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41 Dog Grooming Industry Statistics and Trends

About half of the households in the United States own a pet, which means the dog grooming industry has access to almost 80 million homes. There are over 300 million pets that receive care each year, with dogs the most iconic member of the family. High-income households account for about 60% of the total spending that this sector sees every year, even though 65% of people have at least one pet at home.

Revenues in the pet industry overall total about $75 billion each year, with the growth rate maintaining a steady average between 4% to 5% each year since 2015. This sector has seen 20 consecutive years of growth since 2018 even though job growth in the industry is expected to decline by 11% by 2024.

Dog grooming and boarding represents about 15% of the total revenues that the pet care industry experiences each year when boarding and other services are grouped into that figure. As humanization trends continue and an effort to provide premium services keeps growing, total expenditures should continue rising. Consumers only spend $17 billion on their pets in 1994.

Essential Dog Grooming Industry Statistics

#1. Pet grooming and boarding in the United States generate revenues of $9 billion each year with almost 124,000 active businesses in the industry. (IBIS World)

#2. The average annual rate of growth for the industry for the 5-year period between 2014-2019 was 6.2%. (IBIS World)

#3. Over 218,000 people are employed in the pet grooming and boarding industry in the United States thanks to the availability of a greater range of services provided to consumers. (IBIS World)

#4. The average rate of growth for businesses in the dog grooming segment is 8% in the total number of active firms present in the United States each year. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

#5. Dogs that live with families in the 45-54 age demographic see the most love, with pet parents spending an average of $44.50 on grooming services and home aids per year. That figure is significantly higher than the 35-44 category ($29.04) or the 55-64 demographic ($26.72). (SBDCNet)

#6. Dog grooming services are priced significantly higher in the Middle Atlantic states than anywhere in the U.S., with a complete grooming package that includes ears, nails, styling, and a bath for fur that isn’t matted at $59.50. The national average for this service is $51. The upper Midwest has the lowest cost at $42.25 per service. (SBDCNet)

#7. The startup cost for a dog grooming business in the United States is relatively low, ranging from $50,000 to $60,000 depending on your physical location. (SBDCNet)

#8. 60 million homes in the United States have at least one dog sharing their space with humans, with more than 90 million animals requiring care throughout the year. Only freshwater fish and cats are more popular in the United States. (American Pet Products Association)

#9. Self-employed dog groomers have the potential to earn up to $30 per hour with their business, creating earnings of up to $100,000 before expenses and taxes. The average income for the industry for all workers is less than $10 per hour otherwise. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

#10. Most dog groomers learn the trade by attending a grooming school, with some states requiring specific licensing or certification guidelines. Some programs can be completed in just a month, but the average one takes about 5 months to complete. (San Francisco Chronicle)

#11. Most dog groomers receive on-the-job training after obtaining their certificate or license, but some states may require a 6- to 10-week apprenticeship before allowing someone to work by themselves with a dog. (San Francisco Chronicle)

#12. Most dog groomers work on a combination of commission and salary, with about 50% of the total price of grooming associated with their income. Tips are not included in the salary figures, which can be as low as $8.73 per hour in the bottom 10% in the United States. (The Balance)

#13. Some states require courses to provide over 600 hours of practical experience before they will certify or license an employee. (The Balance)

#14. Only 16% of dog owners who take their pet to a groomer for services use the correct safety restraints for the animal. 60% of drivers say that they’ve been distracted by their pet when it is a passenger in their vehicle. (Pet Pro Supply)

#15. 52% of drivers admit to petting their dog while they are behind the wheel, with 17% saying that they let their pet sit in their lap while driving. (Pet Pro Supply)

#16. 13% of drivers admit that they give treats or food to their dogs while driving, with another 4% admitting to playing with their pet. (Pet Pro Supply)

#17. 60% of pet owners say that they believe their pets are family members. (American Veterinary Medical Association)

#18. A professional groomer may need to know what the standard cuts are for up to 300 recognized breeds. (American Veterinary Medical Association)

#19. An appointment with a dog groomer can take anywhere from 90 minutes to four hours, depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done. (Second Wave Media)

#20. The average independent shop not associated with a franchise or large store will see an average of 17-20 dogs per day for appointments. (Second Wave Media)

#21. The average cost of a small dog in the first year of ownership is $1,314 in the United States, with a medium dog being $1,580 and large boys and girls needing $1,843 in support. (ASPCA)

