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🐾 Animals

Dog Washing/Grooming

💰 £10-£20/dog ⏱ Ongoing 📊 Intermediate

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What is it?

Dog washing and grooming is a fantastic way for teens to raise money while spending time with furry friends. It’s an engaging, hands-on activity that can earn you £10-£20 per dog, making it perfect for ongoing fundraising efforts. Plus, it helps build responsibility and customer service skills.

Why does it work?

People love pampering their pets but often don’t have the time or equipment to give them a proper wash or groom. Offering a reliable, affordable service taps into this demand. Additionally, dogs are great motivators—happy owners are more likely to recommend your service, creating a steady stream of clients.

What you'll need

  • Access to a suitable washing area (garden, garage, or bathroom)
  • Dog shampoo and conditioner (pet-safe)
  • Brushes and combs appropriate for different dog coats
  • Towels and blow dryer (optional but helpful)
  • Buckets or hose for rinsing
  • Apron and gloves to stay dry and clean
  • Booking system (could be a simple notebook or online scheduler)
  • Parental permission and support (especially for access to water and space)

Step-by-step plan

1
Research the types of grooming dogs in your area typically need—washing, brushing, nail trimming—and decide which services you can confidently offer.
2
Gather all necessary supplies, ensuring everything is pet-safe and suitable for different breeds.
3
Create clear pricing for each service, for example, £10 for a basic wash and brush, £15-£20 for full grooming sessions.
4
Ask friends, family, and neighbours if they’d like their dogs washed or groomed, and encourage them to spread the word.
5
Set up a simple booking system to manage appointments and avoid scheduling conflicts.
6
Prepare the washing area before each appointment—lay towels, fill buckets or set up hoses, and have shampoos ready.
7
Gently wash and groom each dog, taking care to be patient and calm, which helps the dog relax and the owner feel confident.
8
Dry the dog thoroughly with towels or a blow dryer if the dog is comfortable with it, then brush their coat to finish.
9
Collect payment and ask owners for testimonials or referrals to build your reputation.
10
Keep a record of clients and follow up for repeat bookings or seasonal grooming offers.

How to advertise it

  • Post flyers in local shops, community centres, and vet surgeries with clear contact details and prices.
  • Use social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to share before-and-after photos of the dogs you’ve washed.
  • Ask satisfied customers to leave recommendations on local community groups or apps like Nextdoor.
  • Set up a simple website or a Facebook page with your services, prices, and booking info.
  • Offer a discount or free nail trim for referrals to encourage word-of-mouth promotion.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn between £10 and £20 per dog, depending on the service offered and the size of the dog. With regular bookings, you could raise £100-£200 a week, making it a strong contributor towards your fundraising goal.

Top tips

✅ Always ask owners about their dog’s behaviour and any health issues before starting to ensure safety.
✅ Keep your grooming tools clean and well-maintained to provide the best service.
✅ Be patient and gentle with the dogs—calm pets mean happy owners and repeat business.
✅ Use simple online payment methods like PayPal or bank transfer for easy, contactless payments.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Underestimating how much time each dog will take; plan for extra time, especially with nervous or large dogs.
⚠️ Using human shampoos or unsuitable products that can irritate dogs’ skin.
⚠️ Skipping communication with owners about what services you offer and costs, leading to misunderstandings.
💡 TOP TIP — easyfundraising

When buying dog shampoo, grooming brushes, or towels online, use easyfundraising to get cashback for your fundraising pot—check which retailers offer the best deals before purchasing.

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