PetGroomer.com Magazine Winter 2022 - State of Industry Report by findagroomer

January / March 2022 Vol. 12, Ed. 1 eGroomer Journal January / March 2014

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M A G A Z I N E

INDUSTRY CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS WHERE THE GROOMERS ARE BY US STATE EMPLOYED GROOMER & BATHER WAGES SELF-EMPLOYED GROOMER INCOMES PET GROOMING PRICES BY US REGIONS What Groomers Are Saying About... INFLATION WORRIES MOBILE GROOMING GROOMER SHORTAGE GROOMING OPERATIONS eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free

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INSIDE THE WINTER 2022 ISSUE Calendar of Events The Future is Bright Making $ from Your Grooming Intellect with a “Beauty Shoppe” Groom Alert Grooming Natural Back Coats Who Needs Pet Business Insurance? Groomfit: The Headache Trap Common Misconceptions Concerning Mobile Pet Grooming

15 18 24 33 35 43 50 63

24th ANNUAL STATE OF THE GROOMING INDUSTRY REPORT • Industry Challenges - The New Balance • 2021 Where the Groomers Are • 2021 U.S. Groomer Wages & Self-Employed Incomes • 2021 U.S. Grooming Prices Survey Results • What Groomers Are Saying About • Inflation Worries • Mobile Grooming • Groomer Shortage • Grooming Operations • More Groomer Commentary

58 59 67 70 75 90 91 92 93 94 95

About PetGroomer.com and Surveys PetGroomer.com founder Madeline B. Ogle, entered the grooming industry in 1961 as a grooming salon owner along with her husband, an experienced pet groomer. When she retired she wrote From Problems to Profits: The Madson Management System for Pet Grooming Business in 1989. PetGroomer.com was founded in 1997 and GroomingBusinessinaBox.com thereafter. The opinions expressed in the surveys are those of groomers anonymously surveyed and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PetGroomer.com management and staff, nor advertisers. PetGroomer.com welcomes thousands of groomers and career seekers daily.

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INDUSTRY CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 2022 GROOM EXPO WEST February 17 - 20, 2022 Pasadena, California See www.groomexpowest.com

MARCH – APRIL 2022 ATLANTA PET FAIR March 10 - 13, 2022 Atlanta, Georgia See www.atlantapetfair.org NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW March 24 - 27, 2022 Tacoma, Washington See www.nwgroom.com INTERGROOM March 31 - April 3, 2022 Secaucus, New Jersey See www.intergroom.com

MAY 2022 PET BOARDING AND DAYCARE EXPO WEST May 2 - 5, 2022 Burbank, California www.petboardingexpowest.com

January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

JUNE 2022 PETQUEST June 23 - 26, 2022 Wilmington, Ohio See www.pqgroom.com

WORLD DOG EXPO June 4 - 5, 2022 New York City See worldexpo.dog

AUGUST 2022 ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW August 4 - 7, 2022 Schaumburg, Illinois See www.aagroom.com

SEPTEMBER 2022 GROOM EXPO September 15 - 18, 2022 Hershey, Pennsylvania See www.groomexpo.com

OCTOBER 2022 NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW October 6 - 9, 2022 Sturbridge, Massachusetts See www.newenglandgrooms.com

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January / March 2022

The Future is Bright

By Wendy Weinand Grooming Services Training and Education Manager, Petco

More than 11 million new pets entered U.S. homes since the start of the pandemic* and pets have become more important to us than ever before. We’ve seen people treating their pets just as they would their family members by making sure they have gifts around their birthdays and placing a higher importance on contributing to their overall health and wellbeing with services that include grooming. Are you leaning to-

ward making the transition into a grooming career? Great news! It’s perfect timing. With pet parents’ increased willingness to invest in their pets, some of the trends that have taken shape in recent years are:

Pet stylists’ transforming roles

Increased emphasis on wellness

Mobile grooming

Pet Stylists’ Transforming Roles Over the years, the role of the pet stylist has expanded from groomer to groomer and educator. Pet stylists are experts (Continued on page 19)

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(Continued from page 18)

in assessing a dog’s coat, skin, nails, and whole body – whether it’s a shorthaired Boxer or a curly-haired Poodle – to know which products, tools, and services each breed of dog needs to ensure they’re happy, healthy, and clean. This type of expertise translates to educating pet parents on how they can help their pet stay in great shape in between grooming appointments and has helped more pet stylists consider themselves pet grooming consultants. As poodle-crosses like Goldendoodles or Bernedoodles have skyrocketed in popularity, stylists from Petco’s Grooming Salon Academy believe it’s more important than ever before to help pet parents understand their pets’ maintenance requirements, including the care needs of poodle crosses in between grooming appointments. Not all pet parents know these breeds require regular brushing, detangling, and grooming to keep them healthy, but all pet parents can learn.

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coat is overwhelming for a client with young children and a large Goldendoodle, pet stylists can recommend a shorter style that doesn’t require as much maintenance, including brushing and more frequent grooming appointments. For other clients with the time and desire to maintain their pets coat daily, a long coat would be more plausible. To set realistic expectations and create the most ideal outcome for the pet and pet’s family, the consultation and grooming recommendations are important aspects of the process in the pet stylist’s role.

Pet stylists provide critical education for pet parents on how to maintain their pets’ coats in between grooms, which is critical to their overall health and wellness. Many pet stylists provide their clients with demonstrations on detangling and de-shedding processes and make expert product recommendations for skin and coat supplements and grooming products that are best suited for a pet’s unique needs. Additionally, they’re trained to ensure a pet is fit to be groomed at a facility. At Petco, this includes doing a 7-point pet care check during the check-in process

The lifestyle of both the family and the pet come into play when pet parents and pet stylists confer on grooming recommendations. If maintaining a long eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

(Continued on page 20)

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(Continued from page 19)

to accurately assess a dog’s whole-body condition and behavior to ensure grooming will be a safe process. If a dog doesn’t pass the check-in process, the pet stylist is empowered to recommend referring the groom out to a veterinarian so the groom can be conducted as safely as possible. Increased Emphasis on Wellness The popularity of “pet humanization” – or thinking about and treating pets like people – has influenced consumer spending on pet services recently. It’s also mirrored our pet’s beauty and wellness routines with our own. The recent focus on health and wellness through the U.S. has translated to how pet parents think of their pets’ nutrition and routines. The connection and investment in pet wellness, paired with consumers’ eye for clean ingredients, has led many pet parents to extend the standards they have for their own products to those for their pets. More and more pet parents are willing to pay for premium pet services, such as training, regular grooming services and now clean grooming products. 20

January / March 2022

A survey of Petco Pals Rewards members ranked non-toxic, cruelty-free and gentle as the three top attributes to dog pet parents when it came to shampoos, conditioners, sprays and wipes** when shopping for grooming supplies. Ingredient transparency has become increasingly demanded, which is why Petco pet care centers visually educate pet parents on ingredient transparency through signs. Pet parents expect an exceptionally high level of personalized service, attention, and product quality. Where grooming may have previously been an errand people checked off their list, like dropping off the dry cleaning, it’s now more like a day at the salon, but for the family pet. Pet parents want to know about the products used, what treatments were performed and that their pet had a positive experience. Mobile Grooming Consumers have come to expect immediate service and convenience at every turn. Whether that’s overnight shipping for online purchases, food delivery at the touch of a button or on-call grooming services for pets, the ease in which products and services are presented to consumers is only getting more com-

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petitive. Because of this, more pet parents are exploring mobile grooming services. In the last year alone, Petco added 17 new mobile grooming units to keep up with the growing demand. These “at your doorstep” services benefit those who prefer to avoid public spaces, may be unable to drive, and have elderly pets or pets that have difficulties in the car. The mobile grooming units enable pet stylists to reach more pets, and many agree it’s gratifying to see the change in a pet’s demeanor after a muchneeded grooming session and the pet parents’ satisfaction with the convenience and ease.

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ience-based services. As the traditional role of the pet groomer has expanded to encompass their expertise and empower them to educate and help pet parents care for their pets outside of the grooming salon, many pet stylists find their role fulfilling and enriching. All these trends bode well for those thinking about a career in animal care and grooming specifically and Petco is always looking for dedicated, passionate, and caring individuals to join our team at all levels. With competitive benefits, a positive working environment, and opportunities for growth, the time couldn’t be better to start a career in Petco grooming. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Petco Pet Stylist, visit:

The Bottom Line

careers.petco.com

The growth in pet parenthood over the *Source: Packaged Facts with adjustments last few years has propelled the groomfrom Petco internal estimates. ing industry into its renaissance. The **Source: Petco Pals Research Community trends influencing the pet grooming inSurvey, n=966 (April 2020) ◄ dustry are the ever-expanding role of the pet stylist, the increased value of treating pets as family members by putting their health and wellness at the center and opening additional avenues eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved 21 for grooming to flourish with convenPetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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Making $ from Your Grooming Intellect with a “Beauty Shoppe”

Most grooming salons are frequented vantage when promoting products to by their clientele an average of 6 times solve a multitude of pet challenges. The per year while visiting their veterinarigrooming department or “Beauty ans an average of only 2 times. The opShoppe” as I like to call it is a prime exportunity for so much face time with cli- ample of using ones’ intellectual prop24 gives grooming salons Copyright © 2013 (Continued on page 25) ents an ad-Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved Subscribe www.egroomer.com PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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erty to create more retail sales. Many grooming salons are the “go-to” for their clients for everything related to the health and well being of their precious pets. Clients frequently look to their groomers for advice on skin & coat conditions, teeth issues, nail problems, diet, and just about anything else related to their pet. Groomers are passionate about their clients and want to help whenever possible. Instead of giving away that free information and sending your clients elsewhere to purchase your favorite products… sell them! Many products recommended by groomers are already being ordered and carried in their salons. Many shampoos and products that grooming departments use in bulk are also available in retail size which would be perfect to sell to your clients. I know, I know… you’re a busy groomer and don’t want to have to “sell” your retail. If you carry products you absolutely LOVE and use everyday… then you don’t have to “sell” at all! Below are pro tips on how to go about creating a successful “Beauty Shoppe” for your grooming salon.

January / March 2022

she/he is usually in this location for the hand off of furry clients all day long. This will save time and make it easier to discuss the benefits and application of the recommended products. Merchandise a full display with signage! We’re all lazy shoppers and need a big fat sign to show us the way! Invest in signage for all your retail departments. This gives your shoppers direction for the things they need quickly. The faster (Continued on page 26)

Leel Michelle is the owner and designer behind the award-winning pet groomer apparel brand, Retro Stylist Wear and the grooming salon and boutique; Bow Wow Beauty Shoppe. She is a San Diego native that has also called Los Angeles, New York and Italy home. Formal education in fine art, art history, and fashion design led this animal loving entrepreneur to bring all her passion, talents and knowledge together to create a memorable and beloved retro business for pets and their owners.

Location, Location, Location! Placing your grooming supplies close to the intake/outtake door makes it easier to eGroomer Copyright © 2011 discuss andJournal recommend products as Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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they get to the items they need, the better their shopping experience will be. Make sure your display is ALWAYS full. If you run out of items, downsize your shelving to make them appear full. Corporate retail stores are constantly merchandising the sales floor to ensure that shelves look full and enticing. Carry what you already use! Clients love to repeat the “just freshly groomed” smell at home. Ensure the facial, shampoo, conditioner, and cologne used in the salon is also available in retail size so clients can replicate that smell at home! In my previous store I would have clients wipe out an entire shelf of “Blue Berry Facial” so they could always have that fresh blueberry smell at home! Stock the essentials! Think of all the services that clients like to perform at home & that you recommend to them. Nail trimming, teeth brushing, and in between baths. Stock different size brushes, combs, nail trimmers, toothpaste, tooth brushes, and dematting supplies to appease the size variety of furry clients that come in for services.

