# Pet Grooming Business Startup Cost Worksheet: What to Budget For

Pet grooming business startup cost worksheet: one-time and monthly cost categories to budget for, with a free calculator for your own quotes.

Source page: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/small-business-guides/industries/pet-grooming/startup-cost-worksheet/
Updated: October 6, 2026

Grooming startup costs depend on the model: a salon needs a lease and build-out with plumbing and drainage, tubs, tables, dryers and kennels; a mobile groomer needs a van conversion with water, power and climate control; a home studio needs space upgrades. All need clippers, blades, shears, brushes, shampoos, insurance, booking software and a website.

## Itemized budget

| Line | Salon | Mobile |
| Space | Lease and build-out with drains | Van and conversion |
| Tub | Grooming tub with ramp | Built into van |
| Tables | Hydraulic or electric table | Built into van |
| Dryers | High-velocity and stand dryers | Same, sized for power |
| Kennels | Crates for waiting dogs | Not needed |
| Clippers and blades | Several clippers and blade sets | Same |
| Shears and brushes | Straight, curved, thinning shears | Same |
| Products | Shampoos, conditioners, ear cleaner | Same |
| Insurance | Liability and animal care | Plus commercial auto |
| Website | Booking, gallery | From $399 plus $30/month Website Care |

## Worked example: pricing by size and coat

Jess times her grooms for a month. A small short-coated dog takes much less time than a large doodle with a full haircut. She sets base prices by size and coat type, adds a de-matting fee by time, and a large-breed surcharge. She compares with nearby groomers and adjusts.

## Costs groomers forget

- Blade sharpening
- Generator fuel and van maintenance
- Towels and laundry
- Continuing education

## Where to save and where not to

Groomers can save by buying a sturdy used table or tub, starting with a few high-quality shampoos rather than a full line, and building the gallery themselves instead of hiring a photographer. Do not save on clippers, shears, dryers or insurance. Cheap clippers run hot and can burn skin, dull shears pull hair, and an uninsured injury claim can end a small business. For mobile vans, a professional inspection of the generator, water heater and HVAC before purchase is money well spent.

## One-time costs

| Item | Your quote |
| Equipment | $ ______ |
| Van (if mobile) | $ ______ |
| Licensing | $ ______ |
| Website build and domain | $ ______ |

## Monthly costs

| Item | Your quote |
| Rent or fuel | $ ______ / month |
| Supplies | $ ______ / month |
| Booking software | $ ______ / month |
| Insurance | $ ______ / month |
| Website care | $ ______ / month |

## Free tools

Startup cost calculator · Break-even worksheet

## Common questions

### Salon or mobile cheaper?

Mobile avoids rent but the van is costly.

### How many clippers?

At least two.

### Blade sharpening?

Regular.

### Insurance?

Animal care coverage.

### Do I need care, custody and control coverage?

Many groomers carry it, since general liability may not cover injury to animals in your care. Ask your agent.

### Should I finance a grooming van?

Many groomers do; compare terms and include maintenance costs.

### Should we buy a second table?

When you add a bather or second groomer.

## Sources

- SBA: Calculate your startup costs: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/calculate-your-startup-costs

Websites from $399 with domain included: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/products