Why hashtags still matter for dog groomers
Hashtags are not dead - they just work differently than they did five years ago. On Instagram in 2025, hashtags are primarily used by the algorithm to understand what your content is about and who to show it to. They are less about discovery and more about classification. Used correctly, they put your posts in front of local pet owners who are actively interested in grooming - without you spending a penny on ads.
The biggest mistake groomers make is using the same 5 generic hashtags on every post. This section shows you exactly which hashtags to use, how to mix them, and how to build a rotation that keeps your reach growing.
The 4 categories every groomer needs
The key to an effective hashtag strategy is mixing four types of tags in every post. Think of it as casting a wide net with some smaller, more targeted ones alongside it.
Category 1 - Broad dog hashtags (high volume, wide reach)
These have tens of millions of posts. Your content will not rank at the top for long, but being associated with these tags signals to Instagram that you are in the pet space.
- #dogsofinstagram - 350M+ posts, still highly engaged
- #doglovers - broad but attracts genuine dog owners
- #puppylove - strong engagement, especially for puppy groom posts
- #doglife - lifestyle tag with good engagement rates
- #ilovemydog - emotional tag, high saves and shares
Category 2 - Grooming-specific hashtags (medium volume, high intent)
These are used by people who are actively interested in grooming - either as owners looking for a groomer, or other groomers who might share your work.
- #doggrooming - the core tag, 25M+ posts
- #doggroom - slightly smaller, less competitive
- #groomerlife - popular in the grooming community
- #professionaldoggrooming - positions you as a pro
- #doggroomersofinstagram - community tag, builds connections
- #petgrooming - includes cats and other pets, broader reach
- #groomingday - great for transformation posts
- #freshgroom - before-and-after content performs well here
Category 3 - Breed-specific hashtags (low volume, very high intent)
These are your most valuable tags. Someone searching #goldendoodlegrooming is almost certainly a Goldendoodle owner looking for a groomer or grooming tips. Use the breed tags that match the dog in each post.
- #goldendoodlegrooming / #goldendoodle
- #cockerspanielgrooming / #cockerspaniel
- #poodlegrooming / #poodle
- #bichonfrise / #bichongrooming
- #labradorretriever / #labradorgrooming
- #maltesepuppy / #maltesegrooming
- #shihtzu / #shihtzugrooming
- #schnauzer / #schnauzertrim
Quick tip: Always add the breed of the dog in the post. If it is a Bichon, use #bichonfrise and #bichongrooming. This single habit doubles the relevance of your hashtag set for that post.
Category 4 - Local hashtags (low volume, highest conversion)
These are the most important tags for getting actual bookings. A pet owner in your city who finds your post through a local hashtag is warm traffic - they are already nearby and looking.
- #[yourcity]dog - e.g. #amsterdamdog, #rotterdamdog, #dublindog
- #[yourcity]petgrooming - e.g. #amsterdampetgrooming
- #[yourcity]pets - broader local pet community
- #doggroomer[yourcity] - high intent, low competition
- #[yourcountry]dogs - e.g. #netherlandsdogs, #irishtdogs
- #[yourneighbourhood] - hyperlocal, very low competition
Ready-to-use hashtag sets by post type
Copy these sets directly. Swap the [BREED] and [CITY] placeholders before posting.
For before and after transformation posts
#doggrooming #doggroom #freshgroom #groomingday #beforeandafter #dogmakeover #[BREED]grooming #[BREED] #dogsofinstagram #doglovers #professionaldoggrooming #petgrooming #[CITY]dog #[CITY]petgrooming #doggroomersofinstagram
For educational and tip posts
#doggroomingtips #groomingadvice #dogcaretips #petcare #doghealth #[BREED]owner #[BREED]tips #dogsofinstagram #dogmom #dogdad #groomingday #professionaldoggrooming #[CITY]dog #doglovers #petgrooming
For Reels and behind-the-scenes content
#doggroomingvideo #groomingday #groomerlife #doggrooming #dogsofinstagram #[BREED] #dayinthelife #petbusiness #smallbusiness #doglovers #[CITY]dog #petgrooming #satisfyingvideo #dogmakeover #doggroomersofinstagram
For availability and booking posts
#doggroomer[CITY] #[CITY]doggrooming #[CITY]pets #[CITY]dog #bookingopen #doggrooming #petgrooming #localdoggroomer #[CITY]smallbusiness #dogsofinstagram #[BREED]grooming #groomerlife #dogmom #puppygrooming
5 hashtag mistakes that kill your reach
- Using the same set on every post. Instagram detects repetition and reduces reach. Rotate between 3 to 4 different sets.
- Only using massive tags. On #dogsofinstagram with 350 million posts, your photo disappears in seconds. Balance big tags with niche ones.
- Ignoring local tags. For a service business, local hashtags are worth more than any national tag. A booking comes from someone nearby, not someone in another country.
- Using banned or flagged hashtags. Some hashtags have been flagged by Instagram for spam. Check a tag before using it - if the top posts look like spam, avoid it.
- Treating hashtags as an afterthought. The best hashtag set is one that is specific to that exact post. A generic set pasted on every photo signals low effort to the algorithm.
Building a hashtag rotation
Create 4 saved hashtag sets in your Notes app - one for each post type above. Each week, rotate through them so you are never repeating the same set two posts in a row. This is the single most effective habit for maintaining consistent reach over time.
Every month, check which posts got the most reach and look at which hashtags they used. Double down on what is working. Remove what is not. Your hashtag strategy should evolve as your account grows.
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