s a viable option for groomers who want to be in control of their time and career but don’t want the expense and upkeep of a storefront salon or a mobile unit, house-call grooming is becoming increasingly popular with groomers and the pet-owning public. And, as one of the lowest-cost ways to start your own grooming business, it can be the ideal career for some.
House-call groomer Edina Viens shares why she chose this particular business model: “The house-call model was the easiest grooming business to start. I began right out of grooming school in 1998. I could start with minimal tools, and I didn’t need a table initially. I have my own schedule and can book as many dogs as I want.
“When I started, I groomed anywhere to build my clientele, but after 25 years, I am more selective,” Edina continues. “I do not groom outside unless the area is covered. I need a wind- and weather-protected place, otherwise it is more difficult for both the dogs and myself.”
Groomer Jan Davidock shares her advice for introducing and explaining what house-call is to potential clients: “Don’t sell the grooming, sell the benefits. Tell them that your full attention is given to their pup without interruption. There is no anxiety from other barking dogs. They don’t have to drive, their baby isn’t kept waiting for service, and they don’t need to guess at a pick-up time. There is no transfer of diseases such as kennel cough, and no chance of fleas or other parasites”
When clients fully understand the value of your services and what will be required of them—access to bathtub or sink, a place to set up, an electric outlet, etc.—they are often very receptive of the house-call model.
“Once I got used to how physically demanding house-call grooming can be, I really started to enjoy it,” she continues. “I work at my own pace, the dogs are usually more relaxed at home, and I love that I get to engage with the client on a different level.
“Being in their home just creates a more laid-back atmosphere,” Deanna adds. “It kind of feels like when you have a friend over, even though I’m there for work.”
Even with all of its benefits, the house-call model can be quite challenging. Before you take the plunge, it might be helpful to join groups on social media, where you can get lots of support, business-building ideas and invaluable information from other group members, such as the following.
“When I started, I carried EVERYTHING,” says Veronica Bolin. “After a year or so, I started bringing only what I needed for each groom and left the ‘spares’ in my car just in case something went wonky.”
“One of the other biggest things is making sure your routing is on point,” Brittany continues. “If you can get all of your clients in the same area on the same day, that’s ideal.”
“The tools that help me most are my Alpha suction cup and my portable camp shower,” Deanna Marie shares. “Some dogs try to jump out of the tub or sink, and the suction cup helps keep them steady and safe. The camp shower pulls water from a bucket, and I mainly use it for medium/larger dogs. I’ll fill the bucket with soapy water so it sprays out ready to go, which helps move the bath along quicker.”
When it comes to house-call, you often have to be creative and do what works for you.
Pat McCauley says, “I use queen-size sheets to cover counters. It makes cleanup a snap.”
“I use drain hair-catchers, and drying double coats in the tub helps to reduce mess and aids in easy cleanup,” states Jessica Siorek.
Veronica Bolin adds, “I Velcro a bag to the underside of my table so I can wipe hair from my table into the bag.”
Ashlee DeSimone, who is both a mobile groomer and a house-call groomer, offers services depending on what the client and dog can handle/afford: “If the customer is older or the dog is older, I try to do only house-call,” explains Ashlee. “I let the clients know that all I need is an outlet and water hookup.
“I use a fully enclosed, floor-to-roof netted pop-up tent,” Ashlee continues. “There’s no hair all over the people’s homes. I can clean it elsewhere and pack up quickly when done!”
House-call grooming is a physical job. In addition to the actual grooming, it takes time to travel, set up, tear down and clean up. But for some it’s an ideal career choice. Is it right for you?