The Mobile Grooming Van
Your van (or trailer) is the foundation of your mobile grooming business. There are three main options:
Option 1: Pre-built grooming van ($50,000–$100,000)
Companies like Wag'n Tails, Hanvey, and Odyssey build turnkey grooming vans with everything installed. This is the most expensive option but gets you on the road fastest. Most come with a warranty.
Option 2: Custom van conversion ($30,000–$60,000)
Buy a used cargo van (Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster) and have it converted by a grooming van builder. This lets you customize the layout to your preferences and save money by starting with a used vehicle.
Option 3: Grooming trailer ($15,000–$35,000)
A grooming trailer is towed behind your personal vehicle. It's the most affordable entry point and works well for groomers just starting out. Downsides: you need a vehicle capable of towing, parking can be tighter, and the professional appearance is slightly less polished than a van.
Grooming Table
You'll spend most of your day at the grooming table, so invest in a good one. For a mobile van, you need a table that's:
- Hydraulic or electric: Adjust height for different dog sizes without manual lifting ($200–$600)
- Non-slip surface: Textured rubber top keeps dogs from sliding
- Grooming arm with loop: Secures the dog safely during grooming ($30–$80)
- Compact: Must fit within your van's workspace
Popular choices: Flying Pig hydraulic tables ($300–$500) are a good mid-range option. Professional-grade tables from Electric Cleaner Company run $500–$900.
Clippers and Blades
Invest in professional-grade clippers from the start — cheap clippers overheat, pull hair, and will need replacing within months.
- Primary clipper: Andis AGC Super 2-Speed or Wahl KM10 ($150–$200). These are industry workhorses.
- Cordless clipper: Wahl Bravura or Andis Pulse ZR II ($150–$250) for faces, paws, and sanitary areas.
- Blade set: Start with #7F, #10, #15, #30, #40 blades ($20–$40 each). Add specialty lengths as needed.
- Blade coolant: Andis Cool Care or Oster spray ($5–$10) to prevent blade burn.
- Snap-on combs: A set of guide combs ($20–$40) for different lengths.
Budget $300–$600 for a complete clipper and blade setup. Maintain blades by cleaning after every use and sending them for professional sharpening every 4–6 weeks.
Dryers
A good dryer is essential — it's what separates professional grooming from a home bath. You'll want:
- High-velocity dryer: K-9 Dryers or MetroVac ($150–$400). These blast water and loose coat out quickly. Essential for de-shedding.
- Stand dryer (optional): Allows hands-free drying while you work on another area ($100–$300).
Never use a human hair dryer on dogs — they don't move enough air and can overheat with prolonged use. Professional high-velocity dryers use room-temperature forced air, which is safe for all coat types.
Bathing and Water System
Your van needs a reliable water system:
- Fresh water tank: 40–80 gallons ($100–$300). Larger tanks mean fewer refill stops.
- Waste water tank: Same capacity as fresh water ($100–$300).
- On-demand water heater: Tankless propane or electric heater ($150–$400). Provides instant hot water without a bulky tank.
- Grooming tub: Stainless steel or fiberglass tub with ramp or step ($300–$800).
- Sprayer hose: Professional-grade with adjustable pressure ($20–$50).
Most pre-built grooming vans include the water system. If you're doing a custom conversion, budget $500–$1,500 for the complete water setup.
Shears, Brushes, and Tools
Round out your toolkit with:
- Shears: Straight shears, curved shears, and thinning shears ($50–$150 per pair for professional quality). Kenchii and Geib are trusted brands.
- Slicker brush: For detangling and fluffing ($10–$25)
- Undercoat rake: For de-shedding double-coated breeds ($15–$30)
- Mat splitter/breaker: For safely removing mats ($10–$20)
- Nail clippers and Dremel: Professional nail clippers ($10–$20) plus a Dremel nail grinder ($30–$60) for smooth finishing
- Ear cleaning supplies: Ear solution, cotton balls, hemostats ($20–$40 total)
Shampoos and Supplies
Stock a range of shampoos and conditioners for different coat types:
- All-purpose shampoo: Your everyday go-to ($15–$30/gallon)
- De-shedding shampoo and conditioner: Loosens undercoat ($20–$35/gallon)
- Whitening shampoo: For white and light-colored coats ($15–$30/gallon)
- Medicated/hypoallergenic shampoo: For sensitive skin ($20–$40/gallon)
- Cologne/finishing spray: The finishing touch ($10–$20)
- Towels: Microfiber towels are most absorbent. Start with 20–30 ($50–$100)
- Bandanas and bows: A nice touch that clients love ($20–$40 assortment)
Total supplies budget for initial stock: $200–$500. Most supplies need restocking every 4–8 weeks depending on volume.
Total Startup Equipment Cost
Here's a summary of equipment costs for starting a mobile grooming business:
- Van/trailer: $15,000–$100,000
- Grooming table: $200–$600
- Clippers and blades: $300–$600
- Dryer(s): $150–$700
- Water system (if custom): $500–$1,500
- Shears and tools: $200–$500
- Shampoos and supplies: $200–$500
- Insurance and licensing: $300–$700
Total range: $17,000–$105,000 depending on your vehicle choice and equipment quality.
Once you're set up, manage your business with free scheduling and booking software from Peterie — one less cost to worry about. Groomers in San Antonio, Charlotte, and other growing markets are building thriving businesses with quality equipment and smart scheduling. Also check out our guide on how to start a mobile grooming business for the complete startup process.