United Kingdom Pet Grooming Market Report 2025
Executive Summary
The UK pet grooming market is experiencing robust growth driven by evolving consumer attitudes toward pet care. Valued at
USD 1,073 million in 2025, the market is projected to reach
USD 1,867 million by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of
5.7%Future Market Insights. This growth is fueled by the humanization of pets, increased pet ownership following the pandemic, and rising demand for premium, wellness-oriented grooming services.
The market is transforming from traditional grooming to a technology and wellness-driven ecosystem, with mobile grooming, sustainable products, and health-focused treatments leading the evolution.
Market Size & Growth Trajectory
Overall Market Valuation
The UK pet grooming market shows consistent growth across multiple forecasts:
| Metric | 2025 Value | 2035 Projection | CAGR |
|---|
| Total Market (FMI) | USD 1,073.0M | USD 1,867.0M | 5.7% |
| Total Market (EMR) | USD 558.55M | USD 918.52M | 5.1% |
| Grooming Products Only | USD 1,153.0M | USD 1,693.4M (2030) | 6.7% |
Product Segment Performance
Within the pet grooming products market:
- Largest Segment (2024): Shampoo & conditioner products dominate the market
- Fastest Growing Segment: Shear & trimming tools are experiencing the highest growth, driven by adoption of long-haired and designer breeds requiring regular maintenance, plus rising at-home grooming trends
Regional Growth Patterns (2025-2035)
| Region | Key Characteristics | CAGR |
|---|
| Greater London | High-end pet care, mobile salons, wellness grooming, luxury spa treatments | 6.2% |
| Scotland | Rising urban ownership, professional grooming demand, breed-specific services | 5.6% |
| Wales | Boutique stores, natural/organic products, mobile services in semi-rural areas | 5.5% |
| Yorkshire & Humber | High dog ownership, DIY grooming trend, grooming academies, spa services | 5.4% |
| South East | Largest and fastest-growing market, premium experiences, same-day mobile services | Leading growth |
Consumer Landscape
Pet Ownership Statistics
The foundation of market growth rests on substantial pet ownership:
- Dogs: 11.1 million pet dogs (30% of UK adults own a dog)
- Cats: 10.5 million pet cats (24% of UK adults own a cat)
- Total Pets Projected: 20 million cats and dogs by 2026
Consumer Spending Patterns
Pet owners are investing significantly in their pets' care, with dog owners spending nearly twice as much as cat owners:
| Category | Annual Spend (Dogs) | Annual Spend (Cats) |
|---|
| Food | £497 | £434 |
| Vet bills | £370 | £250 |
| Grooming | £187 | £47 |
| Pet insurance | £271 | £131 |
| Toys and treats | £179 | £71 |
| Holiday boarding | £135 | £84 |
| Birthday/Christmas presents | £131 | £59 |
| Pet clothes | £95 | £48 |
| Training (dogs only) | £127 | - |
| Dog walking | £110 | - |
| Total Annual Spend | £2,101 | £1,124 |
Economic Pressures
Despite growth, consumers face cost challenges:
- 74% of pet owners report it's more expensive to care for pets than the previous year (down from 81% in 2023)
- 34% changed behavior due to financial pressures, including switching to cheaper products or visiting vets less often
- 52% are concerned about rising vet care costs
Key Market Trends for 2025
1. Pet Humanization & Premium Services
Millennials and Gen Z increasingly view pets as family members, driving demand for luxury grooming services:
- Spa-like treatments: Aromatherapy baths, coat conditioning, blueberry facials, paw massages
- Specialized services: Dental grooming, breed-specific styling, hypoallergenic treatments
- Wellness focus: Hydrating treatments, medical grooming in collaboration with vets
- Pet fashion influence: Social media pet influencers driving demand for sophisticated styling
This trend is particularly strong among affluent urban consumers willing to splurge on tailored, wellness-oriented grooming
Future Market Insights.
