Tour My Home-based Dog Grooming Salon!

Hello and welcome! I'm a young business owner and professional dog groomer who makes grooming and business related videos. Todays video is a tour of my home based dog grooming salon. I've been working in this space for nearly two years and I hope it gives you some inspiration for your own home based workspace!

[@meghansherman6880]

Your organization makes me so happy to see. Clean, nothing to trip over. Everything has a designated spot. 🤩

[@homebuddha]

Great tour 😊I watched Gabriel’s tour, the guy who makes 1.3mil a year dog grooming. His tour wasn’t a tour, just him over talking about irrelevant things and not showing us his layout etc so it sucked. Yours was straight to the point, I know exactly what to expect, what you have, what you do, I see you’re militantly organised which I love! It’s clearly SUPER CLEAN, access is unhindered, and it’s not pretentious. I know where my pet will be pampered., ticks every box I need. Your tour was fabulous so thanks. I’d feel more comfortable bringing my pet to you than Gabriel. Much success to you!

[@tailsntrails]

I LOVE your shop!! Beautiful functional and organized!!! Keep making videos. I’m inspired ❤️🐾🐕

[@katiepolar]

Piper Super Cub Thankyou so much! I will keep making videos, just gotta stop being lazy with it haha! I’m so glad you like them 😍

[@Muttmommy]

Love your shop!! So nice 😍

[@beibeiwu6631]

so cool! I love grooming dog!

[@ellr1180]

I adore your videos. Just found your channel. I’m an aspiring groomer and dog trainer. I own and show and groom my ruby cavalier. 💚

[@PawsRelax]

Awesome set up girl!

[@d6stiney95]

i LOVE this, im working on making my own grooming shop like this from home as well and this video helped ALOT for inspo of how to set up ❤️❤️❤️

[@katiepolar]

Thank you! I'm so glad it's helping as inspo! You dont need much to set up from home

[@audrey-go8zr]

Love your vids ! Please keep posting I want to be a groomer one day so I would love to learn more even more from people I enjoy watching 😁

[@katiepolar]

I absolutely will! This weeks video will be coming hopefully tomorrow and it will be a video on how I became a dog groomer and my career story. Thankyou so much for your support!

[@teresitarojas3597]

Where are located?

[@smoldinowarlock9123]

This is honestly my dream!!

[@laceyamy6734]

Hey I love your videos, I've just started a new job as a dog groomer and I love every second of it :)

[@katiepolar]

Laceyamy that’s so wonderful to hear! Congratulations on your new journey, you’ll love it! It can be tough sometimes but it’s so so rewarding to see an owner look at their dog with adoration after a groom 😍

[@laceyamy6734]

@@katiepolar I've just started to see that side of grooming when the owners are so happy to see their dog all tidy, especially after they normally come in very matted and untidy :)

[@deborahlindsey8774]

Love your videos 💜

[@katiepolar]

Thankyou! I’m glad you enjoy them 😍

[@m.f.b7144]

OMG! You’re amazing!, I’m thinking of doing my own grooming salon. You gave me brilliant ideas. Thanks for this video! 😇💖🐶

[@katiepolar]

M.F.B I’m so glad my video helped! You don’t need a lot of space or a lot of stuff to get started either 😍

[@m.f.b7144]

Katie Polar I now just need to find a training school or salon...

[@adanxaevelazco1880]

Congrats🎉

[@StairsHomestead]

I love the simple and quaint setup of your shop! It’s beautiful! I’ve been working towards opening my own grooming salon but keep going back and forth between mobile or home setup. I don’t live on commercial property however. Also! Prior to launching your salon, at what point did you feel you were ready to commit to relying on your salon as a full time income? If you do rely on it for a full time income. Did you have a goal in mind for return clientele before doing so? Did you go to school for grooming? I have a handful of returning clients here and there but the luls in between holidays are scattered and irregular this early in my process.

