The grooming industry is evolving fast. Here's what's trending in 2026 — from new techniques and tools to shifting client expectations and business models.
The pet grooming industry has changed more in the past five years than it did in the two decades before. Mobile grooming has become mainstream, clients have higher expectations, technology has changed how businesses run, and the conversation around dog welfare in grooming has fundamentally shifted. Here's what's defining the industry in 2026.
What was once a niche approach — low-stress handling, desensitization, working at the dog's pace — is rapidly becoming the client expectation rather than the exception. The Fear Free certification program has brought professional training around stress reduction to tens of thousands of groomers and veterinary professionals. Clients who research groomers increasingly look for these credentials and this language.
Groomers who haven't invested in understanding stress signals and low-stress handling techniques are falling behind. Those who position their approach around dog comfort and wellbeing — not just the finished cut — are differentiating themselves effectively.
The mobile grooming market has grown significantly and shows no signs of slowing. Pet owners value convenience, and the one-on-one attention of mobile grooming appeals to a growing segment of the market — particularly for anxious dogs, seniors, and owners with busy schedules. Mobile grooming now commands a premium in most markets that clients consistently consider worth paying.
Van costs and fuel prices remain the primary barriers to entry, but the demand-side story is strong. New mobile groomers entering the market are finding client acquisition faster than the previous generation did.
A grooming business that only takes bookings by phone or text is increasingly viewed as less professional than one with an online booking page, automated reminders, and digital payment options. This isn't about technology for its own sake — it's about meeting clients where they are and running a business that doesn't depend entirely on manual administration.
Groomers who have adopted digital scheduling report significantly lower no-show rates and more time focused on actual grooming rather than administrative tasks.
Mixed poodle breeds continue to dominate new dog ownership demographics. For groomers, this means an ongoing surge in demand for doodle grooming — and an ongoing challenge in managing client expectations around coat care. Groomers who specialize in or market specifically to doodle owners are finding strong demand and loyal client bases.
Clients in 2026 want to understand what's happening to their dog. Before-and-after photos, condition notes, coat health observations, and honest communication about what's achievable given the coat's current state are increasingly expected. Groomers who communicate thoroughly tend to retain clients longer and generate more referrals than those who treat the process as a black box.
The grooming businesses that will thrive over the next decade are the ones that combine excellent craft with genuine client communication, professional business practices, and a real commitment to dog welfare. The bar is rising — and so is the opportunity.
Online booking, automated reminders, deposit collection, and client management — all in one place built for groomers.
Try Free for 14 Days →