Pet grooming plays a vital role in maintaining the health and overall well-being of animals. Essential tools for pet grooming include items such as combs, brushes, bathing shampoos, conditioners, nail clippers, and trimming scissors. Additionally, there are products like massage oils for relaxation and toothpaste for dental care. Grooming significantly contributes to a pet's quality of life by ensuring their health and comfort. The primary reasons for regular grooming encompass maintaining the pet's cleanliness, reducing the risk of various health issues, monitoring their well-being for signs of illness such as cuts, swelling, or changes in temperament, and fostering a stronger bond between the pet and its owner.

Global Pet Grooming market was valued US $68.3 Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach ~US $135 Bn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period 2023-2032.

The responsibilities of a pet groomer encompass tasks such as bathing, conditioning, and drying pets, addressing tangles and mats in their fur when necessary, adhering to grooming instructions provided by pet owners or standard grooming styles, trimming nails, accommodating any specific requests from pet owners, cleaning ears, and brushing teeth. Groomers also play a crucial role in identifying potential health problems in pets, such as ear infections, and promptly informing pet owners of their findings. Safety during the grooming process is a top priority, including regular inspections of the work environment and recommendations for suitable products to pet owners. Furthermore, there is a growing trend among consumers who are seeking natural or organic pet grooming products, including shampoos and sprays. Additionally, pet owners are increasingly interested in items like deodorants, dog sunscreen, and other cosmetics for their pets.

COVID -19 Impact on Pet Grooming Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the pet grooming industry, leading to several notable trends and changes. Many pet grooming businesses had to temporarily close or reduce their operations due to lockdowns and restrictions in various regions. This forced pet owners to seek alternative grooming solutions or attempt grooming their pets at home. With professional grooming services limited, pet owners began investing in home grooming supplies such as clippers, brushes, and shampoos. This surge in demand for grooming products led to increased sales for pet supply retailers. Pet grooming businesses that remained open had to implement strict safety measures and protocols to protect both staff and customers. This included mask mandates, social distancing, and frequent sanitation practices.

To manage customer flow and maintain social distancing, many pet grooming salons transitioned to appointment-only systems. This allowed for better control of the number of pets and people in the facility at any given time. Mobile pet grooming services, where groomers come to the customer's home, gained popularity as they offered a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional salons. Pet owners appreciated the reduced risk of exposure to COVID-19 in these settings. Pet grooming businesses placed an even greater emphasis on health and hygiene, including regular disinfection of equipment and facilities. Groomers also began wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize potential virus transmission. During the pandemic, there was a surge in pet adoptions, with many people seeking companionship while spending more time at home. This influx of new pet owners led to increased demand for grooming services.

Some pet groomers expanded their services to cater to pet owners who were looking for pet care and boarding options. This diversification helped them maintain revenue during challenging times. The pet grooming industry, like many others, experienced disruptions in the supply chain. This affected the availability of grooming products and equipment, leading to occasional shortages. To adapt to changing consumer behavior, many pet grooming businesses increased their online presence, offering online booking and marketing their services through social media and websites.

Factors Driving the Pet Grooming Market

Pet Grooming Market Drivers

Rise in number of pet adoption

The market has seen a boost in revenue due to the increasing adoption of pet ownership and heightened spending on pet care items. Manufacturers of pet apparel and accessories are actively engaged in developing new products to enrich their existing offerings. According to data from the American Pet Products Association, pet ownership in U.S. households stands at 67%, a slight decrease from an estimated 70% in 2021-2022. Millennials represent the largest group of pet owners at 32%, followed closely by Baby Boomers at 27% and Generation X at 24%. Moreover, the expansion of middle-income households and the growing trend of humanizing pets have amplified pet owners' willingness to invest in high-quality pet products. Consequently, the surge in interest in treating pets as family members and the increasing demand for premium pet care items are propelling market growth.

The accessibility of pet accessories through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Walmart, and others has significantly widened the market's reach. Additionally, the growing awareness of grooming products for pets, increased marketing efforts by manufacturers, and the rising trend of digitalization have all contributed to a higher demand for the pet grooming and accessories industry.

Restraints

Increase in cost of pet accessories

The persistent rise in the prices of pet accessories like collars, leashes, harnesses, toys, and nail clipping tools is acting as a hindrance to the market's expansion. Additionally, the increase in research and development expenditure for pet grooming and accessories, aimed at creating new products, refining marketing strategies, identifying target audiences, and other initiatives, is driving up product costs. With intensifying competition in the market, retailers are collaborating closely with suppliers and making substantial investments to adapt to shifting shopping trends, ensuring they don't lose out on business and customers. Manufacturers are also making significant investments in marketing efforts to raise awareness about their products in this fiercely competitive market. Consequently, the rising costs associated with marketing and new product development are expected to impede market growth.

Trends

These trends have had a positive impact on the pet grooming industry, leading to increased popularity of products like pet perfumes, which were less in demand previously. Additionally, these trends provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to introduce innovative products and services, such as mobile grooming spas, which are attracting pet parents. This segment of the industry has untapped potential and is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

• Pet Humanization: A notable trend is the increasing humanization of pets. Pet owners are now seeking grooming and health options for their pets, treating them more like family members. This has led to a surge in the sale of pet personal care products such as shampoo and conditioners.

• Pet Spas: The concept of pet spas has gained significant popularity, offering grooming sessions that include various services like shampooing, conditioning, ear and eye cleaning, flea and tick removal, and even soothing paw massages. Mobile grooming services have also become more prevalent, especially in the U.S., offering convenience for pet owners, including those with mobility issues.

