Running a home-based dog grooming business is not for the faint-hearted. Between brushing out tangles, managing bookings, replying to messages, and staying on top of the washing machine (again!) — it can feel like your day disappears before you even sit down with a cuppa.

And if you’re also juggling school runs, family life, or trying to keep your home semi-presentable… whew. You’re doing a lot.

The truth is, you don’t need to do more — you need to make your time work better for you.

At Glossy Pup Academy, we’re big believers in building businesses that support your dream life — not the other way around. 

So today I’m sharing some real-world, practical time-saving tips designed for home groomers like you. Because you're not just a business owner — you're a whole human, too. 💛

1. Batch Your Tasks Like a Boss

Instead of bouncing between grooming, replying to messages, and posting on Instagram all day, try batching your tasks.

• Client messages or call-backs? Set 1–2 times a day to reply.
  

• Social media posts? Pick a day at the end of the month and plan and schedule social media posts for the month ahead. These can be announcement posts, entertainment posts, general information posts and educational posts. Then throughout the month all you have to do is daily stories or quick before and after posts of your doggy clientele
  

• Cleaning? Block off a short chunk of time at the end of the day.
  
  

You’ll feel more focused and waste way less energy switching gears constantly.

2. Automate What You Can

Automation isn’t just for big businesses. It’s a home-based groomer’s best friend.

• You can try out booking tools that send reminders and confirmations automatically if that is something that appeals to you. Otherwise set aside 30 mins each  friday evening to send out messages to clients booked in for the following week

• Create message templates for common questions like pricing or availability. This is easy to do. Create them and save them in your notes app. Then copy and paste when needed. Takes 2 mins - Voila.

• Set up automatic reply DM’s that thank people for reaching out and let them know what you need to know (i.e. breed and service they are looking for) and when they can expect a reply back.
  
  

• Set up a monthly newsletter to keep clients in the loop (psst — we have done-for-you templates inside Glossy Pup Academy 😉).
  
  

These small tweaks save so much back-and-forth.

3. Keep Your Grooming Space “Client-Ready”

Design your grooming area to be easy to tidy and reset between appointments. When you are busy or tired from a long day, the last thing you want to have to think about is where to start when it comes to cleaning. This wastes more time and energy that, quite frankly, at that time, you just don’t have.

• Have a place for everything (even if it's just labeled baskets).
  

• Use quick-drying, easy-clean tools and mats.

• Have a set quick sanitise and wipe down routine for in between clients

• End each day with a 10-minute reset, so tomorrow starts fresh.

• Create a simple SOP (Standard of Procedure) checklist for every area of your business. This way you can just check each item off and bam you're done.  
  
  

It saves scrambling — especially if a client arrives early or the kids suddenly spill cereal everywhere.

4. Plan Tomorrow Before Today Ends

Before you shut your laptop or wipe down your last comb, take 5 minutes to take a look at your diary / planner and jot down any notes for the next day.

• What dogs are coming in?

• What time do you need to start?

• Any messages or calls to return?

• Is there any admin to do tomorrow

• Are there anything you need to share on social media?

• Are your go home bags ready? (If you have these for your clients)

• Do you have enough newsletters printed out?

• Do you have enough stock (Shampoos? Sprays? Sanitizer? Bandanas?...)
  
  

Starting the day with a clear head (instead of reactive chaos) is an absolute  game-changer.

5. Give Yourself Real Breaks

This might sound counterintuitive, but taking proper breaks makes you more productive — not less.

Even just 15 minutes for a hot drink and a scroll-free breather between dogs can do wonders. Get outside, touch grass, do a quick guided meditation or visualisation or just watch a little reality TV while enjoying a cheese toastie. 

You’re not a robot. You’re a real human doing real work that takes real energy.

Protect that energy like it's your most valuable tool — because it is.

Final Thought:

You’re doing something incredible — building your dream business around your dream life, not cramming your life around a job.

Give yourself credit. Use your time wisely. And remember: It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being intentional.

Your grooming business should feel fulfilling, not frantic.

Want More Support Like This?
At Glossy Pup Academy, we help women just like you build confident, professional home-based grooming businesses — with tools, templates, and real support that make the journey easier (and more fun!).

👉 Learn more about Glossy Pup Academy here.