[@katiepolar]

Sorry I didn't see this earlier! Thank you! It's a great starting point, and I know groomers who stayed in their home salon because it means they can be at home with their kids as well! I was kind of forced into going full time with my business - I had been doing it as a side hustle after work hours at my regular grooming job where I was an employee. That business closed down, and the boss was really kind and let me tell all the clients where I would be grooming once it closed. I was lucky, in a sense, to have that springboard. Prior to that, I was actually waiting until I was busy enough to cut just one day of work at my regular job so I could work at my business. Then when that got busy, I would cut another day, and so on. I'm pretty risk-averse so I wanted to make sure I wasn't jumping in the deep end :)

[@ceceduckworth4212]

I am so happy to come across this video! I have been dreaming of getting into grooming and eventually have a home grooming business! Im so nervous to jump into grooming tho! I'm afraid I won't get the hang of it.

[@whatsupdoc84]

I was surprised how quickly I got the hang of it. Go for it!!!!! Otherwise you will never know!

[@YonnieL1985]

😍 Beautiful

[@meekotheshorkie3970]

Great video and amazing set up. I can only see one thing to improve on and that’s the view lol. No really amazing video want to set up my own doggie grooming business. So every day trying to get has much information as possible.

[@katiepolar]

Chris Barker Haha, I know right?! I’d love if the view was some grassy fields or something 😂 Just a brick wall lol. That’s awesome to hear about wanting to set up your own grooming business! The more you seek information, the more informed you’ll be when the time comes. Best of luck!!

[@sherriesherrie]

Love ur video

[@tatianaacosta0420]

Looove it so organized ❤ where did u say u got that tub? I hear it but didnt understand the brand or from where! I like that it not "steel" ive seen alot of those corroded or have to be replaced

[@ron9_468]

I love the set up. Anyway we could get more info on the bathtub? Im currently trying to decide on what kind of bathtub to buy for my home based salon. The plumbing is a little tricky to figure out.

[@katiepolar]

So sorry for the delayed reply! I got it from Pupkus.com.au. You're right, the plumbing is a bit of a B to figure out. That house had a crawlspace under it but my current space didnt which made it even harder

[@abdoelfadely6886]

Nice ❤️

[@Rhino84mc]

Loved the video and your setup. I am currently studying Pro Dog Grooming and will be setting up a salon at home. I also have Samoyeds!!! So will have plenty of practice ahead of me. I need to purchase a Hydrobath also. Are you happy with the Pupkus version as they are one of the brands I have my eye on. TIA

[@katiepolar]

How great! Yes, I ended up selling it after business really boomed and got a steel bathtub only because I liked the raised platform better in that one. Also from pupus :)

[@Rhino84mc]

@@katiepolar I was thinking stainless also. Is the hydrobath heated? Do you groom dogs with temperature controlled water or just cold? I’ve heard mixed reviews from groomers. I want to excel in the grooming business. I’m very passionate for all animals esp dogs and want to offer the best service. TIA

[@sophiethepetstylist2703]

Love your salon girl! Are you going to master groom next year!

[@katiepolar]

Sophie the Pet Stylist Thank you! I’m hoping to, but I do have a habit of not remembering to go to seminars or comps until last minute hahaha!

[@sophiethepetstylist2703]

Katie Polar me too haha!! You should deffs do master groom if your in melb!

[@tristinehull587]

Where do you get the bath that's cool!

[@katiepolar]

So sorry for the delayed reply! I got it from Pupkus.com.au

[@chrisg0001]

If you like wireless, try out bone-conducting head phones. They keep your ears free and you can wear them all day with no ear pain

[@andrewblough81]

Just a financial question, I am saving up to start a business like this as well. 1. how many pets do you get in a week? 2. how much "on average" should I expect to make in a month? 3. how much do you spend monthly on your business? and 4. how do you advertise?

