Pawfeed

The holiday grooming season is one of the most exciting and demanding times of the year for groomers. With packed schedules, seasonal grooming requests, and a rush of last minute calls, it takes experience and preparation to manage the chaos while still delivering great service. We sat down with Stacy, professional groomer and owner of Dakota Dogs in Brandon, SD, who has been in the industry for 20 years. We discussed what the holidays really look like behind the scenes, with holiday grooming season insights from a true professional. From scheduling challenges to self care tips, here’s what groomers want pet owners to know during the busiest season of the year. 

Interview

General Holiday Grooming Season Insights and Experience 

1. How long have you been a dog groomer? 
This year marks 20 years of grooming! 

2. How does the holiday season impact your grooming business compared to other times of the year? 
This season is by far the busiest. It’s much harder to get clients in if they didn’t book in advance, and the number of phone calls increases drastically around Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

3. When do you typically start to see the holiday rush begin? 
The holiday grooming rush usually starts a week or two before Thanksgiving. I usually start reminding clients at the end of summer so they can lock in their holiday appointments early. 

Client Behavior & Demand During the Holiday Season

4. What types of grooming services are most requested during the holiday season? 
All services are requested, but some clients are just happy if we can squeeze them in for a bath. 

5. Do you notice more last-minute or urgent appointments at this time of year? 
Absolutely, especially the week before Christmas. By that point we’re usually overbooked, and the last minute calls tend to come from pet owners who couldn’t get in with their usual groomer. 

6. How far in advance are clients booking their holiday appointments? 
Some clients book out their entire year in advance. Others wait until I start mentioning holiday appointments in August, but most of them book right away to reserve their spot. 

Challenges & Stressors 

7. What are the biggest challenges groomers face during the busy holiday season? 
Definitely self-care. Many of us groomers take on extra dogs and work longer hours, and it’s easy to let the stress creep in. 

8. What strategies help you avoid burnout during such a high-demand season? 
Energy drinks in the morning and a cocktail at night! 😉 
Just kidding, but I do make sure to do something I enjoy after work to unwind. I also give myself at least one day off during the week, usually Sundays. 

Business & Operations 

9. Do you raise your prices, offer seasonal promotions, or create holiday packages? 
I don’t currently, but I definitely should! 

10. Do you use any scheduling or business tools that help you stay organized during the rush? 
MoeGo is my lifesaver! It’s my favorite software for managing appointments, client information, and reminders during our busy months. 

Holiday-Themed Grooming & Extras 

11. What festive grooming touches do clients love—bows, bandanas, scents, holiday photos, etc.? 
We always include seasonal bandanas and bows with our grooming services. This year we’re using a sugar cookie scent that clients have been loving! We also prepare a little holiday gift for our clients, which they always appreciate. 

End-of-Year Reflection & Advice 

12. How do you prepare mentally and physically for the holiday season? 
Plenty of self-care and caffeine! 

13. What’s one thing you wish pet owners understood about scheduling or planning during the holidays? 
When we’re full, we’re full. If we offer an appointment after the holiday, it’s not because we are unwilling, it’s truly the soonest opening available. Many times groomers are already overbooked, and we have to set boundaries somewhere. 

14. What advice would you give to new groomers experiencing their first holiday rush? 
Don’t take new or inconsistent clients during the holiday rush, especially if you’re already overbooked. They’re often one-time clients just trying to get in, and these spots should be reserved for your regulars. You can always add new clients to a waitlist and call them if something opens up. 

15. What’s your favorite part about being a groomer during the holidays? 
I love when clients bring in food or treats for the whole shop. It definitely adds some extra holiday cheer!

The holiday grooming season brings joy, excitement, and plenty of challenges for professional groomers. From long days and packed schedules to festive scents and thoughtful client gifts, it’s a unique time that showcases the heart of the grooming industry. Whether you’re a groomer preparing for the rush or a pet owner hoping to secure a holiday appointment, planning ahead and understanding the demands of the season can make all the difference. A huge thank-you to our featured groomer for sharing her holiday grooming season insights and helping shed light on what the holiday hustle truly looks like behind the scenes. 

If you’d like more grooming tips, insights, or updates from Groomer’s Best, be sure to follow our blog for future stories!