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may seem overwhelming or dangerous in the hands of a mere novice (the client.) If your salon carries slicker brushes & dematting tools, give clients a physical demonstration so they don’t hurt themselves or their pet. The time and capital it takes to set up a well merchandised retail grooming department is not achieved overnight. You can start small with the basics and fill in from there as time and capital allows. Through the knowledge and recommendations of a good groomer, a grooming salon can build lifetime relationships with their clients while building brand loyalty which keeps your clients shopping with your salon for years to come! Although I have sold my own grooming salon and retail store to none other than @gabrielfeitosagroomer, the years of trials and tribulations to build a brand are still with me and helping me to achieve other goals in my commercial dog bakery and line of grooming apparel. I love sharing these few nuggets of wisdom to other budding entrepreneurs like you! Feel free to reach out should you have any questions on these or other grooming salon and pet retail related questions. Leel Michelle, Founder & CEO, Dog Cake Bakery LLC ◄

Demonstrate to build lasting relationships! If needed, supply a demonstraCopyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved tion26 on how to use certain tools that PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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Groom Alert is a system of acquiring information necessary to provide consistently safe pet care services. Pets with conditions requiring special care should be assigned a "Groom Alert" symbol. The symbol "alerts" groomers, and actually everyone else onsite, to read the acquired information before proceeding to interact with pets assigned alerts.

January / March 2022

sion of these pets is mandatory. Employees must know how to respond to them. Perhaps you will instruct employees to first talk to you, or another staff member, before touching the pet or proceeding with grooming. An alert means no one should open a cage door or make contact with a pet in a cageless space without first reviewing the pet's information that lead to alert assignment.

Every business day a few pets require special care. This can result from veterinary instructions, aged and ill health, or behavioral Special supervieGroomerproblems. Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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The customer service employee who does not groom is at risk of known behavioral risks the same as groomers. Make sure your system addresses everyone, not just groomers. Groomers should be able to find veterinary instructions provided by the pet owner. If your business is computerized Groom Alert tags alert groomers and staff to check computer records before touching an alert assigned pet. RECORDING ALERT INFORMATION If you manage information manually, such as using pre-made grooming filecards or index cards, record safety information on the card. You may need to attach a blank index card to store details adequately. The Grooming Business in a Box® filecards have a space to activate a groom alert by affixing a bright sticker, or using a bright highlighter pen. The color enhancement is more likely to draw the attention of the reader. So what about those workers or guests who simply don't pay attention to recorded information? Mark the cage or cageless area with a Groom Alert sign for appropriate pets. 34

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We had plastic tags made up from an office supply about the size of poker chips in bright orange. We affixed a clip to each tag and hung them on the cage doors of pets assigned Groom Alert status. You could not miss them. If you do not use tags, consider bright colored index cards with bold letters saying "GROOM ALERT." Some cage manufacturers add filecard clips to cage doors. Use them as needed to hold these paper alert notices. Either way can you imagine an easier way to alert anyone not to touch a pet before reading important information? You may prevent someone from getting bitten by a behavioral problem pet. You may ensure that an employee provides correct special care treatment instead of overlooking it. If you work alone, it may remind you of a required special procedure. Groom Alerts enhance failsafe pet grooming. The cost is insignificant. It works for one person businesses as well as those with staff. By implementing and diligently following a groom alert system you will improve your safety record and reputation for humane pet care services. ■

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Grooming Natural Back Coats By Jodi Murphy, Master Pet Stylist To clip or not to clip….that is the quesBreeds like the various Setters, Spantion. As groomers we tend to think that iels, Longhaired Dachshund, Papillion, when a dog enters our salon for a hairand Japanese Chin have this type of cut we immediately pull out our clipper. coat. However, there are many breeds and When clipping these breeds coats can mixed breeds that have a flat natural change texture and become very thick back coat which need nothing more and wooly. If this is the case, clipping than a little carding and thinning shear may be the only option. If clipping has (Continued on35 page 37) work eGroomer to polish the appearance. Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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previously been done, removing undercoat in conjunction with clipping will help the blades glide through the coat with ease. Surprisingly there are dogs that have been clipped in the past and yet their coat will still remain flat and natural. In this case clipping the coat is not necessary. To shorten the length of the back coat on these breeds, backcombing and tipping the ends of the coat with thinning shears gives a natural appearance. eGroomer Journal

January / March 2022

When using these techniques it not only saves time by unnecessary clipping, it also saves time from blending the clipped lines into the longer furnishings. Carding and thinning shear techniques will give a beautiful seamless appearance. When puppies come into the salon for the first time their coat type should be evaluated. If the back coat appears flat and natural….don't clip it! They are your clean slate to begin these techniques on.

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Carding techniques are very important for dogs that have a double coat, like many Sporting breeds. Undercoat is defined as the short, soft, dense hair that supports the outer coat or guard hair.

January / March 2022

niques is beneficial to the skin and the appearance of the coat. Carding promotes healthy skin and coat by clearing the follicles of excessive undercoat. Undercoat is soft and dull in color and can prevent the skin from breathing when it becomes excessive.

The term “carding” refers to a technique of removing undercoat from the follicles Once the excess undercoat is removed, the coat will shine and the skin will be with the use of a carding knife. Keeping (Continued on page 39) undercoat at bay by using carding 38 Copyright © 2013 techFind A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved Subscribe www.egroomer.com PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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able to breathe and will be healthier. When using a carding knife it is important to hold the skin taut with one hand while combing through the coat with the other. If the skin is not held taut it will move with every stroke, which can be uncomfortable for the pet. When the skin moves the tool will not be productive. Hold a carding knife almost flat to the skin. It has teeth with grooves. Carefully place grooves against the skin. They feed undercoat into the teeth. As result coat is pulled from follicles When dogs are not carded blades will without breaking of the coat. Carding often leave track marks in the coat. It is knives are right or left-handed. Be sure common to want to shave them with to purchase the correct knife. (Continued on page eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved 39 40) PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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very short blades to ensure a smoother finish. However, the undercoat is the culprit causing the blade to leave track marks, almost like the look of corduroy. Carding techniques will eliminate the corduroy issue so a longer blade can then be used which will result in a more natural appearance. Carding techniques take very little time especially when you consider the benefits for both groomer and the pets. Maintaining a flat natural back coat with the use of carding and thinning shear techniques not only saves time, but gives a beautiful, shiny and natural

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appearance to these breeds. Terriers should be carded to remove undercoat. When clipping the Miniature Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Scottie, Westie etc. use a carding knife to remove the undercoat before or after clipping.

Just like the natural back coats, these breeds are double-coated. Removing the undercoat allows blades to run smoothly through the coat resulting in a more natural appearance. Once the undercoat is removed on a regular basis, (Continued on page 41)

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longer blades (4F, 5F or 7F) may be used which will allow the clipped coat to blend into the longer furnishings more naturally. Carding knives are available in fine and coarse. Both knives are necessary as all coat types are different.

January / March 2022

JodiMurphy.net to check on availability of these knives. To learn more about carding techniques, there is a Jodi Murphy instructional video, Carding and Hand Stripping for Pets. See JodiMurphy.net for more info. ▀

A unique combo knife of fine/coarse designed by Jodi is also available. Visit eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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Who Needs Pet Business Insurance? By PetBusinessInsurance.com

If you accept money for pet care services, then you need pet business insurance. It doesn't matter if you groom a few of the neighborhood dogs a few times a week for extra cash or if you run the county's best dog grooming business. Pet Business Insurance protects you from personal liability in case something goes wrong - and something very easily could. Some of the reasons people might sue your pet business might include: ● Damages and medical bills for injured pets ●

Damages for lost pets

● Damages and medical bills for dog bites (both other animals and people)

you can bet they will sue if anything happens to their furry friends. So what kind of insurance do you need to make sure you are protected? Your needs depend on the business you run. To help acquaint you, we compiled a list of the essential general insurance types for all pet businesses.

General Liability Insurance General liability insurance is a must for almost all businesses, including your pet business. The general liability product protects your business if a customer claims that you or an employee caused harm to their property, their pet, or even the pet owner. It protects you in case:

● Damages and loss of income for bad grooming services

● A dog bites you, an employee or another dog in your care

● Damages and medical bills for pets that are killed or die in your care

● A pet gets hurt at your business (injury during a groom or falls off a grooming table)

Even if you're careful and professional, animals can be unpredictable. More im● A pet gets injured outside of your portantly, freak accidents happen. Pets business (such as if you're pet grooming (Continued on page 44) are like friends and family to people and eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved 43 PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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at the owner's home) In these cases, the insurance will pay for the remedy (a trip to the vet) and cover any further damages a pet owner may claim against your business. You benefit from general liability insurance whether you are a dog walker, pet groomer, pet boarder, or run any type of pet related businesses. While general liability is a common type of insurance, it's available specifically for low-risk businesses. You need to talk to an insurance agent to make sure your business qualifies.

Business Owner's Policy A business owner's policy (BOP) differs from general liability insurance because it combines liability and commercial property insurance all in one. It offers all the benefits of general liability insurance listed above. But it also protects both your place of work and the equipment there. For example, it will protect your office as well as grooming tables & equipment, kennels, and any training equipment.

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cover what you lost while unable to work.

Commercial Auto If you have a van or vehicle owned by your business, then you probably already have commercial auto insurance. But did you know that you might also need commercial auto coverage for your personal vehicle? Do you drive your personal car or van as part of your daily duties? Do your employees? Any vehicle used for business purposes needs commercial auto coverage. Why? Because your personal automotive insurance may not cover you if you get in an accident while you're technically at work. If you get in an accident at work and your personal coverage denies your claim, then you need to pay for repairs out of pocket. Let's not even talk about the costs if you get injured or you cause property damage or injury to someone else. You don't even need to be transporting pets in your car to need this kind of coverage. If you run a pet sitting business, you should have commercial auto insurance for getting to and from clients'

A good BOP will also protect your income. If you can't operate your business because of property or equipment damage, then the insurance Copyright company helps 44 © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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homes, especially if you charge travel time and mileage (and you should).

Workers' Compensation Insurance Workers' compensation insurance is not just a good idea for pet businesses. It's usually mandatory, too. Utah requires almost all businesses (even those with one employee) to carry workers' compensation insurance. While small businesses balk at the requirement, we believe having the insurance matters even more for small companies for whom an injured employee can be devastating. Workers' compensation insurance protects employees who struggle with injuries or disabilities caused by their work. For example, misusing shears can cause groomers to suffer repetitive stress injuries. If a dog takes off and clotheslines an employee and causes serious damage to their back and neck, then workers' compensation covers this as well.

Cyber Liability Insurance Do you run a website and accept payments online? Then, you should consider cyber liability insurance.

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suffer a data breach. It can not only protect your losses (first party losses) but also protect you from lawsuits if your customer or vendor data is improperly exposed (third party coverage). Are You and Your Furry Customers Covered With Pet Business Insurance? Whether you run a casual side business or your pet business is your full-time source of income, you need pet business insurance. Pet business insurance protects you, your business, and your furry clients from loss and damages. It also tells your clients that you're a professional who is committed to making both pets and their owners happy. What kind of business insurance is right for you? Just contact us and we will be happy to show you your options. We give free advice, quotes, and will answer any questions you may have. We also can look over any policies you have right now to make sure you are getting the correct type of coverage at the best prices. Call us (888) 695-1127 or visit us at https://petbusinessinsurance.com for more information. ◄

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January / March 2022

The Headache Trap Groomfit with Vera Needham

Many of us have had days where nothing seems to be going right. We have so much tension in our shoulders that we are practically wearing them as earrings. The muscle that shrugs our shoulder is where we hold all of that tension, it’s called the upper trapezius. The trapezius muscle is very large and covers much of the back. It extends down your back in a triangular shape that reminds me of a stingray. When we experience high levels of anxiety, our body’s natural reaction is to tense these muscles. When this happens consistent50

ly it can lead to muscle tension which directly affect the muscles and nerves that run through your shoulders, neck, and spine.

