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CostHelper.com > Pets & Pet Care  > Dog Grooming

Dog Grooming Cost


How Much Does a Dog Grooming Cost?


low costLow: $30-$50
low costMedium: $50-$70
low costHigh: $70-$90+

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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.
Article updated September 2007
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Recent Posts

Amount: $48.00 Cost at Petco Increased
Posted by: Maltese Owner in San Jose, CA.Purchased: March, 2008
Breed: MalteseStore: Petco
Around December of last year, the prices for a basic dog grooming increased at our local Petco from $38 to $48. It used to be a good deal, now it is priced more like all the other dog groomers around town.
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Amount: $48.00 bath and blow dry
Posted by: a user in oklahoma city, OK.Purchased: February, 2008
Breed: Siberian HuskyStore: PetSmart
Made arangements on Thursday to bring my dog in at 7 a.m. for a bath and blow dry so it would be ready for pick-up at 5 p.m..This dog was needed for a simanar and demonstration at 6.30 p.m.. When I arrived to pick-up my dog it was dripping wet and just out of the bath. I had ben guarenteed it would be totaly dry and ready by 5 p.m.. I will not use this grooming service again.
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Amount: $0.00 breeds listed in this article
Posted by: RS in Somerset, NJ.Purchased: 2008
Breed: anyStore:
Someone, preferably a groomer, should look at the breeds listed in the article because they are way off. Bichons and poodles are more expensive small dog grooms, and the breeds listed as mid-sized and uncomplicated are all expensive grooms, if done correctly!
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Amount: $0.00 don\'t price shop for your groomer!!
Posted by: gr00mer in pensacola, FL.Purchased: 2008
Please do not pick your groomer by prices!! Many inexpensive grooms do not include everything or you may end up with a not so great groom. Ask to see your groomers work, either in a portfolio, oron a pet that they have just finished. Observe how clean the shop is, how she/he handles the pets, how they are speaking to the pets in their care. A good pet groomer knows a lot of frustration and stress on a daily basis, and how she/he reacts to that stress is a good indicator of their personality. NEVER EVER leave your pet with someone that you do not like or get a bad vibe from. As groomers, we should all understand that!
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Amount: $15.00 LOW COST PET GROOMING
Posted by: A dog groomer in MI in Pontiac, MI.Purchased: 2008
I groom pets from my home in Pontiac Mi. Call Diane for your quote at 248-254-2978. I'm sure you will love my prices. I have been grooming for 6 years and am a certified cat groomer as well. I offer a full range of services!
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Amount: $32.00 great groomer!
Posted by: Happy Customer in elkhart, IN.Purchased: May, 2008
Breed: shih tzuStore: dog in suds
The owner at this store was very friendly, my dog loved her and the hair cut was great! I know she has moved to another location but her number is still the same at 574-202-2971
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Amount: $45.00 Grooming
Posted by: A Groomer in Canton, MI.Purchased: 2009
Breed: AllStore:
I don't understand why people would get a dog if they don't want to pay for grooming. Groomers work very hard for the little bit of money people are will to pay. Most people these days are to cheap to even give a tip and they should know better! If you work at any other job you would not expect to do many hours of work for very little pay. Would you? If you don't want to pay & tip for grooming, don't own a dog!!
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Amount: $36.00 Good Grooming
Posted by: modolce in Boynton Beach, FL.Purchased: April, 2009
Breed: Shih Tzu/ChihuahuaStore: Petsmart
Took my Shih Tzu/Chihuahua mix 6mos old puppies to Petsmart Grooming. Cost for each was $36 plus $6 for \"special\" puppy shampoo(optional). Both dogs are smooth coat and not your typical Shiz Tzu coat. Both puppies came out smelling yummy and perfectly groomed. Would definitely go back again. Boynton Beach Petsmart.
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Amount: $29.00 Great Sevice/Prices
Posted by: Barbara Knoerl-very satisfied client! in Buffalo, NY.Purchased: May, 2009
Breed: BichonStore: Four Paws 825-5345
I took my dog to this place for a full grooming,and it only cost me 29.00 for everything, the girl did a great job and my dog wasn't shaved bald like most places have done and I also got my dog back in 2 hrs,not an all day ordeal like the last place.
This lady shows dogs so I think she knows what she is doing,she only takes a few dogs a day and it was so quiet you never knew she had dogs there-I recommend her to everyone now
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Amount: $45.00 Incredible Groomer!!!
Posted by: Michaela B. in Little River, SC.Purchased: June, 2009
Breed: Bichon FriseStore: Pawprints IN The Sand
I recently had my Bichon groomed at Pawprints IN The Sand, Little River, SC. The groomer is absolutely incredible. She hand washed, hand dried and hand scissored my dog! She could be in a show she looked so pretty!
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Amount: $40.00 Groomer in Spokane WA
Posted by: MikenMaddie in Spokane, WA.Purchased: May, 2009
Breed: springer spanielStore: All Creatures