[@katiepolar]

Hi Andrew, I'm sorry it took me so long to reply! Our salon is huge now and I have two employees helping me. I'm uploading a tour of the new salon soon. I love your questions so I'll make a video on them also! But if it were just me, I would be grooming 6-7 small dogs a day. Income on average really depends on how much you charge and how many dogs you groom. At the time this video was out, I was earning anywhere between $1500AUD a week, and I wish I could remember how much costs were but they were relatively low as I was working from home. I didn't do any advertising as the salon I had been working at previously closed down so I was able to bring all the clients with me to my new salon. Hope that helps!

[@AmyThaxton]

I listen to audio books while I groom! Walmart has wireless head phones that are around $40 but the battery life is worth every Penny! The battery last for 24 hours! It only takes a couple of hours to get a full charge then lasts forever!

[@katiepolar]

Love that! We don't have Walmart's in Australia but I now use wireless headphones too!

[@hunterurban5465]

If this isn't too personal, how much did it cost you to start up? I want to do something similar but I'm afraid I won't be able to pay for it or break even with my services. Of course it would be a long time from now, but I was thinking just a small out of home bathing service with grooming on the weekends? I don't personally cut hair but I can do everything else. Do you think it would affordable for a small grooming business to hire an actual groomer?

[@katiepolar]

I’m so sorry! I never replied! Not too personal at all, it cost me about $10,000 AUD to buy everything I needed from scratch, to pay for renovations, and to lease a new building where I was allowed to operate. I absolutely 100% support starting small at home and building your business from there! :) I don’t think it would be affordable to hire a groomer to work for you if you aren’t a groomer yourself as you would have to rely 100% on them.

[@otishughley9576]

Hiring a groomer

[@uchakoridze832]

nice

[@dragonwolfchick]

I can't seem to find the tub, I really like it and would love to buy one

[@katiepolar]

Kissinda Wolf it’s from Pupkus.com. I’m not sure what country you’re from but Pupkus is based in Melbourne :)

[@Kristina-mm9ih]

@@katiepolar That link takes you to a page that says that domain is available, looks like they no longer are in business?

[@katiepolar]

Kristina my mistake! It’s pupkus.com.au

[@kristaelisabeth402]

Love that tub. Wonder if they will ship to Ontario, Canada 🤔

[@beckysaunders4074]

Looking at getting into my own business. I have a big ish shed that I can use for the dog grooming salon. I have no experience or qualifications. So I'm saving up for the course to get a qualification. What should be my next steps after getting the qualification?

[@katiepolar]

I can't believe I missed your comment! How did you go? Have you taken any steps? I'm happy to help if you still need it!

[@karenabekasis798]

Hi ! Any recommendations on what school to go to ? I live in Florida and can’t find a school near me . What are your thoughts of online classes? Thank you !

[@katiepolar]

Hi there! I'm sorry but I don't know any american schools :( Online classes will be super helpful if you can also find a salon to practice in!

[@miss_meliss]

If you don’t mind sharing. As a dog groomer, how much is a typical/ your yearly salary? I know different countries will vary, but I’ve researched that is can range in the $30k. Is that correct? Mostly my question boils down to can this career provide a comfortable living salary? If you don’t have another person bringing in an income that is. Since you have your own business I assume that increases what a typical dog groomer salary would be. I appreciate the advice and the video at that! Thank you!

[@katiepolar]

I don't mind sharing at all! It really does depend widely on various factors like working for someone else vs self employment, the prices your salon is charging, how much the overheads are, etc. When I was employed, I was on $25AUD an hour but it was a casual rate so even though I was working full time, I wasn't warning benefits. So I think I earned somewhere around $40,000AUD annually. When I started being fully self employed, I paid myself the same and Ive slowly put it up since when I was able to without negatively impacting budget. I feel like the most profitable way to run a dog grooming business would either be solo in a home salon or mobile, or to have a large salon with high intake and a lot of self sufficient groomers. Honestly, there's definitely more profitable jobs out there where you don't risk getting bitten or pooped on 🤣 But I think so long as whoever is paying you (wether its you or your boss) is charging a higher prices and knows your worth to the business, it can definitely be a job that keeps you comfortably cushy.

