The van is the biggest decision in a mobile grooming business, and the biggest cost. It is your salon, your water supply and your power station. Here is how the main options compare.
Option 1: A new, purpose-built grooming van
Specialist builders sell vans fitted out for grooming, often costing tens of thousands of dollars or more. You get a warranty, a tested layout, and usually financing. The downside is the price and the monthly payment you need to cover before you earn anything.
Option 2: A used grooming van
Used grooming vans come up for sale when groomers retire or move into salons. They can cost far less than new. Inspect the vehicle itself as you would any used van, and check the grooming systems carefully: water heater, pumps, tanks, generator or inverter, air conditioning and the floor for water damage. Repairs on a worn generator or rusted floor can wipe out the savings.
Option 3: Convert your own
Some groomers buy a cargo van or small trailer and build it out. This can be the cheapest path if you have the skills, but plumbing, electrical and ventilation all need to be done safely, and a poor build is miserable to work in. Some areas also have rules for mobile businesses that handle water and waste, so check before you build.
What a grooming van needs
- Grooming table, ideally electric or hydraulic lift
- Tub with a ramp or steps for large dogs
- Fresh water tank and a gray water tank
- Water heater
- Power from a generator or a battery and inverter system
- High-velocity dryer
- Air conditioning, heating and good ventilation
- Non-slip, waterproof flooring
- Storage for clippers, blades, shampoos and towels
- Lighting bright enough to work on detail
Cheaper ways to start
Some groomers start with in-home grooming, using the client’s tub and bringing a portable table and dryer, or rent time in a salon while saving for a van. A grooming trailer towed behind a truck you already own can also cost less than a van. These options let you build a client list first, so the van has bookings waiting on day one.
Run the numbers first
Add up the van payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance and supplies. Divide by how many dogs you can groom a month. That tells you the minimum you need to charge per dog before you pay yourself.
Get the van setup checklist with the starter kit
Our mobile dog grooming starter kit includes a van setup checklist, booking by breed and size, pet profiles, rebooking reminders and a grooming release form. See our guide to mobile dog grooming prices, then vote for the grooming kit. Voters get 20% off at launch.
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