The pet population in Dubai is steadily growing, and pet parents are increasingly willing to spend generously on their furry companions. Grooming salons and pet spas are no longer a niche indulgence. As demand grows, mobile grooming vans are increasingly popping up across residential communities, bringing professional pet care right to doorsteps. If you have a special love for animals and are considering starting a pet grooming business in Dubai, 2026 could be the right time to take the leap, provided you have a clear understanding of the required licenses, permitted services, and overall budget.  

Dubai’s Growing Pet Grooming Market: An Opportunity in 2026  

Dubai’s pet care market is a fast-growing industry, driven by high disposable incomes, an expanding expatriate population, and a strong consumer shift toward premium pet food and specialized veterinary services. According to reports from Ken Research, the UAE Pet Care Market was worth USD 285 million in 2025 and is growing at a CAGR of 5.52% to reach USD 393 million by 2031.  

Over 900,000 pets are registered in the UAE, and pet owners treat grooming as a recurring necessity. Moreover, the pet grooming business sector continues to attract new entrepreneurs for the following reasons:  

  • Recurring revenue: Grooming is a recurring service, which builds a habit of regular visits.  
  • Low seasonality: The demand for pet care stays fairly stable year-round.  
  • Multiple entry points: Business owners can start small through mobile or home-based services and further scale into a full salon.  
  • 100% foreign ownership: The law permits full foreign ownership for pet care activities on the mainland as well as in the Free Zone.  

Pet grooming business in Dubai - Types  

These are the main types of pet care businesses that require licensing in Dubai:  

  • Pet Grooming Services: Offering bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, or styling services for cats, dogs, and other pets.  
  • Pet Boarding and Daycare: Providing facilities to house pets temporarily, such as overnight or during the day.  
  • Pet Sitting and Dog Walking: Offering freelance or home-based services like pet sitting, dog walking, or feeding.  
  • Veterinary Clinics and Mobile Vet Units: Providing medical care, including health checkups, vaccinations, wound care, and more for animals through veterinary professionals.  
  • Pet Training and Behaviour Services: Training pets on obedience, agility, or behavioural issues.  
  • Pet Transportation Services: Moving animals locally or internationally.  
  • Pet Food and Supply Retailers: Selling pet food, accessories, or pharmaceuticals.  

Types of licenses: Pet grooming license in Dubai  

The Pet grooming license is not a single license, but a group of specific activities, each with its own approval requirements.  

1. Pet Grooming License (Domestic Pets Grooming Business)  

  • The core license for bathing, trimming, styling, nail clipping, and de-shedding services for cats, dogs, and other domestic animals.  
  • Filed under a Domestic Pets Grooming Business activity.  
  • Required by first-time salon owners and mobile groomers.  

2. Pet Care/Boarding License   

  • Allows boarding, daycare, pet sitting, or training alongside grooming.  
  • Requires adherence to stricter Dubai Municipality requirements regarding enclosure size, ventilation, and staff-to-animal ratios.   

3. Veterinary Services Approval   

  • Issued to businesses or professionals offering medical treatment, vaccination, or clinical services for pets.  
  • Requires approval from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), along with a licensed, DHA-verified veterinarian on staff.  

Guide to getting a pet grooming license in Dubai  

Here's a step-by-step process to secure your pet grooming license:  

Step 1: Choose your Business Activity  

Select the correct business activity from the list provided by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to determine the scope of license, permitted services, and required approvals. Speak with a business setup consultant who can guide you through the process.  

Step 2: Select the Business Jurisdiction  

Once you have finalised the business activity, decide where you want to establish your pet grooming business. Your location choice will impact ownership options, licensing procedures, costs, and your target market. There are mainly two jurisdictions in Dubai for launching a business:  

  • Mainland: Allows you to operate anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE market, including trading with government entities and working with local clients directly.   
  • Free Zones: Offer benefits like full foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simpler registration processes; however, they cannot trade directly within mainland Dubai without a local distributor or agent.  

Make a selection based on your business goals, budget, and target clientele.   