The upper trap is the muscle that shrugs your shoulders and it attaches at the base of your skull and the collar bone. When this area is tight it pulls and compresses the vertebrae in the back of the neck. This change in neck position refers pain to the head which may contribute to cervicogenic headaches (CGH). This literally means neck caused head(Continued on page 51)

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aches. It is caused by nerves getting pinched by tight muscles. Other symptoms of nerve compression in the neck may include difficulty moving the head to the side, shoulder pain or arm pain. Over time the muscle contractions can cause trigger points. A trigger point, more commonly known as a knot, is a painful spot caused by tension in the muscle. To locate the trigger point, try extending two fingers across the front of your body and feel around the upper trapezius muscle to see if you can find a spot that’s cranky. It is important to spend some time trying to locate the most painful spots. Lightly massage these spots to release tension. Highly repetitive work, like pet grooming, where we are looking downward and in awkward positions for a long period of time, elevates the risk of neck and shoulder pain.

January / March 2022

chance to heal. To avoid chronic pain, incorporate gentle stretches. Where pain is significant, the use of ice, heat or an over the counter pain medication may assist. Heat opens blood vessels which assists the healing process and may alleviate pain.

When muscles are strained it causes inflammation, creating swelling, which is your body's way to protect joints. Applying cold is helpful when you want to reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. Sometimes it helps to alternate between heat and cold compresses in ten minute intervals. When pain eases it is time to incorporate gentle exercise and stretching. Exercise has been shown to increase blood flow and oxygen supply to area. Weakness in the middle and lower portions of the trapezius muscle causes the upper portion to work harder. Strengthening of lower trap muscles is an important part of reducing tight shoulders. Be careful with over-the-counter pain relievers with acetaminophen. Many of us are unaware of the danger that over the counter pain relievers can pose. Using low doses for a prolonged period of time or high doses for a short period of time can cause liver damage. Acetamino-

If you wake up with extreme neck pain it may be trapezius myalgia (TM) or trapezius strain. The term myalgia simply means there is a sudden onset of pain, muscle stiffness and spasm. Taking it easy for a day or two is often all that is needed to give the neck’s soft tissues a A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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(Continued from page 51)

phen can cause damage. When it passes through your liver NAPQI can build up. NAPQI is a toxic byproduct produced during the metabolism of this pain killer. Acetaminophen is the most common drug ingredient in America. There are about six hundred medicines that contain acetaminophen as an active ingredient. The recommended maximum daily limit is 4,000 mg. Since many of us don’t realize how many products in our home may have acetaminophen, we may use more than one product at a time such as a cold medication, nasal spray or a topical rub. This could cause us to unknowingly double or triple the dose without realizing the danger. Al-

January / March 2022

ways avoid alcohol while you’re taking products containing acetaminophen, since the combination of alcohol and acetaminophen can put your liver at especially high risk. The following stretches and exercises will help to encourage your body to relieve tension related headache as well as neck and shoulder pain. Trigger Point Stretch: Start this stretch by sitting and with one arm reach down and hold on to the side of the chair. Use your other arm to reach across your body to find the trigger points we located earlier in the article. Lean away from the supporting arm and gently lower (Continued on page 53)

Trigger Point Stretch

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your ear towards the opposite shoulder. Levator Scapulae Stretch: The levator scapulae muscle is frequently involved when the neck becomes stiff or tight. The muscle runs down either side of the neck and attaches to the shoulder. Start in the same position as the previ-

January / March 2022

ous stretch then turn the head half way and steer your chin towards your shoulder. These two stretches can be done repeatedly during the day, holding for 15-30 seconds. A third exercise is shown on the next page.

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January / March 2022

Airplane Arms This exercise helps to increase strength of your lower trap muscles which helps to take the load off of the overworked upper traps. Start this exercise lying on your stomach with the arms outstretched, palms facing the floor. Raise your arms and hold for a five count and lower. As shoulders get stronger, try turning the thumbs up towards the ceiling as you raise your arms off the mat. Hold 5 seconds and repeat 5-10 times. There are many other reasons for head-

aches, neck and shoulder pain. There are overuse, poor posture, long periods of sitting, poor sleeping positions and injury. If acute neck pain or headache persists consult your physician. Selfawareness is the first step of this journey. Check in with yourself during the day. Consciously relax your shoulders. If you need a headache break, quit carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. ◄

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vera Needham is a Medical Exercise Specialist, pilates trainer and has been a dog groomer for over 35 years. Vera invented the Tubee-Fit training tool for groomers. The Tubee has proven to be a wonderful addition to her older adult classes and in long term care facilities. If you have any Goomfit question or 54 Copyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved Subscribe www.egroomer.com want more information about the Tubee contact Vera at groomfit@yahoo.com PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free © 2019 Find A Groomer Inc All rights reserved

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Clip Shoppe School of Dog Grooming

New Jersey - www.clipshoppeschoolofdoggrooming.com

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January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

24th Annual Report State of the Grooming Industry INDUSTRY CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS WHERE THE GROOMERS ARE BY US STATE EMPLOYED GROOMER & BATHER WAGES SELF-EMPLOYED GROOMER INCOMES PET GROOMING PRICES BY US REGIONS What Groomers Are Saying About... INFLATION WORRIES MOBILE GROOMING GROOMER SHORTAGE GROOMING OPERATIONS

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Industry Challenges and Solutions Industry Stabilizing and Concerns for 2022

The grooming industry stabilized in 2021 when you compare it to the chaos of 2020. Certainly the industry is not back to normal, not at all. Most groomers were busy in 2021. Demand for grooming remained steady for the majority of groomers. In 2022 we project demand for grooming will remain strong. Unfortunately most employers in 2022 will continue to face tough obstacles to find an adequate supply of groomers to hire. In 2021 the national news media frequently mentioned supply chain issues affecting a myriad of industries. It seems there is an adequate supply of many popular grooming products, especially those manufactured in the U.S. What awaits in 2022? Will there be reveals of shortages of grooming tools and equipment? We know the manufacturers don’t want that to happen.

of pet owners. The word is “inflation.” Record inflation is here. Forbes.com (2022) is saying “All Eyes on Inflation.” We checked grooming social media such as GroomerTALK. We noted in late 2021 some groomers stated they were expecting rent increases in 2022. In fact, some said their landlords had already suggested to expect rent increases as a result of inflation. In a survey of groomers taken in late 2021 over 90% of groomers expected to raise prices in 2022. Almost 80% said their business costs were “significantly” increasing from rises costs led by fuel for mobile groomers and business rent and overhead for shop groomers. Interest in mobile grooming continued to hold strong in 2021. We sold more used mobile vehicle at PetGroomer.com during 2021 than ever before. The first 30 days of 2022 we listed dozens more used vehicles in record time. ◄

There is another word affecting the grooming industry and all of its millions eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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January / March 2022

Classic Reprint from 2020

Common Misconceptions Concerning Mobile Pet Grooming Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions In this article, I hope to dispel some of

Mobile grooming is driven by many im-

the common myths we hear from time

portant factors; the most significant of

to time. At Wag’n Tails, we understand

those is the client’s need for conven-

how some may have conflicting ideas

ience. These clients can mow their

about what it takes to be a successful

own lawn, but they don’t. They can

mobile pet groomer, and it’s under-

maintain their own pools, clean their

standable until you look closer at the

own houses, drop off pick up their own

facts.

dry cleaning, etcetera, but they don’t.

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Why? Because they have a busy schedule and that makes their time much more valuable than their money. Their pets will be taken care of because they’re members of the family! Mobile groomers give their clients a very precious gift…the gift of time! Now, on to the misconceptions about mobile grooming.

January / March 2022

computerized systems like Navigroom.

People won’t pay the higher price. Another one that is easy to understand because some stationary salon clients won’t pay the premium mobile groomers charge for their services, but there are plenty of clients that will. It is not uncommon for a new mobile

You spend all day driving from appointment to appointment.

groomer to be full in 6-9 months and in

You can waste a ton of time driving

Mobile grooming clients understand

around if you fail to plan. Remember

that prices are higher for this premium,

the old adage; if you fail to plan, plan to

at-home service. They see it when they

fail. Routing your van isn’t hard to do, it

have their pool cleaned and their lawns

just takes some planning to group your

manicured.

appointments in clusters. That way, you cover one small area of clients that are in close proximity to one another. It simply comes down to routing and scheduling your van in the most efficient manner possible. Routing and scheduling efficiently can be done manually, or you can use one of the low cost 64

many cases, much less than that.

You have to do 12 dogs a day to make any money. This one is surprising to us because it’s hard to see where the math comes from. The whole concept is to groom fewer pets for more money. The busi-

ness model calls for only 6 dogs per

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day, 5 days per week. You only need 150-180 pets to fully book a mobile van.

January / March 2022

bile grooming salon. Another one we find perplexing. Wag’n Tails mobiles have full-size stainless

You would have to groom 10-12 dogs in

steel tubs with electric lift tables and

a salon to make the same money as

an integrated bridge to walk the big

you would grooming 6 pets in a mobile!

dogs into the tub. St. Bernard? No

An average mobile grooming operation

problem! Great Dane? Yep! Husky?

covers the entire monthly expenses in

Mastiff? Yes, and yes!

one week, leaving the next 3 weeks of

These are the misconceptions we hear

the month for profit.

about most often. What are the ones

A mobile grooming salon is too expensive to buy. Expensive is a relative term and the price for a mobile salon must be

you have? Call us and we’ll discuss it.

Even more often, and by a long shot, what we hear from our clients is: I wish I had gone mobile sooner!

weighed against the revenue it gener-

John Stockman is the National Sales

ates. A mobile salon generates excel-

Manager at Wag’n Tails Mobile Conver-

lent income that puts you in an elite

sions and can be contacted at 800-513

class of groomers.

-0304 or wagntails.com. ◄

Groomers that are business entrepreneurs make great income. Plus, they set their own schedule, control their own lives and they have time for family and friends. 66 can’t do big dogs Copyright Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved You in© a2013moPetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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Where the Groomers Are 2020 - 2021 COMPARISON OF BUSINESSES ADVERTISING GROOMING 2020 # of Businesses Advertising Grooming

US State

% of Total

2021 # of Businesses Advertising Grooming

% of Total

Alaska

128

0.27%

127

0.26%

Alabama

583

1.27%

590

1.21%

Arkansas

502

1.07%

510

1.05%

Arizona

893

1.85%

909

1.86%

4,032

8.70%

4,102

8.41%

Colorado

903

1.90%

908

1.86%

Connecticut

577

1.25%

589

1.21%

0.06%

190

0.44%

199

0.41%

4,592

8.39%

4,707

9.65%

946

2.05%

966

1.98%

Hawaii

0.14%

0.16%

Idaho

312

0.64%

325

0.67%

Iowa

503

1.07%

520

1.07%

Illinois

2,420

5.07%

2,459

5.04%

Indiana

1,207

2.46%

1,221

2.50%

Kansas

503

0.94%

521

1.07%

Kentucky

564

1.22%

575

1.18%

Louisiana

631

1.40%

640

1.31%

Massachusetts

975

2.22%

1,012

2.07%

Maryland

650

1.49%

678

1.39%

California

Dist. of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia

195

0.41%

189

0.39%

1,830

3.85%

1,903

3.90%

Minnesota

733

1.51%

764

1.57%

Mississippi

328

0.75%

345

0.71%

Missouri

988

2.06%

939

1.92%

Montana

140

0.32%

148

0.30%

Nebraska

354

0.73%

364

0.75%

Nevada

583

1.11%

599

1.23%

New Hampshire

315

0.76%

350

0.72%

1,855

4.10%

1,921

3.94%

296

0.66%

303

0.62%

2,240

4.94%

2,276

4.66%

0.17%

0.19%

North Carolina

1,158

2.42%

1,202

2.46%

Ohio

2,305

4.84%

2,448

5.02%

669

1.44%

677

1.39%

Maine Michigan

New Jersey New Mexico New York North Dakota

Oklahoma

735

1.58%

754

1.55%

Pennsylvania

2,190

4.62%

2,277

4.67%

Rhode Island

226

0.48%

240

0.49%

South Carolina

703

1.54%

719

1.47%

South Dakota

0.17%

101

0.21%

Oregon

830

1.75%

852

1.75%

2,966

6.58%

3,195

6.55%

Utah

295

0.71%

324

0.66%

Vermont

102

0.22%

105

0.22%

Virginia

1001

2.15%

1,053

2.16%

Washington

Tennessee Texas

1,831

3.95%

1,905

3.90%

West Virginia

198

0.39%

206

0.42%

Wisconsin

842

1.76%

802

1.64%

Wyoming

0.15%

0.16%

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Total

47,388

48,793

+ 1,405

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January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

Where the Groomers Are 2021 USA

After a tumultuous 2020 we hoped for a better 2021, and it was for grooming. Groomers admirably adapted to the challenges as they arose in 2020 and the industry prevailed.

number one topic of discussion. While worries of the effects of record inflation are going to play a part in 2022, nothing has happened to let go of the chronic shortage of skilled groomers.

