Pet Grooming Market: Size, Growth and Forecasts

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a pet grooming salon.

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The Dojo Business Team

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We're a team of finance experts, consultants, market analysts, and specialized writers dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs launch their businesses. We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing detailed business plans, accurate market studies, and reliable financial forecasts to maximize your chances of success from day one—especially in the pet grooming salon market.

What is the current global market size of the pet grooming industry?

The global pet grooming market is valued at USD 17.9 billion in 2025.

This valuation reflects strong growth momentum from previous years, with the U.S. pet grooming sector alone achieving a compound annual growth rate of 9.4% between 2020 and 2025. The market encompasses all grooming services including bathing, trimming, styling, nail care, and specialty treatments across commercial salons, mobile services, and retail channels.

Dogs account for approximately 83% of all grooming service revenue, highlighting the species-specific concentration within the industry. The remaining 17% comes from cats and other pets, though this segment is gradually expanding as pet owners increasingly seek professional grooming for a wider variety of animals.

North America represents the largest regional contributor with over 43% of global market share, followed by Europe and the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific region.

What has been the annual growth rate of the pet grooming market over the past five years?

The pet grooming market has experienced annual growth rates ranging from 7% to over 9% during the past five years.

The U.S. market specifically recorded a compound annual growth rate of 9.4% from 2020 to 2025, demonstrating exceptionally strong performance even during economic uncertainties. This growth has been fueled by the pet humanization trend, where owners increasingly treat pets as family members and prioritize their health, hygiene, and appearance.

The growth acceleration reflects several converging factors including rising disposable incomes, increased pet ownership rates during and after the pandemic, and growing awareness of pet health benefits associated with regular grooming. Premium and specialty grooming services have grown even faster than the overall market, particularly in urban centers where pet owners seek luxury treatments like spa services and aromatherapy.

Mobile grooming services have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments, expanding at approximately 8% CAGR as consumers prioritize convenience and personalized service. Online booking platforms and subscription-based grooming packages have also contributed to higher service frequency and customer retention.

Which regions currently generate the largest share of the pet grooming market?

North America generates the largest share of the global pet grooming market, accounting for over 43% of total revenue in 2024.

The United States dominates within North America due to high pet ownership rates, strong disposable incomes, and a well-established culture of professional pet care. American pet owners spend substantially on grooming services, with many visiting salons monthly or even more frequently for dogs requiring regular maintenance.

Europe follows as the second-largest regional market, with Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy leading growth. European consumers show strong preference for natural and luxury grooming products, and strict EU pet safety standards drive innovation and quality improvements across the industry. The European market benefits from eco-conscious consumer behavior and growing demand for organic and sustainable grooming solutions.

Asia-Pacific, while currently smaller in absolute revenue terms, is experiencing the most rapid expansion and is projected to reach USD 7.9 billion by 2033. Within this region, China, Japan, India, and South Korea represent the primary growth markets, driven by urbanization, expanding middle classes, and increasing adoption of Western pet care practices.

You'll find detailed market insights in our pet grooming salon business plan, updated every quarter.

What are the fastest-growing regional markets for pet grooming and why?

Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing regional market for pet grooming services, projected to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% through 2033.

China leads this regional growth due to rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a cultural shift toward pet ownership among younger generations. Chinese consumers increasingly view pets as companions and status symbols, driving demand for premium grooming services in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The proliferation of modern pet salons and mobile grooming services in urban areas has made professional grooming more accessible.

India is emerging as another high-growth market within Asia-Pacific, with retail channels seeing particularly strong expansion in online pet grooming product sales. The growing middle class in Indian cities is adopting pets at increasing rates and seeking professional grooming services that were previously uncommon in the market.

Japan and South Korea also contribute significantly to regional growth, with highly developed pet care industries and consumers willing to pay premium prices for specialized services. These markets feature advanced technology adoption, including AI-powered grooming equipment and sophisticated booking platforms.

Latin America is experiencing above-average growth rates as well, driven by economic development and increasing awareness of pet health and hygiene benefits. Digital service ecosystems are expanding rapidly in this region, making grooming services more convenient and affordable for a broader consumer base.

How is the pet grooming market segmented by service type and what share does each represent?

The pet grooming market segments into three primary service categories: bathing and brushing, shear and trimming, and specialty treatments including spa services and aromatherapy.

Bathing and brushing services command the largest market share as they represent the most fundamental and frequently needed grooming services. These basic services form the core offering of virtually every grooming salon and are typically the entry point for new customers. The consistent demand for bathing services across all pet breeds and sizes makes this the most stable revenue generator.

How is the pet grooming market segmented by distribution channel and what are the growth trends?

Pet grooming services are distributed through four primary channels: commercial salons, mobile grooming services, online platforms, and retail outlets.

