Pet Grooming Trends 2026-2027: 10 Data-Backed Shifts

The biggest pet grooming trends for 2026 and 2027 come down to one thing: the industry is growing faster than ever. The U.S. pet grooming services market hit $2.34 billion in 2026 and is growing at 6.67% annually (Mordor Intelligence). Total pet industry spending reached $158 billion in 2025 (up 3.7%) and is projected to cross $165 billion this year (APPA, March 2026). Grooming isn't just growing. It's accelerating.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. The real shift is in what pet parents expect: mobile grooming at their doorstep, spa-level treatments for their Goldendoodle, organic shampoos, cat grooming options, and the ability to book at 10 PM from their phone. Meanwhile, groomers are stretched between a labor shortage, rising prices, and pressure to adopt technology they've never used before.

I've been grooming for over a decade, and I've never seen this many trends converging at once. Here's what's actually shaping the industry right now, backed by data rather than hype, and what it means for your business heading into 2027.

The Market at a Glance: $158 Billion and Climbing

APPA's March 2026 report confirmed that U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $158 billion in 2025 — a 3.7% increase — with a projected $165 billion in 2026. Within that, the grooming services segment alone is worth $2.34 billion (Mordor Intelligence), and the combined grooming and boarding industry reaches $15.4 billion (IBISWorld).

What's driving this? Pet ownership is at an all-time high: 95 million U.S. households own at least one pet, with dog ownership at 53% of households (71 million homes) and cat ownership surging to 39% (53 million homes, up from 49 million in 2024). Gen X is the fastest-growing ownership cohort — up 12% for dogs and 8% for cats (APPA).

Trend #1: The Mobile Grooming Boom

Mobile grooming is the fastest-growing segment in pet care services. The global mobile grooming market hit $1.87 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach $3.1 billion by 2034 — a 9.0% CAGR that outpaces every other grooming segment (IntelMarketResearch). In the U.S. specifically, at-home grooming is growing at 8.35% CAGR through 2031 (Mordor Intelligence).

The appeal is obvious: convenience. Pet parents don't have to drive, wait, or deal with the stress their pet feels in a busy salon. For nervous dogs, senior pets, and cats, the one-on-one mobile experience is dramatically less stressful. And for groomers, mobile eliminates rent, reduces overhead, and allows premium pricing.

I started with a salon, and I'll be honest, some of my best clients switched to a mobile groomer three years ago because she came to them.

What This Means for Your Business

• If you're salon-based: consider adding a mobile van or partnering with a mobile groomer to capture the convenience-first market
• If you're already mobile: you're in the fastest-growing segment. Invest in route optimization to fit more appointments per day without more windshield time
• Mobile groomers can charge a 15–35% premium over salon pricing — and clients happily pay it for doorstep service

AI route optimization can cut 30–45 minutes of daily drive time for mobile groomers — the equivalent of one extra appointment per day.

Trend #2: Grooming Prices Are Up 40–50% Since 2019

Every groomer feels this one but few talk about openly. According to Teddy's 2026 State of the Industry Report, grooming prices have risen dramatically since pre-pandemic:

The price increases reflect genuine cost pressures: product costs, insurance, vehicle expenses (for mobile), labor, and the groomer shortage that's driving wages up. But they also reflect something positive — pet parents increasingly view grooming as essential care, not a luxury. 42% of pet owners increased their grooming spending year-over-year (APPA/Packaged Facts).

I raised my prices 20% in 2024 and lost exactly one client. Everyone else said they were surprised I hadn't done it sooner.

If you haven't raised your prices since 2023 or earlier, you're likely undercharging. Our pricing guide for pet groomers walks through exactly how to set rates that reflect your skill and market.

Trend #3: Spa Treatments and Add-On Services Are Booming

Massage, spa, and skin-coat treatments now account for 63.45% of the U.S. pet grooming services market (Future Market Insights, 2026). That's not a typo — specialty treatments are now the majority of the market, not the add-on.

