Hard data about the grooming industry is surprisingly difficult to find. Most âstatisticsâ articles recycle the same outdated numbers. Hereâs what we actually know, sourced from industry reports, surveys, and real market data. For more on this topic, see our guide on Average Pet Grooming Business Revenue (2026 Real Numbers).
Market Size and Growth
- US pet grooming market (2026): Estimated $13-$14 billion â see also How to Set Up Text Reminders for Pet Grooming Appointments. For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Build a Pet Grooming Website (Step-by-Step Guide).
- Annual growth rate: 6-7% (has been above 5% consistently since 2015)
- Projected market size (2030): $17-$19 billion
The growth is driven by:
- Increasing pet ownership (68% of US households own a pet)
- Pet humanization trends (spending more per pet)
- Growth of the Doodle and designer breed market (high-maintenance coats)
- Shift from DIY to professional grooming
Pet Ownership Numbers
- US households with pets: ~87 million (68% of households)
- Dogs specifically: ~69 million households
- Average dogs per dog-owning household: 1.5
- Total dogs in US: ~103 million
Grooming Pricing Data
| Service | National Average | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small dog full groom | $55-$70 | $40 | $95 |
| Medium dog full groom | $65-$85 | $50 | $120 |
| Large dog full groom | $85-$120 | $65 | $160 |
| Bath & brush (medium) | $45-$60 | $30 | $80 |
| Nail trim | $15-$20 | $10 | $30 |
| Mobile groom (medium) | $85-$110 | $65 | $150 |
Pricing trend: Grooming prices increased approximately 20-30% from 2020-2025, driven by supply costs, labor shortages, and increased demand.
Industry Segments
| Segment | Market Share | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Independent salons | ~45% | 4-5% |
| Chain salons (PetSmart, Petco) | ~25% | 2-3% |
| Mobile grooming | ~15% | 12-15% |
| Self-serve dog wash | ~5% | 8-10% |
| At-home grooming products | ~10% | 5-7% |
Mobile grooming is the fastest-growing segment at 12-15% annual growth, driven by convenience demand accelerated during COVID.
Groomer Demographics
- Gender: ~90% female
- Average age: 35-45 years
- Average experience: 7-10 years
- Solo operators: ~40% of all groomers
- Employment type: ~55% employee, ~45% self-employed/independent
Technology Adoption
- Groomers using scheduling software: ~60% (up from ~40% in 2019)
- Offering online booking: ~55%
- Accepting card payments: ~85%
- Active on social media: ~70%
- Using automated text reminders: ~50%
Financial Benchmarks
| Metric | Solo Groomer | Small Salon (2-3 groomers) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual revenue | $70,000-$130,000 | $180,000-$350,000 |
| Profit margin | 25-40% | 15-25% |
| Average ticket | $65-$85 | $65-$85 |
| Dogs per day (per groomer) | 5-7 | 5-7 |
| No-show rate (without reminders) | 10-15% | 10-15% |
| No-show rate (with reminders) | 2-5% | 2-5% |
| Client retention rate | 60-80% | 65-85% |
What These Numbers Mean for Your Business
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The market is growing. There are more dogs, more owners willing to pay for grooming, and prices are rising. This is a good industry to be in.
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Mobile grooming is the opportunity. 12-15% growth means mobile demand is outpacing salon demand. If youâre considering mobile, the timing is excellent.
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Technology is a competitive advantage. With only 55% of groomers offering online booking and 50% using automated reminders, adopting these tools puts you ahead of nearly half the market.
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Prices should be going up. With 20-30% increases industry-wide in the last 5 years, clients are accustomed to paying more. If you havenât raised prices, youâre falling behind.
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The labor shortage is real. With demand growing faster than the groomer workforce, experienced groomers have leverage. If youâre employed, negotiate better compensation. If youâre a salon owner, invest in retention.