dog grooming business

Question
I have been grooming my dog for past couple of years and I really enjoy it - I have no formal training but I am very interested in getting into the business.  I would like to do it as a home business.  If you would be so kind to give me some direction as to what I would need to get started that would be very helpful.  If you could answer some of my questions, I would be so appreciative.  How did you get into this business?  Did you have get a groomers licence and business licence?  Is there a demand for this business in a city of 10,000?  What can I charge for the different services provided?  What do you like most about this business? What would be helpful resources for me to check into, who else can I talk to?

I have been an animal lover all my life - from when I was just two years old I tamed all the wild cats that came my way, I absolutely loved it, now I have a dog which is also the love of my life.  I really want to get into something related with animals, as you can see.  If you even have some ideas of other animal jobs that might interest me, please feel free to advise.  Thanx so very much.

Answer
Hello S Peters, Sorry for the delay, I went away this weekend.  I am glad to hear of your interest in grooming. I originally went to a Dog Grooming School.  Many groomers learn in a shop situation as an apprentice.  Looking back I feel the school was the right choice.  The reason behind that is at a school you learn by the book and then with job experience you develop you own style.  As an apprentice you learn someone elses style and may not be exposed to the breed standards.  Also in a school the instructors give you their attention fully, in a shop, well the owner can instruct you but still has a business to run and needs to get the dogs done at a faster rate.  When in school I thought of owning or working at a grooming salon, but heard of an older person not able to drive and was asked to do her dog in her home and when word got out my business took off.  23 years later I average 5 dogs a day at $60 per dog.
Every state is different, Here in Maryland if you are a service provider in someones home you do not need a licence, however are expected to report your income on your taxes.  Also here in Md groomers do not have to be licenced.  There is a demand for grooming no matter where you live dogs have hair and even if shaved the hair will grow back.  If you are good you will never not have clients.  As far as pricing, check your local grooming shops if you have a shop be competitive, if you go home to home as I do charge 5 to 10 dollars more than the shop.  My home visit starts at $60 even if it is a short haired breed that just needs a bath and nail clipping.  Remember you can do 10 dogs for 30 each and rag your self out or do 5 for 60 and make the same.  If you are good and you provide a service that no one else does, like home service, and the client needs you then you can charge appropriately.  I love the business because like you I love animals, but don't fool yourself it is still work.  And like most of us we all have to work, for the money, so if I have to work I am blessed that I have the talent to groom.  My best advice to learn about the business is to attend a grooming convention.  Barkleigh Productions holds many seminars during the year the one I attend is held in Hershy, PA in September.  This seminar gives the beginner groomer/shop owner valuable info.  And the more experienced groomer love it too.  If you go into this field and do the home grooming you can also expand into dog walking while you are there, some of my clients are at work, I have a key and I walk the dog before grooming and then lock up.  Maybe they have a neighbor that would like a dog walked while you are there.  Dog sitting for my clients is profitable.  The clients already know me personally and trust me.  That brings in $30 a day.  Again know your local prices first.  I hope some of this helps you to go in the direction of your choice and attending a seminar is invaluable.  If you go to barkleigh.com you can view their website.  Good luck, Cindy Lou :)