The majority of a grooming service’s customers will be dog owners, although some grooming services also provide grooming services for cat owners, and for small pets such as rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs. Many pet grooming services supply grooming products such as dog shampoo and conditioner or tick and flea treatments. Some also provide microchipping services, although specialist training is legally required before pet groomers can microchip a pet.

Pet grooming services are typically run from a home base or small salon premises. Some grooming services are operated on a mobile basis, sometimes using a specially adapted vehicle.

Currently pet grooming services in the UK are not regulated. However, following various incidents involving pets being seriously burnt by drying equipment while being groomed, the RSPCA has called for the licensing of pet grooming services.

This profile provides information about starting up and running a pet grooming service. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.