If you love animals, enjoy being of service, and are looking for a way to earn money, becoming an In-home Pet Groomer could be a great option for you. Of course, you’ll need to learn the trade first, but you could start working fairly quickly. In this article, we’ll look at exactly what the idea is and how to get it off to the best possible start.
- Here's the program
- What is home pet grooming?
- How do I become a groomer?
- Choosing the right training program
- How to find your first customers?
- A mobile grooming salon
- What are the qualities needed for this job?
- 11 Tips for success as a home-based groomer
- Conclusion
- EcoTips
- Pros and Cons
- Information recap
What is home pet grooming?
We all know what a pet groomer is. Their main role is to take care of the hygiene and upkeep of your pet (especially dogs but also cats) to make it look fresh and dapper again. If, for example, you have a dog that bumps into walls every time it moves because its hair has grown so much that it blocks its view, you usually go to the groomer to have it trimmed, thus restoring its view in the process. That’s the classic way of calling in a groomer.
But there are plenty of cases where the pet owner can’t or doesn’t want to go. There can be many reasons for this:
- Pet comfort: Some pets feel stressed or anxious when transported or when in unfamiliar surroundings such as a grooming salon.
- Mobility problems: For owners who have difficulty getting around or whose pets have health or age problems that make moving complicated.
- Convenience: Pet owners may have busy schedules or work during business hours.
- Health conditions: Some owners may be concerned about the diseases or parasites their pet could catch in a grooming salon.
These are just a few of the reasons, and so it sometimes happens that their four-legged companion remains like this for several years without being cared for. Hence the idea of offering a home grooming service. The work remains the same but takes place in the owner’s home rather than in a grooming salon.
Your role remains the same, brushing, trimming, ear cleaning, claw trimming, and sometimes even more specific treatments such as massages or dermatological care. But beyond these technical skills, being a home groomer also requires a good dose of patience, gentleness, and excellent interpersonal skills. Entering a customer’s home to look after their pet demands trust and respect.
What’s more, as a home groomer, you’ll have the opportunity to forge a closer bond with your customers. You’ll work in a more intimate setting, allowing you to tailor your services more closely to the specific needs of each animal and its owner.
But beware: You can’t go into this business without first acquiring all the necessary skills. That’s what we’re going to look at now.

How do I become a groomer?
If you’re not already a professional groomer, you’ll first need to go through an apprenticeship phase to acquire all the skills required to practice this profession. Because, as with many professions focused on practical skills, proper training is the key to providing quality services, adapted to each individual animal, and guaranteeing optimum safety conditions. So, let’s take a look at your options.
Be aware that, in some countries or regions, you will need to obtain official certification to practice this profession. Be sure to check with the local authorities before embarking on any training program, and make sure you have a state-recognized diploma if applicable.
Choosing the right training program
There are many programs and schools dedicated to pet grooming. The first option is to follow a classic classroom training program, during which you’ll take both practical and theoretical classes. This is probably the best option since you’ll benefit from comprehensive, structured courses taught by a teacher with proven skills.
If you live in a large city, or not far from one, you can find a vocational training course near you by doing a quick Google search, indicating the name of the city + “grooming training”. Make sure, however, that it covers all the essential aspects of grooming: cutting techniques, skin care, animal handling, safety, and even customer management.
The second option is online training. The courses are generally more flexible, but the big disadvantage is that you’ll receive theoretical lessons and the practice will probably be via an explanatory video where you won’t have any interaction. This can vary from one online training center to another. So, check it out.
Here are the online training platforms that offer this kind of course:
Note that there are also training courses available on e-learning platforms like Udemy, enabling you to learn when you want and at your own pace.
Practice and traineeship
In addition to your courses, you should look for traineeship courses or workshops to practice what you’ve already learned. This is particularly important if you’ve only taken theoretical courses online. It won’t necessarily be easy to find one, and it will depend on where you live (big city or not).
To find traineeship or hands-on workshops in grooming, you can start by asking at schools or training centers specializing in the field. These institutions often offer programs that include traineeships with professional groomers. Alternatively, try approaching local grooming salons directly and asking them to become a paid or even volunteer assistant.
Finally, some trade shows and grooming events may also offer opportunities for hands-on workshops.
Specializations
Once you’ve completed your basic training, you might consider training to specialize in grooming for certain breeds, dermatological care, or specific techniques such as “hand-stripping“. This can add credibility to your service and open doors to specific clienteles.