Ancillary services like aromatherapy baths, blueberry facials, teeth brushing, de-shedding treatments, and pawdicures have seen a 30% rise in demand. The teddy bear cut — round ears, round body, round everything — has become the single most requested style, with some groomers maintaining 4–6 week client schedules entirely around this one cut.

I maintain a 4–6 week client schedule and I'm currently not accepting new clients due to an extensive waiting list. The teddy bear style is what most of them want. — Veronica Frosch, National Award Winner, The Paw Shoppe, Minnesota (PetAge, 2026)

High-Revenue Add-Ons to Consider

A groomer doing 6 dogs per day who adds an average of $15 in add-ons per appointment generates $90/day — that's $1,800/month in extra revenue from services that take 5–10 minutes each.

Trend #4: Cat Grooming Is the Fastest-Growing Segment

Grand View Research reports that the cat grooming segment is expected to grow at 8.2% CAGR from 2025 to 2030 — faster than the overall grooming market. APPA's March 2026 data confirms this pattern showing cat-owning households surging from 49 million (2024) to 53 million (2025), a jump of 4 million homes in a single year.

Cat grooming was long considered a niche offering — most groomers either refused cats entirely or charged a significant premium. That's changing. As more pet parents adopt cats (especially multi-pet households), they're looking for professional grooming for breeds like Persians, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls that need regular coat maintenance.

Why Cat Grooming Is a Smart Addition

• Less competition: far fewer groomers offer cat grooming, so you capture an underserved market
• Higher per-service pricing: cat grooming typically commands a 20–40% premium over equivalent dog services
• Growing demand: 53 million cat-owning households (APPA) and rising
• Certification differentiator: NCGIA certification sets you apart from competitors who "also do cats"

Our cat grooming guide covers everything from handling techniques to pricing strategies for adding feline services.

Trend #5: Sustainability and Natural Products

The eco-friendly pet products market reached $16.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to hit $38.6 billion by 2034 — a 9.7% CAGR (MarketIntelo). Within grooming, this shows up as surging demand for organic shampoos, biodegradable packaging, and sustainably sourced ingredients.

70% of pet parents say they're concerned about the environmental impact of pet products (Dogtopia/NMI), and Millennials and Gen Z — who now represent the largest pet-owning cohorts — are willing to pay a 15–30% premium for sustainably certified products (GM Insights).

Practical Steps for Groomers

• Switch to concentrated, refillable shampoo systems — reduces plastic waste and often saves money per-ounce
• Highlight natural and organic product usage in your marketing and booking confirmations
• Consider eco-friendly grooming tools: bamboo brushes, recycled-material dryer attachments
• Stock retail organic products (shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner) for take-home sales — the natural pet care segment grew 18% YoY in 2025

Sustainability isn't just ethics. It's positioning. Clients who care about ingredients for their own skincare expect the same for their pets.

Trend #6: Technology Adoption Is Accelerating

60–70% of grooming businesses now use software tools for scheduling, client management, or payments (Teddy, 2026). 58% of bookings are made online or via app, and 47% of customers prefer online booking over calling (Statista/APPA).

The shift itself isn't surprising, but the speed of adoption is. Pre-pandemic, most groomers ran on paper calendars and phone bookings. In less than six years, the industry has flipped to majority-digital. The next wave is AI-powered automation:

The groomers who adopt AI-powered tools early gain a structural advantage: they answer every call (even mid-groom), recover abandoned bookings automatically, fill schedule gaps with waitlist clients, and spend zero time on phone tag. It's not about replacing the groomer — it's about eliminating the admin that keeps you from grooming.

Groomify's 8 AI agents are purpose-built for pet grooming businesses — from the AI receptionist that answers calls 24/7 to smart scheduling that fills gaps automatically.

