What should I check before buying a pet grooming business?

As a buyer, learn who clients come back to. Is it the shop, or the one person who has held the scissors for years? Most of your questions flow from the answer, so ask it early and ask it of the booking records.

Who clients book with

Ask whether the booking system shows a preferred groomer for each pet, and how many regulars follow one person. Ask the seller for the rebooking dates behind the regulars. Read the reviews and see whether they name a groomer or the shop. If the best groomer is the owner, plan for a handover, and ask whether other staff would stay.

Pet records and incidents

Records should show each pet’s notes, vaccination information if the shop asks for it, and any special handling. Ask for a written history of injuries, escapes, bites, complaints and vet visits, and how each was resolved. Ask for the insurance history. Who is answerable for an incident from before closing is something your lawyer should settle in the agreement.

Staff and equipment

Find out how groomers and bathers are trained and paid, who is employed and who is a contractor, and how hard replacements are to hire. Then look at the tubs, tables, dryers and clippers, or the van and its generator if the business is mobile. Ask for age, repair records and any items that are leased. See how to assess equipment condition.

Add-on retail and the lease

If the shop sells food, shampoo or accessories, ask how much stock is on hand and who supplies it. Read the lease for the term, renewal options and any limits on the use of the space.