Pet Industry Business Trends Groomers Should Watch in 2026

The pet industry keeps growing. Spending increases year after year. But growth doesn’t help everyone equally — it depends on positioning yourself for where the industry is heading.

Some trends affect groomers directly. Others are pet industry noise that won’t change your day-to-day. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Pet Ownership Post-Pandemic

The pandemic pet boom created lasting changes.

More Dogs Overall

Pet ownership spiked during 2020–2021. Many of those pets are still alive and need grooming. The client base expanded — and continues to generate demand.

Different Owner Demographics

First-time pet owners who adopted during the pandemic are learning as they go. They need more education and guidance than experienced owners.

This creates opportunity for groomers who are patient, communicative, and willing to educate.

Work-From-Home Effects

Some owners still work remotely and prefer house calls or flexible scheduling. Others returned to offices and need convenient appointments outside work hours.

What This Means for Groomers

More potential clients — but also more hand-holding. Patience with first-time owners pays off in long-term loyalty.

The Humanization of Pets

Pets are increasingly treated as family members, not property.

Spending Patterns

Owners spend more on premium services, quality products, and enhanced experiences. Price sensitivity decreases when pets are viewed as children rather than animals.

Service Expectations

Emotional investment raises expectations. Clients want:

• Personalized service
• Clear, proactive communication
• Evidence that you genuinely care about their pet

What This Means for Groomers

There’s room to raise prices for premium experiences.

But higher prices require higher standards in service, communication, and overall client experience.

Technology Integration

Technology is changing how grooming businesses operate.

Online Booking

Clients expect to book online. Phone-only booking systems lose younger, convenience-focused clients.

Text Communication

Texting has replaced phone calls for most communication. Automated reminders, confirmations, and pickup notifications via text are now expected.

Payment Flexibility

Digital payments, tap-to-pay, mobile wallets — convenience matters. Cash-only businesses create friction.

Software Solutions

All-in-one grooming software like Teddy combines scheduling, client management, communication, and payments. Running a business on paper and memory becomes increasingly disadvantageous.

What This Means for Groomers

Technology investment isn’t optional anymore. It’s table stakes for running a competitive business.

The Wellness Focus

Pet wellness is expanding beyond basic veterinary care.

Holistic Approaches

Interest in natural products, gentle handling, stress-free experiences, and overall wellness continues to grow.

Skin and Coat Health

Grooming is increasingly seen as health maintenance — not just aesthetics. Clients value groomers who understand:

• Skin conditions
• Coat health
• Early warning signs of potential issues

Collaboration With Vets

Groomers who communicate with veterinarians and refer appropriately are viewed as healthcare partners.

What This Means for Groomers

Position yourself as a wellness partner, not just someone who makes dogs look good.

Invest in education around skin conditions, coat science, nutrition effects, and health indicators you notice during grooming.

Labor Market Changes

The groomer shortage continues.

Demand Exceeds Supply

There aren’t enough skilled groomers to meet demand. Waitlists are common. Clients struggle to find availability.

Wage Pressure

Competition for experienced groomers pushes wages upward. Shops that underpay lose staff.

Training Pipeline Challenges

Grooming schools can’t produce groomers fast enough. Many salons are training in-house, which requires time and investment.

What This Means for Groomers

You have leverage.

• More negotiating power
• More job mobility
• Easier client acquisition

The shortage reduces competition but increases responsibility to build sustainable systems.

Sustainability Awareness

Environmental consciousness is entering the pet industry.

Eco-Friendly Products

Demand is growing for sustainable, biodegradable, and natural grooming products. Some clients actively ask about environmental practices.

Waste Reduction

Interest in reducing single-use plastics, implementing recycling programs, and adopting sustainable practices is increasing.

How Far Does It Go?

Right now, sustainability is usually a “nice-to-have,” not a primary decision factor. But it’s growing — especially among younger pet owners.

What This Means for Groomers

Consider sustainable products and practices where practical. Marketing environmental awareness can differentiate you with specific client segments.

Specialization and Niche Markets

Generalist saturation is pushing groomers toward specialization.

Breed-Specific Expertise

Groomers known for particular breeds attract dedicated clients willing to travel and pay premium rates.

Service Specialization

Examples include:

• Hand-stripping specialists
• Creative grooming
• Cat-only grooming
• Senior pet specialists

Niches typically have less competition.

Client-Type Specialization

You might specialize in:

• Luxury clientele
• Budget-conscious families
• Anxious dogs
• Puppies

Different client types require different systems and messaging.

What This Means for Groomers

Being known for something specific is often more powerful than being known as a generalist.

Specialization builds authority and pricing power.

Mobile Grooming Growth

Mobile grooming continues expanding.

Convenience Premium

Clients pay more for at-home service. As people value time more, the premium increases.

Lower Startup Barriers

Starting mobile can be less expensive than opening a salon. More groomers are choosing this route.

Increasing Competition

The mobile market is becoming more crowded in many regions. Differentiation and branding matter more than simply being mobile.

What This Means for Groomers

Mobile is a strong model with real demand.

But mobility alone doesn’t guarantee success. Service quality, marketing, and business systems still determine profitability.

Economic Factors

Broader economic conditions affect pet spending.

Recession Resilience

Pet spending historically holds up better than many discretionary categories during downturns. But it’s not immune.

Price Sensitivity

When budgets tighten, some clients reduce frequency or look for lower-priced options. Premium segments are less affected.

The Redistribution Effect

During economic stress, some clients cut back — but pets still need grooming. The work redistributes rather than disappears.

What This Means for Groomers

Build loyalty. Maintain strong service. Offer structured pricing tiers if necessary.

Stability comes from relationships and consistency.

What’s Overhyped

Not every trend deserves your attention.

AI Grooming Robots

Unrealistic in the near future. Grooming requires judgment, adaptability, and hands-on skill.

Uber-Style Grooming Apps

Many startups attempted this model. Most failed due to poor economics and quality control challenges.

Blockchain for Pet Records

A solution searching for a problem. Traditional databases work fine.

Metaverse Pet Experiences

Marketing buzz. No practical impact on grooming operations.

What This Means for Groomers

Avoid chasing shiny trends.

Focus on fundamentals:

• Excellent grooming
• Strong service
• Efficient systems
• Loyal clients

Actionable Takeaways

Embrace Technology

Use proper scheduling software. Offer online booking. Communicate via text. These are baseline expectations now.

Consider Specialization

What could you become known for? Expertise creates competitive advantage.

Invest in Service

As pets become more humanized, service expectations rise. Communication and experience matter more than ever.

Raise Prices Strategically

Most markets support higher pricing. Compete on value and quality — not on being the cheapest.

Build Systems

Businesses with strong systems outperform those running on chaos. Operational structure is a competitive edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Technology Replace Groomers?

No. Grooming requires physical skill, animal handling expertise, judgment, and adaptability. Technology enhances operations — it doesn’t replace hands-on work.

Should I Worry About Economic Recession?

Be aware, not anxious. Build loyalty, maintain quality, and keep a financial cushion. Pet grooming tends to be relatively recession-resistant.

How Important Is Social Media?

Important for visibility and credibility — but not magical. Word-of-mouth referrals and strong local search presence often drive more bookings.

What Technology Should I Invest in First?

Scheduling and client management software. Organized operations are the foundation of everything else.

Is Mobile or Salon Better Positioned for the Future?

Both have strong futures. Demand exists for each model. Success depends more on execution than on the format you choose.