Trend #7: The Groomer Shortage Is Getting Worse

52% of grooming businesses report hiring difficulties (NDGAA/Teddy, 2026). The industry employs roughly 150,000–180,000 groomers nationwide, and wait times have expanded to 3–6 weeks in many markets. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% job growth for animal care workers through 2034 — "much faster than average" — with approximately 81,700 annual openings.

The math doesn't work. Demand is growing faster than the supply of trained groomers. The result: longer wait times, higher prices, and burnout for existing groomers trying to fill the gap.

Only about 10% of professional groomers take the initiative to attend educational trade shows. We need to invest in training young talent — the future of our industry depends on it. — Lis Johnston, Champion Groom Team USA Medalist, Serenity Pet Salons (PetAge, 2026)

What the Labor Shortage Means for Business Owners

• If you can't hire: technology fills part of the gap. AI handles phones, booking, and reminders — the admin work that consumes 5–10 hours per week
• If you're hiring: wages are rising. BLS median for animal care workers is $37,940/year (May 2025), but experienced groomers in high-demand markets earn $50K–$70K+
• Retention matters more than recruitment: fair wages, manageable schedules, continuing education, and modern tools keep groomers from leaving
• Training is an investment: certification programs (NDGAA, IPG, NCGIA) differentiate your business and attract better candidates

Trend #8: Pet Humanization Continues to Drive Spending

Average pet spending reached $1,445 per pet in 2026 (APPA/Packaged Facts), with grooming averaging $510 per household annually. The pet humanization trend — treating pets as family members deserving of the same quality care as humans — shows no signs of slowing.

For groomers, this translates into:

• Higher willingness to pay for premium services (spa treatments, organic products, breed-specific styling)
• Expectation of a "spa experience" — not just a clean dog, but a pampered one with report cards, photos, and follow-up
• Demand for health-focused grooming: skin checks, ear cleaning, dental care as standard, not add-on
• Photo/video documentation of the grooming process — clients want to see their pet's transformation

Pet humanization is exactly why grooming report cards are becoming standard practice — they turn a routine groom into a premium experience that justifies higher pricing and drives rebooking.

Trend #9: Groomers as Frontline Wellness Professionals

Of everything on this list, groomers as wellness professionals is the trend I care about most. Groomers see pets more frequently than veterinarians — often every 4–6 weeks compared to annual vet visits. That puts us in a unique position to spot health issues early: lumps, skin conditions, ear infections, dental problems, weight changes, and behavioral shifts.

Groomers see animals more frequently than veterinarians do. I had a client's dog where I found lumps during a routine groom — a week later the vet diagnosed bone cancer. Early detection saved that dog's life. — Olga Zabelinskaya, Internationally Certified Master Groomer (PetAge, 2026)

The industry is slowly formalizing this role. More grooming schools now include basic health assessment in their curriculum. Some veterinary practices are partnering with groomers for referral programs. And clients increasingly expect their groomer to flag health concerns — which circles back to the report card trend.

Documenting health observations in your client management system creates a longitudinal health record that adds genuine value beyond the groom itself.

Trend #10: The Continuing Education Gap

Only 10% of professional groomers attend educational trade shows (Lis Johnston via PetAge, 2026). In an industry with no mandatory licensing in most states, continuing education is largely self-directed — and most groomers don't pursue it.

Most groomers won't pursue education on their own. For those who do, the gap becomes an advantage.

• Challenge: inconsistent service quality, outdated techniques, safety concerns with reactive/aggressive breeds
• Opportunity: groomers who invest in education (certifications, breed-specific training, safety protocols) differentiate dramatically from the competition
• Business angle: offering training opportunities is one of the strongest retention tools for employed groomers

Certifications to consider: NDGAA Certified Master Groomer, International Professional Groomers (IPG), National Cat Groomers Institute of America (NCGIA), and Fear Free Grooming certification for handling anxious pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the single biggest grooming trend for 2027?

