Are you looking to start a dog grooming business from home? It can be a great way to make money and have a flexible schedule, but there are some things you need to know before getting started. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to prepare a home dog grooming set up.
In particular, we’ll discuss the tools and supplies you’ll need, as well as some tips for keeping your station organized and efficient. Additionally, we’ll reveal 8 critical errors you’ll need to avoid making.
So, let’s get started!
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How To Set Up a Dog Grooming Station At Home: First Steps
When setting up your home dog grooming station, the first step is to choose a dedicated space. This can be a spare room, a corner of the basement, or even a small closet.
The important thing is that you have enough room to set up all of your supplies and move around easily with your dog. Once you’ve chosen your space, it’s time to start gathering supplies.
At Home Grooming Station Must-Have Tools and Supplies
Here is a list of essential items you’ll need for your home dog grooming station:
- Groomer’s table: This is where you’ll do all the actual grooming. Look for a table that is adjustable so you can groom dogs of different sizes comfortably.
- Grooming arm and loop: This attaches to the groomer’s table and is used to secure the dog while you groom them.
- Shampoo: Choose a quality dog shampoo that is gentle on the skin and won’t irritate the eyes.
- Conditioner: This is optional, but can be helpful for dogs with long coats or sensitive skin.
- Brushes: You’ll need a variety of brushes, including a slicker brush, pin brush, and shedding blade.
- Combs: Again, you’ll need a variety of combs, including a wide-toothed comb and a flea comb.
- Clippers and scissors: You’ll need these to trim the hair around the face, feet, and anus as well as to do any general body clipping.
- Nail trimmers: You’ll need these to trim the nails. Make sure to get a good quality pair that is comfortable to use.
- Ear cleaner and cotton balls: These will be used to clean the dog’s ears during the grooming process.
- Towels: You’ll need several towels of different sizes to dry the dog off after bathing and clip any excess hair.
Recommendations For Tools and Supplies
Next, let’s break down some popular brand recommendations for all of the above tools and supplies.
Groomer’s Table
The master equipment grooming table is a popular option that is adjustable and features a built-in arm and loop. On Walmart’s website, prices for these tables tend to range anywhere from $180.00 to $353.00.
Shampoo
The Isle of Dogs all natural dog shampoo is a good option that is gentle and won’t irritate the eyes. Prices range anywhere from $5.00 to $54.00.
Conditioner
The Earthbath all natural conditioner is a good option for dogs with sensitive skin. Earthbath currently offers 3 different conditioners, each priced at $16.99.
Brushes
The Hertzko self-cleaning slicker brush is a popular option that comes with a shedding blade. You can find this brush on Amazon for just $29.99. That said, it currently looks to be on sale for $24.99 (which is a 17% discount)!
Combs
The Andis Pet 7-1/2-Inch Steel Comb is a good option that comes with a flea comb. Amazon currently has this comb listed at $17.59, which is a -12% discount off their usual price of $19.99.
Clippers and Scissors
The Wahl professional dog clipper kit is a popular option that comes with a variety of attachments. Currently, it can be found on Amazon for $72.05, at a 7% discounted rate from $77.75.
Nail Trimmers
The Millers Forge professional nail trimmer is a popular option that is comfortable to use. Find it on Amazon for just $16.18.
Ear Cleaner
The Zymox ear cleanser is a popular option that is gentle and effective. Off Zymox’s website, prices range from $22.46 to $112.44, depending on the type of cleanser you get and the quantity. Moreover, their website provides a reference chart to help you determine which cleanser to buy, according to your business’s needs!
Towels
The Utopia towels are a popular option that come in a variety of sizes. If you order off their website, price will range from $1.26 per salon towel to $19.36 per salon towel. Alternately, you can shop their range of bath towels and pay anywhere from $3.11 to $11.99 per towel.
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Specialty Dog Grooming Items
In addition to the tools and supplies listed above, there are also some specialty dog grooming items that you may want to consider investing in. These include things like:
- Anal glands expressor: This is a tool that is used to empty the anal glands. Prices typically range from $11.99 to $39.99.
- Ear plucking forceps: This is a tool that is used to remove excess hair from the ear canal. Prices typically range from $12.99 to $37.99.
- Nail grinder: This is a tool that is used to grind down the nails. Prices typically range from $27.99 to $139.99.
- Medicated shampoos and conditioners: These are products that are used to treat skin conditions. Prices typically range from $13.99 to $59.99.
Dog Grooming Apparel
Finally, you’ll also need to invest in some dog grooming apparel. This includes things like:
- Groomer’s smock: This is a type of apron that you wear while grooming the dog. Prices typically range from $19.99 to $49.99. You can find a wide assortment of groomer aprons and smocks through brands such as Ladybird Line.
- Grooming gloves: These are gloves that you wear while grooming the dog. Prices typically range from $14.99 to $24.99. Check out this article by Rover for their recommendations on top grooming gloves!
- Booties: These are shoes that you wear while grooming the dog. Prices typically range from $19.99 to $39.99. Dog Loves Point has an awesome blog post about the Top 5 best shoes for dog grooming professionals.
- Hammocks: These are used to help keep the dog in place (and prevent them from sitting) while you groom them. Prices typically range from $34.99 to $79.99. The Dodo has an article that breaks down their 4 recommended hammocks.
- Anti-fatigue mats: These are mats that you stand on while grooming the dog. Specifically, they’ll help prevent injury to your knees, hips, feet, back, and joints during those long, busy days. Prices typically range from $29.99 to $79.99. PetEdge, for example, sells a top performance anti-fatigue mat for just $49.99!
