When taking our furry companions to the pet salon, every pet parent has one common question. Whether they should stay with their canine companion during the dog grooming process or leave them in the hands of the groomer.
Is Helicopter Pet Parenting a Good Idea?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to this question. However, considering some elements can help pet parents make an informed decision that protects their dog’s comfort and health.
Know Your Pet’s Temperament
First and foremost, you should evaluate your dog’s temperament and attitude. Some canines may feel more at ease and calm when their parent is there. It gives them a sense of security and reassurance throughout the pet grooming procedure. Conversely, in the pet parent’s presence, some dogs may feel anxious, making it difficult for the provider to groom.
Pet Groomer Preferences and Salon Policies
Additionally, the groomer’s choice and salon regulations may influence whether parents can accompany their dogs throughout the grooming process. Some pet groomers prefer to work without distractions, and some believe dogs sit better when their parents are absent. Others may welcome a parent’s engagement and urge them to stay and see the grooming procedure.
Types of Pet Grooming Services
Another aspect to consider is the sort of grooming service being provided. Many pet parents are comfortable leaving their dogs with the dog groomer for normal grooming activities. It can include baths, brushing, and nail trims and returning to pick them up later. However, some pet parents may want to stay for more complex grooming processes, including haircuts or styling. They do so to offer feedback and ensure that their dog’s grooming demands are to their liking.
Effective Communication with the Dog Groomer
Talking freely and efficiently with the dog groomerabout your grooming preferences and concerns is also essential. If you have any special grooming instructions or demands for your dog, convey them to the groomer. It can be the length of their haircut or any medical issues that they have. Make sure to discuss these with the groomer before the grooming session.
Your Dog’s Individual Needs
Staying with your canine during the dog grooming process may be advantageous if they have unique medical needs or issues. For example, if your dog has a medical condition requiring medication or behavioral difficulties, your presence can ensure their requirements are appropriately met.
Find your Comfort Level as a Pet Parent
Ultimately, the decision to stay with your dog throughout their pet grooming session or leave them in the hands of the pet provider is a personal choice. However, it depends on your dog’s specific needs and your comfort level as a pet parent. If you are confident in the groomer’s expertise and believe they will give exceptional care for your dog, you can leave them with the groomer. However, if you want to accompany your canine to the grooming salon to give assistance and supervision, many groomers will accommodate your request and welcome your presence.
Pet grooming software alleviates common headaches of running a small pet care business, such as managing schedules and recurring appointments. Depending on the platform, some pet grooming software might offer additional features that can help out with the marketing or financial aspects of your business.
Here’s a breakdown of features from the most popular grooming software platforms on the market to help you choose which product is the best fit for your grooming salon.
How The Top Dog Grooming Software Stack Up
Marketing
Recurring clientele is crucial for your success, but getting customers to find your business can be one of the trickiest parts of running a successful grooming salon. Deciding how you want to drive clients to your salon can help you make an informed decision about which grooming software suits your needs best.
For example, PawCare exclusively offers an online marketplace that displays your company name along with other grooming salons in your area on their website (think Yelp or OpenTable, but designed with pet care businesses in mind). Potential clients can find you when they search for a groomer based on their dog’s breed and their scheduling availability. This system connects you with customers who are already tailored to your areas of grooming expertise, making it easy for you to provide a positive grooming experience for their pup — and encourages them to become repeat customers who are happy to leave you favorable reviews.
Branding & Website Integration
If you plan to market primarily through building a brand through outside marketing and your business’s website, PawCare and Gingr would be the best fit since their software can integrate with your existing webpage. All of the other software solutions that we’re comparing in this article function exclusively through the customer app and the payment processing system at your salon.
With the exception of DaySmart and MoeGo, all of the top pet grooming software providers allow groomers at least some ability to brand their business’s profile on the platform so that customers can clearly associate your business’s image with the service they’ve received. For most, branding is reflected on the customer’s app and through payment processing, which displays your company logo.
