Home → Equipment costs → pet grooming setup
How Much Does Pet Grooming Equipment Cost? (2026 Price Breakdown)
Pet spending grows through recessions, and grooming is its most appointment-scarce corner — so both paths into ownership finance well: the storefront salon and the mobile van, the industry's boom segment. The price depends on which path you choose and how many stations you build.
The mobile decision is really a real-estate decision — the van costs more than salon equipment but replaces rent forever. Here's what each path costs.
What a pet grooming setup costs: full breakdown
| Configuration | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salon equipment (per station) | $8,000 – $15,000 | Hydraulic table, tub with ramp, HV dryer, clippers — times your station count |
| Salon build-out (2–3 stations) | $20,000 – $60,000 | Plumbing for tubs, ventilation, kennels/cage banks, reception |
| Used mobile grooming van | $45,000 – $85,000 | Conversion age and water/generator systems drive value |
| New van conversion (Sprinter/Transit) | $90,000 – $150,000 | Wag'n Tails-tier builders; 6–12 month waitlists are normal |
What drives the price
- Salon vs. mobile van path.
- Number of grooming stations (each with table, tub, and dryer).
- Plumbing, ventilation, and kennel/cage banks for a salon.
- New vs. used mobile van and its water and generator systems.
- Builder waitlists and deposits on new van conversions.
Financing a pet grooming setup?
Most buyers finance rather than pay cash — the equipment is collateral, which keeps rates lower than unsecured borrowing. The highest-leverage move is comparing at least two offers: a dealer or manufacturer quote against an independent lender.
See our full pet grooming equipment financing guide for real rates, terms, a payment calculator, and what lenders look for.
Get matched with equipment lenders →Frequently asked questions
How much does pet grooming equipment cost?
Salon grooming equipment runs $8,000–$15,000 per station, with a 2–3 station build-out at $20,000–$60,000. A mobile grooming van runs $45,000–$85,000 used or $90,000–$150,000 for a new conversion.
How much is a mobile grooming van?
A used mobile grooming van runs $45,000–$85,000, and a new Sprinter or Transit conversion $90,000–$150,000. Builders like Wag'n Tails often have 6–12 month waitlists.
Is a mobile van or a salon cheaper?
A salon build-out ($20,000–$60,000) costs less up front than a new van conversion, but the van replaces rent forever. Lenders underwrite the van as a vehicle-plus-conversion package, with a builder deposit-gap to plan around.
Prices are typical market ranges, not quotes, and vary by region, condition, and configuration. Browse all equipment cost guides or find your machine's financing guide.