Grooming your dog is an important aspect of dog ownership, especially if you are a first-time pet owner. It may surprise some that grooming your pet can cost anywhere from $15 to $250 or more, depending on what is included.
A dog groomer’s job can include bathing and brushing a dog, cutting their nails, trimming their fur, and cleaning their ears. Dog grooming ranges from simple daily maintenance to seasonal or cosmetic procedures.
Factors that influence dog grooming cost
When it comes to dog grooming prices, many factors will affect the cost of your groom. These include the size of the dog, length of fur, and thickness of the coat. The type of grooming service you choose will also determine the cost. For example, opting for a full bath, brush, and blow dry is cheaper than choosing a full groom with a haircut.
One factor is the amount of work required. A Yorkie with a single mat behind its ears requires more work than one with clean fur, so grooming costs more. Most dogs have some fur somewhere that takes extra time – maybe on their legs or between their toes – which is reflected in the price. The size of the dog is a factor. Small dogs are usually less expensive to groom than large dogs, with price differences of $10-$30.
Another factor is location. Every town has a breakeven point for the cost of dog grooming, which reflects local labor and rent costs and demand for dog grooming services. A shop in an expensive part of town must charge more than one in a cheaper area.
The price of mobile grooming can be higher because there is an additional fee for bringing the salon to your door. Most mobile groomers charge about 10% more than shops without the convenience factor. However, you may find it worth paying a little extra to have this type of convenience if your schedule is busy or you have other reasons that make it hard for you to take your dog to the groomer yourself.
5 factors about your dog that affect the cost of grooming
- Size: The larger the dog, the more it will cost to groom it. A big dog needs more shampoo, conditioner, and other grooming products.
- Breed: Breed-specific haircuts will likely be more expensive than standard trim.
- Coat condition and length: If your dog’s hair is long and matted, the groomer will take longer to work through it, resulting in higher costs.
- Demeanor: If your dog is anxious around strangers or dogs, extra time may have to be spent calming them down, or they may have to be sedated at the vet – which can cost extra.
- Health: If your dog has licking sores or other skin conditions, it will need extra care or medical treatment that could raise the price of grooming.
Two main methods for calculating grooming costs — hourly and itemized
With the hourly method, the groomer calculates the visit cost based on the time it takes to complete your pet’s grooming session. The longer the session, the higher the price. This method is best for those with complicated pets or who want to add extra services to their grooming package.
With the itemized method, groomers charge a flat fee for each service. This is a good option for simple visits or those wanting to keep their pet’s grooming routine consistent.
What can be included in the dog grooming cost?
- Bath and Brush;
- Nail trimming;
- Trim and cut;
- Deshedding;
- Dryer and deodorize;
- Clean ears;
- Brush teeth;
- Blow dry fur;
- Cure nails with polish;
When you budget for your pet’s grooming costs, you should consider whether they really need a full-service groom. It’s expensive to keep up with multiple visits per month. However, if you have a long-haired or double-coated dog, it may be necessary to maintain their coat health and hygiene.
If your dog only needs a bath, nail trim, and ear cleaning, it’s cheaper to get those services done separately than to pay for a full-service groom. If your dog is matted or has tangled fur, it will likely require extra time and money to de-mat it during grooming.
How often should I take my dog to the groomer?
How often your dog should be groomed depends on the breed. Long-haired breeds should be groomed every 4 to 8 weeks. Medium-haired breeds should be groomed every 8 to 12 weeks. Short-haired breeds can go 4 to 5 months between grooming visits. However, even short-haired dogs need grooming.
Some breeds of dogs will require more grooming than others. For example, if you have a Poodle, it is recommended that you visit your groomer every 4 to 6 weeks on average, or once per month at the very least. This is because poodles have such thick fur that they can develop knots and matted hair if they don’t get their hair trimmed regularly.
You must also consider how much time and energy you want to put in at home for upkeep. If you don’t want to worry about brushing or bathing your dog at home, going to a groomer more frequently is probably best for both of you!
Talk with a professional if you are unsure how often your dog should be groomed. They can help you determine what is best for your dog based on its breed and coat type.
