Thinking of starting a pet grooming business in India? Discover a complete 2025 guide on costs, services, customer base, licensing, challenges, and digital marketing strategies to run a profitable pet care business.

India’s pet care industry is booming — and at the heart of this growth is a rapidly expanding demand for professional pet grooming and care services. With urban pet ownership on the rise, pet parents today treat their furry companions as family members. This shift is opening up a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to start a pet grooming business with low to moderate investment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start a pet grooming and care services business in India, including the scope, investment, setup requirements, marketing ideas, pros & cons, and practical tips to make it successful.

Why Pet Grooming is a High-Potential Business in India

Here’s why pet grooming and care is one of the top small business ideas in 2025:

• Rising Pet Ownership: Over 3 crore pets in India, with 10-15% annual growth (as per Statista 2025)
• Premiumization Trend: Pet parents are willing to spend on professional grooming, spa, and health services
• Lack of Organized Providers: Many localities still lack quality, hygienic pet grooming options
• Recession-Proof Nature: Pet services often see continued spending even during economic slowdowns

From mobile grooming vans to home visits to pet salons, this business offers various formats to suit different investment levels.

Services You Can Offer

You can start small with essential grooming and gradually expand. Here’s a list of services:

Basic Services:

• Bathing & drying
• Hair trimming and brushing
• Nail clipping
• Ear cleaning
• Tick & flea treatment

Advanced or Add-on Services:

• Pet facials & spa treatments
• Paw massage & pad care
• Dental cleaning
• Breed-specific styling
• Pet aromatherapy

You can also upsell with pet care products like shampoos, brushes, treats, or accessories.

Business Model Options

You can choose one of the following formats depending on your budget and target audience:

If you’re just starting out, a home-based or freelance grooming service is a great low-risk option.

Skills & Certifications Needed

You don’t need a veterinary degree, but proper grooming skills and animal handling knowledge are a must.

You should:

• Take up a Pet Grooming Certification Course (₹10,000–₹40,000)
  • e.g., courses from Supertails Academy or Whiskers and Tails Institute, Mumbai
• Get hands-on experience (intern with a groomer or pet salon)
• Understand pet psychology and safety

Even if you hire staff, make sure at least one team member is trained.

Space & Equipment Requirements

If starting at home or with a mobile van, your basic setup should include:

Essentials:

• Grooming table
• Clippers, scissors, brushes
• Shampoo, conditioners, towels
• Hair dryer or blower
• Nail cutter, ear cleaning tools
• Aprons, gloves, disinfectants

You can source these from wholesale markets or online platforms like Groomers Kart, Heads Up For Tails, or Amazon India.

Cost Breakdown

Total: ₹80,000 – ₹1.4 lakh (approx.)

You can recover this in 4–8 months with regular bookings.

How to Market Your Pet Grooming Business

Marketing is key, especially when you’re competing with big brands or online pet service aggregators.

Low-Cost and Effective Strategies:

• Google My Business: Create a local listing to appear in nearby searches
• Instagram Reels: Showcase grooming transformations (before & after)
• Pet Influencers: Partner with local pet Instagram pages
• Pamphlets in Veterinary Clinics & Pet Stores
• Customer Referrals: Offer ₹100–₹200 discount for every successful referral

Also list yourself on platforms like Justdial, UrbanClap (Urban Company Pets), Supertails, and NearMe.

Pros of Pet Grooming Business

• Low Initial Investment: Especially in a home-based or freelance setup
• High Margins: Each session costs ₹300–₹1500, with 50–60% profit margins
• Flexible Hours: Ideal for part-time entrepreneurs or animal lovers
• Repeat Business: Pets need grooming every 3–6 weeks
• Scope to Expand: Add boarding, pet food, accessories later

Challenges to Consider

No business is without its downsides. Here’s what you need to prepare for:

• Handling Uncooperative Pets: Requires patience and skill
• Injury Risk: Any mistake can hurt the pet and lead to legal complaints
• Hygiene Management: Must follow strict cleanliness protocols
• Price Sensitivity: In Tier 2/3 cities, customers bargain heavily
• Marketing Pressure: Building a brand takes time

To overcome these, start small, build a reputation for safety, and educate your customers.

Real-World Tip: Add Value with Personalization

Many Indian pet owners treat pets like kids. Use this to your advantage:

• Send birthday greetings or discount coupons
• Offer loyalty cards (e.g., 5 sessions = 6th free)
• Create custom grooming packages based on breed, weather, or age

Legal & Business Setup (Optional but Recommended)

To make your business look professional and trustworthy:

• Register as a sole proprietorship or LLP
• Open a current account in your brand name
• Get a Pet Services License if mandated by your state
• Buy basic liability insurance for pet injuries

Final Thoughts

If you love animals and want a low-investment, high-potential business, pet grooming is a rewarding path. With patience, proper training, and consistent service quality, you can build a strong local brand — and maybe even scale it to a pet spa chain.

More importantly, you’ll enjoy your work and make hundreds of pawsitively happy clients 🐾!

Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational purposes only. It reflects independent research and opinions, and is not affiliated with any platform or company mentioned. Please consult a local authority or expert before launching your pet grooming business.

Some Useful Links – 25 Business Ideas , Urbanclap Pet Services