Mobile dog grooming is the fastest-growing segment of the grooming industry. You drive to the client, groom the dog in your van, and move to the next appointment. No salon lease, no shared workspace, no commute to an office. For experienced groomers who want independence and top-tier earning potential, mobile grooming is hard to beat.
Why Mobile Grooming Is Booming
Several trends are driving mobile grooming's growth:
- Convenience for pet parents — They do not have to drive to a salon, wait, and come back. The groomer comes to their door
- Less stress for dogs — No kenneling, no barking from other dogs, no waiting. The dog is groomed and back inside in 60-90 minutes
- Premium pricing — Mobile groomers charge 20-50% more than salon groomers because of the convenience factor. Clients gladly pay it
- Low overhead — No lease, no receptionist, no build-out costs. Your van is your salon
What Does a Mobile Grooming Van Cost?
This is the biggest upfront investment. Options range from DIY conversions to fully equipped turnkey vans:
- Used cargo van + DIY conversion: $15,000-$30,000 total. You buy a used Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster and install the grooming equipment yourself or hire a converter. Most budget-friendly option but requires mechanical and build-out skills.
- Used, pre-built grooming van: $30,000-$60,000. Buy a van that was previously used by a mobile groomer. Check the generator, water heater, and plumbing condition carefully.
- New turnkey grooming van: $60,000-$120,000+. Companies like Wag'n Tails, Hanvey, and Ultimate Groomobile build fully equipped grooming vans from new chassis. These come with everything installed: tub, table, dryer, hot water, generator, lighting, and storage.
Essential Equipment Inside the Van
- Stainless steel tub with elevated platform and restraint
- Hydraulic or electric grooming table
- High-velocity dryer (commercial-grade, 120V compatible)
- Fresh water tank (30-50 gallons typical) and gray water tank
- On-demand water heater (propane or electric)
- Generator (Onan or Honda, 3500-5500 watts) or shore power capability
- Lighting — LED panels for bright, even light
- HVAC — Air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort
- All standard grooming tools — clippers, blades, shears, brushes, combs, nail tools
How Much Can Mobile Groomers Earn?
Mobile grooming has the highest earning ceiling in the industry outside of salon ownership:
- Average mobile groom price: $75-$120 per dog (varies by size, breed, and market)
- Dogs per day: 5-8 is typical for a solo mobile groomer
- Daily revenue: $375-$960
- Annual gross revenue: $90,000-$230,000 working 5 days/week
- Expenses: Gas ($300-$500/month), supplies ($200-$400/month), insurance ($150-$300/month), van maintenance ($200-$400/month), generator maintenance
- Net income: $60,000-$150,000+ depending on volume and market
These numbers assume you are an experienced groomer working in a good market. It takes 3-6 months to build a full book of clients. Many mobile groomers start part-time while still working at a salon, then transition to full-time mobile once their client base is established.
A Typical Mobile Grooming Day
- 7:00 AM — Load van with fresh towels, top off water tanks, check schedule
- 8:00 AM — First appointment. Park in client's driveway, set up, groom the dog (60-90 minutes)
- 9:30 AM — Drive to second appointment (15-30 minute commute between clients)
- 10:00 AM — Second groom
- 11:30 AM — Third groom
- 1:00 PM — Lunch break (eat in the van or at a nearby spot)
- 1:30 PM — Fourth groom
- 3:00 PM — Fifth groom
- 4:30 PM — Sixth groom (if scheduled)
- 6:00 PM — Drive home, clean van, do laundry, restock supplies
Mobile vs. Salon: Pros and Cons
Mobile Advantages
- Higher per-groom revenue
- No lease or build-out costs
- Complete schedule control
- One-on-one attention for each dog (better for anxious pets)
- Tax advantages (vehicle depreciation, mileage, home office)
Mobile Challenges
- Significant upfront van investment
- Driving between appointments eats into your day
- Working alone — no team support for difficult dogs
- Weather impacts (extreme heat/cold affects van operations)
- Mechanical breakdowns stop your entire business
Getting Started
The recommended path into mobile grooming:
- Get 2-3 years of salon experience first. You need to be fast, confident, and able to handle any breed independently before working solo in a van.
- Get certified. Certifications build client trust, which is especially important for a mobile groomer entering homes.
- Start part-time. Groom 2-3 mobile clients on your day off while still working at a salon. Build your book before making the full leap.
- Invest in a quality van. A cheap van that breaks down costs more in lost revenue than the savings on purchase price.
Some companies hire mobile groomers as employees — you drive their van and groom their clients without the capital investment. Search for mobile grooming positions on GroomerJob.com to explore both employee and independent opportunities. Companies like Barkbus and Woofie's are actively hiring mobile groomers across the country.