2. Mobile Grooming Revolution
Mobile grooming is experiencing significant expansion in 2025:
- Convenience-driven: Pets groomed at home, reducing stress and saving owner time
- Technology integration: GPS-enabled service monitoring, AI-powered pet coat diagnostics
- Market expansion: Particularly strong in affluent urban areas and among busy professionals
Notable Development: Barket Place, a mobile grooming startup, received Series A funding in November 2024 to expand its fleet across Greater London and Manchester, incorporating AI diagnostics
Future Market Insights.
3. Sustainability & Eco-Conscious Products
Environmental responsibility is becoming a key purchasing factor:
- Product preferences: Biodegradable shampoos, refillable containers, cruelty-free formulations
- Natural ingredients: Organic products aligned with consumer sustainability values
- Plastic-free tools: Grooming tools made from sustainable materials
Market Innovation: In February 2025, Pets at Home launched "Be Loved," a sustainable grooming collection featuring biodegradable shampoo and plastic-free grooming tools
Future Market Insights.
4. Technology Integration
The market is shifting toward a technology-driven ecosystem:
- AI-enabled tools: Coat analysis, health-monitoring dryers, pet condition diagnostics
- Self-service solutions: Self-grooming kiosks in retail locations
- Digital platforms: Online booking systems, subscription grooming plans
- Smart tools: Electric trimmers, deshedding devices with advanced features
5. Health-Focused Grooming
Grooming is increasingly recognized as a health service rather than just aesthetic:
- Preventive care: Regular grooming as part of pet health regimen
- Integrated services: Comprehensive ear care, dental treatments
- Insurance coverage: Pet insurance policies beginning to cover hygiene-related grooming treatments
Competitive Landscape
Major Product Manufacturers & Brands
The UK market features a diverse mix of global and regional players:
Global Leaders:
- Mars Petcare - Major pet care conglomerate
- Nestlé Purina PetCare - Large-scale manufacturer
- Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. - Multi-category pet products
- Central Garden & Pet Company - Comprehensive product range
- The Hartz Mountain Corporation - Established grooming brand
- Wahl Clipper Corporation - Professional grooming tools
Specialized Grooming Brands:
- Beaphar BV - European grooming products specialist
- Company of Animals Ltd. - UK-based pet care
- TropiClean - Natural grooming products
- Bio-Groom - Professional grooming formulations
- Earthbath - Natural and organic products
- Burt's Bees Products Company - Natural pet care line
UK-Specific Brands:
- Douxo Spa - Veterinary-specialist developed products
- Groom Professional - Professional grooming supplies (Baby Fresh shampoo)
- WildWash - Puppy and natural shampoos
- Carr & Day & Martin - Comprehensive UK grooming range
- Pawfume Shop - Pet perfumes and colognes
- Pro Pooch - Skin care and itch relief
- Pet Teezer - Grooming brushes
Emerging Players:
- Oneisall Inc. - Modern grooming tools
- For All DogKind Ltd - Specialty products
- Milly's Group Limited - Growing UK presence
Supply Chain & Manufacturing
Our investigation identified 90 suppliers and manufacturers serving the UK pet grooming market, offering comprehensive coverage across product categories.
