PetGroomer.com Surveys

So how many are our numbers? Reliable market statistics for the grooming industry are rare. Pet grooming associations are appropriate candidates to conduct surveys, but they have only modest support from pet groomers. The retail and veterinary medical sectors of the pet industry boast large memberships. They conduct broad surveys and publish finely documented studies. At PetGroomer.com we are moving in that direction. For several years we have conducted the largest surveys of the grooming industry in its history.

Be sure to visit the extensive Take a Survey section of PetGroomer.com. While you are there please take our surveys specially designed for career seekers. There is a wealth of information in the Results section to orient you to employed groomers, self-employed groomers that mobile, salon or shop owners, self-service pet wash owners and more.
 

Take a Survey - Click Here

We can provide you with these reliable estimates for 2010.

* Includes vets, kennels, day cares and other pet businesses with grooming departments

Perhaps the most important statistic for career seekers is the demand for pet groomer and bather employees. Every grooming employer knows there is shortage of skilled employees. In fact, the shortage is chronic and goes back at least 50 years. It is so characteristic of our industry it seems normal. We can offer some proof. Since 1997 we've published more than 310,000 help wanted ads at PetGroomer.com.

The demand for pet grooming services remains strong in 2009 is most regions of the U.S. There is potential for modest growth. However, formal statistics focused on grooming demand are exceedingly rare. There are no polls that accurately measure the demographics for grooming demand. Here’s what we can tell you. Statistically there are between 3,000 to 4,000 dogs and cats for every grooming business in the U.S. Less than 1% of all grooming businesses have clienteles serving 2,000 or more dogs and cats. Less than 50% of dog and cat owners use professional grooming services. The Gallup Poll of 1990 for pet owners indicated that 43% of pet owners had used the services of pet groomers. It's fair to say that PetGroomer.com would not publish more than 310,000 help wanted ads if there wasn't demand.

In summary, a career in pet grooming can be a sound idea. You may not discover much reinforcement for that statement among friends and family. We have led dozens of career seeker seminars. A surprising number of participants reported looks of disbelief, even shock, on the faces of friends and family when they announced their grooming careers. Of course, some found encouragement and support. What about the doubters? Is the stereotypical image of the pet grooming industry lackluster? Can you find prosperity in this industry? Will your confidence be shaken if no one supports your goals? Be prepared just in case.

Our recommendation is to keep reading this report. We're about to get more technical and build your confidence. The opportunity to work with pets and their owners is worth the patience and dedication required. The industry is moving forward at a fast pace to become less fragmented and more professional. The timing is fine. Therefore, “Come on in. The water feels great, but make sure you know how to swim.”

In the next section you will learn more about the people who are groomers.