Pet Industry Business Trends Groomers Should Watch in 2026

Pet Industry Business Trends Groomers Should Watch in 2026

The pet industry keeps growing. Spending increases year after year. But growth doesn't help everyone equally—it depends on positioning yourself for where the industry is heading.

Some trends affect groomers directly. Others are pet industry noise that won't change your day-to-day. Here's how to tell the difference.

Pet Ownership Post-Pandemic

The pandemic pet boom created lasting changes.

More dogs overall:

Pet ownership spiked during 2020-2021. Many of those pets are still alive and need grooming. The client base expanded.

Different owner demographics:

First-time pet owners who adopted during the pandemic are learning as they go. They need more education and guidance than experienced owners.

Work-from-home effects:

Some owners still work from home and prefer house calls or flexible scheduling. Others returned to offices and need convenient appointments around work schedules.

What this means for groomers:

More potential clients, but also clients who may need more hand-holding. Patience with first-time owners pays off in loyalty.

The Humanization of Pets

Pets are increasingly treated as family members, not property.

Spending patterns:

Owners spend more on premium services, quality products, and experiences for pets. Price sensitivity decreases when pets are seen as children.

Service expectations:

Expectations rise with emotional investment. Owners want personalized service, clear communication, and evidence that you care about their pet as an individual.

What this means for groomers:

Opportunity to raise prices for premium experiences. But also higher standards for customer service, communication, and the overall experience you provide.

Technology Integration

Technology is changing how grooming businesses operate.

Online booking:

Clients expect to book online. Phone-only booking loses younger clients to competitors who offer convenience.

Text communication:

Texting has replaced phone calls for most communication. Automated reminders, booking confirmations, and ready-for-pickup notifications via text are expected.

Payment flexibility:

Digital payments, tap-to-pay, mobile wallets. Cash-only businesses lose convenience-focused clients.

Software solutions:

All-in-one grooming software like Teddy combines scheduling, client management, communication, and payments. Running a business on paper and memory becomes increasingly disadvantageous.

What this means for groomers:

Technology investment isn't optional anymore. It's table stakes for running a competitive business.

The Wellness Focus

Pet wellness is expanding beyond basic veterinary care.

Holistic approaches:

Interest in natural products, gentle handling, stress-free experiences, and overall pet wellness is growing.

Skin and coat health:

Grooming is increasingly seen as health maintenance, not just aesthetics. Clients want groomers who understand skin conditions, coat health, and early problem detection.

Collaboration with vets:

Groomers who communicate with veterinarians and refer appropriately are seen as healthcare partners.

What this means for groomers:

Position yourself as a wellness partner, not just someone who makes dogs look good. Educate yourself on skin conditions, nutrition effects on coat, and health indicators you might notice while grooming.

Labor Market Changes

The groomer shortage continues.

Demand exceeds supply:

There aren't enough skilled groomers to meet demand. Wait lists are common. Clients struggle to find availability.

Wage pressure:

Competition for good groomers pushes wages up. Shops that underpay lose staff to competitors.

Training pipeline:

Grooming schools can't produce groomers fast enough. More shops are training their own, which takes time and investment.

What this means for groomers:

Leverage in compensation negotiations. Options if you're unhappy. But also opportunity—the shortage means less competition and easier client acquisition.

Sustainability Awareness

Environmental consciousness is entering the pet industry.

Eco-friendly products:

Growing demand for sustainable, biodegradable, natural grooming products. Some clients specifically ask about environmental practices.

Waste reduction:

Interest in reducing single-use plastics, recycling programs, and sustainable business practices.

How far does it go?

Currently, sustainability is a nice-to-have for most pet owners, not a primary decision factor. But it's growing, particularly among younger demographics.

What this means for groomers:

Consider sustainable product options and practices. Marketing your environmental consciousness can differentiate you with certain client segments.

Specialization and Niche Markets

Generalist saturation is pushing groomers toward specialization.

Breed-specific expertise:

Groomers known for particular breeds attract dedicated clientele willing to travel and pay premium rates.

Service specialization:

Hand-stripping specialists, creative groomers, cat-only groomers, senior pet specialists—niches have less competition.

Client type specialization:

Luxury market, budget-conscious, anxious dogs, puppies—different client types have different needs.

What this means for groomers:

Consider developing a specialty. Being known for something specific is often more valuable than being known as a generalist.

Mobile Grooming Growth

Mobile grooming continues expanding.

Convenience premium:

Clients pay more for the convenience of at-home service. The premium has increased as people value their time more.

Lower barriers:

Starting mobile is cheaper than opening a salon. More groomers are choosing this path.

Competition increasing:

The mobile market is getting more crowded in many areas. Differentiation matters more.

What this means for groomers:

Mobile is a viable business model with strong demand. But don't assume being mobile alone is enough—service quality and business systems still determine success.

Economic Factors

Broader economic conditions affect pet spending.

Recession resilience:

Pet spending historically holds up better than other discretionary categories during downturns. But it's not immune.

Price sensitivity:

When budgets tighten, some clients reduce grooming frequency or seek lower-priced options. Premium clients are less affected.

The trade-off:

During tough economic times, some pet owners cut back. But pets don't stop needing grooming—the work redistributes rather than disappears.

What this means for groomers:

Building a loyal client base provides stability. Having a mix of price points helps weather economic fluctuations.

What's Overhyped

Not every trend deserves attention.

AI grooming robots:

Not happening anytime soon. Grooming requires judgment, handling skills, and adaptability that technology can't replicate.

Uber-style grooming apps:

Various startups have tried. Most failed. The unit economics don't work well for quality grooming.

Blockchain for pet records:

A solution looking for a problem. Regular databases work fine.

Metaverse pet experiences:

Marketing buzz. Not relevant to actual grooming businesses.

What this means for groomers:

Don't chase every shiny trend. Focus on fundamentals: excellent grooming, great service, efficient operations, happy clients.

Actionable Takeaways

Embrace technology:

Get proper scheduling software, offer online booking, communicate via text. This is no longer optional.

Consider specialization:

What could you become known for? Developing expertise creates competitive advantage.

Invest in service:

As pets become more humanized, service expectations rise. Communication, care, and experience matter more.

Raise prices:

The market supports higher prices in most areas. Don't compete on being cheapest—compete on being best.

Build systems:

Businesses with good systems outperform those running on chaos. Operations matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will technology replace groomers?

No. Grooming requires physical skill, animal handling, judgment, and adaptation that technology can't replicate. Technology will change how businesses operate, not replace the core work.

Should I worry about economic recession?

Be aware, not worried. Build a strong client base, maintain good service, and have some financial buffer. Pet grooming is relatively recession-resistant.

How important is social media really?

Important for visibility and credibility, but not magic. It's one tool among many. Word-of-mouth and Google presence often matter more for local businesses.

What technology should I invest in first?

Scheduling and client management software. This is the foundation. Everything else builds on having organized operations.

Is mobile or salon better positioned for the future?

Both models have strong futures. Client demand exists for both. Success depends on execution, not which model you choose.

Last updated: February 2026