Pet Grooming Franchises
4 franchises in this category
Category Overview
Pet grooming franchises offer bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and other hygiene services. While demand remains strong, this category faces a significant structural challenge: skilled labor dependency.
Professional groomers require extensive training and often licensure. The labor pool is constrained and wages are rising. More critically, customers often follow the groomer, not the brand—when a top groomer leaves, their book of business frequently goes with them.
Business models include traditional salons, self-wash facilities, and mobile grooming vans. Mobile concepts have lower startup costs but limited scale. Facility-based concepts can add revenue streams but face the same labor challenges.
Investment Range
$167K - $1.4M
Typical Staffing
3-8
Skilled labor required
Key Challenge
Groomer Shortage
Constrained labor pool, rising wages
Key Considerations for Grooming Franchises
Groomer Recruitment
Finding qualified groomers is the #1 operational challenge. The labor pool is limited, schools aren't producing enough graduates, and wages are rising. Factor in ongoing recruitment costs and potential signing bonuses.
Revenue Follows the Groomer
Customers often have loyalty to their specific groomer, not the business. When a top groomer leaves—to open their own shop or join a competitor—their clients often follow. This creates ongoing business risk.
Wage Pressure
The groomer shortage is driving wages up. Many experienced groomers can demand premium compensation or commission structures. This squeezes margins on what's already a labor-intensive service.
Mobile vs. Facility
Mobile grooming vans have lower startup costs and bring the service to the customer. But they limit throughput, require vehicle maintenance, and don't create a destination business. Facilities scale better but cost more.
Liability Considerations
Grooming involves handling animals in stressful situations with sharp tools and water. Injuries can happen. You're also in custody of the animal without the owner present, creating liability exposure.
Commoditization Risk
Basic grooming is increasingly available at big-box pet stores and low-cost providers. Differentiation requires premium positioning, specialty services, or unique customer experience.
Grooming Franchises Compared
| Franchise | Investment Range | Royalty + Ad | Monthly Fees | Staff | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aussie Pet Mobile | $167,325 – $208,650 | 9% | $1,075 | 1-2 | Mobile | Mobile grooming vans. Requires licensed groomers. |
| Splash and Dash | $264,200 – $471,000 | 10% | $600 | 3 | Facility | Self-wash and full-service grooming. Requires licensed groomers. |
| Scenthound | $328,099 – $549,869 | 7.5% | $675 | 5-7 | Facility | Routine dog care and grooming membership model. |
| Wag N Wash | $520,520 – $1,357,600 | 7% | $1,200 | 5-8 | Facility | Full-service grooming, self-wash, and retail. |
Consider the Alternatives
Before committing to a grooming franchise, consider whether your goals might be better served by a different category:
Want Pet Services Without Labor Dependency?
Dog training franchises don't require licensed specialists. The expertise is built into the curriculum, not dependent on finding scarce talent. If a trainer leaves, you train a replacement—you don't lose your book of business.
Explore Training Franchises →Want to Build Community, Not Just Provide Services?
Grooming is transactional—dogs come in, get groomed, go home. Training facilities become community hubs where owners participate, build relationships, and return for years. Community drives referrals and lifetime value.
Explore Training Franchises →