Dog grooming costs by breed
Regarding which breeds are the most costly for grooming, it turns out that bigger is not necessarily better. While larger dogs like German Shepherds or Retrievers might seem like they would be more expensive to groom because of their size, that’s not always the case.
Because coats for these dogs don’t tend to grow as thick or require as much maintenance, those with more delicate fur can become more expensive over time due to regular visits from a professional groomer.
Some breeds shed heavily during certain seasons and not at other times. The most common pattern is heavy shedding in spring and fall; in spring, the dog loses his winter coat and grows a summer coat; in fall, he loses his summer coat and grows a winter one. Dogs that shed year-round are called non-shedders or “single-coated.”
| Breed | Price, $ |
|---|---|
| Yorkshire, Maltese, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Mini-Dachshund | 40 |
| Dachshund, Corgi, Toy Poodle, Schnauzer | 50 |
| Scottish Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie | 60 |
| Golden Retriever, Lab Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Springer Spaniel | 70 |
| Doodle, German Shepherd, Husky, Standard Poodle, Malamute | 80 |
| Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees | 100+ |
Dog grooming costs by dog size
An important factor in determining how often you should groom your dog is the size of your pet. Smaller dogs need more frequent grooming because they are closer to the ground and get dirtier faster.
Medium- and large-sized dogs also need regular grooming; however, they can be washed less often. Smaller dogs should be bathed every four to six weeks, while medium and large dogs can go up to eight weeks between baths.
How much does it cost to groom a small-sized dog?
A small-sized dog is under 30 pounds and measures less than 17 inches tall. Small dogs can be straightforward to groom, or they can be a bit more of a challenge, depending on their breed.
The cost of grooming your small dog varies greatly depending on where you live and where you decide to have your dog groomed. If you choose to do it yourself, the price will reflect only the cost of the supplies needed for grooming. If you opt for professional grooming, however, it will depend on whether your dog needs just a bath or an all-over cut and how often he needs grooming.
How much does it cost to groom a medium-sized dog?
A medium-sized dog is about 17-24 inches from the shoulder to the buttocks and will weigh between 30 and 60 pounds at maturity.
As mentioned above, it can depend hugely on the dog’s breed and size. A coat that requires clipping will take longer than one that’s hand stripped, and both will take longer than one that’s just bathed and brushed out (and both are significantly more expensive than that). So even if we had an answer for a specific breed, it would only apply to that breed.
How much does it cost to groom a large-sized dog?
Dogs over 24 inches or heavier than 60 pounds are considered large-sized dogs.
Two main factors go into the cost of grooming a large dog. The first is the dog’s size, which determines how much shampoo and conditioner you’ll need. The second is the dog’s coat. If it’s short, you can use less shampoo; if it’s long, you may need more product.
Large dogs require extra services during a grooming appointment, such as extra time drying and bathing, more shampoo, and increased care for their nails. You should also remember that some breeds of large dogs have coats that shed much more than others. This can add up quickly if you’re using a lot of shampoo at once!
The price of grooming varies by location.
The cost of dog grooming varies by location. Grooming fees are typically higher in urban areas than in suburban and rural areas, as the cost of living is higher. The cost of grooming can be influenced by the salon’s proximity to other pet-related establishments, such as dog parks, daycare centers, and pet supply stores.
How much does dog grooming cost per service?
How much does it cost to groom a dog at PetSmart?
The price of grooming small, medium, and large dogs at PetSmart as of 2022 ranges from $76 to $90. Alternatively, the price of a PetSmart bath for dogs ranges from $41 to $50. A PetSmart dog grooming service includes nail clipping, teeth cleaning, shampooing, and other pet grooming services.
How much does it cost to groom a dog at Petco?
Petco’s average price for pet grooming is $45 onwards for dogs. Prices for dog bathing start at $25 and increase depending on the size of the pet. These are average prices; prices change depending on the breed and size of the pet.
How much does it cost to groom a dog at mobile dog grooming?
