How to Get Dog Grooming Clients Fast

You’ve got the skills, the equipment, and the passion—but your appointment book has too much white space. Learning how to get dog grooming clients is often the biggest challenge new groomers face, and even experienced professionals hit slow periods.

The good news? Client acquisition isn’t magic. It’s a combination of proven strategies applied consistently. Here’s how to fill your schedule faster.

The Foundation: Why Clients Choose a Groomer

Before diving into tactics, understand what pet owners actually want:

Trust and Safety
Their pet is family. They need to know Fluffy is in good hands.

Convenience
Easy booking, convenient location, parking, and smooth communication.

Results
Their dog comes home looking (and smelling) great.

Experience
Low-stress for the pet and hassle-free for the owner.

Value
Not necessarily the cheapest—just worth the price.

Every client acquisition strategy should address these core needs.

Quick Wins: Get Clients This Week

1. Tell Everyone You Know

This sounds obvious, but most new groomers underestimate their personal network.

Action steps:

• Post on your personal social media announcing your business
• Text or call friends and family directly (don’t just post and hope)
• Ask specifically: “Do you know anyone with a dog who needs grooming?”
• Offer a friends-and-family discount for your first 10 clients

Why it works: People want to help. They just need to know what you do and that you’re looking for clients.

2. Claim Your Google Business Profile

This is the single most important free marketing tool for local businesses.

Action steps:

• Go to business.google.com and create or claim your listing
• Add complete information: name, address, phone, hours, website
• Upload quality photos (your space, your work, yourself)
• Write a compelling business description with keywords
• Select all relevant categories (Pet Groomer, Dog Grooming, etc.)

Why it works: When someone searches “dog grooming near me,” Google Business listings appear first. A complete profile dramatically increases visibility.

3. Ask for Reviews Immediately

Reviews are currency for local businesses. Start collecting them from day one.

Action steps:

• After every groom, ask: “Would you mind leaving us a Google review?”
• Send a follow-up text or email with a direct link
• Make it easy—the fewer clicks, the better
• Respond to every review (positive and negative) professionally

Why it works: Most consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business. More positive reviews = more new clients.

4. Post Before-and-After Photos

Visual proof of your skills is powerful marketing.

Action steps:

• Photograph every groom (with owner permission)
• Post to Instagram, Facebook, and Google Business
• Use consistent lighting and backgrounds
• Tag your location and use local hashtags
• Include breed and service info in captions

Why it works: People scroll social media looking for proof you can make their dog look great. Give them that proof.

Local Marketing Strategies

5. Partner with Veterinarians

Vets are trusted authorities on pet care. Their recommendation carries weight.

Action steps:

• Visit local vet offices with your business card and a small gift
• Introduce yourself to staff (they often make recommendations)
• Offer a referral incentive
• Leave flyers or brochures (with permission)
• Offer to groom staff pets at a discount

Why it works: When a vet says, “I recommend this groomer,” pet owners listen.

6. Connect with Pet Stores

Pet stores see your ideal customers daily.

Action steps:

• Partner with local independent pet stores
• Offer to leave marketing materials
• Cross-promote each other
• Consider a joint promotion or event

Why it works: Pet store shoppers are actively spending money on their pets. They’re your target customer.

7. Join Local Pet Groups

Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and community forums are goldmines.

Action steps:

• Join local pet owner Facebook groups
• Participate genuinely—answer questions, share tips
• Mention your services when relevant (don’t spam)
• Respond quickly to “looking for groomer” posts
• Engage consistently on Nextdoor

Why it works: These groups are where pet owners ask for recommendations. Being helpful positions you as the obvious choice.

8. Attend Local Events

Get face-to-face with potential clients.

Action steps:

• Set up a booth at pet adoption events
• Attend farmers markets in pet-friendly areas
• Participate in dog walks or charity events
• Host a “meet the groomer” open house

Why it works: Meeting you in person builds trust faster than any ad.

Digital Marketing Strategies

9. Build a Simple Website

Even a basic website increases credibility and bookings.

Must-have elements:

• Services and pricing
• Location and service area
• Online booking capability
• Before-and-after photos
• Contact information
• Client testimonials

Quick options:

• Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress
• Hire a freelancer for a basic site
• Use website features included in grooming software

Why it works: When people look you up after a recommendation, a professional website seals the deal.

10. Get Found on Google Maps

Most grooming searches are local. Dominate “dog grooming near me.”

Action steps:

• Fully optimize your Google Business Profile
• Ensure NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) everywhere
• Get listed on Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps
• Add local keywords to your website
• Build local citations (directories, chamber listings)

Why it works: Local SEO puts you in front of people actively searching for a groomer right now.

11. Run Facebook Ads

Facebook ads let you target pet owners in your area.

Getting started:

• Start with a $5–$10 per day budget
• Target dog owners within 10–15 miles
• Use strong before-and-after photos
• Include a clear call to action (Book Now, Call Today)
• Track results and adjust

Ad ideas:

• “$10 off your first groom”
• Seasonal shed-busting special
• Breed-specific messaging (e.g., Doodle owners)

Why it works: You can reach your exact customer affordably.

12. Use Instagram Strategically

Instagram is perfect for visual businesses like grooming.

