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If your dream job doesn’t involve being stuck in an office cubicle all day, allows you to work with adorable clients and more often than not means you’ll be covered in fur — starting a dog grooming business might be your next adventure.
A dog grooming business can be a profitable business venture however, it’s important to set your business up the right way. Ensuring your business is registered correctly, well protected and following the necessary regulations will give it what it needs to thrive in the industry. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about starting your own dog grooming business.
How Do You Start A Dog Grooming Business?
There’s no prerequisite to starting a dog grooming business. However, this doesn’t mean you should just grab a hose and go.
A skilled dog groomer must have a solid understanding of grooming techniques, animal behaviour, and common issues like ticks and skin diseases, to name a few. Gaining hands-on experience or taking professional courses is a great way to expand your knowledge before launching your dog grooming business. This ensures you’re well-prepared to handle any type of client.
A dog grooming business also requires detailed planning. Business isn’t something you just dive into – it requires research, an understanding of the market, refining your personal vision and knowledge of what you might be up against. Creating a business plan is highly recommended, as it helps you put everything together and stay the course.
Can I Start My Dog Grooming Business From Home?
There are multiple options when it comes to choosing a location for your dog grooming business. If your local council regulations and zoning requirements permit it, you could run your dog grooming business from home. Just make sure your setup is fully prepared before welcoming clients.
Other options include starting a mobile dog grooming business or operating from a brick-and-mortar pet grooming store. Each option has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to determine what works best for your specific business needs.
Open A Dog Grooming Business: Legal Steps
After you’re confident your business plan is ready and you’ve got the right skills and education – it’s time to officially start your dog grooming business. There’s a number of legal steps to properly setting up your dog grooming business, let’s go through them.
Register Your Dog Grooming Business
The first step to starting your own dog grooming business is registering it. To do this, you’ll need to choose a business structure. There are multiple different structures to choose from, and selecting the right one is fundamental to your business’s success. In Australia, the most commonly registered business structures are sole trader, partnership, and company.
- Sole Trader: Sole trader businesses have the simplest registration. You just need to get an Australian Business Number (ABN) via a quick online registration process. If you’re going to be using something other than your personal name for the business, then you will need to register a business name – completing your registration as a sole trader.
- Partnership: Similar to a sole trader, partnerships also have a relatively simple set up process. In this case, the partners will need to apply for the business’s ABN, then register a business name, unless the names of all the partners will be used for the business.
- Company: A company set up is a little more complicated (we’ll explain why below). All Australian companies are registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). There’s a number of rules and regulations that need to be followed as well as important decisions concerning your company type, officeholders and governance. It’s a good idea to have legal guidance when registering a company.
Why Register My Dog Grooming Business As A Company?
You might be wondering, if setting up a company is more complicated, why not choose the easier option? It’s a valid question. However, there’s a good reason why forming a company requires extra effort.
Companies are considered separate legal entities, distinct from their owners. Once your photography company is properly set up, it can own or sell property, earn profits, and even incur debt. This provides you with limited liability, meaning you’re protected personally from some of the risks associated with running a business.
Sole trader and partnership structures don’t offer this advantage. In fact, the opposite is true — if you register as a sole trader or form a partnership, your photography business is legally tied to you personally. This means that if the business faces financial or legal issues, you could be personally liable.
If dog grooming is a long-term business venture for you, registering as a company may be your best option.
Get The Right Contracts Drafted For Your Dog Grooming Business
Now that you’ve legally registered your dog grooming business, it’s time to make sure it’s well-protected. Well-drafted contracts tailored to your business are essential — they clarify rights, responsibilities, and ownership, helping to avoid misunderstandings and disputes. Below are some key legal agreements you should consider for your photography business:
Service Agreement: This contract outlines the services you’ll provide to your clients, payment terms, deadlines, and client expectations, ensuring both parties are clear on their obligations.
Website Terms and Conditions: If you create a website for your dog grooming business, it’s important to establish your ownership and limit your liability through a legal agreement.
Privacy Policy: A privacy policy is legally required if your website collects any personal information. Having a legal expert draft your privacy policy ensures your policy meets all necessary legal requirements.
Supply Agreement: As a dog groomer, you’ll regularly need to purchase supplies. If you choose to work with a supplier, it’s wise to have a contract in place that outlines all the essential terms.
Should I Buy Into A Dog Grooming Business Franchise?
Instead of starting your dog grooming business from scratch, you might consider buying into an established franchise. A franchisor typically provides access to their intellectual property, supplies, business operations, and other resources needed to run your dog grooming business. This means you won’t need to build your business from the ground up—you’ll essentially receive everything required to operate your franchise. In exchange, franchisees usually pay the franchisor a recurring fee, often on a monthly basis. Keep in mind that every franchise relationship is different.
In Australia, franchising is a well-regulated industry, designed to protect franchisees from being exploited. It’s crucial to ensure you receive the franchise disclosure documents upfront and that your franchisor provides all necessary information. Seeking legal support when entering a franchise is highly recommended. A legal expert can assist with reviewing key documents, such as the Franchise Agreement, and ensure the terms align with your best interests.
Are There Any Regulations I Need To Consider When Starting A Dog Grooming Business?
Your dog grooming business will also need to comply with various legal requirements. Australian Consumer Law (ACL), employment law, data and privacy regulations, and animal safety standards will all impact your day-to-day operations. It’s important to stay informed about your legal obligations or consult with a legal expert who can provide valuable guidance to help ensure your business practices remain compliant with the law.
Key Takeaways
Starting a dog grooming business can be a great way to do what you love for work. However, it’s important to take care of the legal requirements that naturally come with being in business. To summarise what we’ve discussed:
- Starting a dog grooming business involves gaining grooming skills, market research, and creating a business plan to set a strong foundation
- Choose a suitable business structure—sole trader, partnership, or company—each with different legal implications and setup processes
- Running your business from home, mobile, or a physical store depends on your preferences and local zoning regulations
- Registering as a company offers limited liability, protecting your personal assets, but requires more compliance and legal obligations
- Key contracts like Service Agreements, Privacy Policies, and Supply Agreements are essential to protect your business and clarify responsibilities
- Buying into a dog grooming franchise can provide ready-to-use resources and support, but requires reviewing franchise agreements carefully
- Comply with regulations, including Australian Consumer Law, employment law, data privacy, and animal safety standards, to avoid legal risks
If you would like a consultation on starting a dog grooming business, you can reach us at 1800 730 617 or team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no-obligations chat.
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