The Groom Room
“Rebooking at the till is the best marketing I do.”
HCHannah Clarke · The Groom Room · Since 2020
12-mo revenueabout $200k+14% vs last yearSquare
How to start a dog grooming business in the UK
0 of 14 doneStart with: Take a grooming course
In England, grooming alone does not need a council licence, but you must follow the Animal Welfare Act 2006. If you also board dogs overnight or offer day care, you will need an animal activity licence from your council. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Most of the start-up time is training. It is also what insurers ask about first.
A salon, a mobile van or a room at home. Each has different costs and rules.
Quick, but do it before the first dog.
Regular dogs every four to eight weeks are the base of the business.
Protect your body, plan for the busy weeks and grow carefully.
Open for business14 steps to go
Stage 1Learn the trade
0/3- Compare Level 2 and Level 3 courses near you
- Ask how many hours you’ll spend on live dogs
- Book first aid for dogs as well
- Ask local salons about part-time or trainee work
- Groom friends’ dogs at cost
- Keep a photo log of breeds and cuts
- Run the odds calculator
- Compare salon, van and home setups
- Decide how many dogs a day you can do
Stage 2Choose where you’ll groom
0/3- Check with your council if you plan to groom at home
- Price a fitted van and a small shop lease
- Think about water, drainage and noise
- Decide if you’ll only groom, or also board or mind dogs
- If you will, read your council’s animal licensing page
- Follow the national grooming guidelines either way
- Buy a table with a safety loop
- Buy two sets of clippers so one can cool
- Buy safety gear: ear defenders and a mask for drying
Stage 3Paperwork and insurance
0/2- Register for Self Assessment
- Open a separate bank account
- Keep every receipt
- Ask for care, custody and control cover
- Add public liability
- Keep a signed consent form for every dog
Stage 4Fill your diary
0/3- Make a simple price list by size and coat
- Add a charge for matted coats
- Set a minimum price
- Use booking software with text reminders
- Rebook at pickup every time
- Take a deposit to cut no-shows
- Claim your Google Business Profile
- Post before and after photos every week
- Leave cards at local vets and pet shops
Stage 5Run and grow
0/3- Open Christmas bookings in October
- Block time off after the busy weeks
- Keep money aside for quieter months
- Use a height-adjustable table
- Set a daily limit on dogs
- Book regular breaks between big dogs
- Read two owner stories
- Note what they charge and how many dogs a day they do
No steps match.
Open for business, with numbers to prove it.
Owners who started one
Muddy Paws Grooming
“Deposits cut our no-shows from 14% to 3%.”
JTJess Tremblay · Muddy Paws Grooming · Since 2019
12-mo revenue$240k–$300k+11% vs last yearSquare
Tidyhound Grooming Calgary
“The brand gave me the booking system on day one. The regulars came from doing the nervous dogs well.”
MLMei Lin Chow · Tidyhound Grooming Calgary · Since 2021
12-mo revenue$206,670+16% vs last yearSquare
Questions people ask
Do you need a licence to be a dog groomer in the UK?
In England, grooming alone does not need a council licence, but you must follow the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Boarding or day care does need a licence. Check your council if you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Do I need a qualification to groom dogs?
Not by law. Most insurers and many customers expect a recognised course, usually a Level 3 certificate.
Can I run a dog grooming business from home?
Often yes, but check with your council first. If customers come and go, you may need planning permission.