Supplier Landscape Overview
The supplier base includes:
- 44 perfect matches (score ≥100): Companies specializing in pet grooming products targeting the UK market
- 10 good matches (score ≥80): Strong pet grooming focus with UK export capabilities
- 36 partial matches: Related pet product manufacturers
Top Manufacturers by Category
Grooming Tools & Equipment:
- Chinese manufacturers dominate the supply chain for tools, brushes, clippers, and equipment
- Strong representation from regions including Yangzhou, Ningbo, Dongguan, and Suzhou
- Products include steam brushes, nail clippers, slicker brushes, combs, grooming tables, dryer boxes
Pet Care Products:
- Shampoo, wipes, dental care, and hygiene products
- Mix of specialized manufacturers and broader pet product companies
- Growing segment for natural and organic formulations
Professional Equipment:
- Veterinary bathtubs, grooming tables, dryer systems
- Electric nail grinders, hair clippers, professional-grade tools
- Equipment suitable for both commercial grooming salons and mobile services
Key Supplier Insights
The supplier analysis reveals several important patterns:
- Geographic Concentration: Majority of manufacturing is based in China's established pet product manufacturing hubs
- Business Models: Mix of pure manufacturers, trading companies, and hybrid operations offering OEM/ODM services
- Export Experience: All top suppliers have established UK/GB export channels and experience
- Product Specialization: Clear differentiation between tool specialists, hygiene product manufacturers, and equipment suppliers
- Quality Standards: Leading suppliers typically hold certifications and maintain established customer bases
Market Opportunities
High-Growth Segments
1. Premium & Luxury Services
- Spa treatments, customized grooming, wellness packages showing strongest demand
- Urban affluent consumers willing to pay premium prices
- Opportunity for differentiation through experience quality
2. Mobile & Convenience Services
- Underserved markets in residential areas
- Technology-enabled service delivery
- Subscription-based models gaining traction
3. Sustainable Product Lines
- Growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options
- Premium pricing potential for certified sustainable products
- Brand differentiation through environmental credentials
4. Health-Integrated Grooming
- Collaboration opportunities with veterinary practices
- Preventive care positioning
- Insurance partnership potential
5. Technology Solutions
- AI-powered diagnostic tools
- Smart grooming equipment
- Digital service platforms and apps
6. Education & Training
- Professional grooming academies
- Certification programs
- Continuing education for groomers
Market Gaps & Unmet Needs
- Skilled groomer shortage creating service capacity constraints
- Semi-rural areas underserved by professional grooming
- Breed-specific expertise in growing demand
- At-home grooming support for DIY consumers
- Senior pet care specialization emerging
Market Challenges
Operational Pressures
1. Rising Costs
- Inflationary pressures driving up energy bills, rent, and product costs
- Particularly impacts independent salons
- Margin compression affecting profitability
2. Workforce Shortage
- Insufficient pool of trained grooming specialists
- Limits service capacity and growth potential
- Affects service quality and customer satisfaction
3. Market Saturation
- High concentration of groomers in cities like Manchester and Bradford
- Increasing competition for customer retention
- Quality fragmentation in saturated markets
Regulatory Complexity
Compliance Requirements:
- Pet care licensing procedures
- Animal welfare parameters
- Hygiene compliance standards
- Music licensing for business premises
These requirements create barriers for new entrants and add operational overhead for existing businesses
Future Market Insights.
Regulatory Environment
2025 Regulatory Developments
The pet grooming industry has historically operated with minimal formal regulation. However, 2025 marks a turning point with the introduction of comprehensive professional guidelines.
New Industry Guidelines Launched (Early 2025):
The Canine & Feline Sector Group (CFSG), in partnership with the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) and the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA), launched comprehensive guidelines establishing best practices for animal welfare and professional standards
Pet Industry Federation.
Key Regulatory Benchmarks
| Standard Area | Requirement |
|---|
| Qualifications | Minimum Level 2 certifications in pet grooming |
| Professional Development | Ongoing training requirements |
| Insurance | Comprehensive coverage mandatory |
| Emergency Preparedness | Pet first aid certification, veterinary emergency contacts |
| Service Standards | Individual consultation processes for pet-specific needs |
| Hygiene | Strict protocols for cleaning and sanitation |
| Animal Welfare | Maximum session times to minimize stress |
| Species-Specific | Separate approaches required for cat grooming |
Product Regulations
Classification Framework:
- Cleaning products: Governed by General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR)
- Parasite control products: May be classified as biocides or veterinary products
- Note: Pet grooming products are NOT regulated as cosmetics
The regulatory landscape from 2025 to 2035 is expected to emphasize pet wellness standards, grooming certification requirements, and enhanced product safety regulations
Cornelius Legal.
