Pet Grooming Industry Statistics and Trends for 2026
The US pet grooming market is worth approximately $14-15 billion in 2026 and growing at 7-9% annually. The global market is projected to reach $46.7 billion by 2036. Here are the key statistics and trends every groomer should know.
Market Size and Growth
- US pet grooming & boarding market: ~$14-15 billion (2026)
- Global pet grooming market: $19.5 billion (2026), projected $46.7 billion by 2036
- Annual growth rate: 7-9% CAGR
- North America market share: 40%+ of global pet grooming services
Pet Ownership Trends
- US households with pets: ~67% (approximately 87 million households)
- Average annual spending on pets: $1,500-2,500+ per household
- Grooming as % of pet spending: Growing as pet humanization increases
- Millennials and Gen Z: Largest pet-owning demographics, more willing to spend on premium services
Groomer Income and Employment
- Average groomer salary: $39,000 - $55,000/year
- Average hourly rate: $17 - $26/hour
- Top earners (90th percentile): $65,000+/year
- Self-employed groomers: Typically earn 30-50% more than salaried employees
- Estimated US groomers: 120,000-150,000
See our full Dog Groomer Salary Guide for detailed breakdowns by experience and location.
Grooming Pricing Statistics
- Average full groom (medium dog): $65-95
- Average bath & brush (medium dog): $40-70
- Mobile grooming premium: 10-20% above salon prices
- Northeast premium: 15-25% above national average
Check our free Pricing Calculator for regional rate recommendations.
Industry Challenges
- No-show rates: 10-15% average, costing groomers $700+/month
- SMS reminder impact: Reduces no-shows by 50%+
- Groomer burnout: High physical demands lead to average career length of 8-12 years
- Labor shortage: Demand for groomers exceeds supply in many markets
Technology Trends in 2026
- Online booking adoption: Growing rapidly — clients expect to book online, not by phone
- Automated SMS reminders: Becoming standard for professional grooming businesses
- Software consolidation: Groomers are moving from pen-and-paper to all-in-one platforms that handle booking, payments, and client management
- Mobile grooming growth: Mobile grooming is the fastest-growing segment as consumers value convenience
- Independent groomer growth: More groomers leaving commission-based salon jobs to go independent, driven by better margins and flexible scheduling
What This Means for Groomers
The numbers tell a clear story: demand for grooming services is growing faster than supply. Independent groomers who invest in modern tools — online booking, SMS reminders, professional client management — are positioned to capture this growth and earn more than ever.
Looking to start or grow your grooming business? Read our Complete Guide to Starting a Dog Grooming Business.