Side Income Ideas for Pet Groomers

Grooming is the core of what you do — but it doesn’t have to be the only thing.

Your skills, client relationships, and existing business setup can support additional revenue streams. Some require minimal extra effort. Others can grow into significant income sources over time.

Here are practical side income ideas groomers actually use to supplement their revenue.

Add-On Services

The easiest expansion? Offer more services to your existing clients.

Teeth Cleaning

Non-anesthetic teeth cleaning is a popular add-on service.

• Training is available
• Equipment costs are modest
• Typical charge: $15–$40 per service

Clients appreciate combining dental cleaning with their grooming appointment instead of scheduling separately.

De-Shedding Treatments

Go beyond standard brushing with specialized tools and techniques designed for heavy-shedding breeds.

This service commands an upcharge — especially during peak shedding seasons.

Spa Treatments

Premium add-ons that elevate the grooming experience:

• Mud baths
• Pawdicures (paw treatments)
• Aromatherapy
• Conditioning treatments
• Facial scrubs

These services are relatively simple to add and appeal to clients who are willing to pay for a luxury experience.

Creative Grooming

Colored fur, patterns, and custom designs.

It’s not for everyone — but clients who want it pay well and often share photos on social media, driving referrals.

Nail Art

Painted nails, glitter, and simple designs.

Quick to perform, easy to price, and highly shareable.

Retail Products

Sell products your clients already need.

Shampoos and Conditioners

You already know what works for different coat types. Stock professional-grade products clients can’t easily find at pet stores.

Typical markup: 40–100%

Grooming Tools

Brushes, combs, nail clippers — tools for at-home maintenance.

Provide quick usage guidance and you’ve added value along with the sale.

Treats and Chews

Impulse purchases while clients wait.

Choose quality products that align with health-conscious pet owners.

Accessories

Bandanas, bows, collars — items clients see on their freshly groomed dog and want immediately.

Branded Merchandise

Custom t-shirts, mugs, tote bags.

Generates revenue while building brand awareness.

Consignment Partnerships

Work with local artisans who create pet products.
You display and sell their items for a commission — without carrying inventory risk.

Teaching and Training

Monetize your expertise.

Private Grooming Lessons

Teach pet owners home grooming basics:

• Brushing techniques
• Nail trimming
• Ear cleaning

Typical rate: $50–$100 per hour

Educated clients still need professional grooming — but they value the knowledge.

Group Workshops

Host sessions like:

• “Puppy Grooming 101”
• “Managing Your Doodle’s Coat”

Charge per attendee. Host in your salon or a community space.

Professional Training

Take on apprentices.
Offer paid training programs.
Teach at grooming schools.

Online Courses

Create video-based education on:

• Grooming techniques
• Business operations
• Specialty services

Once created, courses can sell repeatedly.

Consulting

Experienced groomers can consult on:

• Salon setup
• Technique improvement
• Business systems

Charge hourly for your expertise.

Pet-Adjacent Services

Expand into complementary services.

Pet Sitting

Your clients already trust you. Some may prefer you over strangers when they travel.

Can be in-home (theirs or yours).

Dog Walking

Lower margin than grooming, but strengthens relationships and increases client touchpoints.

Pet Transportation

Offer pick-up and drop-off for:

• Grooming appointments
• Vet visits
• Other pet services

Especially valuable for elderly or busy clients.

Doggy Daycare

If you have the space, daycare creates recurring revenue — and daycare dogs often become grooming clients.

Boarding

Overnight care with proper licensing and setup can become a significant revenue stream.

Online and Digital Income

Leverage your expertise beyond your physical location.

Social Media Monetization

Build a following by showcasing:

• Before-and-after transformations
• Grooming tips
• Behind-the-scenes content

Monetize through:

• Sponsorships
• Affiliate links
• Driving service bookings

YouTube Channel

Post tutorials, breed-specific advice, or day-in-the-life content.

Ad revenue begins after reaching platform monetization thresholds.

Blog or Website

Write about:

• Grooming advice
• Coat care by breed
• Industry insights

Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or product/course sales.

Affiliate Marketing

Recommend products you genuinely use.
Earn commission when followers purchase through your links.

Works well on:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Blogs

Pet Photography

You’re already photographing dogs.

Offer professional pet photography as:

• A standalone service
• An upsell to grooming appointments

Seasonal Opportunities

Capitalize on predictable demand spikes.

Holiday Specials

• Santa photo sessions
• Halloween themes
• Valentine’s Day packages

Seasonal themes allow premium pricing.

Summer De-Shedding Campaigns

Market heavily during peak shedding months.

Solve a problem clients are actively experiencing.

Holiday Gift Cards

Promote before:

• Christmas
• Mother’s Day
• Major gift-giving holidays

Back-to-School Promotions

Target families re-establishing routines in the fall.

Products You Create

Develop assets that scale.

Grooming Products

Create your own shampoos or treatments.

Higher upfront investment — but strong long-term potential.

Educational Materials

Sell:

• Ebooks
• Guides
• Checklists

Package your knowledge into digital products.

Grooming Tools

Design improved tools and partner with manufacturers.

Some groomers successfully build product lines this way.

Patterns and Templates

Sell digital assets such as:

• Grooming patterns
• Client forms
• Contracts
• Business templates

Low overhead, repeatable sales.

Evaluating Opportunities

Not every idea fits every groomer.

Consider:

• Time investment – How much extra time is required?
• Capital needed – What are the upfront costs?
• Alignment – Does this fit your skills and interests?
• Client demand – Will your audience actually buy it?
• Profit margin – Is the return worth the effort?
• Space requirements – Do you have room for inventory or services?
• Licensing and regulations – Are permits required?

Start Small

Test before committing heavily.

• Trial a few retail products
• Pilot a new add-on with select clients
• Validate demand before scaling

Common Mistakes

Spreading Too Thin

Adding too many services can dilute your focus.
Strengthen your core grooming business first.

Underpricing Additions

New services should maintain healthy margins.
Don’t discount your time and expertise.

Ignoring Operational Complexity

Every addition adds:

• Inventory management
• Scheduling considerations
• Training requirements

Ensure you can manage the increased workload.

Following Trends Blindly

Just because another groomer offers something doesn’t mean you should.

Evaluate what fits your brand and market.

Neglecting Marketing

If clients don’t know about it, they won’t buy it.

Actively promote new offerings through:

• In-salon signage
• Social media
• Email or SMS campaigns

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can add-on services increase my income?

It varies widely. Some groomers increase revenue by 20–30% through add-ons and retail. Others see minimal impact. Execution and marketing make the difference.

Should I focus on services or products?

Services leverage your time and expertise.
Products can generate income without your direct involvement.

Choose based on your strengths and long-term goals.

How do I price new services?

• Research competitor pricing
• Calculate time and supply costs
• Ensure healthy margins
• Stay competitive without undervaluing yourself

What if an add-on doesn’t work?

Stop offering it.

Test, evaluate, adjust — and move on from what doesn’t perform.

Do I need separate business licenses for additional services?

It depends on your location and the service type.
Check local regulations to confirm licensing or permit requirements.