Commercial salons remain the dominant distribution channel, representing the traditional model where customers bring their pets to fixed-location grooming facilities. These establishments benefit from established customer bases, comprehensive service offerings, and the ability to handle multiple clients simultaneously. However, their growth rate is slower compared to emerging channels as market saturation increases in developed regions.

Mobile grooming services represent the fastest-growing distribution channel, expanding at approximately 8% CAGR. This channel appeals to busy pet owners who value convenience and personalized attention for their pets. Mobile groomers typically charge premium rates due to the door-to-door service model, and many pet owners prefer the reduced stress this creates for their animals. The low overhead costs and flexible scheduling make this an attractive entry point for new grooming entrepreneurs.

Online platforms serve dual purposes in the grooming market: they function as booking and scheduling tools for traditional and mobile services, and they also sell DIY grooming products directly to consumers. Digital platforms are experiencing rapid adoption, particularly in emerging markets like India where e-commerce infrastructure is expanding quickly. These platforms improve service accessibility and enable subscription-based business models.

Retail channels, including pet supply stores and veterinary clinics offering grooming services, maintain steady market presence. Online retail sales of grooming products are growing significantly faster than brick-and-mortar retail, driven by convenience and broader product selection.

This is one of the strategies explained in our pet grooming salon business plan.

What are the main consumer trends influencing demand for pet grooming services?

Pet humanization is the dominant consumer trend driving increased spending on grooming services.

Pet owners increasingly view their animals as family members deserving of premium care, leading them to prioritize hygiene, health, and aesthetic treatments. This mindset shift translates directly into higher spending per visit and increased frequency of grooming appointments. Many dog owners now visit grooming salons monthly or even bi-weekly rather than only a few times per year.

Rising disposable incomes, particularly in developed markets and among growing middle classes in Asia, enable consumers to spend more on non-essential pet services. The willingness to pay for premium and luxury grooming treatments has expanded significantly, with services like spa treatments, aromatherapy, and specialized skin care commanding substantial price premiums.

Subscription-based grooming services are gaining traction as consumers seek convenience and predictability in pricing. These membership models provide salons with recurring revenue and improve customer retention while offering clients discounted rates and priority scheduling.

Organic and natural product preferences are increasing, driven by consumer concerns about chemical exposure and environmental impact. Pet owners actively seek salons using eco-friendly, sustainable, and hypoallergenic grooming products, particularly for pets with sensitive skin or allergies.

DIY home grooming has emerged as a parallel trend, enabled by innovative consumer products like smart brushes and specialized grooming kits. While this creates competition for basic services, it also expands the overall market by introducing pet owners to grooming practices who then seek professional services for more complex treatments.

What role does technology play in shaping the pet grooming market?

Technology is transforming the pet grooming industry through three primary channels: customer-facing platforms, equipment innovation, and operational optimization.

Booking apps and online scheduling platforms have fundamentally changed how customers access grooming services. These digital tools simplify appointment management, enable real-time availability checking, and facilitate automated reminders that reduce no-shows. For grooming salon owners, these platforms broaden customer reach beyond traditional walk-in traffic and enable marketing through digital channels. Many platforms integrate payment processing, customer reviews, and loyalty programs into unified systems.

Grooming equipment innovation includes AI-powered pet dryers that adjust temperature and airflow based on pet size and coat type, smart brushes that detect skin conditions, and wearable monitors that track pet stress levels during grooming sessions. These technologies enable groomers to provide safer, more comfortable, and more efficient services while differentiating their businesses through advanced capabilities.

Data analytics tools help salon owners understand customer behavior, predict demand patterns, and optimize staffing and inventory. Advanced systems track individual pet grooming histories, enabling personalized service recommendations and proactive health monitoring. This data-driven approach improves customer satisfaction and increases revenue through targeted upselling of appropriate services.

Digital payment systems and contactless transactions have become standard expectations, particularly accelerated by pandemic-era changes in consumer behavior. These systems improve transaction efficiency and provide better financial tracking for business owners.

Social media platforms function as both marketing tools and inspiration sources, with pet grooming results frequently shared online. This visibility drives demand for aesthetic and creative grooming services while providing free promotion for skilled groomers.

Who are the leading companies in the pet grooming market and what are their market shares?

The pet grooming market features both large integrated pet care companies and specialized grooming service providers.

PetSmart and Petco represent the largest players in North America, leveraging their extensive retail networks to offer grooming services alongside pet product sales. These chains benefit from brand recognition, convenient locations, and the ability to cross-sell products and services. Their grooming divisions contribute significantly to overall profitability while driving foot traffic to retail stores.

The J.M. Smucker Company and Spectrum Brands are major suppliers of grooming products and equipment rather than direct service providers, but their market presence influences the overall industry through product innovation and distribution partnerships with salons. These companies focus on developing consumer and professional grooming products that enable both DIY and professional services.

GROOM Professional operates as a specialized supplier of professional grooming equipment and products to the salon industry, serving as a key partner for independent groomers and smaller salon chains. Their focus on professional-grade tools and education programs supports the growth of the independent grooming sector.

