Do Dog Groomers Need a License?
No US state currently requires individual dog groomers to hold a license, according to a 2026 review by LegalClarity. A few states regulate grooming businesses instead: Connecticut licenses grooming facilities, Colorado licenses permanent and mobile grooming facilities under its Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act, and Oregon applies animal care rules to grooming parlors. Cities may require business licenses.
Grooming is one of the least regulated pet services in the US. Anyone can call themselves a groomer, which is why choosing an experienced, well-reviewed groomer matters.
Who regulates dog groomers?
| State | What's regulated |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | Grooming facilities need a license from the state Commissioner of Agriculture, with sanitation, disease prevention and animal care rules. Home-based facilities need a separate room of at least 144 square feet with its own outside entrance. |
| Colorado | The Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act requires licenses for permanent and mobile groomer facilities, bans tethering except during grooming, and requires constant, direct supervision of animals on a raised grooming surface. |
| Oregon | Grooming parlors must follow the same animal care rules as boarding kennels, pet shops and shelters. |
| Most other states | No grooming-specific license; general business registration and local permits apply. |
Source: LegalClarity (August 2026). Laws change, so check your state's agriculture department and your city.
Have other states tried to license groomers?
Yes. LegalClarity describes a New Jersey bill that would have required groomers to pass a competency exam, imposed incident reporting and regulated heated drying cages; it died without passing. Proposals in several other states also failed.
What groomers can't do
Grooming is not veterinary medicine. Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Faver notes that internal anal gland expression is reserved for veterinarians in most states. Groomers also can't sedate pets; sedation requires a veterinarian.
How to choose a safe groomer without a license to check
- Look for professional certification from a grooming school or national grooming organization, and ask about pet first-aid training.
- Ask about experience with your breed and coat type.
- Ask how they dry dogs (cage dryers vs. hand drying) and how often animals are checked.
- Ask whether you can see the grooming area.
- Check reviews and ask about their insurance and incident policy.
- Confirm they require rabies vaccination records from all pets.
Find groomers near you and compare reviews.
Sources
Find pet groomers near you
Whether your dog needs a bath, a haircut, nail trimming or a full grooming package, compare local pet groomers and mobile dog grooming services by Google rating, reviews and opening hours below.
Pet Groomers by state
Tap your state to see listings by city.
This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.