What kind of dog grooming equipment do you need, and how much does all of it cost?

As a groomer, you will use all types of grooming equipment and supplies. A common mistake made by people who are planning to become groomers and also new groomers themselves, is spending way too much money on equipment and supplies when they are first starting out.

You can spend a lot of money on equipment if you don’t know exactly what you need because prices for these items can vary greatly.

But here’s the truth: You don’t have to buy the most expensive equipment to be a successful groomer, but you also don’t want to waste your money buying the cheapest equipment either.

You don’t have to spend tons of money on equipment!

Think about this: What do you really need to groom a dog?

When I opened my first grooming business, I had one cheap bathing tub, a cheap table to groom on, and some basic, inexpensive equipment.

Sure, some groomers have really fancy and expensive grooming salons. You’ve probably been to one before.

But you don’t need to have a fancy salon when you first start out. All you need is some basic equipment.

I recommend that you do a lot of research and read a lot of reviews before you buy a piece of equipment. Try to buy items that are somewhere between the most expensive and the least expensive.

I only spent around $600 on my equipment, and I made over $40,000 in the first year my business was open. I’d say that was a pretty good return on my $600 investment, wouldn’t you?

So, what do you need?

If you are planning on working by yourself (from home for example), or if you are planning on opening your own grooming salon, you will need more equipment and supplies than you will if you work for someone else.

If you are planning to work for an established salon, you might not need to buy some of the following items, because the salon you are working for might provide them for you.

But no matter what you choose to do, ALL groomers should have the following items.

Dog Grooming Equipment List

Straight Shears

Curved Shears

Thinning Shears

Steel Combs

Slicker Brushes

Finishing Comb

Deshedding Tools

Dematting Rake

Nail Clippers

Nail Grinder

Electric Corded & Cordless Clippers

Clipper Blades

Blade Combs

Ear Hair Pullers

If you are planning to open your own salon, you will also need the following equipment:

Bathing Tub

Force Dryer

Kennels

Electric (or Hydraulic) Grooming Table

Other items

There are many other items used by groomers, and the items listed here are just the basic items you will use.

Safety equipment (handling gloves, ear plugs, dust masks, etc.)

Bathing supplies (shampoos, conditioners, etc.)

Finishing supplies (bows, bandanas, cologne/perfume, nail polish, etc.)

Miscellaneous supplies (alcohol, styptic powder, cotton balls and pads, etc.)

Which brands should you buy?

Telling you exactly what brands of equipment you should buy would be like me telling you what brand of shoes to wear.

Obviously there are thousands of different kinds of shoes made by numerous companies all over the world, and the type of shoes I prefer might not be the right shoes for you.

It’s the same with grooming equipment. For example, grooming shears come in many different makes and models, and the shears I prefer might not fit your hand as well as they fit mine.

To choose the right equipment that will fit you the best, you need to read a lot of reviews and see what others have to say. You should also actually try the equipment before buying it, if that is possible in your area.

But no matter which brands you eventually choose, don’t forget that you don’t need the fanciest equipment when you’re first starting your career. You can easily overspend if you’re not careful.

Using my methods, you won't have to spend tons of money on equipment when you're first starting out.

You can have a great career making tons of money grooming pets just like thousands of others! I made The Pet Groomer just for you.