So what about 2021? New problems did arise and those problems are still with us in 2022 as we publish this study of 2021. However, the problems primarily targeted one group of groomers. They are the employers of groomers. What a tough year it was for many of them, and early in 2022 it is not much better.

Throughout 2021 we heard stories carrying over from 2020 about employers downsizing businesses to employ fewer hired groomers. Perhaps some gave up. At the same time we saw signs of more first time grooming businesses opening. Most were smaller one or two-person businesses, including one-person mobile businesses.

We have all read or heard about major numbers of new dog and cat owners from pet adoptions resulting from the pandemic. Demand for professional grooming naturally increased. Sounds great for the industry, right? For many grooming employers the supply of groomers answering their offers of employment quickly turned to near silence. Available groomers were snatched up quickly. Some grooming schools actively encouraged employers to let them help by sending their job candidates to school for training. The people of Paragon Institute of Pet Grooming created professional systems showing employers how they could “Grow Your Own Groomers.” And now in 2022 that concept remains a great idea.

Throughout 2021 the chronic shortage of skilled groomers for hire became the

Tallying the number of grooming businesses in 2021 was a challenge. We did our best. Compared to 2020’s tally of 47,388 businesses advertising grooming our number for 2021 rose to 48,793. Predictably the states with greatest increases in the number of grooming businesses continued to be the same as previous survey years. In alphabetical order they are: • • • • • • •

California Florida Illinois New York Ohio Pennsylvania Texas

Florida led the pack with almost 10% more groomers in 2021. That’s more than California by several hundred! ◄

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January / March 2022

2021 U.S. PET GROOMER WAGES & BUSINESS EARNINGS SURVEY F/T PET GROOMERS Employed (30 + hours weekly)

Commercial Location Groomers Low

Median

High

Mobile Vehicle & Housecall Groomers Low

Median

High

New England

25,996

35,429

62,209

29,402

37,420

65,305

Middle Atlantic

25,201

36,930

60,539

27,496

38,955

64,012

South Atlantic

27,034

38,501

61,039

24,364

38,201

60,329

East South Central

24,023

32,995

49,205

27,033

33,053

51,203

West South Central

24,005

31,405

48,212

29,043

37,884

48,939

East North Central

25,195

31,044

48,109

29,055

33,850

47,295

West North Central

25,856

30,995

46,676

24,056

32,065

46,838

Mountain

27,583

34,294

53,946

27,407

37,403

53,954

Pacific

31,205

45,039

64,567

37,304

44,209

69,302

Overall U.S. Average 2021

26,233

35,181

54,945

28,351

37,004

56,353

Overall U.S. Average 2020

24,856

33,462

52,121

25,632

35,324

53,287

2020/2021 Change F/T PET BATHERS Employed (30 + hours weekly)

5.54%

5.14%

5.42%

Commercial Location Groomers Low

Median

High

10.61%

4.76%

5.75%

Mobile Vehicle & Housecall Groomers Low

Median

High

New England

21,593

27,405

31,049

20,192

27,304

29,403

Middle Atlantic

20,495

27,949

30,823

18,405

26,034

28,848

South Atlantic

22,045

26,845

30,239

19,043

25,884

27,043

East South Central

19,403

22,945

24,555

18,304

23,954

25,003

West South Central

18,775

22,019

23,423

17,042

22,844

24,774

East North Central

18,302

21,899

27,304

19,423

22,104

29,430

West North Central

18,400

23,102

28,035

18,304

21,054

27,154

Mountain

22,594

24,022

30,193

21,848

26,001

27,849

Pacific

25,302

29,305

32,109

25,395

29,430

32,104

Overall U.S. Average 2021

20,768

25,055

28,637

19,773

24,957

27,956

Overall U.S. Average 2020

19,196

23,801

27,030

17,965

22,696

25,929

2020/2021 Change PET GROOMERS Self–Employed (personal income from business)

8.19%

5.27%

5.94%

Commercial Location Groomers Low

Median

High

10.06%

9.96%

7.82%

Mobile Vehicle & Housecall Groomers Low

Median

High

New England

33,954

42,110

74,204

39,420

52,034

73,204

Middle Atlantic

32,034

42,994

73,204

38,574

50,294

72,943

South Atlantic

32,012

42,004

68,204

35,521

46,621

70,202

East South Central

30,132

36,460

55,201

33,202

42,043

61,394

West South Central

27,740

36,484

52,493

35,294

38,899

57,832

East North Central

28,034

35,304

51,004

33,102

40,555

52,049

West North Central

28,445

31,047

49,203

32,165

39,410

52,008

Mountain

32,049

42,773

56,811

37,509

45,209

58,302

Pacific

39,400

49,204

78,305

40,212

55,306

78,205

31,533

39,820

62,070

36,111

45,597

64,015

Overall U.S. Average 2021 70

Overall U.S. Average 2020 2020/2021 Change

6.38%

7.25%

6.32%

6.15%

5.00%

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January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

Pet Groomer Wages & Self-Employment Income 2021 Analysis - Groomer Earnings Consistently Higher Across the board, employed and selfemployed groomers saw consistently higher earnings in 2021. Annual increases in our survey study groups were up at least 5% and as much as 10.61% for some employed mobile groomers. In the last 10 years of our surveys, 2021 roared its way to become the banner year for every survey study group. Annual increases in the last decade have commonly been around 2%, and sometimes 3% range. Suddenly in 2021, we see 5% annual increase as the lowest, and even a high of 10% annual increase in not one but two other survey groups? What happened in 2021?

Self-Employed Groomers Whether mobile, or not, self-employed groomers reported higher earnings in 2021. The lowest increase among survey groups was 5% and the highest was over 7%.

Why the Record Increases in 2021 Perhaps gleaning some comments made by those taking our surveys can help explain. •

I worked very hard this year to makeup for losses during the shutdown of 2020.

•

I was offered more overtime work. We are turning away new customers every day.

•

I raised my bathers to $15+ an hour which is now the basic pay for fast food employees here.

•

I raised my prices. I avoided it in 2020 but now demand is so high it was time for a good raise in prices. My groomers are earning more commission and love it.

•

Groomers are hard to find. I am offering the best pay to keep them.

•

You have to offer higher pay today to the hourly workers. We raised our prices to pass along the costs. Most customers are so happy to have a groomer open they pay it. ◄

Employed Groomers (Shops) 2021 Nationally, these groomers managed increases in annual gross income of 5% to 6%. Employed Groomers (Mobile) Wage increases in 2021 were highest among what were the lowest earning group, increasing annually over 10%. However, even the group of highest paid recorded nearly a 6% increase over 2020. Employed Bathers (Shop and Mobile) How did pet bathers do? Once again a surprise. Annual gross wages of nonmobile bathers did better than expected in 2020, up as much as 8%. eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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WE PROMISE TO EXCEED OUR CUSTOMER’S EXPECTATIONS IN QUALITY www.showseasongrooming.com

678-382-0218

sandy@showseasongrooming.com

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U.S. Grooming Prices Survey 2021 The 2021 overall average grooming price $64.00 was based on an increase of $2.25 for the non-mobile service providers, up from $61.75 in 2020. For mobile groomers, the average grooming price rose to $84.00 in 2021, up from $81.00 in 2020.

services such as hand-stripping and show grooming. If they deliver those services via mobile grooming the prices are significantly more. In California hand -stripping a large terrier by mobile is approaching $200 and show grooming much more.

After reading this survey you may be thinking there was not so much action in 2021 prices. Not if you look to the Western United States, specifically California. Generally speaking, California price increases comparatively soared with the rest of the United States.

Another sector of the grooming industry showed remarkable price increases in 2021. In-home or house-call (no van or trailer) grooming prices are up. In the past their prices were generally more like mobile groomer prices. In 2021 the house-call price survey indicated many of these groomers raised prices in the range of 10% to 20%, significantly more than both commercial location and sometimes mobile vehicle groomers.

While some regions of the U.S. raised prices by $2.00 on average, California price increase averages were twice or three times higher than anywhere else in the U.S. In this case $4.00 to $6.00 average price increases. The New England, Middle Atlantic and South Atlantic regional price increases generally are higher than other regions and California is competitive with them. But in 2021 California strongly led the way with the highest prices and increases in 2021. It’s becoming a region of its own as Washington, Oregon and Nevada prices are far more temperate than California. The wildest variation in prices remains with groomers selling specialty

Some noted they raised prices for inhome grooming in major cities up to $220 per groom, cats and dogs. Their clientele are willing to pay these rates to avoid dealing with traveling to groomers during Covid pandemic restrictions, and to maintain their privacy. Survey figures shown on the next page are averages. Within a region prices can vary $15 to $30 higher or lower than the averages shown. Take a survey! New surveys open in April 2022. Use this link: petgroomer.com/1surveys/ .◄

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January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

U.S. GROOMING PRICES 2020 - 2021 COMPARISON* All 50 U.S. States Combined

BREED / SERVICE TYPE

NON-MOBILE GROOMING RESULTS Change 2020 2021 2020/2021

MOBILE GROOMING RESULTS Change 2020 2021 2020/2021

Overall Avg. Grooming Fee

61.75

64.00

2.25

81.00

84.00

3.00

Bichon Frise (Complete**)

60.00

63.00

3.00

81.75

85.00

3.25

Bichon Frise (Bath-Only***)

48.25

49.50

1.25

71.00

74.00

3.00

Min Poodle (Complete/No Pattern)

60.00

62.25

2.25

77.25

79.50

2.25

Min Poodle (Complete Pattern)

62.00

64.25

2.25

81.50

84.50

3.00

Min Poodle (Bath-Only)

42.00

43.75

1.75

71.75

75.00

3.25

Std Poodle (Complete/No Pattern)

96.25

99.50

3.25

116.00

118.00

2.00

Std Poodle (Complete Pattern)

99.00

103.25

4.25

117.50

122.50

5.00

Std Poodle (Bath-Only)

60.50

63.25

2.75

85.25

89.00

3.75

Cocker Spaniel (Complete)

67.75

70.00

2.25

91.00

93.00

2.00

Cocker Spaniel (Bath-only)

49.25

51.25

2.00

80.25

83.50

3.25

Min. Schnauzer (Complete)

64.50

67.50

3.00

87.75

92.00

4.25

Min. Schnauzer (Bath-Only)

42.25

44.50

2.25

73.50

77.00

3.50

Std. Schnauzer (Complete)

77.50

81.25

3.75

100.75

102.50

1.75

Std. Schnauzer (Bath-Only)

52.00

53.50

1.50

80.75

84.25

3.50

Golden Retriever (Complete)

76.50

78.50

2.00

97.75

101.00

3.25

Golden Retriever (Bath-Only)

57.00

58.25

1.25

82.50

84.00

1.50

Shih Tzu (Complete)

59.00

60.00

1.00

80.75

83.75

3.00

Shih Tzu (Bath-Only)

42.50

44.50

2.00

72.75

76.75

4.00

Sheltie (Bath-Only)

58.50

61.75

3.25

76.50

79.50

2.75

Beagle (Bath-Only)

41.00

43.00

2.00

69.50

74.00

4.50

Labrador (Bath-Only)

