Introduction: Why Phone Statistics Matter for Pet Groomers
In the competitive world of pet grooming, the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles often comes down to how effectively you handle phone communications. Pet owners are increasingly selective about who they trust with their furry family members, and your phone presence is frequently their first impression of your grooming salon.
Understanding the numbers behind phone interactions can transform your approach to customer service, appointment scheduling, and business growth. We’ve compiled 15 essential statistics that every pet groomer should know in 2026, drawing from industry research by the International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA), the American Pet Products Association (APPA), and leading pet industry analysts.
Whether you’re a solo groomer or managing a multi-location operation, these statistics will help you identify opportunities to improve your phone handling and ultimately grow your pet grooming business.
Missed Call Statistics: The Hidden Cost of Unanswered Phones
Every ring that goes unanswered represents potential revenue walking out the door—or more accurately, calling your competitor instead. The data on missed calls in the pet grooming industry is eye-opening.
1. Pet Groomers Miss 34% of Incoming Calls During Business Hours
According to IBPSA’s 2025 Pet Services Communication Study, pet grooming businesses miss an average of 34% of incoming calls during regular business hours. This statistic climbs to 67% for solo groomers who are actively working with animals. When you’re elbow-deep in suds with a squirming Labrador, answering the phone simply isn’t possible—but every missed call is a missed opportunity.
2. 62% of Callers Won’t Leave a Voicemail
The APPA Consumer Behavior Report (2025) found that 62% of pet owners who reach a groomer’s voicemail will hang up without leaving a message. Modern consumers expect immediate responses, and voicemail feels outdated to many pet parents. They’d rather move on to the next groomer on their list than wait for a callback that may never come.
3. 78% of Missed Calls Result in Lost Business
Perhaps the most sobering statistic: research from Pet Industry Analytics shows that 78% of pet owners who can’t reach a groomer on their first attempt will book with a competitor instead. In an industry where customer loyalty is paramount, that first phone interaction—or lack thereof—can determine whether you ever see that client at all.
Appointment Value Statistics: Understanding What’s at Stake
To truly appreciate the impact of phone handling on your bottom line, you need to understand the financial value of each appointment and client relationship.
4. Average Pet Grooming Appointment Value: $65-$85
The IBPSA 2025 Pricing Survey found that the average pet grooming appointment in the United States ranges from $65 to $85, depending on the service level and geographic location. Premium grooming services in metropolitan areas can command $120 or more per session. Every missed call potentially represents this amount in lost revenue.
5. Annual Client Lifetime Value Averages $780
When you factor in repeat visits, the numbers become even more significant. APPA research indicates that the average loyal pet grooming client spends approximately $780 annually on grooming services. With pets typically requiring grooming every 4-8 weeks, a single new client represents substantial recurring revenue over the pet’s lifetime.
6. Upsell Opportunities Add 23% to Average Ticket Value
Pet grooming businesses that effectively communicate additional services during phone bookings see an average 23% increase in ticket value, according to Pet Business Magazine’s 2025 Industry Report. Services like teeth brushing, nail grinding, specialty shampoos, and add-on treatments are easier to sell during a conversation than through online booking alone.
Pet Owner Preference Statistics: What Clients Really Want
Understanding pet owner communication preferences is essential for meeting their expectations and building lasting relationships.
7. 71% of Pet Owners Prefer Calling for First-Time Appointments
Despite the rise of online booking, the APPA Consumer Survey (2025) revealed that 71% of pet owners prefer to call when booking with a new groomer for the first time. Pet parents want to ask questions about the groomer’s experience, discuss their pet’s specific needs, and get a feel for the business before entrusting their beloved companion to a stranger.
8. 89% Expect a Response Within 2 Hours
The expectation for rapid response times has never been higher. IBPSA research shows that 89% of pet owners expect a callback or response within 2 hours of leaving a message. After 4 hours, 45% of those callers will have already booked elsewhere. In the age of instant communication, patience is in short supply.
9. 67% Want to Discuss Pet Anxiety or Special Needs by Phone
For pet owners with anxious, senior, or special-needs animals, phone communication is particularly important. A Pet Industry Analytics survey found that 67% of owners with pets requiring special handling prefer to discuss these needs over the phone rather than through online forms. These conversations build trust and often result in higher-value appointments.
Response Time Statistics: Speed Equals Success
How quickly you respond to inquiries directly impacts your conversion rates and customer satisfaction scores.
10. Responding Within 5 Minutes Increases Booking Rate by 391%
One of the most striking statistics comes from lead response research applied to the pet services industry. Businesses that respond to phone inquiries within 5 minutes are 391% more likely to convert that caller into a booked appointment compared to those who respond after 30 minutes. Speed matters enormously in capturing new clients.
11. Average Groomer Callback Time: 4.2 Hours
Despite the importance of rapid response, IBPSA’s mystery shopping study found that the average callback time for pet groomers is 4.2 hours. Many groomers don’t return calls until the end of their workday, by which time potential clients have often moved on. This gap between expectation and reality represents a significant opportunity for groomers who can respond faster.