Step 3: Reserve the Trade Name  

Choose and register the trade name for the business. This is the official name under which your pet grooming business will operate in Dubai and will be recognised by clients and customers. Therefore, make sure the name is unique, compliant, and reflects your services. Apply through the DET or the relevant free zone authority to reserve your trade name.   

Step 4: Submit Initial Approval Request  

Next, obtain initial approval from the DET or the relevant free zone authority as a preliminary green light from the government to proceed with the remaining licensing formalities. The initial approval confirms that the proposed business activity and trade name meet the basic regulatory requirements, and therefore, applicants can move forward with other important steps such as securing a physical location, obtaining external approvals, and preparing the legal documents.  

Step 5: Select a Suitable Business Location  

The location of a pet grooming business strongly affects the licensing approval, operational success, and customer experience. Any commercial space you choose for providing pet-related services must fully comply with the regulations of Dubai Municipality designed to ensure animal welfare, hygiene, and public safety.  

  • Regulatory Compliance: The premises must meet specific standards related to cleanliness, ventilation, waste disposal, and noise control.  
  • Space Requirements: Animals should have adequate space to move comfortably, with separate areas for different activities such as grooming, resting, feeding, and exercise.   
  • Facility Features: The location should have proper drainage systems, non-porous flooring, temperature control, safety features like secure fencing and emergency exits, and isolation areas for sick or aggressive animals.   
  • Commercial Tenancy Documentation: The landlord must sign the tenancy contract to allow the operation of a pet care business.  
  • Inspection and Approval: Dubai Municipality officials will inspect the facility to ensure that it complies with all health and safety standards.   
  • Location Suitability: Consider customer accessibility, parking availability, and proximity to residential areas or pet-friendly communities.  

Step 6: Obtain External Approvals  

A pet care business may require additional clearances from relevant government authorities, such as:  

  • Dubai Municipality (DM)  
  • Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)  
  • Local health authorities or environmental agencies  

Step 7: Submit Required Documents  

Compile and submit all the necessary documents to the licensing authority to ensure smooth processing of the application. Typical documents required include:  

  • Passport Copy and Emirates ID of Owner(s) and Shareholders  
  • Tenancy Contract   
  • Initial Approval Certificate  
  • Trade Name Reservation Proof  
  • Municipality Approvals (if required)  

Additional documents may be requested depending on your specific business activity and jurisdiction. Make sure all documents are clear, valid, and up to date. Work with a business setup consultant to avoid mistakes when preparing and submitting documents.  

Step 8: Pay License Fees and Collect the License  

After submitting all documents and receiving approvals from the authorities, pay the necessary fees and officially obtain the pet grooming license that legally authorises you to operate your pet care business in Dubai. With your license in hand, you can now legally advertise your business services, enter into contracts, rent commercial spaces, hire staff, and operate your business within the regulatory framework.  

Pet grooming business cost: What to budget?  

The cost of setting up a pet grooming business can vary significantly depending on the business model. Here is a realistic breakdown of the major expenditures:  

  • Business license   
  • Business premises  
  • Equipment for different pets and treatment types  
  • Initial marketing campaigns, such as leaflets, website, posters and social media advertising  
  • Utilities  
  • Staff remuneration  
  • Initial training   

Ongoing compliance after obtaining the pet grooming license  

Maintaining compliance with local regulations after licensing is essential to keep the business operating smoothly and legally. Here’s what you need to focus on:  

  • Annual License Renewal  
  • Renewal of Dubai Municipality Pet Facility Permits  
  • Maintain Hygiene and Safety Standards  
  • Renewal of Staff Permits and Training  
  • Record Keeping and Reporting  

Work with our experts to start your pet grooming business  

We are one of the most experienced business setup service providers in Dubai, with over 25 years of experience in helping and guiding business owners to launch their businesses in the UAE. We understand the requirements of company formation and hence can assist you throughout the business registration and license application process.   

Our professional consultants help you choose the right type of economic activity and discuss in detail the most appropriate legal structure, location, and trade name. They also correspond with the authorities to secure the mandatory approvals and certificates required for your business.   

Schedule a free consultation with our business experts.