• Ticks and Flea Control: Pet owners are increasingly looking for products and treatments to combat ticks and fleas, which can cause infections and skin issues in cats and dogs. Special shampoos and soaps designed to control these pests and maintain healthy fur are in demand.

• Organic Products: Pet owners are becoming more conscious of the ingredients and chemicals in pet grooming products. As a result, there is a growing demand for sustainable, organic, and healthier options. Products containing CBD oil, known for its potential health benefits for pets, have also seen increased popularity.

• Luxury Pet Products: The trend of indulging pets with luxury products is an extension of pet humanization. Pet parents are buying high-end items like Chanel and Gucci accessories, and there is even a demand for pet perfumes, particularly dog cologne. Social media has played a role in promoting this trend as pet owners strive to make their pets online sensations.

• Fashion Trends: Pet groomers now offer a wide range of fashion options for dogs and cats, including vibrant highlights, dreadlocks, stencilled designs, and even nail polish. These fashion options are designed with the sensitivity of pets' skin in mind, using non-toxic products.

Pet Grooming Market Segmentation 

By Type

The segmentation analysis of type segment, the market is segmented into clothing, accessories and pet grooming services. Within these segments, pet accessories hold the predominant position in the market. This is primarily due to the increasing trend of pet adoption in both developing and developed nations. Additionally, contemporary pet owners are actively seeking visually appealing and durable pet accessories to ensure the safety of their pets as well as the safety of other dogs and individuals encountered during outdoor activities.

By Pet Type

The pet type category is further segmented into dogs, cats, and other animals. The dog segment commands a significant portion of the market, primarily due to the increased expenditure on various dog-related accessories, apparel, grooming products, and more. According to The American Pet Products Association, during the 2021-2022 periods, 35% of pet owners reported higher spending on items related to pet care, wellness, and food. Furthermore, the surge in dog adoption, especially among millennial worldwide, is expected to further propel market growth.

The cat segment also holds a substantial share in the pet type category. The increasing global cat population can be attributed to advancements in veterinary healthcare and the growing popularity of pet grooming services for cats. For instance, according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), the cat population in the region has shown consistent growth in recent years. Cat adoptions have increased from 102.7 million in 2017 to 113.26 million cats in 2021. Additionally, the rise in online sales of cat and dog accessories through e-commerce platforms is anticipated to contribute to market expansion.

By Regions

By region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, APAC, and Others. Others is further divided into Middle East and South America.

Within these regions, North America stands as the largest contributor and is projected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The United States holds the lion's share of this region's market due to its substantial number of pet owners. For example, according to the National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 70% of households in the U.S., equivalent to around 90.5 million families, owned a pet during the 2021-2022 periods. Moreover, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports a growing trend in cat adoption in recent years, with the percentage of households owning at least one cat rising to 29% in 2022. Consequently, the substantial increase in pet adoption in the U.S. is expected to further propel market growth.

In contrast, Europe is anticipated to exhibit significant annual growth during the forecast period. The demand for pet grooming products in Europe is steadily increasing due to heightened awareness about pet hygiene. The lockdown period also witnessed a rise in the cat and dog population in Europe, which has become a key driver for market expansion in the region. The humanization and premiumization of pets present notable growth opportunities for the market in Europe. According to the European Pet Food Industry, in 2021, a minimum of 90 million European households had at least one pet, with cats being the most popular pets in European households. The cat population in Europe has remained stable, with a recorded count of 113 million cats in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The pet grooming market is characterized by a reasonably high level of competitiveness due to the presence of numerous participants. Several companies are dedicating resources to research and development, as well as introducing products and solutions for pet grooming, with the aim of securing a substantial foothold in the competitive landscape. Additionally, some firms are engaging in strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and merger and acquisition activities to extend their market reach, enhance their brand recognition, and diversify their product offerings across different geographical regions. Some of the key players in the global marketplace are Anvis Inc., Aussie Pet Mobile, Beaphar, Boss Pet Products Inc., Chewy, Coastal Pet Products Inc., Doggyman H.A. Co., Ltd., Dogtopia Enterprises, Ferplast S.P.A., Groomer& Choice, Hollywood Grooming Inc., Muddy Paws, Paradise 4 Paws, Pawz & Company, Pet Palace, Rosewood Pet Products, The Hartz Mountain Corporation, The Pooch Mobile And Wag Labs, Inc. among others.

Recent Developments in the Pet Grooming Market

• In December 2021, Wahl Animal introduced a new range of high-end dog grooming tools, including the Double Sided Bath Pin Brush, Medium Slicker Head Brush, and Double Sided Flex Slicker Brush. This product launch aims to bolster the company's product offerings, ensuring it remains competitive in the market.

• In November 2020, K9Wear innovated a patent-pending universal harness and clothing for dogs, designed for their comfort. Additionally, they released it in eight different colors to provide pet owners with a broader array of choices.

• In October 2020, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. completed the acquisition of Armitage Pet Care Ltd., a prominent global brand specializing in high-quality pet treats and toys. This strategic move is expected to reinforce the company's presence in the European e-commerce market.
• In September 2020, Little Beast introduced a collection of stylish dog apparel, including hoodies, dresses, and turtlenecks, expanding its product portfolio.

In July 2020, PetSmart, a privately-owned American pet product retail chain, expanded its operations by opening new stores in Canada. The company offers a diverse range of products, including shirts and bandanas for pets. This expansion is aimed at boosting revenue and growing its customer base.