Dog Grooming Salon Equipment Checklist (2026)
Why Your Equipment List Matters Before You Open
Equipment is your single largest upfront cost when opening a grooming salon, and the wrong choices can mean slow workflows, unhappy dogs, and expensive replacements within a year. This checklist covers every category, with honest cost estimates and notes on what's essential versus what can wait.
For a full overview of starting your business, see our Complete Guide to Starting a Dog Grooming Business in 2026.
Equipment by Category
1. Bathing Station
The tub is the heart of every grooming salon. You'll spend 20 to 30% of each appointment here, so invest accordingly.
Essential: Tub with sprayer, non-slip mat, basic shampoos (tearless puppy, deshedding, whitening, medicated).
Nice to have: Elevated bathing system, warm-air bath dryer, hydro-surge massage tub.
2. Grooming Table
Always pair your table with a grooming arm (H-style recommended for stability) and two loops, one neck, one belly. Cost: $30 to $80. Never leave a dog unattended on a table. For a model-by-model breakdown of each lift type, see our guide to the best dog grooming tables.
3. Drying Equipment
Safety note: Never leave a dog unattended in a cage dryer. Use low heat settings and check every 10 minutes. Overheating is a real risk, especially for brachycephalic breeds. For specific picks, including why an ambient no-heat unit beats a dry heat model for most salons, see our best cage and kennel dryers guide and our high-velocity dryer roundup.
4. Clipping and Cutting Tools
Budget at least $300 to $600 for a solid clipper setup. Blades dull over time, plan to send them for professional sharpening every 3 to 6 months ($5 to $10 per blade).
5. Shears and Scissors
Invest in quality here, cheap shears fatigue your hand and produce uneven cuts.
Brands to consider: Kenchii, Geib, Jason Shankey, Jati. Have shears professionally sharpened every 6 to 12 months.
6. Brushes, Combs, and Deshedding Tools
- Slicker brush (soft and firm), $15 to $45 each
- Pin brush, $10 to $30
- Dematting comb / wide-tooth comb, $10 to $25
- Furminator or deshedding tool, $25 to $60
- Rubber curry brush, $8 to $20
- Flea comb, $5 to $15
7. Safety and Sanitation
- First aid kit (styptic powder, gauze, antiseptic), $20 to $40
- Muzzles (various sizes), $10 to $20 each, stock at least 5 sizes
- Ear cleaner and cotton balls, $10 to $20/month
- Kennel disinfectant (Rescue, Accel), $20 to $40/month
- Disposable gloves, $15 to $25/box
- Groomer's smock/apron, $20 to $60
- Non-slip floor mats, $30 to $100
8. Business and Reception
- Computer/tablet for scheduling, $200 to $800
- Grooming software subscription (like GroomBoard), $19 to $39/mo
- Receipt printer, $80 to $200
- Square or Stripe card reader, free to $300
- Waiting area seating, $100 to $400
- Signage and window graphics, $100 to $500
Total Cost Summary by Category
These estimates cover equipment only, not rent, utilities, insurance, or marketing. For insurance requirements, see our Grooming Business Insurance Guide. To understand how to price your services once you're open, use our free pricing calculator.
Essential vs. Nice-to-Have: Quick Reference
Where to Buy Grooming Equipment
- Ryan's Pet Supplies, wide selection, wholesale pricing for salons
- Cherrybrook, good for professional tools and grooming brands
- Groomers.com. UK-based but ships internationally, great shear selection
- Amazon, convenient for consumables and accessories, not recommended for clippers
- Facebook Marketplace / eBay, used tables and tubs at 40 to 60% off retail
- Local grooming school auctions, great deals on lightly used professional gear
Ready to start your business? Read our full startup guide for licensing, location, and marketing advice.