Grooming for the Future: 7 Game-Changing Strategies to Boost Your Salon’s Success typography
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by Kim Kier
vector image of a man pointing to a blue bullseye with a calendar in the middle

The last few years have been financially challenging for many. Prices have increased by as much as 50% in some cases, which has put a strain on both pet parents and groomers alike. Groomers have had to get creative with managing salon costs in an effort to stretch their income.

At the same time, pet owners have shifted their priorities, often focusing more on price. As we all know, when times get tough, pets are often the first to feel the cuts.

But here’s the good news: Things are getting better, and we’re on an upward trend. The next three years are set to bring significant changes, and the future is looking bright. This year will bring optimism, which in turn brings customer confidence. Fast forward to 2026, and the economy will be in a stronger position, with lower energy prices and more disposable income in our pockets. This will shift the focus for pet parents from worrying about price to prioritizing quality and comfort for their beloved pets.

Along with the economic shift, we’ll also see an increase in small businesses—yes, more groomers! By 2027, it’s likely that there will be more grooming professionals to serve pet parents, giving your clients even more options for their pets’ care.

Pet Industry Growth: The Numbers Speak for Themselves

The pet industry has been experiencing steady growth and is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. Here are some key statistics that underscore this upward trend:

  • U.S. Pet Industry Market Size: The U.S. pet industry was estimated to surpass $150 billion in 2024.
  • Pet Grooming Services Growth: The grooming and boarding segment of the pet industry is projected to exceed $13 billion by 2028.
  • Mobile Grooming Demand: The mobile pet grooming sector is seeing rapid growth, with projections indicating it will grow at 9.2% annually over the next five years.
Are You Looking to the Future in Your Salon?
I know, some days it’s hard enough to plan for the week ahead, let alone think about what’s coming in the next few years. But planning for the future is essential if you want to keep your business prosperous and growing. Looking ahead helps ensure that you, your family and the pets you serve can feel confident knowing that your future is bright.

Being proactive and planning for the long term will give you a roadmap to stay ahead of the curve. By anticipating changes, you can adapt and continue to thrive in the evolving grooming landscape.

How Loyal Are Your Clients?
Client loyalty should never be assumed; it’s something that’s earned through trust, strong relationships and a quality service. Your current clients may be just one bad experience away from their last visit. I know that sounds harsh, but people are people, and many don’t voice their concerns directly—they simply endure until they decide to try someone new.

Right now, in many areas, it seems like there are more dogs than groomers, so we all feel secure in the knowledge that pet parents will choose us. However, in just a few years, this may no longer be the case. With more groomers entering the market and clients having more disposable income and confidence in the future, they’ll be making more informed choices about where they take their pets.

How Strong Are Your Client Relationships?
Before you answer, let me ask you another question: Do you ever complain about your clients? If your answer is yes, then it’s possible your clients can sense it, even if you don’t vocalize it. Body language, tone of voice, and even how their dog interacts with you can all reflect your feelings toward the client. If you find yourself complaining often, it might be time to rethink your approach to client relationships and work on improving your customer service skills.

On the other hand, if your answer is no, that’s fantastic! Client relationships are the cornerstone of success in this industry. Loving the pet parents as much as their dogs will make your time in the salon much more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Are You Ready to Rock Your Talents?
Here are seven key strategies that allow you to share your skills with the world and continue growing your business for years to come, helping you to achieve your goals. We’ll dive deeper into each of these in an upcoming article, but for now, here’s a preview:

1. Practicing Stellar Customer Service

  • Active Listening: When clients speak about their pets’ needs, concerns or preferences, actively listen and engage. Asking follow-up questions or making sure you understand their needs shows clients you truly care.
  • Personalized Attention: Remembering specific details about your clients and their pets helps build rapport and trust. For instance, remembering their favorite grooming style or noting any special health concerns can help create a more personalized experience that encourages loyalty.

2. Making Your Salon Stand Out

  • Salon Ambience: Invest in creating a calming and welcoming atmosphere. This includes clean, well-organized workstations, lobby and your salon as a whole.
  • Unique Offerings: Differentiate your salon by offering specialized services that others don’t, such as unique add-ons like daycare or personalized services like pet photos.

3. Keeping Detailed Records

  • Pet Profiles: Maintain detailed records of each pet, including grooming preferences, health concerns and behavioral traits. For example, noting whether a dog is sensitive to certain shampoos or if it has a favorite toy to distract it during grooming can prevent mistakes and reduce stress.
  • Scheduling with Precision: Keep track of grooming patterns, pet growth and client preferences. For example, if a client prefers a longer gap between haircuts for a certain dog, make a note and tailor the appointment scheduling to avoid client dissatisfaction or pet stress.

4. Building a Strong Team

  • Training and Cross-Training: Invest in continuous education and training for your team. For example, you could arrange for a professional grooming seminar or class on handling difficult dogs. Cross-train staff in different roles (like front desk, grooming and customer service) to build a versatile and supportive team environment.
  • Team Bonding Activities: Foster good communication and morale by organizing team-building activities. For example, having regular team meetings or doing an annual team outing helps to strengthen relationships and ensure a smoother work environment.
5. Scheduling Like a Pro

  • Optimized Time Management: Use a digital scheduling tool to reduce errors and optimize appointment slots. For example, try blocking off “buffer time” between appointments for unexpected delays or to clean up between clients, ensuring smooth transitions throughout the day.
  • Seasonal Adjustments: Adjust your scheduling based on seasonal trends. For example, if your business experiences high volume in summer, implement a booking system that allows clients to pre-schedule multiple appointments at once, or create a “loyalty” schedule where returning customers have priority booking slots.

6. Investing in Your Dreams

  • Upgrade Equipment and Tools: Continuously invest in quality grooming tools like clippers, shears and grooming tables. For example, consider investing in a high-end grooming tub that makes washing easier on your back.
  • Ongoing Education: Attend industry seminars, take online courses or join professional organizations to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. For example, learning about new grooming trends (like specific coat treatments or new styles) or becoming certified in pet first aid adds value to your service and shows your clients that you’re dedicated to your craft.

7. Giving Back to Your Community

  • Charity Events: Host fundraising events or offer discounted grooming services for local shelters. For example, organize a “Grooming for a Cause” day where proceeds go to support animal rescues, or offer free grooming to adoptable animals in shelters.
  • Community Outreach and Awareness: Partner with local pet stores, trainers or veterinarians to host community outreach events, like free grooming consultations or educational seminars on pet care. These initiatives not only give back to the community, but also help expand your network and increase visibility.

By focusing on these seven key areas and consistently improving your skills, you’ll be able to create a successful, thriving grooming business that’s prepared for the future and stands out in a competitive market.

Resources:
Kim Kier is the owner/groomer of Little Barks Grooming & Boutique, an award-winning luxury salon in Columbia, South Carolina. She is also a Master Pet Aesthetician, Professional Grooming Credential (World Pet Association), Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, Fear Free Professional, Low Stress Handling Level Silver Certified, and Certified Puppy Consultant.
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