This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a pet grooming salon.
Our business plan for a pet grooming salon will help you build a profitable project
Opening a pet grooming salon is rewarding, but knowing exactly what equipment you need can feel daunting.
The challenge is selecting the right tools without overspending or missing essential items that keep your business running smoothly.
Every grooming salon has unique requirements, and equipment costs can escalate quickly without proper planning and research.
Complete Pet Grooming Salon Equipment List
Starting a successful pet grooming salon requires the right equipment to provide professional services safely and efficiently. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your grooming business operational.
Grooming Equipment
- Grooming table (hydraulic/electric) - Adjustable height for comfortable working position with pets
- Grooming arm and noose - Safely secures pets during grooming procedures
- Professional clippers - Heavy-duty models for different coat types and lengths
- Clipper blades (various sizes) - Different lengths for specific grooming cuts and styles
- Grooming scissors - Straight, curved, and thinning shears for precise trimming
- Slicker brushes - Removes loose fur and prevents matting effectively
- Pin brushes - Gentle brushing for finished coats and sensitive areas
- Undercoat rake - Removes dead undercoat from double-coated breeds
- Nail clippers/grinders - Maintains pet nail health and prevents overgrowth
- Ear cleaning supplies - Keeps pet ears healthy and infection-free
- Dental care tools - Toothbrushes and pet-safe toothpaste for oral hygiene
- De-shedding tools - Reduces excessive shedding for pet owners
Bathing Systems
- Professional bathing tub - Stainless steel with non-slip surface and proper drainage
- Adjustable spray hose - Flexible water control for thorough rinsing
- Water temperature control - Maintains safe, comfortable water temperature consistently
- Shampoo dispensing system - Efficient product application and cost control
- Pet-specific shampoos - Various formulas for different coat types and skin conditions
- Conditioners and treatments - Keeps coats healthy, soft, and manageable
- Waterproof aprons - Protects groomers from water and chemical splashes
Drying Equipment
- High-velocity dryers - Removes water quickly and efficiently from thick coats
- Stand dryers - Hands-free drying for finishing work and delicate areas
- Cage dryers - Safe, controlled drying environment for anxious pets
- Drying cages/kennels - Secure space for pets during drying process
- Dryer hoses and attachments - Various nozzles for different drying techniques
Safety & Restraint
- Muzzles (various sizes) - Ensures safety for nervous or aggressive pets
- Restraint harnesses - Gentle control for pets during procedures
- Non-slip mats - Prevents accidents on wet or smooth surfaces
- First aid kit - Handles minor cuts or injuries immediately
- Emergency contact information - Quick access to veterinary services when needed
Facility Setup
- Reception area furniture - Comfortable seating for pet owners during visits
- Waiting kennels/crates - Secure holding areas for pets before and after service
- Storage cabinets - Organizes tools, supplies, and products efficiently
- Retail display shelving - Shows pet care products for additional revenue
- Cash register/POS system - Processes payments and tracks customer information
- Appointment scheduling software - Manages bookings and customer communications
Cleaning & Sanitation
- Disinfectant solutions - Maintains hygienic conditions between pets
- Cleaning supplies - Keeps all surfaces and equipment properly sanitized
- Laundry facilities - Washes towels, blankets, and other fabric items
- Vacuum cleaner - Removes pet hair from floors and furniture
- Mop and bucket - Maintains clean, safe flooring throughout facility
- Waste disposal system - Proper handling of pet waste and hair clippings
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Proper ventilation system - Removes odors, moisture, and airborne particles
- Adequate plumbing - Supports bathing stations and cleaning requirements
- Electrical outlets (GFCI) - Powers equipment safely in wet environments
- Hot water heater - Provides consistent warm water for bathing
- Floor drains - Prevents water accumulation and maintains dry surfaces
- Non-slip flooring - Reduces accident risk for pets and staff
Professional Supplies
- Towels (multiple sets) - Dries pets thoroughly after bathing procedures
- Blankets and comfort items - Helps anxious pets feel secure during service
- Disposable gloves - Maintains hygiene during grooming and cleaning
- Uniform/aprons - Professional appearance and protection from hair and water
- Business cards and marketing materials - Promotes services to potential customers
Our financial plan for a pet grooming salon will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most pet grooming salon owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their size and service offerings. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic grooming tables, clippers, and bathing systems just to operate professionally and safely.
- Small Home-Based Salon
A small home-based grooming salon with basic services needs around $10,000-$25,000, and most of that budget goes toward professional grooming equipment and a proper bathing station.
- Medium Commercial Salon
A medium-sized commercial salon serving multiple pets daily typically runs $25,000-$50,000, with additional equipment like multiple grooming stations and professional drying systems.
- Large Full-Service Salon
A large salon or one with extensive services can easily hit $50,000-$75,000, especially when you add specialized equipment and multiple workstations for high-volume operations.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Home-Based Salon ($10,000 - $25,000)
Small grooming salons focus on essential equipment that can handle daily grooming services efficiently. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't need immediately.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Grooming Station | Hydraulic grooming table with arm and noose, professional clippers with basic blade set, grooming scissors set | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| Bathing Equipment | Stainless steel tub with adjustable spray hose, basic shampoo dispensing system, pet-specific shampoos | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Drying System | High-velocity dryer with hoses, stand dryer for finishing work, basic drying cage | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Hand Tools | Brush set, nail clippers, ear cleaning supplies, basic restraint equipment | $500 - $1,000 |
| Facility Setup | Basic storage cabinets, waiting area seating, simple POS system | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Disinfectants, towels, basic cleaning equipment, laundry setup | $500 - $1,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Plumbing connections, electrical work, initial equipment setup | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Medium Commercial Salon ($25,000 - $50,000)
Medium salons need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle higher volume and diverse services. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to serve more pets simultaneously.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Grooming Stations | Two electric grooming tables with arms, professional clipper sets with extensive blade collections, complete scissor sets | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Advanced Bathing Systems | Two professional tubs with temperature control, automated shampoo systems, full range of grooming products | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Professional Drying | Multiple high-velocity dryers, stand dryers, cage drying system with multiple units | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Specialized Tools | De-shedding tools, complete brush collections, professional nail grinding equipment, dental care supplies | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Customer Areas | Professional reception area, retail display shelving, advanced POS system with scheduling software | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Safety & Storage | Professional kennel systems, safety equipment, extensive storage solutions | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Professional Installation | Complete plumbing and electrical setup, ventilation system, professional training | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Large Full-Service Salon ($50,000 - $75,000)
Large salons operate with multiple simultaneous services and specialized equipment. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, customer comfort, and the ability to handle high-volume operations with various service offerings.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Grooming Stations | Four electric grooming tables with advanced features, complete professional clipper systems, specialized scissor collections | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Advanced Bathing Complex | Multiple professional tubs with automation, self-service dog wash stations, complete product dispensing systems | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Commercial Drying Systems | Multiple high-end dryers, cage drying rooms with climate control, specialized drying equipment for different coat types | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Specialized Services | Nail care stations, dental cleaning equipment, spa treatment areas, specialized breed-specific tools | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Customer Experience | Luxury reception area, extensive retail section, advanced booking and customer management systems | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Facility Systems | Professional kennel complex, advanced ventilation, specialized flooring and drainage systems | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Professional Installation | Complete professional setup, advanced plumbing and electrical, staff training, permits and inspections | $6,000 - $10,000 |