How to Start a Dog Grooming Business in Texas
Here is some information on how to register and start a dog grooming business in the state of Texas. You may want to run your business from your own home, a brick-and-morter storefront, or set up a mobile dog grooming business (on-location). You may choose to groom other pets besides dogs. Some additional services that can be offered besides grooming are nutritional care, skin-care, in-home pet sitting, pet boarding, dog walking, pet care, pet exercise, and more.
Make sure you do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly. Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your own business as a dog groomer, along with links to more information.
The state of Texas has a website for those wanting to start a business: https://texaswideopenforbusiness.com/start-business
-Register your dog grooming business name.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name in Texas here: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_boc.shtml
If you need help selecting a name for your dog grooming business: Dog Grooming Business Name Ideas
-Select a business structure for your pet grooming business.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more on business entities here: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/businessstructure.shtml
– Register your dog grooming business.
You can register your dog grooming business with the state of Texas here: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_boc.shtml
-Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your dog grooming business with your new business name.
-Research taxes- hire an accountant.
You may possibly want to talk to an accountant for help in figuring out deductions and other tax laws. More information about taxes in the state of Texas here: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxes/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .
-Liability Insurance.
You may want to consider liability insurance to help protect you and your business. You may want to check with multiple insurance agents, as prices and options can vary.
-Worker’s Compensation.
The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this. You don’t need to worry about worker’s compensation unless you have employees.
-Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you want to have employees, you will need to consider offering a health plan for them also.
-City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to operate your dog grooming business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.