get Started
If you’re ready to go straight to work doing something you love, here are the nine steps it takes to open a pet grooming franchise:
1. Outline Your Goals
Start by understanding your goals and vision to determine the type of business you want to launch. Are you interested in opening a storefront or joining the mobile pet grooming industry? The type of business you choose will impact headcount and growth potential. Scaling a mobile business can be as simple as adding an extra van. Growing a brick-and-mortar location can be pricey, requiring you to foot the bill for buildout costs and rent. Understanding the type of pet grooming business you want to run will help narrow your franchise choices.
2. Connect with a Franchisor
Connect with various franchise brands to find the right match. Aussie Pet Mobile, the No. 1 mobile pet grooming franchise, makes it a priority to connect franchise candidates with a franchise advisor from our team within 24 hours after they fill out our online franchise information form. We’ll set up an introductory call to discuss your goals and determine if there is a mutual fit.
3. Find Out More
Dive into learning more about the concept. The franchisor can provide in-depth details about the brand, including franchisee requirements, territories, and a time frame for opening. Carefully review the franchise disclosure document (FDD), which outlines the specifics of the franchise agreement.
4. Find a Territory
Work with the brand to determine territory availability in your area. Aussie Pet Mobile offers a three-territory package that can support nine to 12 mobile grooming units. Each protected territory has a minimum of 33,000 households.
5. Conduct Validation
It’s crucial to chat with existing franchisees. Gauge the quality of the support they receive from the franchisor, any roadblocks they’ve encountered, and how long it took them to see positive returns.
6. Meet the Team
Travel to the company’s corporate headquarters to meet the leadership team and support staff. Finding a partner who shares your values can make a big difference in the success of your business. During this time, you can ask any other questions about the brand to make a final decision.
7. Submit Your Franchise Application
If you’re confident the brand is right for you, it’s time to submit a franchise application. The application will need to include your business plan and financials. The initial investment for Aussie Pet Mobile starts near $99,000 with in-house financing.* Most franchisors will also run a background and credit check. Once approved, you’ll sign your franchise agreement and charge ahead.
8. Attend Training
During training, you’ll learn how to launch a successful pet grooming business. Aussie Pet Mobile offers four days of in-person initial training. You’ll also get extended franchise business guidance from our team, ongoing training opportunities, and technological support for the life of your business.
9. Grand Opening
You can have a soft opening with friends and family or a big grand opening celebration. It’s important to have an omnichannel marketing strategy to generate customer leads.
Ready to Own a Mobile Pet Grooming Franchise?
We’re excited to connect with you to provide more details about how to start a grooming business. Inquire now to begin your journey as a mobile pet grooming franchise owner with Aussie Pet Mobile.
*See FDD for details.