Your Pet Grooming Business
Millions of dollars are spent every year on pets and this number is growing every day. Businesses related to pets are classified as being a major growth industry. Since you like pets and you feel that you are pretty good with them, maybe you’re considering starting your own pet grooming business. You would be able to set your hours, be your own boss, do something you love and help animals. Sounds like the perfect business, right?
You are right, it could be the perfect business, but take a step back and consider what is necessary to achieve this dream. Anytime you start a business, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered. Being able to work with dogs and maybe cats does sound great, but take into account that all of these pets have owners, so you will also have to be people oriented. Several pet owners may be extremely picky about their dog’s hairdo. Don’t take this the wrong way. Pet owners are usually wonderful and their pets are like kids to many of them. Just be prepared to love both the owner and the dog. Here’s a video by a pet grooming business owner that talks about things to consider when operating this type of business.
Training for Pet Grooming
It isn’t necessary for pet groomers to be certified, but if you do decide to attend a grooming school, you can then be licensed. Getting certified and licensed will set you apart from a person who does grooming because they can, but who do not have any specialized training in the area. There are many pet grooming schools available. Some of the large pet supply stores like Petsmart offer grooming classes at their own academy. At Petsmart, it is possible to work at their grooming center and learn how to groom at the same time. This may be an excellent option for some people. Fees vary from school to school, so carefully check to see what is available and if financing options are offered. You can find pet grooming classes online, but you would still need hands on experience.
Okay, so the training side of this business has been handled, what’s next?
Types of Pet Grooming Businesses
There are several options so just choose the one that is right for you. You can purchase a franchise and have your own business immediately, or, maybe you’re already performing pet grooming services at a place like a boarding facility or a veterinary clinic. If you happen to be in a position like this, then you already have the beginnings of a good client base. Several people start a pet grooming business from their home to save on initial costs and to develop a clientele. As your business grows, you can look for a larger area that you could rent. When selecting a location, do some research to make sure that it will be one that will utilize this type of service. Choosing an extremely rural area may not be suitable for this type of business venture, unless you’re planning to have a mobile pet grooming business.
All right – you like pets and working with them, you have the necessary training and you have decided on where and how you’re going to start your business. So, you must be ready to take the plunge and get your business going, right? Well, there are still some important things that may need to be handled.
Pet Grooming is a Real Business
Keep in mind that even though your primary task will be working with pets and their owners, you are going to be running a business. There will be paperwork and record keeping, which are basic necessities for any business. If you’re considering setting up shop in a commercial atmosphere such as a retail office, you might need a business loan. Getting a loan is easier if you have a good business plan or proposal. There are a lot of resources where you can find sample business plans. Two easily accessed resources are your local library or the Internet. If you’re going to work out of your home first, a good business plan will make it much easier to transition to commercial space when you’re ready. Startup costs may be high and the needed equipment quite costly. Depending on the city in which you will be doing business, you also need to check to see what licenses are required, verify the zoning for the new shop location, and see if the new location will need any modifications to accommodate pets.
Another startup cost is advertising. There are advertising methods that won’t break your budget. Be creative and consider how other businesses advertise. Make up flyers that advertise your services and distribute them where ever pet owners might go such as vet offices, boarding services, doggy day care, and pet supply stores. Ask the owners of these establishments if you can hang up one of your flyers or leave some for customers to pick up. Some business owners will say no, but many will allow it. Consider posting photos of your work on a website or as wall decor in your shop. Another potential advertising boost is to include a discount on your flyers for first time customers.
By no means underestimate the effectiveness of word of mouth. Satisfied pet owners will get you more business, so pleasing pet owners is just as crucial as pleasing their pets. Remember, there is a lot of competition, but if you provide exceptional service, you should have an advantage. In upscale areas, pet spas are becoming very popular. The word “spa” implies a luxurious experience for a treasured pet and doting pet owners want the best for their pets. In addition to the usual grooming services such as baths, nail trimmings and haircuts, these types of places generally offer gourmet doggie treats, underwater treadmills, whirlpool baths and more. Just think about it, this is pooch pampering to the max! Most pet grooming salons also stock an array of goods to help your pet appearance so that you can maintain that just stepped out from the salon look. These things cover anything from shampoos, combs and brushes and colognes to toys and gourmet treats. What dog could ask for more?
Be a Professional
You want your pet grooming business to give your clients the right impression so always be a professional. You want your clients to show up on time for their appointments, so never make them wait on you. Greet both owner and the pet with enthusiasm and listen politely to any concerns that the owner may have. It is essential that your workplace is clean and odor free. When you do this, clients will assume that you take your work seriously and will do an excellent job. Obviously, every pet will not be a joy to work with, but finding one thing positive about each one will be music to the owner’s ears. For example, you wouldn’t want to say that Poopsie is an uncontrollable maniac, even though that might be a true statement. Always try to say something positive such as “Poopsie is a very spirited and lively dog”. If a pet is truly unmanageable during grooming, you are completely within your rights to politely suggest that another groomer may be a better match for the little monster. Oops, the tiny darling.
There are lots of factors when starting a business, but knowing what to expect and what needs to be done makes this endeavor easier. Just bear in mind that if you love animals, do your best to please pet owners and have simple grooming skills, your business venture will never be like work. You’ll be doing something that you really like every day. Not everyone can make that statement!
