Are you thinking about starting a dog grooming business but you wonder if it can be a profitable business?

The challenge most dog groomers face, aside from learning grooming techniques, is learning how to build the business and how to build and grow your pet business.

The failure of any business, like dog grooming, is almost always tied to a lack of marketing knowledge or almost no marketing at all!

Therefore, right off the bat you've got to understand, you need more than a love for dogs to succeed as a dog groomer.

You've got to build a business for the long haul by first finding your target audience, keeping them as long-term customers and making sure you they know you are the best there is.

Let your customers know the benefits of bringing their dog to you!

Starting a dog grooming business gives people convenience and allows them more time to do other things, rather than spend their time getting soaked with a hose or in the tub trying to clean the dog themselves.

Another option in order to create this value of convenience is by operating a mobile dog washing business. It doesn't get more convenient.

You will need specialized equipment and a van, but a way around it is to either have a "pick-up-and deliver" dog grooming service or even better, for sake of time (time is money), is to clean their dog "on-site." Although not always practical and even possible depending on the homeowner and access to things like warm water.

Valuable skills

The National Dog Groomers Association of America certifies groomers who pass a written examination consisting of 400 questions, with a part also testing practical skills.

Understanding animals and how to handle their personalities is a necessity because it's not as easy as it sounds washing a slippery, wet dog.

Some pet groomers learn their trade by completing an informal apprenticeship, usually lasting 6 to 10 weeks, under the guidance of an experienced groomer.

Another way to get experience is through one of the fifty state-licensed grooming schools throughout the country, with programs varying in length from 4 to 18 weeks.

Dog Grooming Business Resources

Starting a dog grooming business (Dogwise.com)

Books from Amazon.com:

How to Make Big Money Grooming Small Dogs: The Absolute Amateur's Guide to Profitable, Professional Canine Styling

The Stone Guide to Dog Grooming for All Breeds

From Problems to Profits: The Madson Management System for Pet Grooming Businesses

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