Dog Grooming Salon Equipment Checklist (2026)
Why Your Equipment List Matters Before You Open
Equipment is your single largest upfront cost when opening a grooming salon — and the wrong choices can mean slow workflows, unhappy dogs, and expensive replacements within a year. This checklist covers every category, with honest cost estimates and notes on what's essential versus what can wait.
For a full overview of starting your business, see our Complete Guide to Starting a Dog Grooming Business in 2026.
Equipment by Category
1. Bathing Station
The tub is the heart of every grooming salon. You'll spend 20–30% of each appointment here, so invest accordingly.
| Item | Budget Option | Budget Cost | Premium Option | Premium Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grooming tub | Shor-Line Basic | $400–$700 | Hanvey or Groomer's Best stainless | $900–$2,000 |
| Tub sprayer/faucet | Handheld hose kit | $30–$80 | Grooming faucet with mixer valve | $150–$300 |
| Ramp or step stool | Plastic pet ramp | $25–$60 | Folding aluminum ramp | $100–$200 |
| Non-slip mat | Rubber bath mat | $10–$20 | Grooming tub mat (custom fit) | $30–$60 |
| Shampoo/conditioner dispenser | Pump bottles | $10–$20 | Dilution station | $60–$150 |
Essential: Tub with sprayer, non-slip mat, basic shampoos (tearless puppy, deshedding, whitening, medicated).
Nice to have: Elevated bathing system, warm-air bath dryer, hydro-surge massage tub.
2. Grooming Table
| Type | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Foldable stationary table | Mobile groomers, tight budgets | $100–$250 |
| Hydraulic lift table | Solo salons, back-friendly option | $400–$900 |
| Electric lift table | High-volume salons, premium feel | $800–$1,800 |
Always pair your table with a grooming arm (H-style recommended for stability) and two loops — one neck, one belly. Cost: $30–$80. Never leave a dog unattended on a table.
3. Drying Equipment
| Dryer Type | Best Use | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stand/fluff dryer | Finish drying, fluffing coat | $150–$500 |
| Force/velocity dryer | Fast water removal, deshedding | $150–$400 |
| Cage/kennel dryer | Hands-free pre-drying | $80–$300 |
| Combo dryer system | Full-service salons | $400–$1,000 |
Safety note: Never leave a dog unattended in a cage dryer. Use low heat settings and check every 10 minutes. Overheating is a real risk, especially for brachycephalic breeds.
4. Clipping and Cutting Tools
| Tool | Recommended Brands | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Professional clipper | Andis Excel, Oster A5, Wahl KM10 | $120–$280 |
| Blade set (starter) | #10, #7F, #5F, #4F, #3F | $80–$200 (set of 5) |
| Detachable blade clipper | Andis AGC, Oster A6 | $150–$250 |
| Cordless trimmer | Andis Pulse, Wahl Bravura | $80–$180 |
| Small/finishing clipper | Andis Styliner, Oster Finisher | $50–$120 |
| Blade wash + coolant spray | Andis Cool Care, Kool Lube | $10–$20 |
Budget at least $300–$600 for a solid clipper setup. Blades dull over time — plan to send them for professional sharpening every 3–6 months ($5–$10 per blade).
5. Shears and Scissors
Invest in quality here — cheap shears fatigue your hand and produce uneven cuts.
| Shear Type | Purpose | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Straight shears (7–8") | Body lines, general cutting | $80–$300 |
| Curved shears | Rounded lines, head shaping | $80–$250 |
| Thinning/blending shears | Blending, texture | $60–$200 |
| Chunkers | Bulk removal, coats | $80–$200 |
| Mini shears (5.5") | Feet, face, ears | $50–$150 |
Brands to consider: Kenchii, Geib, Jason Shankey, Jati. Have shears professionally sharpened every 6–12 months.
6. Brushes, Combs, and Deshedding Tools
- Slicker brush (soft and firm) — $15–$45 each
- Pin brush — $10–$30
- Dematting comb / wide-tooth comb — $10–$25
- Furminator or deshedding tool — $25–$60
- Rubber curry brush — $8–$20
- Flea comb — $5–$15
7. Safety and Sanitation
- First aid kit (styptic powder, gauze, antiseptic) — $20–$40
- Muzzles (various sizes) — $10–$20 each, stock at least 5 sizes
- Ear cleaner and cotton balls — $10–$20/month
- Kennel disinfectant (Rescue, Accel) — $20–$40/month
- Disposable gloves — $15–$25/box
- Groomer's smock/apron — $20–$60
- Non-slip floor mats — $30–$100
8. Business and Reception
- Computer/tablet for scheduling — $200–$800
- Grooming software subscription (like GroomBoard) — $19–$39/mo
- Receipt printer — $80–$200
- Square or Stripe card reader — free to $300
- Waiting area seating — $100–$400
- Signage and window graphics — $100–$500
Total Cost Summary by Category
| Category | Budget Setup | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathing station | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Grooming table(s) | $300 | $700 | $1,800 |
| Drying equipment | $300 | $700 | $1,500 |
| Clippers and blades | $400 | $800 | $1,500 |
| Shears | $200 | $600 | $1,500 |
| Brushes and combs | $100 | $200 | $400 |
| Safety and sanitation | $150 | $300 | $500 |
| Business/reception | $400 | $800 | $1,800 |
| Total | ~$2,350 | ~$5,300 | ~$11,500 |
These estimates cover equipment only — not rent, utilities, insurance, or marketing. For insurance requirements, see our Grooming Business Insurance Guide. To understand how to price your services once you're open, use our free pricing calculator.
Essential vs. Nice-to-Have: Quick Reference
| Item | Essential? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional grooming tub | Yes | Can start with residential tub temporarily |
| Hydraulic table | Recommended | Foldable table works for year 1 |
| Force dryer | Yes | Fastest way to dry — saves 20+ min per dog |
| Cage dryer | Helpful | Essential if handling 6+ dogs/day |
| Two professional clippers | Yes | One will always need cleaning/cooling |
| Blade set (5+ blades) | Yes | Don't scrimp here |
| Thinning shears | Recommended | Skip initially for budget setups |
| Scheduling software | Yes | Paper systems break down fast as you grow |
| Hydro-surge tub | No | Nice upgrade after year 1 |
| Multiple grooming stations | No | Add as you hire more groomers |
Where to Buy Grooming Equipment
- Ryan's Pet Supplies — wide selection, wholesale pricing for salons
- Cherrybrook — good for professional tools and grooming brands
- Groomers.com — UK-based but ships internationally, great shear selection
- Amazon — convenient for consumables and accessories, not recommended for clippers
- Facebook Marketplace / eBay — used tables and tubs at 40–60% off retail
- Local grooming school auctions — great deals on lightly used professional gear
Ready to start your business? Read our full startup guide for licensing, location, and marketing advice.