Thinking about going mobile? Here's a practical, honest guide to starting a mobile dog grooming business — from van setup and licensing to finding your first clients.
Going mobile is one of the best decisions a groomer can make. You set your own schedule, eliminate booth rent, and build direct relationships with clients who genuinely value the one-on-one attention you provide. But starting any business from scratch can feel overwhelming. Here's what you actually need to get going — without overcomplicating it.
Before you spend a dollar on equipment, handle the paperwork. Requirements vary by state, but most places require a business license and some form of liability insurance. A general liability policy for a mobile grooming business typically runs $500–$1,200 per year and is absolutely worth it. One bite incident or property damage claim without coverage can end your business before it starts.
Some states also require a grooming license or certification. Check your state's Department of Agriculture website — that's usually where animal-related business regulations live. Even if your state doesn't require certification, getting a credential from a school or organizations like the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) or International Professional Groomers (IPG) signals credibility to clients who don't know you yet.
Your van is your biggest upfront investment and your most important one. Most mobile groomers start with a converted cargo van — a Ford Transit, Sprinter, or Ram ProMaster are all popular choices. You can buy a pre-converted grooming van (expect $40,000–$80,000 new, $15,000–$35,000 used) or convert one yourself if you're handy and want to save money.
A fully equipped grooming van needs:
Don't skimp on clippers. A mid-range professional clipper like the Andis ProClip AGC2 or Oster A5 will serve you far better than anything from a pet store. Buy two — one always needs to be charged or sharp.
New groomers almost universally underprice themselves. Don't. Research what mobile groomers in your area charge — in most markets, mobile grooms run $80–$150+ depending on breed and size, specifically because of the convenience premium. You're driving to the client, setting up your own equipment, and providing a stress-free experience. That's worth more than a salon visit.
Start by building a simple price list: small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs, and extra-large dogs. Then adjust up for breed-specific work (doodles, double coats, matted dogs). You can always run a soft-launch discount for your first 10 clients, but set a real price from day one and communicate that the discount is temporary.
Before you tell anyone you're open, set up a Google Business Profile. This is free, takes 30 minutes, and will be the single biggest source of new clients once you start accumulating reviews. Fill it out completely — hours, service area, photos of your van, photos of grooms. Google rewards complete profiles.
You also need a way for people to book you. Texting back and forth with every potential client is a time drain. Set up an online booking page from the start so clients can see your availability and schedule themselves. You'll look more professional and you won't lose leads who can't reach you in the moment.
Tell literally everyone you know. Post on Nextdoor. Join local Facebook groups for pet owners in your area and introduce yourself. Offer a small discount to neighbors and friends in exchange for honest Google reviews. Five genuine five-star reviews in your first month will do more for your business than any paid ad.
Don't underestimate word of mouth. Mobile grooming is a referral-heavy business. When you do a great job, owners talk about it at the dog park, at work, in their neighborhood app. One happy client in a dense neighborhood can become five clients within a few months.
The first six months are hard. You'll have slow weeks, van trouble, and clients who ghost you. That's normal. The groomers who build lasting businesses are the ones who keep showing up, keep improving their craft, and treat every dog like it's the most important appointment of the day. The mobile grooming market is growing fast — the demand is there. You just have to go get it.
Online booking, automated reminders, deposit collection, and client management — all in one place built for groomers.
Try Free for 14 Days →