Ongoing training
As the world of grooming evolves, so do trends and techniques. Make sure you stay up to date by taking ongoing training courses, participating in workshops or attending conventions dedicated to the profession.
How to find your first customers?
Once you’ve been properly trained, it’s time to think about setting up your own business. But before you do, it’s essential to practice the trade for at least a few months, to gain solid experience in the grooming field. By working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll learn not only all the essential techniques, but also the subtleties of the trade that aren’t always taught in schools.
What’s more, this experience will give you essential credibility in the eyes of your future customers. When you talk to them, they’ll be reassured to know that you already have some practical experience. Credibility is a key element when starting up an entrepreneurial activity—just think about it.
That being said, let’s take a look at how and where you can attract your first customers.
- Word-of-mouth: Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful ways of gaining the trust of new customers. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or former colleagues to tell others about your services.
- Social networks: Create professional profiles on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Regularly share photos of your work, grooming tips, and testimonials from satisfied customers.
- Local partnerships: Establish partnerships with veterinarians, pet stores, or other industry professionals who could recommend your services to their customers. Also consider contacting professionals who deal with the elderly or others with reduced mobility.
- Local advertising: Distribute flyers or business cards to mailboxes in your neighborhood but also to supermarkets, small shops, hospitals, etc., and consider placing a classified ad in a local newspaper or on online classified ad sites.
- Online advertising: You can also launch targeted advertising campaigns on platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads. This will only cost you a few dozen dollars and can potentially get you off to a fast start. Read my article on digital marketing to find out more.
- Promotional offers: To attract your first customers, consider offering discounts or special offers, such as 50% off your first grooming session.
- Website: Having a professional website gives you an online presence where potential customers can learn more about your services, rates, and read reviews. It’s a space where you have total control, so take advantage of it to optimize it as much as possible and put all your strong points forward.
A mobile grooming salon
Let’s face it, the big drawback of this in-home grooming idea is that you won’t have all the equipment and materials you’ll need to work in the best possible conditions. So, why not convert a van or camper van into a mobile grooming salon? Rather than transporting all your tools to the customer’s premises, having an entire mobile workspace dedicated to your activity, wherever you go, could be an ideal solution?
Admittedly, the initial investment for such a project can be substantial, but there are solutions to lighten the cost. You could buy used. A well-maintained vehicle, even if it’s a few years old, can do the job perfectly well and will save you a lot of money.
Once you’ve made the purchase, the next step is to take care of the interior fittings. Clever storage, a comfortable grooming area for the animal, appropriate ventilation, and good lighting are all elements to be taken into account.
The main advantage of this alternative is the autonomy it offers. With a mobile salon, you can take all your materials and equipment with you. There’s no need to load and unload; everything is within easy reach, optimizing time and efficiency.
Additionally, offering a professional, dedicated space can reassure some customers who have limited space, fear that you’ll dirty their home, or that you won’t be able to look after their pet in optimum safety conditions at their home.
Finally, a mobile salon offers appreciable geographical flexibility. You can cover a wider area, take part in local events, fairs, or markets, and even consider collaborations with veterinary clinics or pet stores.
Think about it, because although the initial investment may be higher, a mobile grooming salon can, in the long term, prove to be an excellent selling point. It’s something to think about, depending on your ambitions, your target clientele, and your aspirations as a groomer.

What are the qualities needed for this job?
Like any profession, this one requires certain qualities to be able to exercise it, but certain qualities are particularly indispensable in this case.
- Ability to deal with unpleasant odors and dirt: This means being prepared to face the sometimes unglamorous realities of the job (a dog doesn’t smell like a warm waffle).
- Physical stamina: Standing for long hours while handling animals can sometimes be grueling.
- Manual dexterity: It’s best to have a precise hand to ensure a perfect cut and optimal grooming.
- Serenity and self-control: Knowing how to keep calm even with agitated or nervous animals is essential as they can sense the fear or anxiety you’re feeling.
- Organizational skills: Manage your own schedule, organize your travel, and keep appointments.
- CInterpersonal skills: Some owners who don’t know you may be a little apprehensive, so it’s essential to know how to reassure them and establish a relationship of trust.
- Safety: Knowing and applying best practices to ensure your own safety and that of the pet, especially in a less controlled environment than a salon, is essential.
11 Tips for success as a home-based groomer
Let’s end this article with a few tips and tricks to help you prepare for this itinerant profession.
- Emergency kit: Always carry a pet-friendly first-aid kit with you. A small accident can happen quickly, so it’s best to be prepared.