Future Outlook (2025-2035)
Market Evolution Trajectory
The UK pet grooming market is transitioning from a traditional service industry to a wellness-and-technology-driven ecosystem. Key developments expected through 2035:
Service Evolution:
- Further integration of health monitoring and diagnostics
- Expansion of subscription-based grooming models
- Growth of franchise and chain operations
- Continued mobile service proliferation
Product Innovation:
- AI-enabled grooming tools becoming mainstream
- Biotech-infused products and treatments
- Breed-specific and dermatology-approved formulations
- Sustainable packaging and ingredients as standard
Market Structure:
- Consolidation among mid-sized operators
- Technology platforms aggregating independent groomers
- Veterinary practices expanding into grooming services
- Retail chains enhancing in-store grooming offerings
Regional Dynamics
London & South East: Will continue to lead in premium services and innovation adoption, with the highest concentration of luxury grooming establishments and mobile services.
Regional Cities: Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh experiencing strong growth in professional grooming services, particularly mobile offerings.
Semi-Rural & Rural Areas: Represent significant growth opportunity as service penetration increases and mobile grooming extends reach.
Consumer Trends
- Spending resilience: Despite economic pressures, grooming spending remains relatively stable as owners prioritize pet wellness
- Service bundling: Increasing demand for comprehensive wellness packages combining grooming with health checks
- Personalization: Growing expectation for tailored services based on breed, age, and health conditions
- Transparency: Consumers increasingly seeking information about product ingredients and sourcing
Strategic Recommendations
For Market Entrants
- Differentiate through specialization: Focus on underserved niches like breed-specific expertise, senior pet care, or eco-luxury positioning
- Invest in mobile capabilities: Mobile grooming offers lower overhead and access to convenience-focused consumers
- Embrace technology: Digital booking, customer relationship management, and service delivery tools are becoming table stakes
- Build partnerships: Collaborate with vets, pet stores, and insurance providers for referral networks
For Existing Players
- Upgrade service offerings: Add wellness components and health-focused treatments
- Enhance sustainability: Transition to eco-friendly products and communicate environmental credentials
- Invest in training: Address skill gaps through internal training programs and certifications
- Adopt subscription models: Build recurring revenue through membership and subscription programs
- Leverage data: Use customer data for personalization and predictive service recommendations
For Product Manufacturers & Suppliers
- Sustainability focus: Develop and market eco-friendly, biodegradable, and cruelty-free products
- Innovation pipeline: Invest in smart grooming tools with health monitoring capabilities
- UK market customization: Tailor products for UK breed preferences and regulatory requirements
- Distribution partnerships: Build relationships with major UK retail chains and grooming chains
- Professional segment: Develop professional-grade product lines for salons and mobile groomers
Conclusion
The UK pet grooming market in 2025 represents a dynamic, high-growth opportunity valued at over £1 billion and projected to nearly double by 2035. The market is undergoing fundamental transformation, driven by pet humanization, technological innovation, and evolving consumer expectations around wellness and sustainability.
While challenges exist—particularly around costs, workforce availability, and increasing competition—the opportunities significantly outweigh the barriers. The introduction of professional guidelines in 2025 signals market maturation and will likely drive quality improvements and consumer confidence.
Success in this market requires understanding that grooming is no longer merely aesthetic but is increasingly positioned as an essential health and wellness service. Companies that combine quality service delivery, technological innovation, sustainability credentials, and genuine animal welfare focus are best positioned to capture the significant growth ahead.
The convergence of 11 million+ dogs, 10 million+ cats, passionate pet owners willing to spend £2,000+ annually on pet care, and a cultural shift toward pet wellness creates a compelling market opportunity for both established players and new entrants who can meet evolving consumer expectations.