58.75

62.00

3.25

77.25

81.00

3.75

Old English Shp. (Bath-Only)

82.25

86.50

4.25

105.00

109.00

4.00

German Shepherd (Bath-Only)

61.50

65.25

3.75

80.50

84.00

3.50

Great Pyrenees (Bath-Only)

102.75

107.50

4.75

121.00

124.25

3.25

Hand Strip Medium Terrier

108.00

114.25

6.25

116.50

124.25

7.75

Hand Strip Large Terrier

128.00

134.75

6.75

140.25

145.25

5.00

Formal Show Min. Poodle

110.50

115.25

4.75

142.25

144.00

1.75

Formal Show Std. Poodle

179.50

181.00

1.50

200.00

207.50

7.50

13.50

15.50

1.50

12.50

15.00

2.50

6.00

8.00

2.00

7.75

10.50

2.75

Avg. Nails Only Fee

11.75

13.50

2.75

38.25

40.25

2.00

Hourly Grooming Rate

55.00

59.50

4.50

82.00

84.25

2.25

Avg. Dematting Fee Vet Bath Treatments Add-on

* Fees shown were averaged by combining responses by survey year. ** “Complete” Grooming service includes bath, style, ears, nails, no other add-ons, no dematting. *** “Bath-Only” Grooming service includes bath, ears, nails, no other add-ons, no dematting. eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

PetGroomer.com Magazine eGroomer Journal January / March 2014

January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

2021 Grooming Prices Survey Results by Region of the United States In 2021 we conducted surveys through the PetGroomer.com Survey Center operating since 1997. If you are a business owner please take a survey there today. To ensure more accurate results we separated mobile grooming prices from prices for non-mobile, including stationary salons and shops, departments and groomers operating from their home-based businesses. Three regions continue to dominate the highest average grooming prices, 1) New England, 2) Middle Atlantic and 3) Pacific. Non-Mobile Results

OVERALL AVG GROOM FEE Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

67.00

69.50

2.50

89.00

91.50

2.50

Middle Atlantic

69.00

70.25

1.25

92.25

94.50

2.25

South Atlantic

64.25

65.75

1.50

87.00

89.25

2.25

East South Central

60.00

62.00

2.00

73.25

74.50

1.25

West South Central

57.00

58.50

1.50

69.50

72.50

3.00

East North Central

55.75

57.50

1.75

71.75

72.50

.75

West North Central

51.00

53.00

2.00

65.50

68.50

3.00

Mountain

58.50

60.50

2.00

86.00

88.25

2.25

Pacific

74.00

78.50

4.50

95.50

100.25

4.75

61.75

64.00

2.25

81.00

84.00

3.00

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

BICHON FRISE Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

68.25

72.50

4.25

91.00

94.50

3.50

Middle Atlantic

69.00

71.25

2.25

90.00

93.25

3.25

South Atlantic

66.50

69.00

2.50

87.25

89.75

2.50

East South Central

55.00

58.50

3.50

76.25

78.25

2.00

West South Central

54.50

57.25

2.75

71.75

77.50

5.75

East North Central

51.00

52.25

1.25

74.00

76.25

2.25

West North Central

47.00

48.50

1.50

68.50

70.50

2.00

Mountain

60.25

62.50

2.25

78.75

82.75

4.00

Pacific

69.50

74.50

5.00

98.25

102.50

4.25

60.00

63.00

3.00

81.75

85.00

3.25

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

BICHON FRISE Bath-Only Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

53.00

55.50

2.50

76.50

78.25

1.75

Middle Atlantic

53.00

55.00

2.00

78.00

83.00

5.00

South Atlantic

44.75

45.25

.75

73.00

77.00

4.00

East South Central

42.00

44.00

2.00

68.50

70.75

2.25

West South Central

47.00

46.00

-1.00

65.25

67.50

2.25

East North Central

41.50

42.75

1.25

64.00

68.25

4.25

West North Central

42.00

42.50

.50

66.25

67.50

1.25

Mountain

48.25

49.75

1.50

65.25

67.50

2.25

Pacific

62.50

64.50

2.00

83.25

87.50

4.25

48.25

49.50

1.25

71.00

74.00

3.00

US Average

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Results represent averages of actual prices both above and below the averages shown here. The higher or lower amounts could be as much as $10 to $30, and sometimes higher for large pets and specialty services such as show grooming and hand stripping. Your prices are likely to vary from those shown here.

Non-Mobile Results

MIN. POODLE (no pattern) Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

65.75

68.25

2.50

88.00

90.50

2.50

Middle Atlantic

69.00

70.25

1.25

86.25

89.00

2.75

South Atlantic

65.50

69.25

3.75

80.50

83.50

3.00

East South Central

57.75

59.50

1.75

72.50

75.00

2.50

West South Central

54.50

55.00

.50

71.00

72.75

1.75

East North Central

47.75

49.25

1.50

66.50

68.50

2.00

West North Central

47.00

48.50

1.50

66.00

67.75

1.75

Mountain

58.25

62.50

2.25

74.50

77.50

3.00

Pacific

73.25

78.50

5.25

89.50

91.50

2.00

60.00

62.25

2.25

77.25

79.50

2.25

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

MIN. POODLE (pattern) Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

67.50

68.25

.75

95.00

96.00

1.00

Middle Atlantic

67.50

70.25

2.75

91.50

92.25

.75

South Atlantic

69.75

71.25

1.50

90.00

93.00

3.00

East South Central

59.50

.00

75.50

78.00

2.50

West South Central

52.75

55.00

2.25

72.75

73.25

1.50

East North Central

54.75

55.25

.50

70.50

73.50

3.00

West North Central

50.00

52.50

2.50

62.50

70.50

8.00

Mountain

61.75

65.75

4.00

77.25

79.50

2.25

Pacific

75.25

80.50

5.25

98.25

103.50

5.25

62.00

64.25

2.25

81.50

84.50

3.00

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

MIN. POODLE Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

42.50

45.00

2.50

73.00

78.50

5.50

Middle Atlantic

44.75

44.00

-.75

76.00

77.50

1.50

South Atlantic

45.50

46.25

.75

77.00

78.25

1.25

East South Central

36.75

38.00

1.25

69.50

73.50

4.00

West South Central

35.75

37.50

1.75

64.25

66.50

2.25

East North Central

38.25

40.25

2.00

66.25

68.50

2.25

West North Central

38.50

39.75

1.25

61.00

63.25

2.25

Mountain

44.00

46.25

2.25

69.50

74.25

4.75

Pacific

53.00

55.50

2.50

89.25

94.50

5.25

42.00

43.75

1.75

71.75

75.00

3.25

US Average

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New England: CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT Middle Atlantic: South Atlantic: DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV East South Central: West South Central: AR, LA, OK, TX East North Central: West North Central: IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD Mountain: Pacific: AK, CA, HI, OR, WA Complete Grooming Service: Fee includes bathy, style, ears, nails, not matted. Results rounded to nearest quarter in US dollars. Non-Mobile Results

STD. POODLE No Pattern Complete Grooming Service

NJ, NY, PA AL, KY, MS, TN IL, IN, MI, OH, WI AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

109.50

112.75

3.25

133.00

137.50

4.50

Middle Atlantic

108.25

110.75

2.50

129.50

132.00

2.50

South Atlantic

104.00

108.25

4.25

124.50

127.00

2.50

East South Central

83.00

85.75

2.75

101.25

104.50

3.25

West South Central

80.50

84.00

3.50

98.25

99.00

.75

East North Central

76.75

78.50

1.75

103.75

102.50

-1.25

West North Central

75.25

77.50

2.25

97.50

99.75

.25

Mountain

105.75

110.25

4.50

116.50

117.25

.75

Pacific

124.00

127.50

3.50

140.25

142.00

1.75

96.25

99.50

3.25

116.00

118.00

2.00

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

STD. POODLE Pattern Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

116.00

121.00

5.00

129.25

138.00

8.75

Middle Atlantic

109.00

116.25

7.25

133.75

139.25

5.50

South Atlantic

100.75

103.50

2.75

130.25

134.50

4.25

East South Central

87.50

90.25

2.75

102.50

108.25

5.75

West South Central

84.75

86.75

2.00

104.25

107.50

3.25

East North Central

78.50

81.75

3.25

99.00

102.25

3.25

West North Central

75.50

77.75

2.25

95.25

101.25

6.00

Mountain

112.50

120.00

7.50

113.75

119.50

5.75

Pacific

127.25

132.50

5.25

149.75

151.75

2.00

99.00

103.25

4.25

117.50

122.50

5.00

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

STD. POODLE Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

68.00

70.25

2.25

97.25

100.25

3.00

Middle Atlantic

63.50

68.75

5.25

99.25

102.25

3.00

South Atlantic

66.25

69.25

3.00

87.75

90.50

2.75

East South Central

55.25

58.50

3.25

88.50

90.75

2.25

West South Central

54.00

55.50

1.50

76.00

78.50

2.50

East North Central

55.00

57.00

2.00

75.75

77.50

1.75

West North Central

53.75

55.75

2.00

68.50

70.50

2.00

Mountain

54.00

56.75

2.75

75.00

78.75

3.75

75.50

77.25

1.75

98.50

111.50

13.00

60.50

63.25

2.75

85.25

89.00

3.75

Pacific US Average

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January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

Non-Mobile Results

COCKER SPANIEL Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

72.50

76.00

3.50

104.75

107.00

2.25

Middle Atlantic

73.50

75.25

1.75

106.25

108.50

2.25

South Atlantic

71.00

73.00

2.00

99.50

101.00

1.50

East South Central

63.75

65.50

1.75

85.50

87.50

2.00

West South Central

62.25

63.75

1.50

81.00

83.50

2.50

East North Central

57.25

59.00

1.75

82.50

84.75

2.25

West North Central

58.00

57.50

-.50

70.75

72.00

1.25

Mountain

71.75

75.25

3.50

86.00

88.25

2.25

Pacific

80.25

84.00

3.75

102.25

105.25

3.00

67.75

70.00

2.25

91.00

93.00

2.00

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

COCKER SPANIEL Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

55.25

58.25

3.00

90.00

96.00

6.00

Middle Atlantic

56.50

58.00

1.50

91.50

94.75

3.25

South Atlantic

47.75

49.00

1.25

84.25

86.50

2.25

East South Central

46.00

47.75

1.75

78.50

79.25

.75

West South Central

45.75

47.25

1.50

74.50

77.25

2.75

East North Central

47.00

48.50

1.50

69.25

70.50

1.25

West North Central

41.75

43.50

1.75

66.25

68.50

2.25

Mountain

48.25

49.75

1.50

77.75

82.50

4.50

Pacific

55.00

59.50

4.50

91.00

97.00

6.00

49.25

51.25

2.00

80.25

83.50

3.25

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

74.25

78.50

4.25

98.00

101.25

3.25

Middle Atlantic

69.25

72.75

3.50

94.50

103.25

8.75

South Atlantic

66.50

70.50

4.00

97.25

102.50

4.25

East South Central

62.00

64.00

2.00

86.25

89.00

2.75

West South Central

55.00

58.25

3.25

75.25

78.50

3.25

East North Central

51.00

53.75

2.75

78.25

81.25

4.00

West North Central

51.25

51.50

.25

73.25

76.50

3.25

Mountain

67.00

69.75

2.75

85.75

89.50

3.75

Pacific

83.25

88.25

5.00

101.00

106.25

5.25

64.50

67.50

3.00

87.75

92.00

4.25

US Average

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81 37

CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV AR, LA, OK, TX IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD AK, CA, HI, OR, WA

January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications PetGroomer.com Publications

81 Middle Atlantic: East South Central: East North Central: Mountain:

NJ, NY, PA AL, KY, MS, TN IL, IN, MI, OH, WI AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY

Complete Grooming Service: Fee includes bathy, style, ears, nails, not matted. Results rounded to nearest quarter in US dollars. Non-Mobile Results