- Natural soothing: Use calming sprays or essential oils (such as lavender) to relax anxious animals. Make sure they’re pet-safe before use.
- Non-slip mat: Invest in a non-slip mat that you can always take with you. It will ensure that your pet remains stable and safe during grooming.
- Toys and treats: Always have rewards on hand. They can be useful to distract a restless pet or to reward him after a session.
- Soft music: Music can help soothe an anxious pet. Consider creating a relaxing playlist to play during your sessions (yes, Snoop Dogg if you like 😏).
- Continuing education: Read magazines and follow grooming-related accounts to stay up to date on the latest techniques and trends.
- Photograph your work: With the owner’s permission, take before-and-after photos. This will provide content for your social media and show the quality of your work.
- Be cat-ready: Although more difficult than dog grooming, cat grooming is becoming increasingly popular, especially for long-haired breeds. Make sure you have special gloves and combs.
- Online booking: Offer an online booking system to make it easier to book appointments and optimize your schedule. You can use a specialized online platform like SimplyBook, Reservio or PickTime, or create your own form with WordPress.
- Clear, flexible pricing: Have a clearly defined price structure, but be prepared to offer discounts for loyal customers.
- Feedback and reviews: After each session, ask the customer for feedback. This will help you improve your services and build trust.
Conclusion
The home grooming profession offers a unique opportunity to combine a passion for animals with entrepreneurship. In a world where convenience and personalized service are increasingly valued, this profession meets a growing need. However, as with any business, success depends on preparation, ongoing training, and listening carefully to the needs of your customers, whether they have two legs or four.
With dedication, perseverance, and by following the tips and tricks shared, you’re well on your way to building a successful and rewarding career as a home groomer. Never forget that, beyond techniques and skills, it’s your love and respect for animals that will make all the difference.
EcoTips
Environmental and climate change issues are more than ever at the heart of the concerns of this 21st century, which is why I am proposing a few ideas that will enable you to limit the negative impact that the implementation of this idea could have.
These solutions that I suggest are sometimes largely insufficient to compensate for these negative impacts, such as carbon offsetting. Unfortunately, there is not always an ideal and 100% efficient solution, far from it. And if you have others, please do not hesitate to share them in the comments below.
In-home grooming can have quite a significant environmental impact, especially if it’s carried out using a mobile salon fitted out in a van. Fuel consumption for travel, grooming products that could end up in the sewer, and to a lesser extent the use of water for bathing, are all elements that can weigh on our ecosystem.
The best thing to do would be to take public transport to each appointment and carry your equipment in a practical, sturdy suitcase. But if you choose to go by car, or even opt for a mobile grooming salon, try to choose a fuel-efficient model and drive smoothly to avoid over-consumption of fuel. But if you can, the best option is to use an electric vehicle. It’s up to you.
Also remember to use biodegradable and eco-responsible products for grooming, and to set up water-saving systems where possible. Raising awareness of environmental issues and adopting sustainable practices can help make in-home grooming more environmentally friendly while offering a quality service to customers.
Pros
- Flexible working hours for better time management.
- Savings on rental costs for business premises.
- Geographical adaptability, enabling you to cover a wider area.
- Unique service offering, setting you apart from salon-based groomers.
Cons
- You’ll sometimes have to deal with uncooperative or very dirty animals.
- Dependence on a reliable vehicle for travel (if you don’t opt for public transport).
- Lack of a stable infrastructure, limiting certain materials and equipment.
- Potential challenges in adapting to different working environments.
Info
- Location: In your region or elsewhere.
- Investment: Relatively low, unless you opt for a mobile salon.
- Earnings perspective: You should earn the equivalent of a full salary or even more if you have a lot of customers.
- Required: Patience, dexterity, good interpersonal skills, adaptability, and solid knowledge of animal grooming.
- Risk level: Fairly low.
- Implementation time: This will depend on whether or not you’re already a professional groomer, so it could take from a few days to a few months.
- Material needed: All the accessories needed to groom a cat or dog at home (you’ll see this in detail during your training course).
Your idea of a mobile grooming salon is interesting, but you need a huge amount of water to work all day. So it’s hard to store it in such a small space.
That’s a good point, yes. And there are certainly other problem aspects where a solution will have to be found. But the idea is there, and each of the solutions to be found will depend on the type of vehicle to be fitted, I guess. But as my uncle used to say, “there’s a solution for every problem”. 😊