[@miss_meliss]

@@katiepolar thank you for the reply! When you say “you weren’t warning benefits” does that mean the job didn’t provide health insurance, etc? $25 an hr is actually really good though! It’s confusing/misleading when I research online and the average is so low when groomers say they actually earn more. Another question i have is “schooling”. Since there are no regulations and no certifications for the field, would it be better to just ask to be trained under a groomer. I’ve seen places charge $6000 just to get “certified” but if there’s no real credentials, how does that work?

[@katiepolar]

@@miss_meliss super welcome! It was a typo, I meant to say earning benefits. In Australia, employers don't cover health insurance. By benefits I meant like paid sick leave, annual leave, etc. If your casual you don't get those so if you're not working, you don't get paid. $25AUD is equivalent to about $18USD, it sounds great and it's certainly not bad, but it depends where you live and what your living expenses are. I live in a regional city so rent is relatively low, but I imagine in Melbourne it would be much less affordable. Yeah I definitely recommend that! That's how I learned to groom, I worked in a salon for 5 years and was taught to groom by the owner. Courses are great if you don't have the direct option, but I personally feel like learning on the job is such a great way to learn as you get paid for it too!

[@katiepolar]

Forgot to add that when I was initially hired I was on $20AUD ($14.50USD) per hour for full time, which is much less liveable where I live. I had asked for a raise but being a charity, they couldn't do it for me. They instead moved me from full time (which has the benefits of sick and annual leave) to casual (which has a better hourly rate to make up for not having paid leave).

[@rosemola8326]

Did you get the shampoo and soap from the supplier itself or you purchase it from the stores?

[@katiepolar]

Hi Rose! I buy the shampoo through a dog grooming supplier - usually you can’t buy it in 5L bottles at regular pet shops :)

[@rosemola8326]

@@katiepolar where do u find the suppliers from? Do u find them through websites or connections?

[@joellavavra4174]

What wash tub do you have? You said pupkiss?

[@katiepolar]

Yes, from Pupkus.com.au :)

[@tammywilliams3779]

How did you come up with the address without using your home address I mean I know customers will find out anyway but when you’re doing marketing you don’t wanna put your home address online for everyone to see

[@katiepolar]

Super great question and a terribly late reply from me sorry! But I used to freely advertise the suburb I was in, and not give out the address until a booking was made. However, I did have a big sign on the front of the house with my logo haha.

[@nataliapaliz440]

hi can you recommend a brand for dryer?

[@katiepolar]

Hi Natalia! I use Pupkus force 4 dryers, but I've also heard great things about Shernbao and Aeolus branded dryers!

[@nataliapaliz440]

@@katiepolar thank you!!!

[@AniThePetNanny]

Where can I purchase that shampoo!

[@katiepolar]

Depends where you live, I'm in regional Victoria so I buy mine from Pupkus.com :)

[@Amy-ms6wj]

Do you own a home or do you rent? I'm wanting to start a business but I dont have a lot of money up front. 😔

[@katiepolar]

I can't believe I missed your comment :( I've always rented. This place in particular was a commercial rental that I was given permission to live in as well

[@preownedsales4495]

Do u need any permits

[@katiepolar]

It depends on where you live as the rules vary wildly. In my city in Australia, I didn't need a permit so long as I followed certain restrictions. Contact your local council office to find out for sure :)

[@ABHISHEK-or2ci]

Mam I have lots of questions please help me

[@katiepolar]

Feel free to ask!

[@ABHISHEK-or2ci]

@@katiepolar my email id is [e-mail] Please send me your number on my email

[@katiepolar]

@@ABHISHEK-or2ci I’m not going to give out my phone number, but if you have questions you can ask them here in the comments :)

[@ABHISHEK-or2ci]

@@katiepolar where is your pet grooming shop?

[@katiepolar]

@@ABHISHEK-or2ci Australia :)