Home Dog Grooming Set Up: Building Your Station
Now that you have all of your supplies, it’s time to start setting up your station! Here are some tips for organizing everything:
- Keep frequently used items within reach: This includes things like shampoo, conditioner, brushes, combs, clippers, and scissors.
- Store towels in a place where they can be easily grabbed: This could be a basket or a shelf near the bathing area.
- Keep nail trimmers, ear cleaner, and cotton balls close to the grooming table: This will make it easy to grab them when you need them.
- Invest in some storage containers: This will help you keep everything organized and tidy.
Reflecting Your Brand in Your Home Dog Grooming Station
As you’re setting up your home dog grooming station, it’s important to keep your brand in mind. After all, this is an extension of your professional business! Here are some things to consider:
- Choose a color scheme that reflects your brand: This could be the colors of your logo or website.
- Include branded materials: This could be things like your business cards, appointment cards, price list, etc.
- Make sure the space is clean and inviting: This will help put your clients at ease and make them want to come back!
Essential Cleaning Supplies
Speaking of keeping your home dog grooming set up clean, you’ll need to invest in some essential cleaning supplies to help disinfect your work space before and after every appointment. Here are some things you’ll need:
- Cleaning wipes: These are great for quickly cleaning up any spills or messes. Prices typically range from $11.99 to $39.99.
- Mop and bucket: This is used for mopping the floor after each grooming session. Prices typically range from $24.99 to $79.99.
- Vacuum cleaner: This is used for vacuuming the floor after each grooming session. Prices typically range from $59.99 to $399.99.
Cleaning supplies are an important part of keeping your home dog grooming set up clean and professional. So, be sure to stock up on everything you need so you can keep your space looking its best!
Tips For Preventing Groomers Lung
Now that you have your home dog grooming set up all set, there are a few things you can do to help prevent groomers lung. If you’re unfamiliar with this term, it basically refers to the inhalation of airborne particles that can lead to respiratory problems.
Here are some tips for preventing it:
First, be sure to always groom in a well-ventilated area. This could be outdoors or in a room with the windows open. Second, wear a mask while grooming to help filter out any harmful particles. Third, invest in an air purifier to help keep the air clean. Prices for air purifiers tend to range from $49.99 to $399.99.
By following these 3 simple tips, you can help prevent groomers lung and keep yourself healthy while you work!
Planning Permission For Dog Grooming From Home
You may also be wondering if you’ll need planning permission to run your dog grooming business from home. If you’ve never heard of planning permission before, this refers to the permission you need from your local government in order to use your property for business purposes.
In most cases, planning permission is not required as long as the business is run from a residential property and there are no external changes made to the property.
However, it’s always best to check with your local government just to be sure. They will be able to tell you if you need planning permission or not.
How To DIY Your Own Home Dog Grooming Station
If you’re not ready to invest in a professional home dog grooming set up just yet, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways you can DIY your own station. Here are a few ideas:
- Use an old table or desk: This can be repurposed into a grooming table with the addition of a nonslip mat.
- Use a kitchen sink: If you don’t have a lot of space, you can easily groom your dog in your kitchen sink. Just be sure to put down a nonslip mat first!
- Set up a temporary station in your bathtub: This is great for dogs who don’t mind getting wet. Just be sure to put down a nonslip mat and have all of your supplies within reach.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to set up a home dog grooming station without spending a lot of money. So, if you’re on a budget, don’t worry! You can still create a professional looking space.
8 Mistakes To Avoid When Setting Up Your Home Dog Grooming Space
Now that you know how to set up a home dog grooming station, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
Mistake #1: Not investing in professional equipment
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Yes, as we mentioned above, there are some budget-friendly DIY hacks you can make use of. However, if you’re serious about running a professional dog grooming business, you’ll need to invest in some professional equipment. Using equipment that isn’t up to standard can make your job more difficult, as well as put your clients’ dogs at risk.
Mistake #2: Not having enough space
Another mistake to avoid is not having enough space. This is especially important if you plan on grooming more than one dog at a time. You’ll need to have enough space for each dog to move around comfortably, as well as for all of your equipment.
Mistake #3: Not investing in good lighting
In order to do a good job, you’ll need to be able to see what you’re doing. This means investing in some good lighting. Natural light is always best, but if you’re working in a room without any windows, you’ll need to make sure you have some good artificial lighting set up.
Mistake #4: Using old or damaged equipment
This is another mistake that can put your dog at risk. As such, be sure to only use equipment that is in good condition and up to date.
Mistake #5: Not having the proper supplies
This includes things like shampoo, conditioner, towels, and more. So, be sure to have everything you need so you can groom your dog properly.
Mistake #6: Not taking the time to set up
This is a mistake that many people make. They think they can just wing it and it’ll all work out. But, in reality, taking the time to set up your station properly is crucial.
Mistake #7: Not cleaning up your work station regularly or properly
This is important for both hygiene reasons and to keep your equipment in good condition. Be sure to clean up your station after each use, as well as giving it a deep clean on a regular basis.
Mistake #8: Not knowing how to use equipment/tools correctly
This is especially important if you’re using any type of power tool, such as a clipper. Likewise, not knowing how to properly work with heat tools – such as a blow dryer – can also be dangerous. If you’re not sure how to use a certain tool, be sure to ask someone who does or look up a tutorial online.
Furthermore, always be sure to read the instructions carefully, so you can operate all of your tools correctly.
By avoiding these 8 mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to setting up a successful home dog grooming business!
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know how to set up a home dog grooming station like a pro. Just remember to avoid the mistakes we listed above, and you’ll be well on your way to success.
Do YOU have any tips for setting up a home dog grooming station? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Thanks for reading, and best of luck in your exciting business endeavor!
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