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

5-Year Market Growth Trend (2021-2026)

The pet grooming industry has grown steadily over the past five years, accelerating after the pandemic-era pet adoption surge:

The pandemic pet boom (2020-2021) added an estimated 23 million new pets to US households. Those pets are now 4-5 years old and firmly in their regular grooming cycle, which is a major driver of sustained demand growth.

Regional Market Size Breakdown

The South has the largest share by volume due to population, but the Northeast and West Coast have higher per-groom spending. For detailed pricing by region, see our Dog Grooming Pricing Guide.

Pet Ownership Trends

Generational breakdown: Millennials (born 1981-1996) are now the largest pet-owning demographic, with over 30% of US pet owners falling in this age group. They are followed closely by Gen Z. Both generations are more willing to spend on premium grooming services, more likely to book online, and more responsive to SMS communications than older demographics.

The "pet humanization" trend continues to drive spending. Pet owners increasingly view their pets as family members and are willing to invest in their care, comfort, and appearance. This is good news for groomers, it means growing demand and willingness to pay for quality service.

Groomer Income and Employment

See our full Dog Groomer Salary Guide for detailed breakdowns by experience and location.

Industry Segment Breakdown

The broader pet services industry includes several segments. Here is how grooming fits into the overall picture:

Pet grooming is one of the fastest-growing segments in the pet services industry. The combination of growing pet ownership, rising spending per pet, and the labor-intensive nature of grooming (which limits automation and commoditization) makes it a resilient business model.

Grooming Pricing Statistics

Check our free Pricing Calculator for regional rate recommendations. For detailed breed-specific pricing, see our complete pricing guide.

Industry Challenges

• No-show rates: 10-15% average, costing groomers $700+/month
• SMS reminder impact: meaningfully reduces no-shows
• 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

Emerging Trends and Opportunities

Beyond the headline statistics, several trends are creating new opportunities for groomers in 2026 and beyond:

• Subscription and membership models: Some groomers are offering monthly grooming memberships (e.g. $99/month for one groom + unlimited nail trims). This creates predictable recurring revenue and stronger client retention.
• Specialization premiums: Groomers who specialize in specific breeds (Poodles, Doodles, terriers) or services (hand-stripping, creative grooming, Asian fusion styles) can charge 20-40% above generalist rates.
• Eco-friendly and natural products: Growing demand for organic shampoos, natural grooming products, and eco-conscious salons. Clients will pay a premium for "natural" and "gentle" product lines.
• Cat grooming growth: Cat grooming is an underserved niche with growing demand. Groomers who add cat services can access a less competitive market segment.
• Software-enabled efficiency: Groomers using modern booking and management software report saving 5-10 hours per week on administrative tasks, allowing them to groom more dogs or work fewer hours.
• Multi-location and franchise models: Successful independent groomers are increasingly opening second and third locations, or licensing their brand to other groomers.

Industry Challenges to Watch

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.

The groomer shortage means pricing power is shifting in your favor. If you are consistently booked out, you have room to raise prices. If you are just starting, the market has room for you. The key differentiators are no longer just grooming skill, they are the client experience you provide: easy booking, reliable communication, and professional service.

For a detailed breakdown of what groomers earn, see our salary guide. To understand how to price your services in this growing market, check our pricing guide. And if you are ready to grow your client base, read our 10 strategies to get more clients.

See how GroomBoard compares to other grooming software like Gingr and MoeGo on our comparison pages.

Looking to start or grow your grooming business? Read our Complete Guide to Starting a Dog Grooming Business.

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Industry growth shows up in pay too, see the 2026 dog groomer salary guide for earnings by experience and region, and how to become a dog groomer for the entry paths feeding that growth.