12. After-Hours Calls Represent 41% of Total Call Volume
Pet owners don’t just call during business hours. Research indicates that 41% of calls to pet grooming businesses come after 6 PM or before 9 AM, when most salons are closed. These after-hours callers are often planning ahead and highly motivated to book—if only someone were available to take their call.
Repeat Booking Statistics: Building Long-Term Relationships
The most successful pet grooming businesses focus not just on acquiring new clients, but on maximizing repeat bookings and client retention.
13. Pre-Booking Next Appointment Increases Retention by 58%
IBPSA retention studies show that grooming clients who book their next appointment before leaving the salon are 58% more likely to become long-term regular customers. Phone-based appointment reminders and rebooking calls can achieve similar results, making proactive outreach a powerful retention tool.
14. 82% Client Retention Rate for Groomers with Consistent Communication
Pet grooming businesses that maintain consistent phone communication—including appointment confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups—achieve an average client retention rate of 82%, compared to just 54% for businesses with minimal communication. Regular touchpoints keep your business top of mind and demonstrate professionalism.
15. Referred Clients Have 37% Higher Lifetime Value
Finally, clients who come through phone-based referrals (word of mouth from satisfied customers) have a 37% higher lifetime value than those acquired through advertising, according to Pet Business Magazine. When happy clients recommend your services to friends and family, those new customers tend to be more loyal and spend more over time.
What These Statistics Mean for Your Grooming Business
The data paints a clear picture: phone handling is one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of running a successful pet grooming business. Missing calls, slow response times, and inadequate communication systems directly impact your revenue and growth potential.
Consider the cumulative effect: if you’re missing 34% of calls, and 78% of those missed callers book elsewhere, you could be losing more than a quarter of your potential new business. At an average lifetime value of $780 per client, the financial impact adds up quickly.
Modern solutions like AI-powered phone answering services can help bridge this gap, ensuring every call is answered promptly and professionally—even when you’re busy grooming. To learn more about how technology can transform your phone handling, visit our pet grooming solutions page or book a demo to see these tools in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calls does the average pet grooming business receive per day?
According to IBPSA data, the average pet grooming salon receives between 15-25 phone calls per day, with higher volumes on Mondays and the days following holidays. Solo groomers typically receive 8-12 calls daily. These numbers can fluctuate significantly based on your marketing efforts, seasonality, and local competition.
What is the best time to call pet owners back?
Research suggests that the optimal callback windows are between 10-11 AM and 4-6 PM on weekdays. These times tend to catch pet owners during breaks or as they’re wrapping up their workday. However, the most important factor is speed—calling back within minutes of a missed call is far more effective than waiting for an “optimal” time slot.
How much revenue do pet groomers lose from missed calls annually?
Based on industry averages, a grooming business missing 5 calls per day could be losing $150,000 or more in potential annual revenue when factoring in lifetime client value. Even capturing just half of those missed opportunities could add $75,000 to your bottom line, making phone handling improvements one of the highest-ROI investments a groomer can make.
Do pet owners prefer phone calls or text messages for appointment reminders?
The 2025 APPA survey found that preferences are fairly split: 44% of pet owners prefer text message reminders, 38% prefer phone calls, and 18% prefer email. The most effective approach is to ask clients their preference and accommodate it. Many successful groomers use a combination of text reminders with phone follow-ups for confirmations.
What percentage of pet grooming appointments are booked by phone versus online?
Currently, approximately 58% of pet grooming appointments are still booked by phone, with 42% booked through online systems. However, even clients who book online often call first with questions, making phone availability important regardless of your booking system. First-time clients are particularly likely to call, with 71% preferring phone contact for initial appointments.
How can small grooming businesses compete with larger salons on phone availability?
Small and solo groomers can level the playing field through technology. AI-powered phone answering services, virtual receptionists, and automated callback systems allow even one-person operations to provide 24/7 phone coverage. These solutions typically cost a fraction of hiring additional staff while ensuring no call goes unanswered. The key is choosing a solution that understands the pet grooming industry and can handle common questions about services, pricing, and availability.
Conclusion: Turning Data Into Action
These 15 statistics reveal both the challenges and opportunities in pet grooming phone management. The businesses that thrive in 2026 and beyond will be those that take phone handling seriously—investing in systems and solutions that ensure every call is answered, every inquiry is addressed promptly, and every client feels valued from their very first interaction.
The data is clear: improving your phone handling isn’t just about customer service—it’s about protecting and growing your revenue. Whether you choose to hire additional staff, implement new technology, or simply become more intentional about returning calls quickly, the ROI on better phone management is substantial.
Ready to transform how your grooming business handles phone calls? Schedule a demo to discover how AI-powered solutions can help you capture every opportunity and grow your client base.