Tiered Plans
If you’re not sure that a pet grooming software is the right move, ask if the software company has a promotional period or a free demo so you can try it risk-free.
With the exception of Goose, which is only available in one pricing model, all of the platforms on this list have tiered plans with customizable features and prices so you can pick the one that’s best for your business.
For example, if you want to focus on managing appointments, a basic plan might be adequate since all of the companies offer online scheduling and most have customer apps. The upper-tier plans usually offer more branding options and website integrations, which are great alternative resources for a marketing team or website designer. Some systems, like Gingr and PawCare, even make payroll easier by linking with Quickbooks or providing an internal payroll processing system.
Customer Relations
Thankfully, your customers don’t have to keep up with printed business cards anymore in order to book their next appointment. With the exception of MoeGo, all of the pet grooming software options come equipped with a customer app that clients can download on their phone to schedule their next appointment online. Most allow automatic scheduling as well, so the customer can set up recurring appointments every few weeks or as their dog needs.
A pet grooming software can also tackle secretarial roles by sending out automatic texts and emails. These reminders are a great way to reduce no-shows and look professional, without the time and cost of hiring a receptionist or the annoyance of handling these things on your own. These communications also have the ability to carry on a marketing role since you can automatically send out customer promotions.
Commerce
The best grooming software should allow you to manage bookings and get your money all in one place. While most of the providers on this list have integrated commerce features that allow for cashless payments, the key point of comparison to pay attention to is how those providers then pay you. PawCare even offers free payment processing and allows you to set up direct deposit so you don’t have to run to the bank to get your payment. Usually, this convenience fee hovers around 2.5% of the total cost, which is something to keep in mind when setting your prices.
Does your salon sell custom-made dog bandanas or crunchy homemade treats alongside your services? Finding vendors to fill your lobby with wares can be a great stream of additional revenue and pet grooming software makes it even easier to get some extra cash. As of right now, Gingr and PetExec are the only options with commerce functionality, but stay tuned because PawCare announced that it will roll out a point-of-sale (POS) system shortly.
How to Choose The Best Dog Grooming Software for You
Making your own pros and cons list based on the software features can help guide you in the right direction for your business’s needs. While any of the top pet grooming software may be useful, you’ll likely find there is a best option depending on your marketing goals and budgetary factors. If you still have questions, reaching out to a pet software representative or asking for a free trial can give you some more ideas before you commit for the long haul.
Everybody stay calm; it’s happening! At PawCare, we’re celebrating one year of woofs and barks, and we’d like to party with you and your furry buddies. We’re starting a month-long social media competition with fantastic rewards for your four-legged pals to show our appreciation for your incredible support in our pet grooming journey.
Here’s How You Can Join the Fun:
1. Snap a Pawsome Picture
Grab your phone, grab your dog, and take a lovely picture showing your friendship. Capture a candid snuggling moment, a comical adventure photo, or simply a portrait of your dog’s adorable face!
2. Spread the Word!
Once you’ve taken your pawsome photo, post it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at “getpawcare” so we can quickly see your picture and send your pup some virtual love. Also, tag a fellow dog parent who shares your passion for dogs.
3. The Winning Woof Pack:
Prepare to be bamboozled because we have some great gifts up for grabs!
Grand Prize: The first dog will receive an entirely free pet grooming service at any provider of their choosing.
Runners-Up: Three lucky furry babies will receive a 50% discount on their next grooming experience with any of our connected grooming providers.
Everyone Wins: We don’t want anyone to feel excluded! By joining the competition, you will earn a 10% discount on your subsequent grooming session from us.
Mark Your Calendars
Pet parents and pets of Chicago, mark your calendars! The contest begins on March 1st and goes until March 30th, so you’ll have plenty of time to snap those pawsome photos and join the fun. We can’t wait to see all the beautiful entries and celebrate our love of dogs together!
Don’t forget to follow us on social media to remain up to speed on the competition and see all the fantastic entries.