This is also a good option for some people if they don’t want their dog exposed to other dogs. Or if they want something different from what the salons offer.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks. First, it can sometimes be difficult for mobile groomers to get appointments in hot areas. Especially if you need an appointment during peak hours (9 am-3 pm), try to book at least 2 weeks in advance.
Some mobile groomers even require up to one month’s notice! Plus, some mobile groomers only work certain days or hours of the day (for example, 8 am-4 pm). So depending on your availability, it may be hard for you and the groomer to find a convenient time.
How much should I tip my dog groomer?
First and foremost, you need to consider the cost of the service. How much does your groomer charge for bathing, brushing, and nail clipping? This figure will serve as your base amount for calculating the appropriate tip. Most groomers charge $45 – $65 for these services, so we’ll use $55 as an example.
Next, consider the kind of service you received. Did your groomer take extra time with your pet to make him look his best? Did he or she handle her with care and affection? If so, you should add to your base amount anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent—or even more if you’d like.
Therefore, if your base amount is $55, you would add between $5.50 and $11 to that figure. In our example, this brings us to a range of anywhere from $60.50 to $66.
Finally, keep in mind any special circumstances that might affect how much you choose to tip. For instance, if your pet is difficult to handle or has special needs that require additional time or attention from the groomer.
How to care for your dog at home between groomings?
Brushing your dog at home between groomings not only keeps the coat and skin healthy but also helps to reduce shedding. Brushing stimulates capillary action, which brings fresh blood to the skin. This is important for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny, healthy coat.
The frequency of brushing will depend on your pet’s individual needs and breed-specific coat type. Generally, dogs that require frequent brushing include double-coated breeds (i.e., German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, etc.), long-haired breeds (i.e., Poodle, Maltese, etc.), or any dog with a thick undercoat (i.e., Collie, Sheltie, etc.).
The Impact of Dog Grooming on Your Pet’s Health and Well-being
Dog grooming is not just about maintaining your pet’s level of cleanliness, and it is not just about keeping your pet looking good. Grooming is about maintaining both your dog’s physical health as well as their appearance.
Why is Regular Dog Grooming Important?
Regular dog grooming has numerous health benefits for your pet. It can prevent various health issues like skin problems, infections, and discomfort. Regular grooming can also help you detect any changes in your dog’s body that may indicate a health problem, such as lumps, bumps, or changes in skin color.
Moreover, grooming can also have psychological benefits for your pet. It can make them feel more comfortable and relaxed and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
The Health Benefits of Dog Grooming
Here are some of the key health benefits of regular dog grooming:
- Skin Health: Regular grooming can help to prevent skin conditions such as ticks, fleas, and dry patches. It can also help detect unusual spots or growths on your dog’s skin.
- Coat Health: Regular brushing and bathing can help to keep your dog’s coat clean and shiny. It can also help to prevent matting, which can be painful for your dog.
- Ear Health: Regular ear cleaning can help prevent ear infections, which are common in many breeds of dogs.
- Oral Health: Regular teeth cleaning can help to prevent bad breath and dental diseases.
- Nail Health: Regular nail trimming can help prevent overgrown nails, which can be painful for your dog and cause gait problems.
How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?
The frequency of grooming will depend on your dog’s breed, hair type, and lifestyle. Some dogs may need grooming every few weeks, while others only need grooming every few months.
Generally, you should groom your dog as often as necessary to keep them clean and comfortable. This may include regular brushing, bathing, ear cleaning, teeth cleaning, and nail trimming.
DIY Dog Grooming vs. Professional Dog Grooming
While some pet owners prefer to groom their dogs at home, others prefer professional dog grooming services.
DIY dog grooming can be a bonding experience for you and your pet, and it can save you money. However, it can also be time-consuming, requiring a certain skill level and knowledge.
Professional dog grooming, on the other hand, can ensure that your pet is groomed properly and safely. Professional groomers have the training and experience to handle a variety of breeds and coat types, and they can provide services that may be difficult to do at home, such as anal gland expression and haircuts.
Whether you groom your dog at home or use a professional service, the most important thing is to ensure that your pet is groomed regularly for their health and well-being.
