U.S. Pet Grooming Industry Statistics
2024–2025
Data-driven statistics on the U.S. pet grooming industry, sourced from U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns (CBP) 2022, Nonemployer Statistics (NES) 2022, and the 2022 Economic Census. NAICS 812910 covers animal grooming establishments — including grooming salons, mobile groomers, and bathing services for pets.
Contents
1. Industry Size
Source: U.S. Census Bureau CBP 2022 (NAICS 812910) + NES 2022; 2022 Economic Census
~25,000
Pet grooming businesses with employees (CBP 2022)
50,000+
Solo/mobile groomers (NES 2022)
75,000+
Total pet grooming businesses combined
$11.4B
U.S. pet services industry revenue (Economic Census 2022)
"The U.S. pet grooming industry (NAICS 812910) encompasses approximately 25,000 employer establishments (CBP 2022) and over 50,000 solo and mobile groomers (NES 2022), bringing the total to 75,000+ businesses operating within a $11.4 billion pet services market (2022 Economic Census)."
— Session.care Research, citing U.S. Census Bureau CBP 2022 and 2022 Economic Census, NAICS 812910
Pet grooming has become one of the most dynamic segments of the U.S. personal care economy. The 2022 CBP recorded approximately 25,000 pet grooming establishments with paid employees under NAICS 812910. Combined with the more than 50,000 solo and mobile groomers captured in the 2022 NES, the industry totals more than 75,000 businesses.
The broader pet services industry — of which grooming is the largest appointment-based segment — generated approximately $11.4 billion in revenue in 2022 (Economic Census), driven by Americans' increasing willingness to spend on their pets' care and appearance.
2. The Pandemic Pet Boom
Source: APPA National Pet Owners Survey; CBP 2022 vs 2017 trend data
23M+
U.S. households that acquired a pet during 2020–2021
67%
U.S. households that own a pet (APPA)
#1
Fastest growing care category since 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a historic surge in U.S. pet ownership. More than 23 million U.S. households acquired a new pet during 2020 and 2021, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This surge translated directly into demand for pet grooming services, creating a sustained supply shortage that drove significant new business formation in the sector.
With 67% of U.S. households now owning at least one pet — approximately 90.5 million households — the addressable market for pet grooming services is larger than any point in U.S. history. Dog ownership in particular drives grooming demand, with most breeds requiring professional grooming every 4–8 weeks.
3. Revenue Benchmarks
Source: 2022 Economic Census; industry estimates by business type
| Business Type | Annual Revenue Range | Avg. Appointments/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Solo / home-based groomer | $35,000–$65,000 | 4–6 |
| Mobile groomer | $55,000–$100,000 | 5–8 |
| Small grooming salon (2–4 staff) | $80,000–$150,000 | 12–20 |
| Mid-size grooming salon (4–8 staff) | $150,000–$300,000 | 20–35 |
| Large pet salon / franchise location | $300,000–$600,000+ | 35+ |
Average revenue per grooming appointment typically ranges from $60–$120 depending on breed size, coat type, and services included. A solo mobile groomer completing 6 appointments daily at an average of $80 can generate $100,000+ annually — the upper end of the solo operator range. Small grooming salons running 15–20 daily appointments generate $80,000–$150,000 in annual revenue.
4. Mobile Groomers — The Fastest Growing Segment
Source: NES 2022; industry trend analysis
50K+
Mobile / solo groomers (NES 2022)
$20–$40
Mobile premium over salon pricing
Route-based
Scheduling model — appointment sequencing is critical
Mobile grooming — where a van-based groomer visits clients at home — has become the fastest growing segment of the pet grooming industry post-pandemic. Mobile groomers typically charge a $20–$40 premium over salon prices for the convenience of door-step service, and operate on route-based scheduling where geographic sequencing of appointments directly impacts daily earning capacity.
The NES captures more than 50,000 solo and mobile groomers as nonemployer operators. These independent professionals face unique scheduling challenges: managing a client waitlist, optimising geographic routes, sending appointment confirmations, and handling last-minute cancellations — all without administrative staff. Online booking with automated SMS reminders is particularly high-value for mobile operators.
5. Key Takeaways
What the Census Data Tells Us About the Pet Grooming Industry
- 1Fastest growing care category: The pandemic pet boom added 23M+ pet-owning households, creating sustained demand that continues to drive new business formation.
- 2$11.4B market: The largest pet services category by appointment volume, with recurring revenue from clients returning every 4–8 weeks.
- 375,000+ businesses: A large, fragmented industry with a mix of storefronts, home salons, and mobile operators — all requiring appointment management.
- 4Recurring revenue model: Regular grooming clients return every 4–8 weeks — ideal for automated rebooking reminders to keep the schedule filled.
- 5Mobile is booming: 50,000+ solo/mobile groomers are the fastest growing segment — and they need online booking to compete without a physical shopfront.
6. Methodology & Sources
- CBP 2022, NAICS 812910 — Pet Care (Except Veterinary) Services including grooming.
- NES 2022, NAICS 812910 — Nonemployer (solo/mobile) pet grooming operators.
- 2022 Economic Census — Revenue for NAICS 8129 (Other Personal Care Services, incl. pet services).
- American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2021–2022 National Pet Owners Survey — Pet ownership statistics.
All figures are provided for informational and market-sizing purposes. Last reviewed: March 2025.
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