Whether you’re operating a doggy daycare, grooming salon, or veterinary clinic, your grooming station should reflect the level of care your clients expect—and your team deserves. A well-planned setup isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about safety, efficiency, and creating an experience that pets and pet parents trust.
At Direct Animal, we work with grooming professionals every day to design functional, ergonomic stations that stand up to heavy use—and help teams deliver exceptional service.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the essential equipment and layout tips that make daily grooming tasks smoother, safer, and more comfortable—for your team and the pets you care for.
The Equipment That Makes the Station
Investing in high-quality grooming tools doesn’t just protect your staff’s time—it protects your bottom line. Here’s what your setup needs to function smoothly day in and day out.
Grooming Tables
Every great groom starts with a stable, accessible table.
- Adjustable-Height Models: Hydraulic or electric tables reduce back strain and accommodate pets of all sizes.
- Fixed-Height Tables: A space-efficient option if your layout or budget is tight—just ensure the height suits your team.
- Grooming Arms and Loops: Safety-first features for keeping pets secure during a groom. Look for adjustable, easy-clean materials.
Bathing Stations
Bathing setups should prioritize comfort—for pets and groomers alike.
- Elevated or Walk-In Tubs: Reduce lifting with pet-accessible designs.
- Handheld Sprayers: With pause functions and temperature control for thorough, stress-free washes.
- Shampoo Dispensers: Wall-mounted or built-in dispensers streamline workflow and reduce clutter.
Looking for durability that lasts beyond the season? Explore our commercial-grade grooming tubs engineered for high-volume use.
Drying Equipment
Quick, quiet drying reduces stress and increases throughput.
- High-Velocity Dryers: Adjustable settings for different coat types.
- Cage Dryers: Ideal for pets that don’t tolerate handheld dryers.
- Towel Warmers: A comfort-forward bonus that’s appreciated more than you might think.
Grooming Tools
Stock your station with versatile tools tailored to coat types and services:
- Brushes & Combs: Slickers, undercoat rakes, dematting combs.
- Clippers & Blades: Quiet, powerful models with interchangeable blades.
- Shears: Curved, straight, and thinning scissors for precision work.
- Nail & Ear Care Tools: Essentials that complete the full-service experience.
Safety and Sanitation
Clean, calm stations are safer—for everyone.
- Non-Slip Mats & Eye Protection: Prevent slips and shield against debris.
- Gloves & Muzzles: Available in a variety of sizes for sensitive handling.
- First Aid Kit: Readily accessible and stocked for both human and pet care.
- Disinfectants & Waste Receptacles: Keep workspaces spotless and compliant between grooms.
Regular sanitation is critical not just for compliance—but for peace of mind. Direct Animal’s grooming stations are built with easy-to-clean surfaces that help your team uphold the highest hygiene standards.
6 Tips for Laying Out Your Grooming Station
Smart layout choices are just as important as the equipment you use. A well-designed grooming area minimizes stress, prevents injuries, and helps your team stay focused and efficient.
Below are the essential layout elements every grooming space should include.
Separate Wet and Dry Zones
Your grooming area should function like a clean, logical assembly line—starting with bathing, then drying, then styling. Keeping these areas physically distinct prevents water from reaching grooming tables and electrical outlets, reduces the risk of slips, and improves overall sanitation.
This separation also helps avoid bottlenecks during busy shifts, allowing your team to rotate pets through each step without crowding.
Build for Effortless Flow
A smooth, intuitive workflow saves time and minimizes pet handling. Arrange your space so that tools and stations follow the natural order of the grooming process, and store frequently used supplies within arm’s reach of where they’re used most.
Stations shouldn’t require backtracking, sharp turns, or crisscrossing paths—especially with wet or excitable dogs in tow.
Layout flow can also include subtle zoning—like designating certain tables for small breeds or specific grooming tasks (e.g., nail trims vs. full grooms). These micro-adjustments can make a noticeable difference in how efficiently your team operates.
Give Your Staff Enough Room to Work
Cramped grooming areas are not only uncomfortable—they’re dangerous. Every workstation should have enough clearance on all sides for groomers to move safely, especially when lifting pets or using tools like high-velocity dryers. If two team members are grooming side by side, there should be enough space to prevent overlap or congestion.
Avoid storing supplies on the floor, where they become trip hazards. Instead, integrate wall-mounted shelves or under-table drawers that keep gear close, but out of the way.
Support Visibility and Supervision
Good visibility isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety, accountability, and collaboration. Choose open sightlines between workstations so staff can easily communicate, assist one another, and monitor pets for signs of distress.
If you allow pet parents into the grooming area, create a low-traffic observation or pick-up zone that keeps clients clear of working spaces while still feeling connected to the experience.
Keep the Pets Calm
Noise, temperature, and environment all affect a pet’s comfort level—and a stressed animal is harder (and riskier) to groom. Reducing stress isn’t just kind—it’s practical.
- Noise Control: High-velocity dryers and barking dogs can create a chaotic soundscape. Use acoustic panels, sound-dampening materials, or even white noise machines to reduce overwhelming noise levels. Separating loud equipment from holding and bathing areas also helps.
- Temperature Regulation: Maintain a consistent, moderate climate. Overheating can occur quickly under dryers or bright lights, and shivering pets are harder to handle. Make sure the air circulates well but doesn’t blow directly onto grooming tables or crates.
- Secure Holding Areas: Provide clean, ventilated kennels or crates where pets can rest before or after their appointment. These areas should be close enough for quick supervision, but far enough from noisy tools to allow animals to decompress.
- Minimize Overstimulation: Whenever possible, avoid placing grooming stations directly adjacent to lobbies, entry doors, or windows where pets might see constant movement. Visual stimulation can be just as stressful as noise.
Investing in a calm environment pays off in safer handling, better results, and improved client confidence.
Design for Cleaning
Daily cleaning is non-negotiable—and your materials and layout should support it. Choose seamless, water-resistant flooring like epoxy or sealed concrete that can be easily disinfected. Walls should be non-porous and free of crevices that trap fur, moisture, or dander.
Install floor drains where needed, especially in wet zones. Equipment like grooming tubs should be placed for easy access on all sides, allowing thorough cleaning underneath and around units without moving heavy fixtures.
Build a Grooming Space That Sets You Apart
Grooming is more than a service—it’s a reflection of your business’s standards. When you invest in professional-grade dog grooming equipment and build your station around safety and efficiency, you elevate your operation. That means happier staff, safer pets, and more loyal clients.
At Direct Animal, our pet care experts design and manufacture durable and easy-to-clean dog kennels, cat condos, grooming tubs, and other state-of-the-art equipment made to last the life of your business—whether you’re a vet, luxury boarding facility, animal shelter, or doggy daycare. Rely on us for animal care equipment that is ergonomic, hygienic, and affordable.
