State Approval Fees: What They Don’t Tell You

A small plant grows from a glass cup filled with coins.

Most people don’t realize this (I sure didn’t at first), but every state in the lower 48 has an approval process for trade schools. That means if you’re charging students to learn grooming, you probably need state approval.

And guess what? That approval process isn’t free.

Here’s what you might have to pay just to get started:

• Application Fees – These can range from $500 to $5,000 depending on your state. And it’s non-refundable—even if they say no.

• Surety Bonds – Some states require these to protect students in case a school closes. They can range from $10,000 to $50,000, but don’t panic—you usually only pay a small percentage each year.

• Annual Renewal Fees – Getting approved isn’t a one-time thing. Most states charge a yearly fee of $500 to $3,000 to stay compliant.

• Curriculum Review Fees – Some states even charge extra just to look over your curriculum before they approve it.

I remember the moment I found out about these fees. It was like “Wait… I have to pay HOW MUCH before I even open my doors?!” 😳

💡 Tip: Before you start planning, check your state’s requirements and budget for these fees early so you don’t get blindsided later.

Legal & Admin Stuff That No One Thinks About

Okay, so let’s say you’re cool with the approval fees. You’ve got that handled.

But what about the paperwork side of things? Running a school isn’t just about teaching—it comes with a ton of legal and administrative responsibilities.

Some things you might need:

• A Lawyer – You’ll probably need contracts for students, refund policies, and liability waivers. A lawyer can help make sure you’re covered.

• An Accountant – Some states require strict financial reporting. Having a professional handle that can save you a ton of stress.

• A Student Record System – Some states require schools to keep student records for years after they graduate, which means you’ll need a system to store them securely.

💡 Tip: Set aside at least $5,000 to $10,000 for legal and admin costs so you don’t get caught off guard.

Making Sure Your School Meets State Standards

Getting approved isn’t just about paying fees—you also have to meet certain requirements before your school gets the green light.

✅ Facility Requirements – Some states have rules about classroom size, student workstations, or even restrooms.

✅ Instructor Qualifications – A few states require your teachers (including you) to meet specific education or experience standards.

✅ Health & Safety Standards – Ventilation, sanitation procedures, OSHA compliance… yep, it’s a thing.

✅ Student Policies – Attendance tracking, refund policies, grading systems—these all need to be clearly outlined.

This part took me by surprise. I thought as long as I had a space, some tools, and dogs to practice on, I’d be fine. Turns out, there’s a lot more to it.

💡 Tip: Before you spend money on a space, check what your state actually requires so you don’t end up having to remodel later.

The Costs of Actually Running a Grooming School

Once you’re approved and up and running, you still have ongoing costs to think about:

• Instructor Salaries – If you’re hiring teachers, their pay adds up fast.

• Insurance Renewals – Liability insurance, business insurance, student coverage—it all needs to be renewed annually.

• Marketing & Advertising – You’ll need to keep attracting new students to keep the school running.

• Equipment Maintenance – Tables, tubs, and clippers wear out. Things break. Replacing them isn’t cheap.

Real Talk: Running a grooming school is a business, and businesses need cash flow. Before you open, make sure you’ve got a financial cushion to cover at least six months of operating expenses. Trust me, it’ll save you a ton of stress.

How to Financially Prepare (So You Don’t End Up in Panic Mode)

By now, you might be thinking, “Wow, this is more expensive than I thought.” Yep. But don’t freak out—you can plan for it.

Here’s what helped me (and can help you too!):

• Create a Budget – Sit down and write out every possible expense you can think of—big or small.

• Look Into Grants or Business Loans – Some grants exist for trade schools, especially if you’re a woman- or minority-owned business.

• Talk to Other School Owners – If you know someone who’s already been through it, ask them what they wish they had done differently.

• Save for Unexpected Costs – No matter how well you plan, something will come up. Have a safety net.

Final Thoughts

Opening a grooming school is so worth it—but it’s not cheap. And I don’t want anyone to get halfway through the process just to realize they can’t afford to move forward.

I’m not saying any of this to scare you away. I’m saying it because I wish someone had told me all of this before I started. If I had known these costs upfront, I could have planned better, saved more, and avoided a few stressful surprises.

So if you’re thinking about starting a school, start preparing now. The more you plan ahead, the smoother your journey will be. And if you ever need help figuring things out, know that you’re not alone in this!