Pet Grooming Industry Trends in 2026: What's Changing

The grooming industry doesn’t change overnight. But zoom out over the past few years, and the shifts are clear.

There are more dogs. Higher spending per visit. Younger pet owners with different expectations. And technology finally reaching an industry that traditionally ran on paper calendars and phone calls.

If you’re running a grooming business, understanding these trends helps you make smarter decisions. If you’re considering entering the industry, this gives you context for what you’re stepping into.

Here’s what’s actually happening in pet grooming in 2026.

The Pet Ownership Boom Continues

The pandemic accelerated pet adoption—and those pets didn’t disappear. According to the American Pet Products Association, there are around 87 million dogs in U.S. households. That number has remained elevated post-pandemic.

What This Means for Groomers

• Consistent demand for grooming services
• More first-time dog owners who need education
• A large group of pandemic puppies now 3–5 years old
• Ongoing need for groomer capacity and client guidance

The demand side of grooming is strong. If your schedule isn’t full, it’s not because there aren’t enough dogs.

Mobile Grooming Keeps Growing

Mobile grooming has outpaced salon growth for several years. The convenience factor is hard to beat.

Why Mobile Is Growing

• No travel time for pet owners
• Less stress for anxious dogs
• One-on-one attention
• Lower overhead than brick-and-mortar (with caveats)
• Pandemic normalized at-home services

Reality Check

Mobile grooming has real challenges:

• Vehicle purchase and maintenance costs
• Limited daily capacity
• Weather dependence
• Fuel and route logistics

It’s not automatically easier than running a salon—just different.

What Salon Groomers Can Learn

Convenience matters. If clients have to:

• Work around limited hours
• Fight for parking
• Wait in crowded lobbies

You’re competing at a disadvantage. Improve your overall client experience.

Premium Services and Increased Spending

Pet “humanization” continues. Owners are willing to pay more for premium services and experiences.

Services Seeing Growth

• Spa treatments (facials, conditioning, aromatherapy)
• De-shedding treatments
• Specialty shampoos (hypoallergenic, organic, medicated)
• Teeth brushing and dental add-ons
• Creative grooming and coloring

The Upsell Opportunity

A $10 add-on (like teeth brushing) applied to 50% of appointments significantly increases annual revenue. Small upgrades compound over time.

The Caution

Premium pricing requires premium delivery. Charging spa prices for average service damages trust. Upgrade quality before marketing luxury.

Technology Adoption Accelerates

Grooming has historically lagged in tech adoption compared to other service industries. That’s changing.

What’s Becoming Standard

Online booking
Clients expect to book online, not call during business hours.

Automated reminders
Text and email reminders reduce no-shows and are now expected.

Client management software
Digital records, grooming notes, and vaccination tracking are common.

Contactless payments
Cash-only operations lose convenience-focused clients.

What’s Emerging

Integrated platforms
All-in-one systems combining booking, reminders, payments, and CRM.

Two-way communication
Text confirmations, rebooking prompts, and follow-ups improve retention.

What’s Overhyped

AI grooming tools and robotic assistants generate headlines but aren’t practical. Grooming remains manual, skilled work.

The Groomer Shortage

Finding qualified groomers is harder than ever. The labor shortage is real and affects expansion plans.

Why There’s a Shortage

• Physically demanding work
• 6–12 months minimum to train properly
• Many groomers eventually go independent
• Pay historically lagged behind skilled trades
• Demand grew faster than supply

What’s Happening

Rising wages
Commission percentages and hourly rates are increasing.

More training programs
Schools and apprenticeships are expanding. Corporate programs at PetSmart and Petco continue producing entry-level groomers.

Career path development
Stronger businesses create advancement roles—lead groomer, trainer, manager.

What This Means for You

• If you’re a groomer: Your skills have leverage.
• If you’re hiring: Compete on culture and pay.
• If you’re entering the field: Demand for skilled workers is strong.

The Doodle Factor

Doodles and doodle mixes have reshaped grooming schedules. They’re among the most common regular clients.

Why It Matters

• High-maintenance coat types
• Frequent matting issues
• Owners often underestimate upkeep
• Appointments require more time

Industry Responses

• “Doodle pricing” tiers
• Stronger coat-care education
• Specialization (or avoidance) strategies
• Clear expectation-setting with owners

Doodle popularity isn’t fading. If you groom, you groom doodles. Developing expertise pays off.

Health and Wellness Focus

Grooming is increasingly viewed as part of preventative care—not just aesthetics.

What This Looks Like

Therapeutic services
Medicated baths and skin treatments are in higher demand.

Detection and referral
Groomers spotting lumps, skin issues, or infections and referring to veterinarians.

Senior pet care
Aging dogs require gentle handling and accommodations.

Strategic Opportunity

Build relationships with local vets. Position your business as health-aware, not purely cosmetic.

Social Media and Modern Marketing

Grooming is inherently visual. Social platforms amplify that advantage.

What’s Working

• Before-and-after photos
• Short-form video (Reels, TikTok)
• Client-shared content
• Behind-the-scenes clips

Younger pet owners increasingly discover groomers through social platforms rather than search engines.

Realistic Expectations

Growth is gradual. Consistent posting over months builds traction. Viral spikes aren’t a strategy.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

A segment of clients cares deeply about environmental and ethical standards.

Emerging Practices

• Eco-friendly products
• Water conservation
• Cruelty-free brands
• Transparent handling methods

Fear-Free Handling

Low-stress and fear-aware techniques are gaining attention. Owners care how their dog feels during the groom—not just the final look.

Reality Check

This matters strongly in some markets, less in others. Adapt to your local clientele.

What’s Not Changing

Some fundamentals remain constant.

Skill Still Wins

Technology enhances operations, but quality grooming remains the foundation.

Relationships Drive Retention

Clients stay because they trust you—not because your software is impressive.

Local Business Reality

Grooming remains local. You compete with nearby shops, not national platforms (aside from corporate chains like PetSmart and Petco).

Physical Demands

The work is still physically taxing. Technology hasn’t disrupted that reality.

What This Means for Your Business

If You’re Starting Out

• Entering a growing industry
• Focus on skill mastery first
• Consider mobile if it fits your lifestyle

If You’re Established

• Adopt tech that improves convenience
• Reevaluate pricing
• Prioritize retention strategies

If You’re Growing

• Staffing is your bottleneck
• Invest in training
• Pay competitively
• Build culture intentionally

If You’re Choosing a Niche

Growing segments include:

• Premium spa services
• Doodle specialization
• Senior pet care
• Mobile grooming

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the grooming industry growing?

Yes. Pet ownership remains high, spending per pet is increasing, and labor shortages create opportunity.

Will technology replace groomers?

No. Technology streamlines operations but does not replace hands-on skill.

Is mobile grooming the future?

It’s a fast-growing segment, but salons will remain. Both models will coexist.

Are pet owners spending more or less?

On average, more. Premium segments are expanding, though budget-conscious clients still exist.

What’s the biggest opportunity right now?

The groomer shortage. Skilled groomers can command higher pay, and business owners who recruit and retain well can scale faster.