Andie is a dream! I have been using her for 10 months out of her home. She is opening a new shop in Spokane on N. Monroe called All Creatures Grooming. My springer is made of rubber and springs and STILL manages to come out of there looking great. She LOVES our gal, get\'s so excited when we pull in front of the house. She is certified and her motto, \"Pets are Family\" and she treats each and every one of them in her care as if they were her own babies. I LOVE her!
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Amount: $50.00 nails cut too short and hurt dog
Posted by: G Davis in Centreville, MD.Purchased: 2009
Breed: carian terrierStore: N/A
My dog is almost 8 and not one groome ever said they had problems with the nails. Not this groomer said she cut too short one day, an accident and not my dog wants to bite her when she goes near her nails. I have to take the to the vest for 2 people to hold her to get her nails cut for an aditional $28.00 ! The groomer should deduct the cost of the nails if they will no longer do them. Her hair cut looks wonderful though.
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Amount: $95.00 Way to pricey!!
Posted by: AmandaW in Rock Springs, WY.Purchased: 2009
Breed: Shepperd/lab mixStore:
I took my dog in for grooming, she is a Shepperd lab mix, she doesn\'t have long hair and didn\'t need it cut, just washed and brushed really good. I had her nails clipped, and the lady said she would clean her ears and express anal glands, but didn\'t tell me that was extra, so I assumed it was included in the price, by the time all was said and done i went to pick up my dog, and it was $95!!! Way way to much. i guess thats what I get for living in rural Wyoming with not many grooming options.
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Amount: $30.00 Great Cut!
Posted by: Happy Pup Owner in Greenville, NC.Purchased: 2009
Breed: HavaneseStore: Barbara's
Nice groom! I had a Teddy Bear Cut, so I still had some of the length to my pup. I will be doing my own grooming from now on, just because I love to groom and scissor. I am mainly going to let the pup's hair grow out a little longer, then I will maintain it from there.
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Amount: $35.00 Satisfied customer in Adrian,Mi
Posted by: Dan,Marcia in Adrian,, MI.Purchased: August, 2009
Breed: BichonStore: The Pet Groomer
I called and got an appointment with this lady groomer and was concerned with the fact that she wasn\'t that well known, but after the groom I was so happy with her work. You can tell when someone loves animals and treats them like you do. I will always go back here.
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Amount: $78.00 All day is better if the right place!
Posted by: Pampering my pet for years in Ada/Rockford area, MI.Purchased: April, 2009
Breed: Old English SheepdogStore: open to board clients only
If your pet is social or senior this is the way to go! Find a place that doesn't charge extra for daycare. When young, she was line groomed etc and it became tedious for her. This place she got to take breaks and such so she was happy to come. Now that she's old, I actually have them bring her coat a bit short. She is old and tires standing. The breaks and loving and massages make this her favorite place to be other than home. Groomer is i trainer too so she knows the dogs. You can get great care at a reasonable price. Shop around for a gem and good luck!
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Amount: $25.00 Awesome Grooming
Posted by: Cody in Walford, IA.Purchased: 2009
Breed: Shih-tzuStore: Peiffer Paws Pet Grooming
I had my dog groomed here and it was the best grooming job I have ever had done by a groomer. A lot of groomers don't know how to groom. But this one does and she is very reasonably and not far from Cedar RaPIDS. less than 10 minutes.
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Amount: $25.00 Great Grooming Experience
Posted by: Roberta in Spencer, WI.Purchased: October, 2009
Breed: Miniautre SchnauzerStore: Pawfection Dog Grooming
This is a small shop in Spencer, WI. The women there are wonderful, the prices are great and the care and look of my dog was wonderful. The owner only grooms three dogs a day and so she only has one dog there at a time that she gives full attention to. I will be a continued customer and will refer any dog owner I know to her. It is called Pawfection Dog Grooming 715-207-1887
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Amount: $20.00 Dog Grooming
Posted by: Prettypawz dog grooming in Bear, DE.Purchased: 2009
Breed: all breedsStore: home
I actually groom dogs out of my house and I do it based on how long it takes me. $20 for the 1st hour and $5 for each half hour after that. I also schedule appointments every 1 1/2 hours throughout the day so the dogs are not stuck at my house all day. I call the owners 20 minutes before I think I will be done so they can head back to get their dogs
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Amount: $51.99 Petco Pricing ...
Posted by: Ginger A. Peterson in Wausau, WI.Purchased: December, 2009
Breed: Teddy BearStore: Petco - Wausau, WI
I have had my dogs hair cut there before and it cost me $36 with the oatmeal shampoo. I just took her in today to have the same services done and they charged me $52. I feel like they tried to pull a fast one on me. :-(
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Amount: $86.00 Cat Grooming
Posted by: Anne in Grapevine, TX in Argyle, TX.Purchased: December, 2009
Breed: PersianStore: Animal Attraction Grooming
I love my Persian but the mats got out of hand. I called around to the different grooming shops in the Dallas area. I couldn't believe that the groomers either didn't groom cats or wouldn't take her without being tranquilized. By chance, I found a CFA Persian show exhibitor that owned a cattery, a stress free grooming environment, and loved cats. I highly recommend her services to anyone that has concerns about the treatment of their feline. She's well worth the drive.
