{"id":941,"date":"2025-07-16T11:35:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T11:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-dog-groomer\/"},"modified":"2025-09-22T14:45:29","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T14:45:29","slug":"how-to-become-a-dog-groomer","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-dog-groomer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a dog groomer:\u00a0pro tips and step-by-step guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Love dogs and dream of starting a dog grooming business? With 10.6 million pet dogs<\/a> in the UK in 2024, there\u2019s a growing demand for skilled, trusted dog groomers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kim started her dog grooming business, The Only Way is Grooming<\/a>, after being made redundant at the age of 50. In this guide, she shares her tips on how to become a dog groomer, including tools and qualifications you need as well as how to manage bookings and cancellations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether you want to set up a mobile dog grooming salon or work from home, our step-by-step guide will show you how to become a self-employed dog groomer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contents <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Get hands-on experience<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Weigh up the pros and cons<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Gain qualifications<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Create your business plan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Choose a premises and budget accordingly<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Consider pet grooming insurance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Check legal requirements <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Buy professional dog grooming equipment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Set up your business and register as self-employed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Use social media to your advantage<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    How to become a dog groomer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Dog groomers do exactly what it says on the tin. More specifically, this means bathing, brushing, and drying dogs, keeping their fur trimmed and their claws clipped. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They also give owners advice on grooming, diet, and coat care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To become a professional dog groomer you\u2019ll need a real love of animals, patience, and a calm temperament \u2013 you may need to calm nervous or unpredictable dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019ll also need good communication skills to deal with owners (your human clients) day to day, as well as creativity and business savvy to sell your service and build your customer base. What is it that makes pet owners want to spend money on their pets? How do you tap into that emotional desire?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    “I operate on a one-to-one grooming basis and my attention is focused completely on your dog when it arrives for the groom. Lots of patience, lots of understanding, a break if necessary and a calm voice is essential.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kim
    <\/strong>Founder of The Only Way is Grooming<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s how you can learn these skills and launch your own dog grooming business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 1. Get hands-on experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The best way to build your dog grooming CV is to volunteer at a kennel or become an apprentice at an established salon. Be prepared to be flexible as you get to know every aspect of running a salon, from understanding the behaviour of different breeds and their nutritional needs, to knowing which specific health problems to watch out for. With experience you can then consider going self-employed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Practical learning to be a dog groomer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n