Dog Grooming Business in Australia: A Complete Guide

Discover practical steps, costs, and compliance tips to start and grow a dog grooming business in Australia’s expanding pet care market.

Dog training and grooming market growth illustration
July 15, 2023 • The Career Academy • Business, Pet Care • Updated: Aug 2025

Starting a Dog Grooming Business in Australia: Opportunities & Challenges

PetCare Education Specialists

Demand for grooming is rising across Australia as owners prioritise hygiene, comfort, and coat health. As a groomer you improve wellbeing, reduce vet issues, and deliver a repeat, relationship-based service.

Market insight

Australia’s services market is growing steadily as pet ownership stays high and owners opt for premium add-ons like deshedding, spa treatments, and mobile convenience.

Australian pet grooming market overview

Globally, pet grooming services generated about USD 5.3 billion in 2021 and are forecast to reach roughly USD 9.7 billion by 2030[2].

In Australia, the services market produced about USD 106.5 million in 2024 with projections toward the mid-USD 100 millions by 2030[7]. Keep services separate from products: the Australian products segment was about USD 168.2 million in 2024 and is projected near USD 306.1 million by 2030[3].

Drivers include rising pet expenditure, more mobile operators, expanded menus, and a focus on pet wellbeing. Covid closures slowed growth temporarily but bookings recovered and then surpassed prior levels as owners returned to routines.

Infographic: Building your dog and pet grooming business

Understanding pet owner needs in Australia

Good grooming is more than looks. Regular bathing, brushing, nail care, and ear checks prevent matting, reduce hotspots, and catch issues early. Clear aftercare tips and reminder schedules keep clients returning.

69%

of Australian households own a pet, which supports steady, repeat demand for grooming [1].

7 in 10

pet owners view pets as family, lifting interest in premium services and mobile convenience.

Dogs dominate service bookings but cat grooming is a growing niche. Owners value gentle handling, safety, and transparent pricing. Add small upgrades like teeth clean, deshed, or medicated baths to increase basket size without extending session times too much.

Bathing, brushing and nail clipping for dogs illustration
Benefits and challenges of starting a dog grooming business

Benefits and challenges of starting a dog grooming business

Benefits

Growing market

More pets, higher spend per visit, and regular booking habits are lifting revenue for well-run salons and mobile vans.

High demand

Owners value hygiene, comfort, and coat management. Seasonal spikes can be smoothed with reminders and bundles.

Lucrative add-ons

Deshed, teeth care, nail grinding, or medicated baths add margin without a big time increase when scheduled correctly.

Flexible schedule

Choose salon, mobile, or hybrid and set hours that fit demand in your area.

Lower overhead options

Start from home or mobile to reduce lease costs and test pricing before scaling.

Personal satisfaction

Daily contact with animals and happy clients makes the work rewarding.

Continuous learning

Keep skills current with modern techniques, welfare standards, and business systems.

Challenges

Competition

Differentiate with a niche, strong reviews, and fast, clear booking flows.

Physical demands

Handling varied sizes and temperaments is strenuous. Good ergonomics and scheduling protect your energy.

Margins and admin

Gross margins can be tight. Track no-shows, price add-ons properly, and systemise reminders and bookkeeping.

Quick profit planner

Monthly revenue A$0
Estimated profit A$0
Billable grooms kept 0
Break-even grooms / month 0

This is a simple planner for ballpark decisions. It does not include GST, fuel surcharges, merchant fees, or payroll taxes.

Sources

  1. Animal Medicines Australia (2022), Pets in Australia.
  2. Polaris Market Research (2022–2030), Global Pet Grooming Services Market Size Report.
  3. TechSci Research (2024–2030), Australia Pet Grooming Products Market.
  4. Grand View Research (2030), Pet Grooming Services Market Size & Share.
  5. Grand View Research (Australia Outlook), Australia Pet Grooming Services Market Size & Outlook, 2030.

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