Open Up a Mobile Pet Grooming Business
If you have a knack for business and a passion for pet grooming, the best avenue for your career may be to open a pet grooming business. As a pet groomer, you'll have the opportunity to care for all types of pets, as well as interacting on a daily basis with fellow animal lovers. You'll also enjoy the benefits of being your own boss, choosing your hours, and earning money your way.
Instructions
1. Create a business plan. Make a list of all the materials you'll need, such as a van to operate out of or to bring supplies to clients' homes, brushes, shampoos, a tub, etc. Also, calculate your initial startup costs as part of your business plan. The estimated cost of starting a mobile pet grooming business (including the van) is about $10,000 to $50,000, according to Entrepreneur Media, Inc. Decide if you plan to operate your business part-time or full-time, if you plan to hire employees, and how much money you hope to make in your first year as a mobile pet groomer, and add all this information to your business plan.
2. Develop a marketing plan. Make a list of all the places in your community where you can advertise your business. Examples include veterinary offices and pet shops, grocery store bulletin boards and other community bulletin boards. Print business cards, brochures, fliers or other informational materials to leave at veterinary offices and in stores and to pass out to people you meet. Consider taking out ads in your local paper, the Yellow Pages neighborhood newsletters and online sites such as Craig's List.
3. Decide which services you'd like to offer in your pet grooming business and which types of animals you'd like to groom. Most pet groomers limit themselves to cats and dogs. Services you might consider offering include brushing, bathing, styling, trimming, and pet massages. You can also offer more advanced services like teeth brushing, pet exercising, and pedicures.
4. Check with the business administration department of your local government to find out about licensing, zoning, and insurance requirements for your pet grooming business. The department of revenue services may also be able to help you. Typically, you will be required to fill out specific forms and applications, submit them to the appropriate department and pay applicable fees. If you plan to hire employees, you may be required to provide them with worker's compensation insurance in case they're injured by an animal.
5. Meet with a financial adviser at your bank to discuss loan options if you need help with the start-up costs of your mobile pet grooming business. Be realistic about the amount of money you borrow and the repayment period. Many small businesses don't make a profit for months or even years, so you want to make sure you'll be able to pay back the loan within the specified time frame. A financial adviser will be able to help you with this.
