If you’re passionate about working with dogs and love the idea of being your own boss or working independently, becoming a mobile dog washer could be a great way to step into the animal care industry.
In Australia, mobile dog washers provide basic grooming and washing services in fully equipped trailers or vans, travelling to clients’ homes to make the experience more convenient and less stressful for pets.
This hands-on role is perfect for dog lovers who want a flexible, rewarding job where no two days are the same.
Becoming a mobile dog washer allows you to combine your love for animals with the freedom of being on the road. You’ll enjoy:
Not all dogs enjoy going to the grooming salon. Many pet owners turn to mobile dog washers for a more personalised, at-home experience that minimises stress for their pets. As a mobile dog washer, you’re not just keeping dogs clean, you’re contributing to their overall health, hygiene and wellbeing. It’s likely you will also play a key role in identifying early signs of skin conditions or discomfort that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
To succeed as a mobile dog washer, you’ll need a mix of animal care knowledge, physical ability and customer service skills:
Mobile dog washers can work in several ways, depending on their preferences and goals:
Earnings can vary depending on your location, business setup, services offered and how many dogs you wash per day. As a general guide:
Starting out as a mobile dog washer begins with gaining hands-on experience working with animals, volunteering at a shelter or assisting in a grooming salon can help you build confidence and skills.
While formal qualifications aren’t compulsory, completing a nationally recognised course such as the Certificate II in Animal Care or Certificate III in Animal Care Services can give you a strong foundation and help reassure clients that their pets are in knowledgeable hands.
Next, decide whether you want to operate independently or join a franchise, each option has different costs, support systems and responsibilities, so it’s important to do your research. If students ask us for advice, we always recommend getting some hands-on exposure first. Offering to do work experience or shadowing a current franchisee or business owner is a great way to see what’s involved. Before committing to a franchise agreement or investing in equipment, it’s worth making sure the lifestyle and responsibilities are a good fit for you.
Once you’ve chosen your path, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment, including a vehicle or trailer fitted with a wash system, dryer and grooming tools. With your setup complete, focus on building your client base by delivering a friendly, reliable service, positive word-of-mouth and repeat customers will be key to your success.
If you’re passionate about animals and want a career that combines independence, customer interaction and hands-on work, mobile dog washing could be your perfect fit. With the right training and approach, you can turn your love for dogs into a rewarding business, one wagging tail at a time.
We’re proud to be recognised as a Platinum Education Partner by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) for 2025–2026. Explore our AVNAT-approved CPD courses for veterinary nurses and technologists.
AVT is proud to launch a national internship opportunity for animal care students through a new partnership with Greencross Vets. Students enrolling in our Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nurse Program) will gain real-world experience with guaranteed clinic placements throughout Australia.
Read AVT’s outstanding student satisfaction results in the latest DTWD survey! Discover why students love studying with us and how our commitment to quality education and hands-on learning sets us apart. Learn more about our achievements and what makes AVT a top choice for animal care related training.
The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals.
AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where our campus is based, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we commit to walking alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. We extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is proudly a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5273).