It’s difficult to answer the phone or respond to emails when your hands are deep in sudsy water. Grooming software like PawCare gives you an extra hand by allowing clients to set up their appointments online, making the check in, check out, and payment process seamless for both you and your customers—and reduces the risk of losing potential clients due to an unruly dog in the bath.
Pet grooming software replaces pen-and-paper methods of handling business and streamlines operations, which allows you to book more appointments in the same amount of time and makes managing your grooming business a breeze.
That said, to make the most out of upgrading your scheduling and business management system, you want to make sure you’re bringing the right software for your business on board. In this article, we’ll explore the key features to look for in a grooming software, and dig deep into how they can help your small business expand.
Key Grooming Software Features to Look For
Imagine hiring a digital assistant who handles all of your appointment booking, grooming notes, and your personal vacation schedule. The best part? They don’t take lunch breaks and they even work weekends and evenings when you’re not there.
The best pet grooming software easily tackles both the front end (what your clients see) and the back end (what you see) of running your grooming business, allowing you to spend more of your time doing what you’re actually passionate about. Here are just a few key things to look for:
1. Online Booking
Pet parents sometimes realize their dog needs a haircut or a bath after you’re closed or when you’re out to lunch. Instead of making them wait to book the appointment and risk them booking somewhere else, a pet grooming software like PawCare lets them book an appointment online after searching for a groomer in their geographical area. But don’t worry—there’s no chance for a scheduling conflict since you can set your own times and block out days to ensure availability (we’ll explore scheduling in a little bit more detail in the next section).
The best grooming software will allow you to integrate their online booking features directly onto your website, as well as allow new clients to discover you via a customer-facing app or marketplace (similar to how a restaurant reservation app like OpenTable works, for example). Leveraging a dog grooming app allows you to connect with your ideal clients (and gives your ideal clients a chance to connect with you!), as it gives them a chance to personalize their search. For example, clients can search for a groomer who’s suited for their dog’s breed, age, size, and who has availability at the times that work best for them, cutting out back-and-forth communication about your services and availability.
2. Scheduling
Having the ability to set your own hours is one of the main perks of owning a small business. With pet grooming software, you can block out times when you’re not available or even days when your business will be closed, allowing clients to select times that you know will work for both you and them.
This feature helps reduce potentially wasted time and income from missed appointments. If you have a no-show or an early cancellation, you can easily change your availability for the day in the dog grooming app, which allows other pet parents to fill the spot. Furthermore, grooming software providers like PawCare will even set up a cancellation fee for missed appointments or last-minute cancellations if you have a show rate of 98% or higher.
3. Recurring Reservations
Online scheduling with the potential for automatic appointments makes booking the next appointment and retaining a new client a breeze. For example, if your client’s dog needs a routine trim every 6-8 weeks, you can set up recurring reservations to make the next appointment automatically. Of course, you and the client can override the automatic scheduling if the day conflicts with other interests, but it’s a helpful resource in most instances.
4. Customer Notes
Whether you need to remember which guard to set the hair clippers or you want to remember that feisty Harriet fights the hair dryer, having a digital platform to upload your grooming notes helps you keep track of your client’s individual needs. This gives your customers peace of mind since they always know they’re going to get what they want, no questions asked.
5. Easy Payment Methods and Commerce Functionality
In addition to making it easy for your customers to find and book an appointment with you, the best grooming software is an all-in-one solution. Many providers only focus on scheduling rather than the financial aspects of running a business, so when deciding on the best software for your needs, be sure to think about how it will integrate with (or better yet, streamline) the rest of your system.
Platforms like PawCare allow your clients to book appointments and pay all in one place, and then they will deposit income directly into your bank account. PawCare even covers the credit card processing fee for you. If you have multiple groomers working for you, PawCare can even track their work and help you understand how much you should pay each of your groomers.