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Amount: $0.00 Tip To Groomers
Posted by: a user in Fort Wayne, IN.Purchased: December, 2009
Breed: Giant SchnauzerStore: n/a
I resent that a tip is expected by groomers ! A service is priced with a profit margin included. A tip should only be given when the customer thinks that the services were above normal expectancies. The comment of a groomer saying that she works hard and customers don’t know how stressful and laborious it is should not own a pet if they cant afford the tip is simply an entitled immature whiney spoiled brat and should get another job (not in the service department), or price the service so she can make a reasonable profit. This only shows bad PR for the business owner.
Most of those customers have a job were they do not receive tips, and make enough to sustain their normal day-to-day activities and are loving pet owners that should not be denied having a pet, because one immature pet groomer wants her tip!
BTW I groom my own dog, not because I’m cheap, but because I LOVE grooming all our family members dogs for FREE!!!
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Amount: $35.00 dog grooming
Posted by: k9lover in jacksonville, NC.Purchased: January, 2009
Breed: mim sch.Store: tailwagging ranch nc.
I went to this shop because it was close to my homen i met the groomer and was impressed,she took the time to show me different blade cuts that she made with some fur, ask me questions that no one have ask me befor ie is your pet need special shampoo, her services include bath, hair cut, express anals,ear hair removed,pads cleaned, filed nails colonge and scarf,i thought that was pretty good service for all i recived,and my pet was not stressed out ,the groomer was very nice.i will go there from now on.very clean place,and they also board and have a doggie daycare so i can do everything at one stop.
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Amount: $30.00 dog grooming
Posted by: furbabytrimmer in alliance, NE.Purchased: 2010
Breed: Store: Murphy's grooming boutique
I am a groomer in western Nebraska. All of my prices are based on breed first and secondly on the condition of a pets coat I live in a rural community so my prices are not that high. For instance a shihtzu on average is around $30. If the dog is matted the price goes up from there. In regards to the earlier post about tipping I do not expect a tip from my clients. My prices are set to sustain my business and its employees. I chose my profession because I am passionate about what I do. Gratefully though my clients do recognize my love for my job and many do tip me well. I do see tipping as a courtesy towards anyone in a service business
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Amount: $0.00 A Groomer in Port Angeles, WA
Posted by: bonni in Port Angeles, WA.Purchased: 2010
Breed: allStore: Aardvarks to Zebras Pet Care
Many people that can afford to tip will tip if you treat them and the dog/cat in a propper and kind way. Your prices should be set so that you can make a fair profit. Also clients should expect your dog to take more then 2 hours. I show dogs and I groom all breeds; I imform all clients that most grooming apointments will last for 3-4 hours. This does not mean your dog stands on the table for all of that time; unless the dog is very very matted and in poor
condition. All dogs should properly brushed,
comb,and bathed 4 times per year.Some breeds must be groomed more often as much as every 4-6 weeks. Responsible owners do the work at home or hire a pro. Groomer. For NEW clients & It is best if the groomer gives a guess-price over the phone, the groomer should make it clear that it is a guess, because you have not seen the dog and that you need to put your hands in the coat of the dog to understand the condition of the coat, this will be the major factor in giving a correct price. Then when talking with the client face to face the groomer needs to put hands into the coat and feel to see if and how many mats are within the dogs coat. Price should be discussed again. I know a few groomers that charge for anal glands and then do NOT do them. I will only do anal glands for dogs under 35 pounds. Larger breeds should be done at the vet, IF the dog is having problems with his/her glands.I do not charge an extra fee for the glands of the small dogs if they are getting a full bath and grooming. It takes only a min to do the glands when the pup is getting his/her bath. So, I don't feel it needs to be an added charge. Prices shoud be based on Breed(s) of dog, condition of coat, and style of trim. We are in tough times; so if you groomers get a tip be thankful. Maybe things are difficult for that person a TIP should NOT be something you cry about if you don't get it. So everyone be kind to one another and your pets.
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Amount: $99.00 Worth the extra few dollars in Troy, Mo.
Posted by: Tina from Foristell, Mo. in Troy, MO.Purchased: 2010
Breed: morkie & 2 labsStore: groomingdale's
This is a small shoppe in town of Troy. The groomer is friendly, listens, explains & obviously patient. My 6 month old morkie is a spoiled, first timer. She was talked to treated nicely, yet firmly, resulting in a lovely first haircut. The labs are big and boisterous, resulting in the grromer getting soaked. She saw the humor and laughed with us. $99.oo for all three dogs is about 12% higher than i'm used to paying, but this lady is well worth it.
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