MIN. SCHNAUZER Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

44.00

46.50

2.50

79.25

82.50

3.25

Middle Atlantic

45.50

47.25

1.75

80.50

84.25

3.75

South Atlantic

44.25

46.75

2.50

82.25

85.00

2.75

East South Central

38.50

40.00

1.50

66.00

68.50

2.50

West South Central

36.25

38.25

2.00

65.75

66.50

.75

East North Central

37.00

39.25

2.25

66.75

70.50

3.75

West North Central

35.25

37.50

2.25

63.50

68.25

4.75

Mountain

42.00

44.50

2.50

68.50

71.25

2.75

Pacific

58.00

61.00

3.00

89.75

95.50

5.75

42.25

44.50

2.25

73.50

77.00

3.50

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

STANDARD SCHNAUZER Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

88.00

91.50

3.50

115.00

118.25

3.25

Middle Atlantic

86.50

93.25

6.75

108.00

109.75

1.75

South Atlantic

82.00

86.50

4.50

116.25

114.50

-1.75

East South Central

73.75

73.00

-.75

93.50

95.75

2.25

West South Central

69.00

70.50

1.50

89.00

91.00

2.00

East North Central

63.50

67.75

4.25

90.25

90.00

-.25

West North Central

62.50

66.00

3.50

82.50

85.00

2.50

Mountain

75.00

79.50

4.50

92.50

95.75

3.25

Pacific

98.25

102.50

4.25

119.00

122.25

3.25

77.50

81.25

3.75

100.75

102.50

1.75

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

STANDARD SCHNAUZER Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

58.25

60.50

2.25

94.00

96.50

2.50

Middle Atlantic

61.00

62.00

1.00

88.75

93.50

4.75

South Atlantic

55.75

58.50

2.75

89.50

92.50

3.00

East South Central

47.00

49.50

2.50

73.25

77.50

4.25

West South Central

44.00

45.00

1.00

74.00

76.25

2.25

East North Central

43.50

45.50

2.00

70.50

72.50

2.00

West North Central

45.50

44.75

-.75

69.25

69.75

.50

Mountain

52.50

54.00

1.50

69.50

77.50

8.00

Pacific

59.75

62.50

2.75

98.50

101.50

3.00

52.00

53.50

1.50

80.75

84.25

3.50

US Average

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January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications PetGroomer.com Publications

Non-Mobile Results

GOLDEN RETRIEVER Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

85.50

88.25

2.75

103.00

105.50

2.50

Middle Atlantic

82.00

85.25

3.25

107.50

109.75

2.25

South Atlantic

77.50

79.00

1.50

103.25

105.25

2.00

East South Central

72.75

73.25

.50

94.25

98.50

4.25

West South Central

70.00

72.25

2.25

87.50

89.25

1.75

East North Central

66.50

69.50

3.00

88.25

88.00

-.25

West North Central

68.00

67.25

-.75

84.00

87.50

3.50

Mountain

77.50

79.50

2.00

94.50

96.50

2.00

Pacific

87.25

91.50

4.25

118.00

121.00

3.00

76.50

78.50

2.00

97.75

101.00

3.25

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

GOLDEN RETRIEVER Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

57.75

59.25

1.50

87.00

89.75

2.75

Middle Atlantic

63.25

65.50

2.25

92.25

91.50

-.75

South Atlantic

66.00

67.50

1.50

88.75

91.50

2.75

East South Central

51.50

50.50

-1.00

74.25

77.50

3.25

West South Central

50.00

52.00

2.00

78.75

75.50

-3.25

East North Central

48.75

.00

69.25

70.50

1.25

West North Central

43.75

44.50

.75

71.25

72.50

1.25

Mountain

55.00

57.50

2.50

83.00

85.50

2.50

Pacific

76.75

78.50

1.75

97.25

102.50

5.25

57.00

58.25

1.25

82.50

84.00

1.50

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

SHIH TZU Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

63.00

62.25

-.75

87.25

90.75

3.50

Middle Atlantic

67.25

68.50

1.25

85.75

90.00

4.25

South Atlantic

66.75

68.50

.75

86.50

89.25

2.75

East South Central

53.25

55.50

2.25

79.75

80.50

.75

West South Central

51.00

52.25

1.25

74.00

78.50

4.50

East North Central

49.50

48.00

-1.50

67.50

69.00

1.50

West North Central

49.00

47.50

-1.50

69.50

70.00

.50

Mountain

58.00

59.25

1.25

79.25

82.50

3.25

Pacific

73.25

78.50

5.25

97.50

102.25

4.75

59.00

60.00

1.00

80.75

83.75

3.00

US Average

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83 39

CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV AR, LA, OK, TX IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD AK, CA, HI, OR, WA

January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications PetGroomer.com Publications

83 Middle Atlantic: East South Central: East North Central: Mountain:

NJ, NY, PA AL, KY, MS, TN IL, IN, MI, OH, WI AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY

Complete Grooming Service: Fee includes bathy, style, ears, nails, not matted. Results rounded to nearest quarter in US dollars. Non-Mobile Results

SHIH TZU Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

42.50

46.00

3.50

75.75

80.50

4.75

Middle Atlantic

45.50

46.75

1.25

78.75

83.50

4.75

South Atlantic

45.50

47.00

1.50

79.00

81.00

2.00

East South Central

39.50

40.50

1.00

67.00

71.25

4.25

West South Central

39.75

40.50

.75

69.00

70.50

1.50

East North Central

34.00

37.50

3.50

64.75

66.50

1.75

West North Central

36.25

37.75

1.50

64.00

67.25

3.25

Mountain

43.00

45.00

2.00

68.00

72.00

4.00

Pacific

57.00

59.25

2.25

88.25

91.50

3.25

42.50

44.50

2.00

72.75

76.75

4.00

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

SHELTIE Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

67.00

69.50

2.50

81.00

85.50

4.50

Middle Atlantic

66.00

70.25

4.25

88.25

88.00

-.25

South Atlantic

65.75

68.75

3.00

85.50

88.25

2.75

East South Central

55.25

58.50

3.25

72.00

73.50

1.50

West South Central

50.00

52.50

2.50

68.75

70.25

1.50

East North Central

48.25

50.50

2.25

69.50

71.25

1.75

West North Central

46.75

49.75

3.00

62.00

68.50

6.50

Mountain

55.25

58.50

3.25

73.00

77.50

4.50

Pacific

71.50

77.75

6.25

87.25

90.25

3.00

58.50

61.75

3.25

76.50

79.25

2.75

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

BEAGLE Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

42.50

44.00

1.50

73.25

77.50

4.25

Middle Atlantic

43.00

44.50

1.50

72.75

76.00

3.25

South Atlantic

40.75

43.50

2.75

73.75

75.75

2.00

East South Central

39.50

.00

68.25

71.25

3.00

West South Central

36.75

38.50

1.75

61.50

72.00

10.50

East North Central

35.25

37.25

2.00

64.50

68.75

4.25

West North Central

35.00

38.25

3.25

58.25

59.50

1.25

Mountain

42.50

45.00

2.50

68.00

72.50

4.50

54.00

57.00

3.00

84.50

93.25

8.75

41.00

43.00

2.00

69.50

74.00

4.50

Pacific US Average

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84 40

January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com PetGroomer.com Publications Publications

Non-Mobile Results

LABRADOR Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

67.25

70.50

3.25

85.25

90.50

5.25

Middle Atlantic

65.50

69.00

3.50

84.25

88.50

4.25

South Atlantic

65.00

68.25

3.25

81.25

88.25

7.00

East South Central

54.75

58.50

3.75

75.00

77.50

2.50

West South Central

58.25

57.75

-.50

69.25

72.25

3.00

East North Central

49.50

52.75

3.25

71.50

72.50

1.00

West North Central

51.25

53.00

1.75

66.25

68.75

2.50

Mountain

50.50

57.25

6.75

67.00

69.00

2.00

Pacific

67.00

72.00

5.00

94.50

101.25

6.75

58.75

62.00

3.25

77.25

81.00

3.75

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

96.00

103.00

7.00

120.50

125.00

4.50

Middle Atlantic

93.00

97.25

4.25

119.50

122.75

3.25

South Atlantic

86.00

90.00

4.00

117.50

126.00

8.50

East South Central

75.75

78.75

3.00

98.25

101.50

3.25

West South Central

69.00

71.50

2.50

92.25

94.50

2.25

East North Central

72.00

73.00

1.00

90.75

94.75

4.00

West North Central

67.50

69.75

2.25

87.50

89.75

2.25

Mountain

77.50

87.25

9.75

91.50

94.75

3.25

104.25

107.50

3.25

127.50

131.00

3.50

82.25

86.50

4.25

105.00

109.00

4.00

Pacific US Average

Non-Mobile Results

GERMAN SHEPHERD Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

68.50

72.25

3.75

90.25

94.00

3.75

Middle Atlantic

68.50

70.75

2.25

87.25

90.75

3.50

South Atlantic

67.75

70.50

2.75

90.25

94.00

3.75

East South Central

59.00

62.50

3.50

77.50

80.25

2.75

West South Central

52.25

62.25

10.00

72.25

78.00

5.75

East North Central

51.50

56.25

4.75

69.50

71.50

2.00

West North Central

48.00

50.50

2.50

63.25

66.50

3.25

Mountain

62.50

64.25

1.75

75.50

78.75

3.25

Pacific

74.75

78.50

3.75

98.25

102.25

4.00

61.50

65.25

3.75

80.50

84.00

3.50

US Average

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PetGroomer.com Magazine eGroomer Journal January / March 2014 New England: South Atlantic: West South Central: West North Central: Pacific:

CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV AR, LA, OK, TX IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD AK, CA, HI, OR, WA

January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

85 Middle Atlantic: East South Central: East North Central: Mountain:

NJ, NY, PA AL, KY, MS, TN IL, IN, MI, OH, WI AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY

Complete Grooming Service: Fee includes bathy, style, ears, nails, not matted. Results rounded to nearest quarter in US dollars. Non-Mobile Results

GREAT PYRENEES Bath-Only Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

121.50

128.75

7.25

138.00

142.00

4.00

Middle Atlantic

119.00

123.00

4.00

141.25

144.50

3.25

South Atlantic

119.50

127.75

7.25

125.00

.00

East South Central

93.50

98.25

4.75

115.25

119.50

4.25

West South Central

84.25

88.25

4.00

109.50

112.75

3.25

East North Central

89.25

91.25

2.00

111.75

110.25

-1.50

West North Central

83.00

87.50

4.50

97.75

99.50

1.75

Mountain

89.25

92.50

3.25

112.00

115.25

3.25

124.50

129.75

5.25

137.75

149.50

11.75

102.75

107.50

4.75

121.00

124.25

3.25

Pacific US Average

Non-Mobile Results

HANDSTRIP MED TERRIER Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

110.25

127.50

17.25

129.75

141.50

11.75

Middle Atlantic

116.25

118.75

2.50

127.00

132.00

5.00

South Atlantic

108.00

112.00

4.00

112.50

129.25

11.75

East South Central

102.50

110.00

7.50

110.75

114.50

3.75

96.00

99.50

3.50

108.25

109.50

1.25

105.50

107.75

2.25

102.50

105.75

3.25

92.25

98.00

5.75

95.75

99.50

3.75

Mountain

102.00

110.00

8.00

118.25

125.50

7.25

Pacific

139.75

144.75

5.00

144.50

160.00

15.50

108.00

114.25

6.25

116.50

124.25

7.75

West South Central East North Central West North Central

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

HANDSTRIP LG. TERRIER Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

151.25

162.00

10.75

158.25

170.50

12.25

Middle Atlantic

160.50

160.00

-.50

162.25

172.00

9.75

South Atlantic

144.50

154.75

10.25

166.50

173.50

7.00

East South Central

110.50

112.50

2.00

122.00

124.50

2.50

West South Central

109.50

111.75

2.25

117.75

115.00

-2.75

East North Central

107.75

109.25

1.50

119.50

118.00

-1.50

95.25

99.50

4.25

128.25

131.50

3.25

Mountain

118.00

132.00

14.00

117.75

121.50

3.75

Pacific

155.75

170.50

14.75

170.50

181.00

10.50

128.00

134.75

6.75

140.25

145.25

5.00

West North Central

US Average

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January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

