What does it cost to start a dog grooming business?
Dog grooming can be started from home, a mobile van, or a fixed salon, and that choice drives most of the cost. A mobile setup avoids rent but needs a fitted van, while a home-based studio is the cheapest way to test the market.
As a guide, plan for around $4,600 – $60,000 in one-off setup costs and $460 – $9,500 per month in running costs. Adding a three-month cash buffer puts a realistic launch figure at $5,980 – $88,500.
One-off setup costs
The costs you pay once to get up and running:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Grooming table, bath & dryer | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Clippers, blades & tools | $800 – $3,000 |
| Mobile van fit-out (if mobile) | $0 – $40,000 |
| Branding & website | $500 – $3,000 |
| Training/qualification | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Insurance setup | $300 – $1,000 |
Totals roughly $4,600 – $60,000. Buying used or starting lean lands you near the lower end.
Monthly running costs
The ongoing costs of operating each month:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Consumables (shampoo, products) | $200 – $800 |
| Rent or van running costs | $0 – $2,500 |
| Insurance | $60 – $200 |
| Marketing & booking software | $100 – $600 |
| Utilities | $100 – $400 |
| Staff wages | $0 – $5,000 |
Totals roughly $460 – $9,500 per month. Work out your break-even point →
Licences & registrations
- ABN registration
- Public liability insurance
- Local council home-business or animal-business approval
- Grooming qualification (recommended, not always mandatory)
- Trade waste approval for salon water disposal
Not legal advice — requirements vary by state and council. Check business.gov.au and your local council.
Tips to start lean
- A mobile service commands premium pricing for the convenience.
- Repeat grooming appointments every 4–8 weeks create reliable recurring revenue.
- Photos of your work on social media are your most effective marketing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a dog grooming business in Australia?
A small, owner-operated start typically costs around $5,980 – $88,500. That covers roughly $4,600 – $60,000 in one-off setup costs plus a three-month buffer for running costs of about $460 – $9,500 per month. Your actual figure depends heavily on scale, location and whether you buy new or used.
What are the ongoing monthly costs?
Expect ongoing running costs of roughly $460 – $9,500 per month, covering items like consumables (shampoo, products), rent or van running costs, insurance and more. Use the break-even calculator to see how many sales cover these.
What licences or registrations do I need?
Common requirements include: ABN registration; Public liability insurance; Local council home-business or animal-business approval; Grooming qualification (recommended, not always mandatory); Trade waste approval for salon water disposal. Always confirm the exact requirements with your state and local council.
Can I start a dog grooming business cheaply?
Yes — the low end of the range (around $5,980) is realistic if you start lean: buy used equipment, start from home or solo where possible, and avoid a fixed lease until demand is proven.
Cost ranges are general estimates for 2025–26 and vary widely by location, scale and choices. Not financial or business advice.