Do dog groomers need insurance?
Updated
Yes, most working groomers carry general liability insurance plus pet care (animal bailee) coverage, and it is often required before you can rent salon space or get a business license. For an independent groomer, combined coverage typically runs in the range of $30 to $60 per month, though it varies by location, coverage limits, and claims history.
Two coverages do most of the work for groomers. General liability covers third party injury and property damage: a client slipping in your space, for example. Animal bailee (sometimes called pet care or "care, custody, and control") coverage handles injury to a pet while it is in your hands, which is the risk general liability usually excludes. Mobile groomers often add commercial auto coverage for the van.
Insurance is sometimes legally required and sometimes just strongly advisable. Landlords, salon suite operators, and some city business licenses require proof of liability coverage before you can operate. Even where it is optional, a single bite, nick, or anesthetic free dental mishap can cost far more than a year of premiums, which is why most established groomers carry it regardless.
Costs depend on your coverage limits, location, whether you are mobile, and your claims history, so treat the $30 to $60 per month figure as a planning estimate rather than a quote. This is general information, not legal or insurance advice, confirm requirements with a licensed agent and your local licensing office. The guides below walk through the specifics for a new grooming business.
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More answers
How much does pet grooming software cost?
Dog grooming software costs between $9 and $239 per month in 2026. Groomer specific tools: GroomBoard $9 to $39 per month with 100 to 600 texts included, Groomsoft $29.95 to $39.90 with 100 free texts then prepaid packs, MoeGo $49 to $239 per van or location with texts capped by tier. Facility platforms such as Gingr run $109 to $179 plus setup fees. The monthly total is usually higher than the sticker price once text packs and setup fees are added.
Does dog grooming software work with Square?
Some grooming software integrates with Square and GroomBoard does not. GroomBoard has no Square connection: it does not read Square transactions, push appointments into Square, or settle payments through a Square account. Most groomers who use both keep Square at the counter for card payments and run bookings, pet records, and reminder texts in GroomBoard. Square Appointments on its own is $0, $49, or $149 per location per month and has no pet profiles.
Is there free dog grooming software?
Yes. As of October 2026, ShakeYourTail, Tuft, Doxford and Square Appointments each have a free plan that never expires, and Koalendar works as a free generic scheduler. Every one of them drops SMS reminders or caps your client list, and two tools that show up in "free grooming software" lists, GrooMore and Cuddles, only offer a trial. GroomBoard is not free: Starter is $9 a month with 100 texts included, after a 7 day trial with no card.
What software do dog groomers use?
Dog groomers use grooming specific business software to handle online booking, calendar scheduling, client and pet records, and automated SMS reminders. Common options include GroomBoard, MoeGo, Gingr, DaySmart Pet, and Groomsoft, and independent or mobile groomers often choose a lighter, flat priced tool like GroomBoard from $9/month.