What 1,000+ Groomers Say About the Industry in 2026

Most industry reports about pet grooming are written for investors. They talk about market size and compound annual growth rates, and they tell you nothing about why you're exhausted on a Friday or whether you should raise your prices.

This one is different. In spring 2026, The Daily Groomer polled more than 1,000 working groomers (shop owners, solo groomers, mobile operators, and multi-van fleet owners) and collected hundreds of written answers. We've pulled out the findings that matter most, added a few hard numbers from US government data, and put it all in plain language with what it means for your shop.

Full disclosure: The Daily Groomer community was Co-founded by Alex Martin, who is also behind Teddy. The survey responses are self-selected from that community, so treat them as a pulse check from engaged groomers, not a scientific sample.

The 2026 snapshot

Source: The State of the Grooming Industry, April 2026, The Daily Groomer. The full 26-page report is a free download.

Finding 1: Demand is strong, but pay isn't keeping up

Here's the strange part. 41% of groomers are booked at least three weeks ahead, which in any other industry would mean prices go up. Yet about half feel underpaid, and about a third haven't raised prices in over a year.

In other words, a big chunk of the industry is fully booked and still not earning enough. The work is there. The pricing isn't.

One respondent put it plainly: "I need to raise prices but I'm scared."

What it means for you: If you're booked three weeks out and haven't raised prices in a year, you're very likely undercharging. Small, regular increases of 5 to 10% are usually absorbed with little client loss. To see where you stand locally, try Teddy's free Grooming Price Check.

Finding 2: Hiring is the number-one problem

Hiring came out on top as the problem groomers cite most. The written answers were full of some version of "I can't find good help."

The report's author argues the issue isn't simply a labor shortage. Whatever the cause, the practical reality for owners is familiar: plenty of people love dogs, fewer are trained to groom them, and good groomers often already have full books of their own.

What it means for you: If you're waiting for a fully trained groomer to walk in, you may wait a long time. Many owners have more success hiring a bather and training them up.

Finding 3: Burnout is real and common

The survey's burnout section had some of the most honest answers. One groomer wrote: "I'm so tired I cried during a groom last week."

Grooming is physically hard, emotionally demanding, and often done alone. When you're booked solid, underpaid, and can't find help, burnout is the predictable result.

What it means for you: The fixes overlap with the first two findings. Charging enough lets you book fewer dogs. A bather takes the heavy lifting. And getting admin off your evenings matters too: if you're answering client texts at 10pm, that's unpaid work. Automated reminders, online booking, and an assistant that handles rescheduling all give hours back.

Finding 4: Groomers feel behind, even when busy

Being fully booked doesn't mean feeling in control. The report has a whole section on booking and feeling behind, and it notes that some fully booked groomers still feel behind and underpaid.

What it means for you: Look at where your non-grooming time goes. For many groomers, it's the back-and-forth of booking ("does Tuesday work? no? how about Thursday?"). Request-based online booking, automatic reminders, and prebooking at checkout cut most of that.

What the government data says

To put the survey in context, here are a few numbers from official US sources, as compiled by SchedulingKit's grooming statistics roundup:

Two things stand out. First, this is an industry of very small businesses. The overwhelming majority of non-employer pet-care businesses are one-person operations. Second, the median pay figure covers a broad category that includes kennel staff and others, so experienced groomers often earn more. Our dog grooming salary guide breaks down earnings by role and model.

What we expect over the next 12 months

These are our predictions, not survey findings:

1. More groomers raise prices in small steps. The gap between demand and pay is too wide to last.
2. Bathers become the go-to first hire. Training from within beats waiting for trained groomers.
3. Mobile keeps growing. Mobile groomers typically charge 20 to 40% more than salons, and clients love the convenience.
4. Admin gets automated. AI assistants and missed-call handling move from novelty to normal, because groomers can't answer the phone with a dog in the tub.
5. Prebooking becomes standard. The groomers who feel most in control book the next appointment before the dog leaves.

Five things to do this month

1. Compare your prices with your local market and plan a small increase.
2. Count your no-shows from the last 90 days. If it's more than a few, set up automated reminders and a no-show policy.
3. Track your admin hours for one week. Anything over five hours is worth automating.
4. Ask every client to prebook at checkout.
5. Decide on your next hire, even if it's six months away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the state of the grooming industry in 2026?

Demand is strong, with 41% of surveyed groomers booked three or more weeks ahead. But about half feel underpaid, about a third haven't raised prices in over a year, and hiring is the top problem groomers report.

How much do dog groomers make in 2026?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median pay of $35,360 a year for animal caretakers, a broad group that includes groomers. Experienced groomers and business owners often earn more, depending on location, model, and pricing.

Is the dog grooming industry growing?

Yes. Total US pet industry spending reached $158 billion in 2025, according to the American Pet Products Association, and non-veterinary pet care services bring in billions each year. Groomer demand is strong, with many booked weeks ahead.

What is the biggest challenge for grooming businesses?

In The Daily Groomer's 2026 survey of 1,000+ groomers, hiring was the top problem cited. Pricing and burnout were also major themes.

Where can I download the full grooming industry report?

The full 26-page State of the Grooming Industry report from April 2026 is a free download from The Daily Groomer.

The bottom line

The 2026 picture is a busy industry that isn't paying itself enough. Groomers are booked out, short on help, and tired, while many are still charging last year's prices. The good news is that the fixes are within reach: price for your demand, hire and train a bather, prebook, and take admin off your evenings.

That last one is where software helps. Teddy, MoeGo, and DaySmart Pet all automate reminders and booking. Teddy adds unlimited texting and Ask Teddy, an assistant you can text or talk to, from $49 a month. You can try it free for 14 days.