The way we care for our pets is evolving—fast. Pet parents these days don’t just want mobile pet grooming services; they want convenience, comfort, and a little luxury for their furry companions. With U.S. pet-industry spending reaching $152 billion in 2024 (and expected to hit $157 billion in 2025), it’s clear this isn’t just a side trend—it’s full speed ahead. Pet ownership stats show that it’s not slowing down anytime soon with a booming 94 million households.
In this post, we’ll explore why mobile and in-home grooming is booming, the business benefits and challenges, and how grooming professionals can adapt to this fast-growing trend.
From Pandemic Pivot to Everyday Perk
Why Mobile and In-Home Grooming is on the Rise
So, what’s driving the rise of mobile pet grooming businesses and in-home services? No more wrangling pets or waiting in busy salons—the spa is coming straight to the driveway (or living room) for a few key reasons.
• Consumer demand for convenience. Life’s busy. And in a post-pandemic world with more people working flexible hours or balancing multiple roles, services that come to you are no longer “nice to have”—they’re expected. The pet grooming world is no exception.
• Stress-free pets = happy clients. Bringing the grooming experience into familiar surroundings or avoiding car rides can be a game-changer for anxious dogs or older pets.
• Luxury factor and premiumization. Owners are investing more in high-touch, high-quality services: one-on-one attention, specialty grooming, even “spa-on-wheels” experiences.
And the numbers back up the buzz: the global mobile pet care market was worth around $722.7 million in 2024, and it’s projected to more than double to nearly $1.4 billion by 2034. That kind of headroom shows there’s major demand ahead.
Less Rent, More Treats: Perks of Going Mobile
The Business Benefits of Mobile Grooming
Running a mobile grooming business model has big advantages compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar salon:
- Lower startup and fixed costs — no prime storefront rent, fewer overhead surprises.
- Flexibility in scheduling and service areas — hit the neighborhoods that want you most.
- Specialized care — ideal for elderly or nervous pets in familiar settings.
- Stronger client relationships — personal, friendly, and memorable.
With pet ownership and spending growing (according to APPA’s data: 94 million pet households, $152B spent in 2024), grooming businesses have never had more opportunities to expand their reach.
Paws Before You Leap
Challenges to Plan For
Of course, not everything is sunshine and wagging tails. Here are some important logistics to consider and plan for when starting a mobile grooming business:
- Van or equipment investment: Outfitting a mobile grooming van with plumbing, power, ventilation, etc., can be costly.
- Logistics and route efficiency: Travel time, traffic, scheduling—optimize early or you could get stuck.
- Growing competition: As mobile services grow in popularity, brand, quality, and customer experience will matter more than ever.
- Regulatory/compliance hurdles: Licensing, insurance, health & safety rules vary by state (or even county). Stay on top of local requirements.
- Capacity limits & realistic planning: There’s only so much grooming one van or a small team can handle in a day. Build scheduling and financial forecasts with margins for travel and setup time.
Bonus: Want to learn how to build your brand and reach your ideal clients? Check out our guide to conduct a professional brand refresh.
Tech That Gets the Tails Waggin’
How Grooming Businesses Are Adapting
Many businesses are getting creative:
Hybrid models: Offering both in-salon and mobile/in-home grooming to serve more clients.
- Using operations and scheduling software: A user-friendly mobile app with built-in directions, online booking, and integrated payment options helps eliminate inefficiencies.
- Partnering with vets, trainers, pet sitters, or wellness brands: Bundle services so clients get multiple needs met with one call.
- Leveraging data and trends: According to APPA’s 2025 report, Gen Z and Millennials are adopting multiple pets more often and expect digital convenience.
Want to learn how to market to today’s audience? Check out our Getting Social series on how to use today’s social media platforms to boost your business:
The Road Ahead: Grooming Gets Smarter
The Future of Mobile Grooming Services
Let’s peek into what the future of mobile pet care might look like:
- On-demand booking becomes the norm. People want grooming when it’s convenient—not scheduled way in advance.
- Branding and customer experience become differentiators. As more players enter the market, those with strong reputations, clean vans, friendly tech, and streamlined processes will stand out.
- Expanded service offerings. Beyond grooming: wellness checks, pet nutrition, mobile vet services—even mobile pet retail or delivery could give you an extra edge.
- “Spa on wheels” becomes the full business model. High-end, luxurious mobile vans, specialty grooming styles, and premium products will appeal to pet owners, especially in urban/suburban markets.
And the numbers back this up: global forecasts for mobile pet care suggest growth from ~$722.7 million in 2024 to ~$1.4 billion by 2034. That’s a lot of room to grow—and innovate.
Keep Calm and Groom On (Anywhere)
Mobile and in-home grooming services are no longer niche, they’re the future. Groomers who adapt now can capture new revenue streams while keeping tails wagging and clients smiling.
Running a mobile grooming business startup is exciting, but success requires the right tools. With DaySmart Pet, you’ll have scheduling, payments, and client management covered—so you can focus on what you love: making pets look and feel their best.
Start your 14-day free trial and experience the difference yourself!