The dog grooming industry is changing.

Dog ownership may still be rising, but in some areas, the number of dog groomers is increasing even faster. Experienced groomers are finding empty appointments harder to fill, newer groomers are struggling to gain traction, and many business owners feel frozen when it comes to raising their prices.

In this episode, Karen explores the economics behind this shift and explains why simply keeping your head down, posting occasionally on Facebook and adding £5 to your prices each year may no longer be enough.

She introduces the “middle-for-diddle” trap: the difficult space between groomers who can afford to charge very little and those who have built strong, financially viable businesses that customers actively choose.

Karen discusses:

• Why competition is increasing in some areas
• What happens when the supply of groomers exceeds customer demand
• Why fears about losing customers shouldn’t simply be dismissed
• The two types of grooming businesses most likely to survive
• Why competing with the cheapest groomer is rarely the answer
• The importance of pricing for genuine financial independence
• Why marketing, expertise and customer communication matter more than ever
• What it takes to become the groomer customers choose—not simply another option

This isn’t about blaming new groomers or predicting doom and gloom. It’s an honest look at where parts of the industry may be heading and what you can do to build a stronger, more sustainable business that can adapt.

Ready to strengthen your business?

Join CORE membership inside The Dog Grooming Business Academy for ongoing business education, practical resources and a supportive community of fellow dog groomers.

Your first business webinar focuses on attracting and keeping customers, helping you understand how to stand out and become the groomer people choose.

Join CORE membership here

Want to dive deeper?

Watch Karen's free Dog Grooming Business Engine training here and discover the framework behind a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.

Want to build a calmer, more profitable dog grooming business?

The Dog Grooming Business Academy helps ambitious groomers master pricing, marketing, branding and customer experience so they can build a business that works for their life - not the other way around.

Enjoying the podcast?

If you're listening while grooming today, Karen would love to see what you're working on! Share a photo or selfie to your Instagram, Facebook or TikTok Stories, tag @thedoggroomingbusinessacademy, and she'll share your post. At the end of each month, one listener will receive a grooming goodie bag full of treats from some of Karen's favourite brands.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show. It helps more dog groomers discover the business education they never received in grooming school.