Mutt Cutts’s PawCare Profile Page
6. Built-In Marketing
Every business owner knows that it is easy to spend as much time on marketing as you spend on actually doing your job. Choosing a grooming software that is built with marketing in mind is a great way to cut down on the time it takes to find new clientele, saving you both time and money.
Like we mentioned earlier in this article, PawCare is far more than an online booking solution. Our app and digital marketplace allow new customers to discover you as they’re looking to book an appointment for their pet. To help you put your best foot (or paw) forward, PawCare works with groomers to create a dedicated brand profile for your business on the PawCare platform, allowing you to showcase your services, pricing, and contact information all in one place. And, because we only thrive when you thrive, we also dedicate a portion of our marketing budget to promoting our groomers directly, expanding your business’s reach without you having to lift a finger.
Most dog grooming software solutions usually start between $50-$100 a month. Considering the average price of a full groom varies between $30 and $90 depending on the dog and location, the software pays for itself within a day’s work.
Choosing the best type of dog grooming software for your company depends on the size of your business and your personal goals. For example, if you’re looking to simplify booking and you already pay for an accountant, you might prefer a basic scheduling software over an integrated all-in-one solution. The number of employees you have also changes the name of the game. Many pet grooming softwares can replace the need for a receptionist, or at least ease their workload. If you’re still not sure what grooming software is right for you, contact the company to see if they offer a free trial or a promotional period so you can test it out risk-free.
What Sets PawCare Apart From Other Pet Grooming Software
PawCare is the only grooming software to straddle the line between online booking and managing the backend of your business. Our marketplace and scheduling tools make it as easy as possible for new clients to find you, and our commerce and recurring appointment tools make it easy for you to maximize their business once they do.
Are you dreaming of starting a dog grooming business? Your timing is good! The pet industry is growing steadily– as of 2023, 66% of US households own at least one pet. What’s more, according to Forbes, pet owners are spending more on their pets than ever before. Pet-related spending increased by 11% from 2021 to 2022, and this trend is expected to continue.
In other words, there are plenty of opportunities in the pet industry for passionate pet professionals.
But, running a successful dog grooming business requires more than just a love for animals. You must possess business acumen, customer service skills, and have a solid business plan in place to succeed.
If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Keep reading as we guide you through all the steps you must take to start and operate a successful dog grooming business. We’ll cover everything from developing a business plan and obtaining the necessary certifications to finding your unique place in the market and streamlining your operational processes to supercharge revenue.
Let’s jump in!
How to Start a Dog Grooming Business
Starting a dog grooming business isn’t as simple as printing business cards and declaring yourself a professional groomer. It’s crucial to ensure you know all the legalities and licensing requirements associated with the profession.
Licenses and Legalities
Aestheticians and hair stylists who work on humans must hold licenses, but no such thing exists for dog groomers at this time. However, when operating a business, you must have all the necessary legalities worked out before you begin collecting money from customers. Depending on where your business is located, there may be legal requirements related to safety or hygiene.
The legal requirements of your dog grooming business may vary depending on the format of your business, too. For instance, if you’re operating out of your home, your safety and liability requirements may differ from running a brick-and-mortar grooming salon or operating out of an existing business. Research the by-laws in your local area to ensure you are compliant.
Training and Certifications
Groomers may not require licenses, but they definitely need skills. Before launching a dog grooming business, ensure you’re up to snuff on the latest pet grooming techniques and best practices. You can learn the pet grooming trade by shadowing an existing groomer, experimenting with your own dogs, or taking certification classes.
Formal training from a well-known organization such as those mentioned above ensures you’re aware of the latest industry trends and will inspire confidence from prospective customers, too. You will learn about canine hygiene best practices, how to work with different coat types, the most popular grooming cuts, and much more.
