Groomer Burnout Is Real!
Community-tested tips to raise prices, set boundaries, and reignite your passion.
Happy Friday Daily Groomers!
Burnout—just hearing the word can make for a long career in grooming. It’s that weighty, drained feeling we get when our passion for grooming starts to fade under the daily grind.
It’s real, it’s normal, and it’s certainly not a personal failure. Recently, a member of our private Facebook community shared that after two years of grooming, they were hitting a wall.
They wrote:
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Below are the core insights and solutions the community shared—along with extra inspiration from our Daily Groomer team—to help you feel supported, re-energized, and ready to fall back in love with grooming.
1. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Time
Several members emphasized that it’s okay—and critical—to reduce the number of dogs you groom per day and even take more days off. It may feel hard at first, especially if your schedule is fully booked, but your mental and physical health must come first. As one seasoned groomer shared:
“You don’t owe the clients anything. Your mental and physical health come first.”
Practical Tips:
- Block off your vacation weeks now—even if it’s months away—to make sure you have that future break to look forward to.
- Try a four-day week or carve out half-days to lighten your workload.
2. Consider a Price Increase
If you’re charging below the market average or less than your skill level warrants, you’re likely overworked without enough payoff—both financially and emotionally. A price hike does more than boost your bottom line; it can help you reclaim your schedule by gently weeding out high-stress clients or those who aren’t willing to pay for the quality and care you provide.
“Some of us are charging 10–20% less than we should be. Set boundaries, and raise your prices.”
Practical Tips:
- Email or text your clients about the new pricing structure, explaining that this helps maintain high standards of safety, care, and service for their pets.
- Stand firm on your decision. The clients meant for you will stay. Those who leave open up space for clients who value your service and respect your time.
3. Diversify Your Grooming Skills & Goals
One potential reason for burnout is feeling “stuck” in the same routine. Many groomers find renewed passion by learning new techniques or pursuing fresh opportunities within the industry.
“Try attending tradeshows, grooming seminars, or going for certifications. Learning new techniques—Asian fusion or creative grooming, for example—can help you rediscover joy and push your boundaries.”
Practical Tips:
- Explore different styles: Creative grooming, hand-stripping, breed-specific trims, or Asian fusion cuts can spark new excitement.
- Attend a workshop or seminar on topics like behavior handling or advanced scissoring to level up your skill set.
- Look into other roles in the pet industry (teaching, selling shears, or mentoring new groomers) if you need a partial break from daily grooming.
4. Prioritize Your Mental Health
When burnouts hit, even days off can feel like they’re not enough to recharge you fully. It’s crucial to recognize that mental well-being is part of being a successful groomer.
“Find a hobby that sparks joy, and rediscover your ‘why.’ What do you love about grooming? Is it the artistry? The dogs themselves? The relationships you build with clients?”
Practical Tips:
- Schedule ‘me’ time: This could be as simple as a 15-minute walk, a yoga class, or creative pursuits unrelated to grooming.
- Talk to someone: Whether it’s a friend, a professional, or a fellow groomer, sharing your feelings helps you process stress.
- Create a supportive work environment: Play music you enjoy, decorate your grooming station with uplifting items, and celebrate small wins each day.
5. Have Conversations with Clients (or Let Them Go)
If certain dogs or clients are causing excessive stress—whether due to behavior, unrealistic expectations, or poor communication—it might be time to part ways or set clearer boundaries.
“Start by weeding out the ones that really make you crazy—owner or dog. If a client isn’t understanding of your need for a healthy work environment, do you really want them around?”
Practical Tips:
- Talk with owners about a pet’s behavior and realistic grooming timelines. Provide an estimate that includes any extra handling or time needed.
- Offer alternatives if you’re parting ways: refer them to another salon that might better suit their needs. This leaves the door open for a cordial transition.
6. Remember: You Are Not Alone
Burnout isn’t unique to new groomers. Many professionals—no matter how many years of experience they have—will face it at some point. Lean on your fellow groomers for honest advice and support. Our Facebook community is an excellent places to exchange stories, tips, and encouragement.
We hope these strategies can serve as a reset button for anyone feeling overworked and under-inspired. Whether it’s giving yourself permission to take a vacation, cutting down the number of grooms, or investing in new skills, there are tangible steps you can take to shift your perspective and rekindle your love for grooming.
Most importantly, remember: you are allowed to prioritize yourself. When you do, you’ll be able to offer the best care possible to your clients and their pets—today and for years to come.
Stay passionate, stay playful, and stay proud of your work!
For the love of grooming,
Alex
If you’d like to see all of the tips shared in this thread, head over to our private Facebook group for the ongoing discussion and even more insights.
✋The Groomer’s Toolkit
📚 Read - Join the 2,568 professional groomers who have having real conversations like this in the The Daily Groomer Facebook Community! You are not alone.❤️
📺 Watch - We kicked off the year right with our first virtual workshop of 2025 on How To Boost Grooming Revenue in 2025 on The Daily Groomer YouTube channel.
🎧 Listen - Looking to level up? We got a “Mini Course” on Grooming Courses & Certifications with Amanda Borge of Mosa Pet Spa & Resort this week on this episode of The Daily Groomer Podcast.
