Top Trends That Are Modernizing The Grooming Industry
he pet industry continues to boom and different categories within the industry are seeing significant growth. In fact, pet grooming specifically is predicted to be worth $2.5 billion annually by 2032. So how does this lucrative sector continue to thrive and evolve? There is more to grooming than trimming kitten nails and brushing canine coats; utilizing state-of-the-art technology can help streamline operations and create positive customer experiences that will help a grooming business grow through positive reviews and word-of-mouth.
Technology is helping transform the traditional pet grooming industry and offering customers the chance to make getting their pets pampered easier than ever. Things like innovative internal communications tools, end-to-end encrypted messaging that keeps customer information secure, and resources that make franchise business ownership turnkey are reshaping the grooming industry and have become the backbone of many successful grooming businesses. The following are some of the top technology trends helping to modernize the pet grooming industry.
Pet ownership is a serious business, and customers want to ensure their pet is perfectly cared for. That’s why the integration of tracking technology and customer service tools can not only enhance the customer experience, but can also streamline operations on the back end. For instance, some client-facing apps use GPS technology to track when mobile grooming vans will arrive, which allows customers to schedule their days accordingly and not feel obligated to check their driveways repeatedly. This also helps to cut down on the groomer’s need to reach out to the client repeatedly with updates on any traffic or delays.
Groomers can also use tech tools to make marketing more manageable. Some grooming companies install GoPro or similar cameras in their grooming spaces to document grooms, which can help market their services and create marketing sizzle reels and other video assets to promote the company. Documenting grooms can also help identify what type of cut was done for the pet, which blades, equipment or products were used, medical concerns, behavioral issues and more, saving time for groomers and ensuring each pet gets the groom their owner is looking for.
In order to make the grooming process more efficient and cut down on groom time, technology-driven grooming tools and equipment are rising in popularity, too.
With everything available at the swipe of a finger on smartphones, embracing app culture is a must for innovative grooming businesses. Many apps add convenience for customers, allowing them to book appointments, track their pet’s progress in real-time and update their pet’s information with ease. However, apps can also benefit the business side of grooming as well.
Mobile apps not only help cut down on administrative work for business owners and offer customers a new way to receive company information and updates, but they are also a great way to promote add-on services that can increase the value of a pet’s grooming appointment. Many apps also offer end-to-end message encryption in order to fully secure sensitive customer information, like payment methods, housed within the app.
With the pet’s wellbeing being the top priority during every service, there are specialized tools that can give groomers the ability to identify potential health issues sooner or remedy those that may be putting a pet at risk or causing them pain. While a full health assessment should always be done prior to the groom, specialized technology, such as pet health apps and telehealth veterinary services, can take these evaluations a step further.
For instance, with the ability to connect with a veterinarian immediately by the aid of a quick-response, 24/7 veterinary service, groomers can get to the root of any potential behavioral or health concerns more quickly. In turn, this can offer customers another level of service that may increase the longevity of their pet’s life.
In order to make the grooming process more efficient and cut down on groom time, technology-driven grooming tools and equipment are rising in popularity, too. When it comes to equipment that can streamline the process, many groomers are opting to use things like clipper vacuums and bathing systems, especially when completing a mobile groom, to enhance efficiency and overall pet safety.
More groomers are embracing the future and utilizing AI technology. There are now programs that can be used to depict what a particular pet might look like with a certain haircut and offer more ways for potential clients to visualize the end result.
As the pet industry—specifically the grooming sector—continues to evolve, technology shouldn’t replace solid human connection. When used appropriately, artificial intelligence and other tools will only help streamline operations and enhance overall services. Groomers should be prepared to research, test, and implement new approaches and resources to see what will ultimately benefit pets and humans alike.
Amy Addington has been President of Woofie’s since January 2022 and was a Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer from Woofie’s inception until then. She has been the Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Woofie’s, LLC, which merged into Woofie’s Ashburn, LLC in January 2022, since its inception in March 2004. She was also the Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Woofie’s Mobile Pet Spa Services, LLC, a position held from its inception in January 2017.