To further boost the trust of your prospective clients, consider becoming certified in pet first aid so you can offer support if a pet becomes sick or injured while under your care.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Before providing services, you must source the necessary tools and equipment. Acquiring everything you need will require a significant investment, so plan ahead. Do your research to ensure you purchase quality tools you enjoy working with. Some of the items on your list may include:
Brushes
Combs
Shears
Clippers
Nail clippers
Nail grinders
Bathing tubs
Grooming tables
Fur dryers
Grooming hoses
Shower attachments
Shampoos and conditioners
Paw balm
Ear cleaning supplies
Clean products
Linens
Cleaning products
Kennels
Leashes, harnesses, straps
Appointment software, Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, and other administrative tools
Types of Dog Grooming Businesses
One of the great things about starting a dog grooming business is that there is lots of flexibility around the format of your business. Your business may even grow and change over time.
Brick-and-mortar Salon
A strategically located salon can benefit from foot traffic, helping to attract new customers and retain regulars. The physical presence of a salon also provides the perfect opportunity for expansion into other services and product lines, such as pet accessories, food, or even daycare services, thereby increasing the potential revenue streams.
However, operating a brick-and-mortar salon has its downsides. The overhead costs can be substantial, encompassing rent, utilities, maintenance, and the initial setup of a grooming facility. These expenses require careful financial planning and management to ensure the business remains profitable and sustainable in the long run.
Renting a Space
Renting a grooming space within an existing pet business is a savvy strategy for those looking to dive into the pet grooming industry while keeping startup costs low. You can attract a built-in clientele who already frequent the business for other services, providing a steady stream of potential customers from day one.
Additionally, it slashes the overhead costs of running a standalone salon, as you won’t be shouldering the full burden of rent and utilities on your own. The flexibility in scheduling offered by sharing a space allows for a more adaptable operation, making it an ideal setup for newcomers aiming to establish themselves in the market.
However, operating within another business means adhering to their schedule and rules, which can limit your operational hours and impact your business model. The lack of control over the space’s layout and design also hinders your ability to create a fully branded experience. It may also impact your efficiency.
Furthermore, the opportunity for expansion is limited, as the space you occupy is confined to what’s available within the existing business’s premises.
Mobile Grooming
Mobile grooming businesses stand out by offering a premium service that caters to the convenience of clients, bringing the entire grooming experience directly to their doorstep. This model is particularly appealing to busy pet owners or those with pets that don’t travel well to traditional salons.
However, mobile grooming also comes with its set of challenges. Parking the mobile spa can be challenging, especially in urban areas or communities with strict zoning laws, which can restrict where services can be offered. Additionally, accessing reliable water and power sources on the go can prove tricky, requiring the mobile unit to be equipped with onboard generators and water tanks.
Purchasing and outfitting a mobile grooming vehicle requires a substantial upfront investment, which may be daunting for new entrepreneurs.
Home-based Business
Running a home-based pet grooming business reduces overhead costs, such as rent and utilities associated with a separate commercial space. This setup also eliminates the commute, saving time and money, and provides the flexibility to create a schedule that aligns with your personal life and professional aspirations.
However, navigating the by-laws and regulations surrounding home-based businesses can be complex. Some areas have specific rules that govern commercial activities in residential zones, including restrictions on signage, parking, and the amount of space within the home that can be dedicated to business activities. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid fines or the forced cessation of business operations.
How to Put Together a Dog Grooming Business Plan
A business plan guides your decisions in operating your pet grooming business. It should incorporate a market analysis and clearly define your offerings, client acquisition strategies, and financial plan.
Market Research
Conducting market research provides insights into the competitive landscape, customer preferences, and pricing strategies that exist within the grooming industry. This information helps you identify gaps in the market, tailor your services to meet the specific needs of your target audience, and position your business for success by offering something that distinguishes you from competitors.
Understanding the dynamics of your local market through thorough research ensures that your business decisions are data-driven, maximizing your potential for growth and profitability.
Defining Products and Services
Do you prefer to work on small dogs? Are wild and artistic haircuts your favorite type of work to do? Articulating your products and services establishes your brand identity and differentiates you from competitors. It helps customers understand the unique value and expertise you bring to their pets’ care.