Non-Mobile Results

SHOW MIN POODLE Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

110.25

120.50

10.25

155.00

161.00

6.00

Middle Atlantic

113.50

119.50

6.00

157.25

159.50

2.25

South Atlantic

120.25

119.50

-.75

160.50

155.00

-5.50

East South Central

105.50

112.75

7.25

135.75

137.50

1.75

West South Central

100.25

105.50

5.25

124.00

128.25

4.25

East North Central

94.75

98.50

3.75

119.50

122.50

3.00

West North Central

97.25

99.50

2.25

127.00

124.00

-3.00

Mountain

116.25

119.50

3.25

126.75

131.50

4.75

Pacific

137.00

141.00

4.00

175.25

177.50

2.25

110.50

115.25

4.75

142.25

144.00

1.75

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

SHOW STD POODLE Complete Grooming Service

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

210.50

220.00

9.50

213.25

229.50

6.25

Middle Atlantic

215.75

222.50

6.75

220.00

232.50

12.50

South Atlantic

198.75

203.50

4.75

228.75

231.75

3.00

East South Central

174.25

170.50

-3.75

182.25

180.50

-1.75

West South Central

144.50

140.00

-4.50

177.25

179.50

2.25

East North Central

135.50

138.25

2.75

179.75

182.50

2.75

West North Central

138.50

137.00

-1.50

201.25

190.50

-10.75

Mountain

168.75

173.50

4.75

186.75

193.75

7.00

Pacific

229.75

224.00

-5.75

210.50

246.50

36.00

179.50

181.00

1.50

200.00

207.50

7.50

US Average

DE-MATTING AVERAGE

Non-Mobile Results 2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

15.75

20.50

4.75

18.00

21.25

3.25

Middle Atlantic

12.25

14.50

2.25

14.50

16.00

1.50

South Atlantic

16.00

17.00

1.00

12.50

13.25

.75

East South Central

12.50

13.00

.50

12.00

13.00

1.00

West South Central

10.50

11.75

1.25

11.75

12.75

1.00

East North Central

13.50

12.00

-1.50

12.25

14.50

2.25

West North Central

9.75

10.00

.25

`12.00

12.25

.25

Mountain

14.00

16.25

2.25

10.75

14.50

3.75

Pacific

17.25

19.50

2.25

14.00

16.50

2.50

13.50

15.00

1.50

12.50

15.00

2.50

US Average

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PetGroomer.com Magazine eGroomer Journal January / March 2014 New England: South Atlantic: West South Central: West North Central: Pacific:

CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV AR, LA, OK, TX IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD AK, CA, HI, OR, WA

January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

87 Middle Atlantic: East South Central: East North Central: Mountain:

NJ, NY, PA AL, KY, MS, TN IL, IN, MI, OH, WI AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY

Complete Grooming Service: Fee includes bathy, style, ears, nails, not matted. Results rounded to nearest quarter in US dollars. VET PRESCRIBED

Non-Mobile Results

TREATMENTS

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

7.00

9.50

2.50

9.50

10.50

1.00

Middle Atlantic

7.25

9.00

1.75

9.00

12.25

3.25

South Atlantic

6.50

8.75

2.25

7.50

9.00

1.50

East South Central

3.00

5.00

2.00

7.50

9.75

2.25

West South Central

6.25

5.50

-.75

8.00

8.50

.50

East North Central

5.25

5.00

-.25

6.50

10.25

3.75

West North Central

6.25

7.50

1.25

10.00

9.00

-1.00

Mountain

6.00

9.25

3.25

6.75

9.50

2.75

Pacific

7.00

12.25

5.25

5.75

15.25

9.50

6.00

8.00

2.00

7.75

10.50

2.75

US Average

Non-Mobile Results

NAILS ONLY

2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

12.50

14.00

1.50

44.50

46.00

1.50

Middle Atlantic

12.75

15.25

2.50

39.75

40.50

.75

South Atlantic

11.50

14.00

2.50

40.50

42.25

1.75

East South Central

10.50

12.50

2.00

38.50

39.25

.75

West South Central

9.50

10.75

.75

35.25

36.50

1.25

East North Central

9.25

9.00

-.25

32.50

34.00

1.50

West North Central

11.50

12.00

.50

34.00

35.50

1.50

Mountain

13.25

15.50

2.25

38.75

40.50

1.75

Pacific

15.75

18.50

2.75

47.00

48.25

1.25

11.75

13.50

1.75

38.25

40.25

2.00

US Average

HOURLY RATE GROOMING

Non-Mobile Results 2020

2021

Mobile Only Results Change

2020

2021

Change

New England

65.75

72.50

6.75

90.75

92.50

1.75

Middle Atlantic

64.00

68.50

4.50

87.75

89.50

1.75

South Atlantic

63.75

69.50

5.75

84.50

85.25

.75

East South Central

52.00

54.50

2.50

77.00

78.50

1.50

West South Central

43.50

47.75

4.25

72.25

76.50

4.25

East North Central

43.00

46.25

3.25

74.50

75.75

1.25

West North Central

44.25

45.75

1.50

72.50

74.50

2.00

Mountain

48.00

51.00

3.00

76.25

79.50

3.25

Pacific

71.25

78.50

72.25

103.00

106.50

3.50

55.00

59.50

4.50

82.00

84.25

2.25

US Average

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January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

IN-HOME “HOUSE CALL” GROOMING PRICES 2020 - 2021 COMPARISON* All 50 U.S. States Combined

BREED / SERVICE TYPE

2020

2021

Change 2020/2021

Overall Avg. Grooming Fee

64.50

80.25

15.75

Bichon Frise (Complete**)

64.50

75.25

10.75

Bichon Frise (Bath-Only***)

55.00

60.50

5.50

Min Poodle (Complete/No Pattern)

62.75

73.50

10.75

Min Poodle (Complete Pattern)

68.50

77.50

9.00

Min Poodle (Bath-Only)

55.75

66.50

10.75

Std Poodle (Complete/No Pattern)

109.00

144.75

35.75

Std Poodle (Complete Pattern)

125.50

158.25

32.75

Std Poodle (Bath-Only)

80.75

88.50

7.75

Cocker Spaniel (Complete)

72.75

82.75

10.00

Cocker Spaniel (Bath-only)

60.25

71.25

11.00

Min. Schnauzer (Complete)

66.50

77.00

10.50

Min. Schnauzer (Bath-Only)

51.00

65.00

14.00

Std. Schnauzer (Complete)

97.25

110.50

13.25

Std. Schnauzer (Bath-Only)

62.50

.00

Golden Retriever (Complete)

77.00

79.75

2.75

Golden Retriever (Bath-Only)

57.50

77.00

19.50

Shih Tzu (Complete)

61.25

71.50

10.25

Shih Tzu (Bath-Only)

50.50

60.00

9.50

Sheltie (Bath-Only)

64.25

72.50

8.25

Beagle (Bath-Only)

49.75

56.50

6.75

Labrador (Bath-Only)

66.50

71.50

5.00

121.25

141.50

20.25

67.75

74.75

7.00

Great Pyrenees (Bath-Only)

118.50

143.75

25.25

Hand Strip Medium Terrier

149.00

188.25

39.25

Hand Strip Large Terrier

198.50

219.00

20.50

Formal Show Min. Poodle

201.50

243.50

42.00

Formal Show Std. Poodle

260.25

290.50

30.25

15.00

18.00

3.00

6.50

14.50

8.00

Avg. Nails Only Fee

40.25

45.00

4.75

Hourly Grooming Rate

67.25

77.50

10.25

Old English Shp. (Bath-Only) German Shepherd (Bath-Only)

Avg. Dematting Fee Vet Bath Treatments Add-on

* Fees shown were averaged by combining responses by survey year. ** “Complete” Grooming service includes bath, style, ears, nails, not matted. *** “Bath-Only” Grooming service includes bath, ears, nails, not matted. Prices are US Dollars and rounded to the nearest 25 cents. eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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January / March 2022

What Groomers Are Saying About... INFLATION WORRIES MOBILE GROOMING GROOMER SHORTAGE

GROOMING OPERATIONS MORE COMMENTARY 90

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January / March 2022

What Groomers Are Saying About... INFLATION WORRIES 2022 The topic of inflation is not something you regularly hear groomers talk about. Yet in a survey in late 2021 they had a lot to say. At the beginning of the survey we asked how many groomers were concerned about inflation. Surprisingly over 81% said they were “concerned.” More than 53% did not want to raise prices simply to cope with increasing business overhead costs.

they will keep up with rising costs, just over 90% said they will raise prices. When further asked when they will raise prices the majority (62%) said Spring 2022. Finally, we asked them how much they plan to raise prices. The results were: Shop/Salon Groomers $1.00 to $3.00 (18%) $4.00 to $5.00 (49%)

When asked which business overhead cost they were expecting to increase because of inflation over 80% of shop owners said business rent. Only 8% mentioned the cost of grooming products. The majority of mobile groomers (67%) said insurance and vehicle maintenance including fuel.

$6.00 to $7.00 (19%)

Nearly 96% stated that inflation was most noticeable in their personal household budgets for food, and rent (for renters).

$6.00 to $7.00 (18%)

$8.00 to $10.00 (8%) Over $10.00 (6%) Mobile Groomers $1.00 to $3.00 (8%) $4.00 to $5.00 (61%) $8.00 to $10.00 (8%) Over $10.00 (5%)

Almost 17% said they were having to The average increase of house-call “dip into savings” for unexpected ingroomers was projected to be $8.00. creases in the cost of operating their These price increases are almost dougrooming businesses. When asked how eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer rights reserved ble Inc. theAll norm of the last 5 years. ◄ 91 PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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January / March 2022

What Groomers Are Saying About... MOBILE GROOMING In the two years we have presented several articles claiming that mobile grooming’s market share of pet grooming was growing. Guesstimates of the increase ranges between 4% to 8%. We have clearly seen increased sales of used mobile grooming vehicles at PetGroomer.com Classified Ads. Roughly one-fifth of sellers said they were upgrading to a newer unit. Only 4% said they were retiring or otherwise leaving mobile grooming. Another 12% said they were buying a second used mobile unit as a backup. Those purchasing a second vehicle into operation increased to 9% of sales. We asked mobile groomers in general some additional survey questions. Almost 37% were new to mobile since 2020. About 82% were pleased with their choice to operate as a mobile groomer and only 3% said they were returning to commercial location operations in the future.

hicle (31%). Over half of them were paying for storing their vehicles at a commercial storage facility. Further, more than half of them (55%) said when they next move their household they will rent or buy a property where they can better store their vehicles at no added cost from having to pay storage fees. We asked mobile groomers about their age brackets in 2021. The results were: 19 to 22 years old (9%) 23 to 29 years old (18%) 30 to 39 years old (37%) 40 to 49 years old (17%) 50 to 59 years old (12%)

60 to 69 years old (5%) 70 or over years old (2%) If you are curious about their earnings there is a very detailed, separate survey on their wages or business earnings in this issue. All reported increases in 2021 in the range of +5%. ◄

When asked about problems they face as mobile grooming operations, the largCopyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved est 92problem was safely storing their vePetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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January / March 2022

What Groomers Are Saying About... GROOMER SHORTAGE Updated article: Anyone with some seasoning of experience in the grooming industry knows that finding adequate skilled groomers and keeping them employed is up for a challenge. Is the Covid-19 Pandemic changing the personnel challenges? Yes and no, of course.

Since Spring 2020, estimates of 2,400 to 3,200 U.S. grooming businesses closed from the pandemic, but most of those numbers have been offset by new businesses opening during the same period. One of the key issues for 7% of grooming business owners surveyed was downsizing. In fact, some even said they were happy to have another excuse (pandemic) to downsize with the most popular downsizing goal being 1 groomer/owner and 1 bather.