#22. Americans are spending about 50% of the recommended amount for their pets each year, with the average household shelling out about $500 per year, per pet. That represents about 1% of their total spending for the year. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

#23. There has been a 73% increase in the number of over-the-counter pet products, such as grooming supplies and pet toothpaste, since the year 2000. (Wall Street Journal)

#24. In 2011, Americans spent more on their pets than they did on alcohol, landline phones, men’s clothing, and boy’s apparel. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

#25. Pet grooming and boarding in Canada add $548 million to global revenues. It is a segment that is seeing 4.2% annual growth on average since 2014, providing employment opportunities to over 7,200 people. (IBIS World)

#26. Since 1988 there has been a 12% increase in the number of households that have brought a pet into their family. The rate of ownership has more than tripled since the 1970s. (American Pet Products Association)

#27. 36% of dog owners in the United States report that they give their pet a birthday gift every year. (Pet Secure)

#28. Unless a dog gets into something dirty or smelly, a bath is only necessary every 2-4 months. Giving them too frequently can strip the natural oils from the coat and dry out the skin. Shampoos made for humans are usually too harsh to use for grooming purposes. (Animal Humane Society)

#29. Dogs need ongoing grooming at home after a professional session to maintain their appearance. Most pet parents need to brush out the coat every couple of days, no matter what the length might be. This process helps to remove hair mats and assists with shedding the seasonal coat. (Animal Humane Society)

#30. The nails of a dog should be checked and clipped every 14 days. If they can be heard clicking on the floor, then it is time for a session at the groomer. If pet parents do this work at home, then they will want to clip off the hook portion that develops over time. (Animal Humane Society)

#31. Most dogs need to have their ears cleaned out about once per week. Some breeds need help with this work every 1-2 days because of how the ear folds down. Using a cotton ball or a piece of gauze with a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution can provide excellent results. If you don’t have these items, a baby wipe is an effective substitute. (Animal Humane Society)

#32. Dogs can suffer from the same dental problems as humans, so they need to have their teeth cleaned about 2-3 times per week. Groomers can provide this service as part of their care package, but pet parents will need to do a few sessions at home to maximize the health of their pups. (Animal Humane Society)

#33. Some breeds have specific care requirements for groomers to consider, such as the Newfoundland, which has webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. (Pet Finder)

#34. Dog grooming certification can cost between $25 to $125 for each test taken, with the final test being $2,500. (International Society of Canine Cosmetologists)

#35. Students will pay $5,000 for basic lessons and over $6,500 for more advanced grooming techniques in some facilities (American Academy of Pet Grooming)

#36. 41% of dog owners will use the Internet to pre-shop for the grooming services that are available in their community. (Denver Post)

#37. The average mobile dog groomer reports working with six dogs per day, at an average of $65 per appointment. That means self-employed people in this field can earn up to $390 per day before expenses. (TRUIC)

#38. Most mobile groomers will stay within a 20-mile radius from their home base to limit their travel expenses. (Pet Business Magazine)

#39. The average cost of replacing a piece of grooming equipment in a van meant for mobile work is between $500 to $1,000. (Pet Business Magazine)

#40. Dog groomers who include pet photography sessions as part of their service package can increase their revenues by an average of $150 per appointment. (Pet Business Magazine)

#41. The global mobile pet care market sees an average growth rate that is 1-2 percentage points higher than the overall dog grooming industry. (Report Buyer)

Dog Grooming Industry Trends and Analysis

The dog grooming industry has seen explosive growth around the world in the past five years. It rates as one of the top services to provide as a pet owner, joining veterinary services, gourmet treats, and toys as a care priority. That’s why this market is forecast to grow by about 5% per year through at least 2025.

Growth in some areas of the United States could be as high as 11%, especially when there are significant pockets of high-income households.

The gains in other countries could be significantly higher. Americans might spend $620 billion on their pets, but Australians are spending $600 million on dog grooming in an industry that saw 42% growth from 2013-2016. The average revenue per customer is $150 to keep the dogs looking their best.

Grooming has come to take on more than a trim, wash, and a bow or handkerchief around the neck. The industry is transforming into upscale boutiques and salons that provide a multitude of services and retail products. Large dog owners see this service as being more convenient and efficient in the battle for cleanliness compared to at-home efforts. With mobile pet grooming on the rise as well, even dogs living with home-bound elderly owners can receive care and attention.

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