Having a well-defined range of services and products enables you to target your marketing efforts more effectively, attracting the right clientele looking for the specific grooming solutions you provide.
Advertising Plan
An advertising plan is crucial so you know how you’ll spread the word about your pet grooming business. You could employ countless advertising tactics and strategies, and it may take some experimentation before you find the best methods for you.
You might try any of the following:
Social media marketing
Print advertising
Building relationships in your local community
Cross-promoting your services with local businesses
Financial planning is crucial when starting a dog grooming business as it lays the foundation for sustainable growth and financial health. It helps you forecast startup costs, set realistic pricing strategies, and manage cash flow effectively to ensure the business can cover operational costs while still turning a profit.
Anticipating financial challenges and planning for future investments enables entrepreneurs to navigate the uncertainties of business ownership and make informed decisions that safeguard the business’s long-term viability.
Finding your Grooming Business Niche
Establishing a niche within the dog grooming industry allows you to specialize in a specific area of the market, making your services more appealing to a targeted segment of customers. This acts as a natural filter, attracting those seeking the unique expertise and offerings your business provides.
You may choose to specialize within the dog grooming industry in many different ways. You could hone in on a specific service, work with a particular breed (or set of breeds), or specialize in using a specific product type. For instance, you could be a green groomer who only uses eco-friendly products on your clients.
Let Your Niche Find You
You don’t necessarily need to choose your niche right away. Your niche may reveal itself in time once you’ve served many clients and gotten to know their needs and preferences.
You might find that you routinely receive referrals for certain services or from certain types of dog owners. For example, let’s say you have a loyal client with a Havanese dog. They love your work and routinely refer you to other pet parents of Havanese dogs. Soon, you may find that you’re an expert in the unique needs of this particular dog breed, setting you apart from other groomers in your area!
Building a Brand
Once you’ve started honing in on a niche, you can build a brand around it. Instead of focusing on general dog grooming, specializing enables you to communicate specifically about certain aspects of the grooming profession.
Niching down enables you to demonstrate your robust knowledge and experience and will help you attract clients who need exactly what you offer. Your brand messaging will resonate more with your ideal customers because they’ll feel as though you’re speaking directly to them and their unique needs.
Ways to Supercharge Business Efficiency
Once you’ve launched your pet grooming business, refining your processes will help you make business operations more efficient, enabling you to serve more clients and increase profitability.
Streamlining Business Operations with PawCare
PawCare makes it easy to streamline bookings and appointments and backend business administration. The calendar management tool lets you set your availability and auto-accept incoming appointments day or night. If you have a cancellation, you can easily add those openings back into your calendar to replace the revenue.
And all of this can be managed through a handy mobile app, making it easy to reference and adjust your calendar on the go.
Additional Tips for Improving Efficiency
Here are a few more tips for improving operational efficiency to boost your earnings.
Audit and optimize your grooming workflow: Spend time thinking about how you can make your process easier and more efficient. It may take some time to find the right flow. Everything from the tools you use to the layout of your workstation may help improve your efficiency.
Stock products strategically: Keep a well-organized inventory of frequently used grooming products and tools to minimize time spent searching for items, ensuring that everything you need is within easy reach.
Train and empower your team: Regular training sessions can enhance your team’s grooming skills and efficiency. Empowering them to make small decisions can also speed up operations and improve job satisfaction.
Solicit and act on feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from both employees and customers to identify areas for improvement. Implementing their suggestions can help streamline operations, enhance service quality, and boost customer satisfaction.
Launching and running a successful dog grooming business involves several critical steps, from obtaining the necessary training and certifications to choosing the right business model. Developing a business plan will give you the best chance of success by helping you forecast expenses and position yourself strategically within the market.
With dedication, adaptability, and a focus on quality and customer service, you can establish a prosperous dog grooming business that brings joy to pets and their owners alike.
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