Mobile grooming
What a Mobile Grooming Van Needs: Water, Power, Parking
Most mobile grooming vans need a level parking space close to your door, about the length of a large van. Many carry their own water and power; some need an outside socket. Ask before the day.
What does a mobile dog groomer need at your house?
Mainly a legal, level parking space close to your door, big enough for a long-wheelbase van with room to open the side or back door. Many vans are self-contained, carrying their own water tank, water heater and generator or batteries. Others need an outside 13 amp socket for power, and a few need a tap. The groomer will tell you which when you book.
Where does the van park?
On your drive if you have one, otherwise in a legal space close to your door. A grooming van is typically a long-wheelbase panel van, roughly 6 to 7 metres long. On a street, the van needs a space where it can stay for up to two or three hours without blocking a drive or a pavement. In a controlled parking zone, arrange a visitor permit in advance; a parking ticket mid-groom is a cost someone has to pay. Tell the groomer about width restrictions, steep drives or low trees.
Will the groomer need your electricity?
Only if the van is not self-contained. The dryers draw most of the power. Self-contained vans run them from an onboard generator, or from a battery bank charged while driving. Vans that use the customer's power plug into an outside socket with an outdoor-rated cable; if you have no outside socket, a groomer may run a cable through a window or door. Ask what they need, and whether they carry an RCD-protected lead.
Will the groomer need your water?
Usually not. Most vans carry fresh water in an onboard tank, heated by a gas or diesel water heater, enough for several dogs. Waste water goes into a separate tank and is emptied at the groomer's base. It should never be poured into a road drain, which usually runs straight to a stream or river; shampoo and flea treatments harm aquatic life.
What else should you have ready?
Your dog walked and on a lead, a way for the groomer to reach the door, and any notes on changes since the last groom. Most mobile groomers prefer the owner not to sit in the van, but are happy to show you round it first.
Common questions
Do mobile groomers use my water?
Most carry their own fresh water. A few connect to an outside tap; ask when booking.
Can a mobile groomer park on the street?
Usually, if there is a legal space close to your door for two to three hours. In a controlled parking zone, arrange a visitor permit.
How long is a mobile grooming van?
Typically 6 to 7 metres, the size of a long-wheelbase panel van.