The complicated issues are likely to remain with managing personnel. Some employers have found complications in the need for more enforcement of mandates grooming business owners must meet, such as social distancing, masking up and sanitation. While more than 51% of groomers are considering wearing masks continuously in the future even when not mandated, they should know that employees indicated over 65% of employees say they will refuse to wear masks if not legally required. Over 61% of employers in independently owned grooming businesses indicated they are not adequately informed about employment law and resources. More important, nearly as many do not publish and provide employee handbooks which should detail nongrooming procedures such as social distancing, sanitation and mask requirements and exceptions. It is time for change here like never before. ◄

In general, employees are still in need as much as ever. That’s our prediction. In fact, a growing number of grooming employees said converting to selfemployment would not include hiring Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved staff. eGroomer Journal PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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January / March 2022

What Groomers Are Saying About... GROOMING OPERATIONS Updated Article:

The grooming industry clearly showed how amazingly adaptive it was to get back to work and serve pets and owners. The biggest insult, in our viewpoint, was how the issue of “essential” was applied early on, and much later for some. To be clear we are not stating it was all one way or another. Indeed there were states that minimized the issue and the lockdowns, and did they really fare worse as a result? Nope. Was it ineptness, political or simply a serious folly that many groomers experienced quite extensive closures with questionable backup reasoning. We will let everyone figure that out for themselves and allow their opinions.

In areas where this confusion was especially active over 78% of grooming business owners said they faced having to realize that their regular clientele were going to have to use grooming services elsewhere, and hopefully return when their businesses could or would re-open. Did their clientele come back? In a side survey conducted shortly after we closed the main survey we asked 100 groomers what has been their experience. Fortunately, 83% said the large majority of their clientele had returned and 54% of their clientele had gone to another groomer while they were not in operation. That’s good new for customer relations and something perhaps to be proud of, obviously well-earned.

The lockdowns and essential issues deeply impacted customer relations for By the way, 77% of these business ownmany groomers. In a side survey over ers said they did not charge extra for 60% of grooming business owners said dematting their regular clientele upon that their clientele contacting them their return. It was an expression of were not in agreement with pet groomgratitude. Some had to be stripped or ing assigned non-essential status. Furshaved because it wouldn’t have been ther 72% reported client confusion from humane to demat coats too far gone. ◄ grooming being allowed in some stores but94not to grooming onlyCopyright vendors. © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved Subscribe www.egroomer.com PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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January / March 2022

What Groomers Are Saying About... MORE COMMENTARY “More groomers are charging by the hour around here, but we don’t. My prices are strong too. People don’t want to wonder if they come back for their pets and they owe $20, $40 or more than they thought. We are profitable with set prices customers trust.”

”My landlord is talking about raising rent almost 15% in 2 months. I have to raise prices to cover that alone.” ”We started a 4 day workweeks for our new hires. It isn’t for everyone but some don’t want to ever go back to working 5 days. They feel healthier and happier having 3 days off every week to look forward too.”

“Sometimes we have to let all incoming calls we don’t recognize as customers whose pets we are right now go to a voicemail message. We are turning away dozens of new customers every week. We cannot find any groomers to hire either. ” ”A family member lost her office job since most employees are working out of home and her position was eliminated. I trained her to groom and got a second mobile van. It only took 3 months to build up enough clientele to keep that van busy. Grooming has been great to my family. Who would have thought?”

”I had to resort to on-the-job training and started with bathers. If you offer training you stand a better chance of ”With fast food employees getting finding employees. I would like to $15 to $18 an hour we started paying learn more secrets about managing our bathers $15 if fully experienced. these people to keep them. Bathers We only had to raise prices about $3 tend to stay on with us but groomers to cover it. It feels good.” eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved 95 eventually leave.” PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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January / March 2022

MORE COMMENTARY “I pay W2 wages but it was easier to find groomers to hire as I.C.”

”I downsized my shop from 3 groomers to just me and 2 bathers. I was lucky my lease was nearly done. Like so many others I couldn’t find anyone to train and find someone experienced in my small town. We have a new mobile groomer doing well but lots of my past customers won’t spend more. I am not giving up and will find someone to train.”

“I finally went cat only grooming. I work 4 days a week and won’t do more than 3 cats a day. Two days a week I go to their homes and that costs at least double compared to coming to my home. It’s up to them. The cats are better when you groom in their homes. Be prepared for cat owners to ask if you will pet sit for them too. Finally found my niche in grooming. Thank you for helping us with your magazine.”

”My husband lost his job about Covid issues and vax. Grooming has been a lifesaver for our household. It has been a year and he can groom and manage our shop with me. We have found hiring bathers he trains brings in far more income. One day a week he does pickup and delivery too.”

”I moved to a big city and wanted to say becoming an in-home groomer has been challenging at first but a year later I am booked most of the year. I get at least $175 per visit from high end customers. Make sure you are very neat, dress professional for working with security and doormen makes a difference. Have a reference ”I went from a shop to mobile groomor two and leave them with little or no ing and I am booked solid after 3 clean-up once done. Sometimes I may months. Only 40% of my clientele do a short errand for them such as stayed with me but that paid the bills picking up pet food or supplies on the during transition. I find mobile cusway and you can add a charge for tomers are verySubscribe loyal.”www.egroomer.com 96 Copyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved that. They love convenience.” PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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January / March 2022

MORE COMMENTARY “I would have thought or just hoped that the pandemic would have brought more groomers together. Out of a dozen shops plus around me only one is business friends with me. That part of grooming hasn’t changed much. We really help each other a lot and business is great for both of us.”

“I would love to learn more about buying my own business building. I would like to rent out space for other pet oriented businesses doing well.”

“I worry about inflation. I feel I can only raise prices so much to keep up with what I earn and keep after taxes. My rent is going up $300 a month in June, electricity went up, water went up and what is next? I just hope my customers understand.”

“Do you know what groomers are doing that stopped grooming. I know a couple that retired but some others stopped grooming. They had shops that closed but a couple new ones opened too.”

“I have 5 shops all doing great. Keeping staff has not been a major problem. I have to be flexible to their working lifestyles and today that means really unique schedules. If it works do it. Because I know how to groom I fill in a lot so that helps too. It’s important that I visit all the locations at least twice a week, keep eyes on.”

“We have a half dozen new mobile groomers in the last year. I haven’t lost many customers to them. Most of my customers are loyal and we still turn some business away. We keep most of our customers on a steady schedule around the year so they are guaranteed appointments. We still have a few customers that only want curbside service.”

“I find most of the vets that use to have a groomer on staff don’t any longer. Groomer shortage?” eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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PetGroomer.com Publications

Northern Tails Sharpening, Inc. You Now Have a Better Choice! Specializing in Animal Care Tools

Mail-in Prices Steel Blades

$7.00

Ceramic Blades

$6.00

Agri Blades

$8.00

3 in Wide Blades

$8.00

Beveled Shears

$9.00

Bevel Thinning Shears

$9.00

Convex Shears

$16.00

Refurbish 5-N-1 Blades

$11.00

Str. Chunkers

$16.00

Convex Thinning Shears $16.00

Clipper Repair ● Veterinarian Equipment ● Beauty Shears We are an Andis & Furzone Regional Distributor and Repair Center Jeff is a Master Sharpener and Certified Pet Groomer with over 35 years experience. He knows how your tools should perform. He won’t sharpen worn out tools which could harm animals. His office will call you if any of your tools look bad. Long-time member of NDGAA, IPG and the BBB. Please call or visit our website for mailing information. http://www.northerntails.com/

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January / March 2022 99

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Are You a Victim of “Gritty Blades?” Northern Tails Sharpening Gritty blades are the result of a sharpener not taking the time to thoroughly clean the blade after its sharpened. Grit sticks to blades after they are taken off sharpening wheels. They are magnetized from the metal to metal contact on spinning wheels. The majority of sharpeners just use a paint brush to clean away the grit from both sides of the blade and call it good. But that's not good enough!

Grit hangs up in the spaces between the teeth and along the inside of the cutter blade and the rails. Using only a paint brush to quickly brush grit away will not get it all, especially if they blade has not been demagnetized. Everything will seem okay until something liquid is applied to the blade like oil, blade wash, disinfectant, or coolant. In the presence of liquid the grit breaks away from its hiding places. It spreads on your cutting surfaces and contact points to make this black mess you see in the picture above. It can be cleaned off if you see it, but there is another significant problem. The same grit that sharpened your (Continued on page 100)

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blades can dull them again in seconds.

100

January / March 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

At Northern Tails we use a completely different process to clean blades after sharpening. The steps are: 1) Brush, 2) Demagnetize, 3) Air Blow and 4) Blade Wash. We first brush the obvious grit from the blade, and then run the unassembled blade over a demagnetizer. Finally, we use an air-gun and blow away any grit may be left on the blade. We pay special attention to the area between the teeth, along the rails and the underside of the cutter. When we are done there is no black grit left on the blade. Your blades will not make a mess later or worse yet, quickly dull again and perhaps even make black streaks on your grooms. It takes a little more time, but as groomers and blade sharpeners, we want clean blades same as you!

Jeff Andrews is "One of America's Favorite Sharpeners." Along with his years of grooming experience in two of his own shops, he is a "World Class Sharpener" that can sharpen all grooming equipment to better than new condition. Jeff is an author and pioneer of many maintenance and grooming video's and articles. They are for groomers who want to make their equipment last longer and save money on their sharpening costs. These videos and articles are on his website free to download and keep for reference. www.northerntails.com eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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petedge.com

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pocketsuite.io

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groomall.com

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January / March 2014 106 is not commonly known relates toPetGroomer.com It’seGroomer commonly Journal known that all brands of A-5 blades fit any brand of A-5 clippers. What blade sizes. Most Publications brands of A-5 blades have similar sizes, but how they perform varies. Manufacturers must use design differences in order to avoid patent and copyright infringement. The most common difference between brands is the blade thickness. Similar manufacturer sizes may cut at different heights. You could be in for a surprise if you change brands of the same size blade only to discover the cut is different! For your convenience Jeff at Northern Tails Sharpening prepared the multiple manufacturer reference charts below for blades and snap-ons. Be sure to check Jeff’s web site at www.northerntails.com for more helpful articles, videos and descriptions of his mail-in services. ♦

Clipper Blade Cutting Heights by Manufacturer BLADE SIZE

BLADE CUT

MASTER GRM.TOOLS

LAUBE

WAHL

KLEAN CUT

OSTER

ANDIS

Inches

1/125

0.2

0.5

0.2

1/100

0.3

0.6

0.1

0.3

3/50

—

0.4

1/50

0.5

0.8

0.2

0.5

3/64

1.2

1.0

1.3

1.0

1.2

1/16

1.6

1.5

1.8

1.5/1.6

1.0

1.5

10W

3/32

2.4

—

5/64

2.0

1.5

1.0/2.0

2.0

8.5

7/64

2.8

—

2.0

2.8

1/8

3.2

4.0

3.2

3.0

3.2

1/4

6.4

6.0

6.3

6.0

6.3

3/8

9.5

9.6

8.0

9.5

9.0

9.5

1/2

12.7

13.0

10.0

12.0

13.0

12.0

5/8HT

5/8

15.9

16.0

—

16.0

3/4HT

3/4

—

19.0

T-84

3/16

—

2.4

Snap-On Comb Sizes & Cut Lengths by Manufacturer COMB SIZE

LAUBE SELF ADJ & X-LARGE

WAHL STAINLESS STEEL

MDC ROMANI

OSTER UNIVERSAL

MILLERS FORGE

Inches

1/16

1/8

1/4

1/2

3/4

9/16

1/2 3/4

3/4 0

7/8

5/8

1/2

5/8

1 1/4

1 1/4 1 1/2

1/2

3/8

5/16

3/16

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eGroomer Journal

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PetGroomer.com Magazine Winter 2022 - State of Industry Report

Articles inside

Making $ from Your Grooming Intellect with a “Beauty Shoppe”

Grooming Natural Back Coats

The Future is Bright

Groom Alert