If you’re a fan of dogs and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, setting up a dog grooming business could be the perfect path for you. You’d get to spend your day taking care of other people’s dogs and making them look their best, which can be very rewarding. Plus, as a self-employed dog groomer, you would have the ability to set your own prices, which could result in a good income.
However, launching your own dog grooming salon isn’t a decision you should take lightly. As with any business, there are a number of practical elements to consider before you take the plunge. From training to health and safety, it’s crucial to do things right if you want your salon to be a success.
Here, we explore four practical factors to consider when setting up a dog grooming business.
Qualifications
While there are no required qualifications to work as a dog groomer, it would be beneficial to take a few courses to build your skillset and instill confidence in your customers.
Professional bodies including City & Guilds offer courses in dog grooming which can be accessed in a range of locations around the UK. You may want to start out by working as a dog groomer’s assistant to get a little hands-on experience as well.
Insurance
As with any business, it’s essential to take out insurance to protect your company and yourself from financial strain should an accident or incident occur. Public liability insurance will cover any expensive accidents caused by your business, your employees, or any dogs in your care.
If you have employees, you are legally required to obtain employer’s liability insurance. This will ensure you’re protected financially if an employee makes a personal injury claim due to an injury or illness related to their work.
Health and safety
As a business owner, you are responsible for keeping your premises safe for anyone who visits. You must assess any potential risks to the health and safety of anyone on the property and put steps in place to prevent injury or illness.
For example, if the floor is slippery, the risk of someone falling and getting injured is increased. In this case, painting the floor with anti-slip paint will reduce the chance of an accident.
Clothing
Dog grooming can be messy, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the job. Investing in some specialist grooming clothing will ensure you and your team stay comfortable and dry while you go about your day.
Choosing appropriate footwear is also crucial, both for health and safety and for comfort. Opt for non-slip shoes which are suitable for wet floors and ensure they have reinforced, closed toes to protect you and your staff from injury if a sharp tool is dropped.