Strategy:

• Post consistently (3–5 times per week)
• Use Stories for behind-the-scenes content
• Reels often get more reach
• Use local hashtags
• Engage with local pet accounts
• Tag pet parents (with permission)

Why it works: Pet owners love dog content. When they need a groomer, you’re top of mind.

Referral and Loyalty Programs

13. Create a Referral Program

Your existing clients are your best salespeople.

Program ideas:

• $15 off for both referrer and new client
• Free add-on service for referrals
• Tiered system (3 referrals = free groom)
• Handwritten thank-you notes

How to promote:

• Referral cards at checkout
• In-salon signage
• Verbal reminders
• Add it to receipts and emails

Why it works: Personal recommendations convert better than ads.

14. Implement a Loyalty Program

Reward repeat business.

Options:

• “Buy 5 grooms, get the 6th 50% off”
• Points system
• Membership model
• VIP perks (priority booking, exclusive offers)

Why it works: It costs far more to acquire a new client than to keep one.

15. Follow Up Consistently

Stay in touch between appointments.

Touchpoints:

• Automated appointment reminders
• Post-appointment thank-you message
• Rebooking reminders
• Birthday messages
• Holiday greetings
• Grooming tips

Why it works: Out of sight, out of mind. Regular communication keeps you top of mind.

Pricing and Positioning

16. Offer a First-Time Client Special

Reduce the risk of trying someone new.

Ideas:

• $10–$15 off first groom
• Free add-on (teeth brushing, nail polish)
• Free premium shampoo upgrade
• “Bring a friend” discount

Track conversions. The goal is long-term clients—not one-time deal hunters.

17. Don’t Compete on Price Alone

Racing to the bottom is a losing strategy.

Instead:

• Differentiate on quality or experience
• Communicate your value clearly
• Target clients who appreciate professional grooming
• Price confidently

Why it works: There will always be someone cheaper. Compete on value.

18. Create Package Deals

Bundles encourage larger purchases and predictable revenue.

Package ideas:

• Puppy package (3 grooms at slight discount)
• Seasonal pre-pay package
• Spa day bundle

Why it works: Packages benefit both you and your clients.

Converting Inquiries to Bookings

19. Respond Fast

Speed wins.

Benchmarks:

• Phone calls: within 1 hour
• Texts: within 30 minutes
• Social messages: within a few hours
• Emails: same-day

Why it works: The first groomer to respond often gets the booking.

20. Make Booking Easy

Remove friction.

Offer:

• Online booking
• Text booking
• Social media booking buttons
• Direct phone line

Avoid:

• Complicated forms
• Long hold times
• Confusing pricing

Every extra step loses clients.

21. Handle Objections Gracefully

Common examples:

“Your prices are high.”
Explain what’s included and offer appropriate alternatives.

“I need to think about it.”
Offer to hold a spot and answer questions.

“Do you have anything sooner?”
Use a cancellation list.

Objections are often requests for more information—not hard no’s.

Tracking What Works

22. Ask “How Did You Hear About Us?”

Track every new client source:

• Google search
• Google Maps
• Facebook/Instagram
• Referral (by name)
• Vet recommendation
• Drove by
• Nextdoor

Double down on what works.

23. Know Your Numbers

Client Acquisition Cost (CAC):
Marketing spend ÷ new clients

Client Lifetime Value (LTV):
Average spend × visits per year × years retained

Goal: LTV should be at least 3x CAC.

Data-driven decisions beat guesswork.

Seasonal and Situational Strategies

24. Plan for Seasonal Patterns

Busy seasons:

• Spring (shedding)
• Pre-holidays
• Summer trims

Slower seasons:

• January–February
• Back-to-school season

Promote before busy periods. Run specials during slow ones.

25. Leverage Life Events

Moments that trigger grooming needs:

• New puppy
• Moving to the area
• Returning to office
• Holidays and events

Target your messaging around these life events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build a client base?
Most groomers see momentum within 3–6 months. Full schedules often take 6–12 months depending on capacity and market.

What’s the best way to get first clients?
Start with your personal network and optimize your Google Business Profile. Ask every early client for a review.

Should I offer discounts?
Use limited first-time specials strategically. Avoid constant discounting that devalues your work.

How much should I spend on marketing?
New businesses often allocate 10–20% of target revenue. Start with free methods before paid ads.

What if I’m in a competitive market?
Differentiate on convenience, specialization, experience, or community presence.

Your 30-Day Client Acquisition Plan

Week 1: Foundation

• Set up Google Business Profile
• Tell 20 people about your business
• Create social accounts
• Photograph your work

Week 2: Visibility

• Visit 3 vet offices
• Join 3 local pet groups
• Post daily
• Ask every client for reviews

Week 3: Outreach

• Launch referral program
• Connect with pet stores
• Look for events
• Set up online booking

Week 4: Momentum

• Evaluate results
• Double down on best channels
• Test small Facebook ad budget
• Plan next month

Final Thoughts

Getting dog grooming clients isn’t about one magic tactic—it’s about consistent effort across multiple channels.

The groomers with full schedules didn’t get lucky. They showed up, delivered great service, and made it easy to find and book them.

Start with the strategies that cost nothing but time. Master the basics before spending on ads.

And remember: your best marketing is always a happy client telling their friends.

Now go fill that appointment book.