Mobile grooming growth. At 9.0% CAGR, it's growing nearly twice as fast as the overall grooming market. Combined with the groomer shortage pushing wait times to 3–6 weeks, mobile groomers who can offer next-week availability at the client's doorstep are capturing premium-paying clients that salons can't serve fast enough.

Are grooming prices going to keep rising?

Yes, but the rate will likely moderate. The 40–50% increase since 2019 reflected catch-up pricing after years of undercharging, combined with pandemic-era cost inflation. Going forward, expect 5–8% annual increases — roughly tracking inflation plus the labor shortage premium. Pet parents have shown they'll pay: 42% increased grooming spending year-over-year.

Should I add cat grooming to my services?

If you can get proper training, yes. The cat grooming segment is growing at 8.2% CAGR — faster than dog grooming — and has significantly less competition. But it requires specific handling skills and a separate, quiet workspace. Don't add cats to your menu without NCGIA certification or equivalent training. Done right, it's a high-margin, underserved market.

How important is technology for a small grooming business?

Critical. 58% of bookings are now made online, and 47% of clients prefer it over calling. If you're still phone-only, you're losing the clients who won't call. Start with online booking — it's the single highest-impact technology investment. Then add automated reminders (reduces no-shows by up to 80%) and an AI receptionist if missed calls are costing you bookings.

Positioning Your Business for 2027

The grooming industry in 2026 is bigger, more sophisticated, and more demanding than it was even two years ago. Pet parents expect convenience (mobile, online booking), quality (spa treatments, breed-specific expertise), and communication (report cards, health updates, easy rebooking).

The groomers who thrive in 2027 won't necessarily be the most skilled with scissors — though that matters. They'll be the ones who combine great grooming with great operations: efficient scheduling, automated client communication, fair pricing that reflects their value, and technology that handles the admin so they can focus on the dogs (and cats) in front of them.

Groomify is built for exactly this moment — AI-powered scheduling, online booking, automated follow-up, route optimization, and client management designed specifically for pet grooming businesses. Start your free trial and see the difference.

Sources

1. APPA — U.S. Pet Industry Reaches $158 Billion in 2025, Projected $165B in 2026 (Press Release, March 2026)
2. Mordor Intelligence — U.S. Pet Grooming Services Market: $2.19B (2025) to $2.34B (2026), 6.67% CAGR (2026)
3. IBISWorld — Pet Grooming & Boarding in the U.S.: $15.4B Industry Size (2026)
4. IntelMarketResearch — Global Mobile Pet Grooming Market: $1.87B (2026), $3.1B by 2034, 9.0% CAGR
5. Grand View Research — U.S. Pet Grooming Services Market: Cat Segment 8.2% CAGR 2025–2030
6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Animal Care & Service Workers: Median $37,940, 11% Job Growth 2024–2034 (May 2025)
7. Future Market Insights — Spa/Skin-Coat Treatments: 63.45% of U.S. Grooming Services Market (2026)
8. Teddy — State of the Pet Grooming Industry 2026: Pricing Increases, Software Adoption, Labor Shortage
9. MarketIntelo — Eco-Friendly Pet Products Market: $16.8B (2025), $38.6B by 2034, 9.7% CAGR
10. GM Insights — Sustainable Pet Products: Millennials/Gen Z 15–30% Willingness to Pay Premium (2025)
11. Dogtopia/NMI — 70% of Pet Parents Concerned About Environmental Impact of Pet Products (2025)
12. APPA/Packaged Facts — Average Grooming Spend $510/Household; 42% Increasing YoY (2026)
13. PetAge — The Cutting Edge: 2026 Pet Grooming Trends (Expert Quotes: Zabelinskaya, Johnston, Frosch)
14. Statista/APPA — 58% of Grooming Bookings Made Online; 47% Customer Preference for Online (2026)
15. NDGAA/Teddy — 52% of Grooming Businesses Report Hiring Difficulties (2026)