CostHelper.com > Pets & Pet Care > Dog Grooming

Dog Grooming Cost

How Much Does a Dog Grooming Cost?

Low: $30-$50

Medium: $50-$70

High: $70-$90+

Grooming is available at many businesses -- including dedicated groomers' shops, boarding kennels, veterinarians' offices, pet stores and pet spas.

Typical costs:

For small breeds or mid-sized breeds that do not have thick hair or require a complicated cut, grooming costs about $30 to $50. Examples include the Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever.
For mid-sized breeds, or larger breeds that do not have thick hair or require a complicated cut, grooming costs about $50 to $70. Examples include the Wheaten Terrier, Collie, Afghan Hound, Chow Chow and Golden Retriever.
For mid-to-large-sized breeds that have thick hair and require complicated cuts, or giant breeds, grooming costs about $70 to $90 and up. Examples include the Standard Poodle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bouvier Des Flandre, Briard, and Great Pyrenees.
Bath-only grooming -- with bath, ear cleaning and nail trimming -- on a non-matted dog costs less than full grooming -- usually 50 to 75 percent of the price. This is most common for dogs with very short hair.
Average grooming prices tend to be about 25 percent higher in the Northeast region of the country than in the Midwest, with the rest of the country falling in between, according to PetGroomer.com.

What should be included:

The groomer usually bathes and dries the dog, cleans the ears, trims the nails, and clips the hair into a particular style.

Additional costs:

De-matting for long hair costs about $7 to $9.
For $3 to $10 extra, a groomer will use flea-killing shampoo or skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal shampoo or do a hot oil treatment.
For about $10 extra, a groomer will remove skunk odor.
For about $10 to 20 extra, a groomer will brush teeth or express the anal glands.
Hand cutting, which is time consuming, costs between $10 and $30 more than using clippers, depending on the size of the dog. It offers a different look.
Mobile grooming clinics charge a convenience fee -- about $10 to $15 extra.

Discounts:

A puppy groom can cost as little as $10.
Some groomers have referral programs, where a client can earn free or discounted grooming.
Tip: At-home grooming costs very little. For dogs that require trimming, professional-grade clippers and scissors can be a wise investment for between $50 and $150. Dressler's Dog Supply offers a range of professional tools, and Amazon.com offers videos and DVDs on dog grooming starting at about $25.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has an at-home grooming guide.

Shopping for a dog grooming:

To find a groomer, ask fellow dog owners, your veterinarian or a humane organization. Or, contact the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
Tip: Before making an appointment, stop by the facility to check cleanliness and meet the groomer. It is important to make sure pets are checked on regularly during cage blowdrying, or dried by hand, to prevent overheating. The Humane Society of the United States has a primer on choosing a groomer. Large chain pet stores, such as PETCO and PetSmart offer grooming services.
Groomers usually require proof that vaccinations are up to date.
Tip: Tell the groomer ahead of time if the dog is geriatric or has health problems or behavior issues. Many groomers will not accept aggressive dogs.
Tip: Before leaving the salon, make sure the groomer understands exactly what you want -- ideally by showing a photograph. Best Friends Pet Care has a primer on how to talk to a groomer as well as grooming tips with photos for many breeds.