What is the forecasted market size and growth rate over the next five to ten years?

The global pet grooming market is projected to reach USD 42.9 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%.

This forecast reflects sustained strong growth driven by continued pet humanization trends, expanding pet ownership in emerging markets, and increasing service premiumization. The projected CAGR of 9.1% through 2035 demonstrates that the industry is expected to maintain momentum comparable to recent historical performance.

Asia-Pacific and Latin America are anticipated to deliver above-average growth rates, with Asia-Pacific expected to reach USD 7.9 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 8.5%. These regions benefit from urbanization, economic development, rising middle-class populations, and increasing adoption of Western pet care practices. China and India specifically represent enormous growth opportunities as pet ownership becomes more widespread in urban centers.

North America and Europe will continue to generate the largest absolute revenues but are expected to grow at more moderate rates as markets mature. However, these developed markets will see continued expansion in premium and specialty services, mobile grooming, and technology-enabled offerings that command higher prices.

The forecast assumes continued innovation in service delivery, particularly through mobile and digital channels, as well as ongoing premiumization as consumers seek more specialized and luxury treatments for their pets. Subscription-based service models are expected to become more prevalent, providing stable recurring revenue for operators.

We cover this exact topic in the pet grooming salon business plan.

What regulatory standards affect the pet grooming market and how do they impact operations?

The pet grooming industry faces increasingly strict regulations focused on animal welfare, professional certification, product safety, and sustainability.

Animal welfare regulations vary significantly by region but generally establish standards for humane handling, safe restraint methods, temperature control, and stress minimization during grooming procedures. In the European Union and Japan, particularly high standards for pet care require groomers to demonstrate competency and maintain detailed records of services provided. These regulations protect animals but also raise operational costs through compliance requirements.

Professional certification requirements are expanding in many jurisdictions, with some regions mandating formal training and licensing for groomers. While the United States has limited mandatory certification at the federal level, many states and municipalities are implementing local requirements. Professional certifications from organizations like the National Dog Groomers Association of America help groomers demonstrate expertise and can command premium pricing, but they require time and investment to obtain.

Product safety standards, particularly in the EU, establish strict guidelines for ingredients in shampoos, conditioners, and other grooming products. These regulations prohibit certain chemicals and require extensive testing and labeling. Compliance drives innovation toward natural and organic formulations but increases product costs and limits supplier options.

Sustainability regulations are emerging in various markets, encouraging or mandating use of eco-friendly products, water conservation practices, and waste management systems. These standards align with consumer preferences but require operational adjustments and sometimes higher costs for compliant products and equipment.

Zoning and licensing requirements for grooming salons vary by location and can significantly impact where and how businesses operate. Mobile grooming services face additional regulations related to vehicle specifications, waste disposal, and water usage.

What challenges and risks does the pet grooming industry face?

Labor shortages represent the most significant operational challenge facing the pet grooming industry.

Finding and retaining skilled groomers is increasingly difficult as demand for services outpaces the supply of trained professionals. Professional grooming requires specialized skills, physical stamina, and animal handling expertise that takes time to develop. The job can be physically demanding and occasionally stressful, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. Many salon owners struggle to maintain adequate staffing levels, forcing them to limit appointment availability and turn away potential customers.

• Inflation-driven cost pressures affect multiple aspects of operations, from grooming products and equipment to rent and utilities. Rising costs squeeze profit margins unless salon owners can successfully pass increases through to customers via higher prices, which risks alienating price-sensitive clients.
• Slow adoption in price-sensitive and rural regions limits market penetration. While urban areas embrace premium grooming services, rural consumers often view professional grooming as unnecessary or too expensive. This geographic limitation constrains growth potential in certain markets.
• Shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable and organic products create both opportunities and challenges. While eco-friendly positioning attracts environmentally conscious customers, organic grooming products typically cost more and have limited supplier availability, squeezing margins or requiring price increases.
• High costs of premium products affect accessibility. As consumers demand natural, organic, and specialized grooming products, the increased input costs must be reflected in service pricing, potentially limiting the customer base to affluent segments only.
• Limited grooming awareness in emerging markets slows expansion. In many developing regions, professional pet grooming remains unfamiliar or culturally uncommon, requiring substantial consumer education and market development before significant growth can occur.
• Rising pet allergies and sensitivity concerns require specialized products and careful handling protocols. This necessitates additional training, limits product options, and increases liability risks if pets experience adverse reactions.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Future Market Insights - Pet Grooming Market
2. Cognitive Market Research - Pet Grooming Market Report
3. IBISWorld - Pet Grooming & Boarding Market Size
4. IMARC Group - Pet Grooming Market
5. LinkedIn - APAC Pet Grooming Market Report
6. Global Banking and Finance - Pet Grooming Services Market
7. Precedence Research - Mobile Pet Care Market
8. Grand View Research - Pet Grooming Services Market