How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost?

Last Updated on March 5, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Getting your pup primped by a professional groomer provides huge benefits for their health, hygiene, and happiness. But dog owners know these services come at a price. Rates can range wildly based on your dog’s breed, coat condition, and specific services needed. Location, salon amenities, appointment urgency, and scheduling convenience also sway the bottom line.

This guide examines the main factors that influence dog grooming costs. You’ll learn realistic price ranges based on breed and service type. We’ll also cover regional pricing differences, mobile vs storefront groomers, hidden fees to watch for, cost-saving tips, and what to budget for your dog’s unique needs. Read on for deep insights into the true cost of quality canine care.

How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost?

Dog grooming costs range from $30 – $140 on average depending on breed size and service extent.

Pricing can vary exponentially based on your dog’s size and breed. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Small Dogs

• Typical range – $30 – $80
• Common breeds – Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds, Papillons, Pomeranians
• Cost factors – longer hair, specialized breed cuts, anxious temperaments requiring additional handling

For a basic bath and brush, small dogs average $35-50. Full styling with extras may reach $75-95.

Medium Dogs

• Typical range – $50 – $95
• Common breeds – Beagles, French Bulldogs, Corgis, Basset Hounds
• Cost factors – heavy shedding coats requiring extensive brushing, sedation needs for anxious dogs

Look for bath and brush pricing around $60-80 for medium pups. A deluxe styling may hit $90-120 based on coat complexity.

Large Dogs

• Typical range – $65 – $120
• Common breeds – Labs, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Boxers
• Cost factors – thick undercoats requiring patient detangling, large quantities of hair adding time

For large dog bathing expect to pay $75-100. A full grooming could reach $100-150 based on breed-specific styling needs.

Giant Breeds

• Typical range – $85 – $140
• Common breeds – Mastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees
• Cost factors – the sheer physical size adds significant time to washing, drying, and handling these pups. Their extensive coats also require meticulous brushing.

Giant breeds start around $100 for bath-only services, reaching $150+ for a full detail grooming.

As you can see, costs scale up substantially for larger breeds and special coat care needs. But you also need to account for extra services.

According to Inselife, basic grooming services, including a bath, brush, nail trim, and ear cleaning, typically cost between $40 and $100. Full-service grooming, which includes hair trimming and styling, ranges from $70 to $150. Additional services like de-shedding or flea treatments are priced at $10 to $25 each. Prices also vary by region, with costs generally higher in the Northeast and West compared to the Southeast or Midwest.

On HomeGuide, grooming for small dogs starts at around $40, while larger breeds can cost up to $75 for full-service grooming. Mobile grooming services are more expensive, averaging $75 per session, while self-service facilities charge between $11 and $23. Specific add-ons like nail trims or teeth brushing cost around $10 to $15 each.

The Dogster price guide notes that grooming costs range from $25 for small dogs with short coats to over $150 for giant breeds with curly or matted coats. For example, a medium-sized dog with a simple coat may cost between $35 and $60, while a large breed with a high-maintenance coat could cost up to $145.

Additionally, Bark reports that grooming for medium breeds typically costs between $35 and $120, depending on coat type and complexity. Large breeds like Labradors or Golden Retrievers fall in the range of $50 to $140, while giant breeds such as Saint Bernards can cost up to $180 due to their size and grooming needs.

Why Dog Grooming Matters

Before diving into dollar amounts, it helps to understand why professional grooming is so important for canines:

• Health – Catching and preventing skin, ear, and paw infections. Removing tangles, mats, and pests before they worsen.
• Hygiene – Bathing, brushing, and dental care keep dogs clean and smelling fresh. Excess hair left in the undercoat can become dirty and matted.
• Appearance – Styling and trimming helps dogs look and feel their best. It enhances their natural features.
• Comfort – Removing excess hair keeps dogs cool in summer and prevents matting pulling at skin. Clipping overgrown nails prevents pain.

Regular grooming provides health benefits, aesthetic appeal, and enhanced comfort for dogs. Committing to professional care prevents much larger veterinary expenses down the road.

What Impacts the Cost of Dog Grooming?

Prices for grooming vary based on several factors:

Breed and Size

Larger dogs with extensive coats (like Golden Retrievers) cost more to groom than miniature smooth-coated breeds (such as Dachshunds). Prepping thick double-coats takes considerable time and tools. Popular mixed breeds like Goldendoodles also command premium pricing.

Coat Condition

Neglected, severely matted coats add significant time and care to detangle safely. De-matting fees often apply. Long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus require careful brushing and drying.

Service Type

A basic bath-and-brush costs less than full-service pampering with nail trimming, teeth brushing, skin treatments, styling, and perfume spritzes. Know what’s included.

Location

Urban pet salons pay higher rents. This gets passed along in grooming fees up to 25% higher than suburban shops. Home-based mobile grooming offers convenience at a premium.

Peak Demand

Around holidays and summer, rates often increase 10-15% due to higher customer demand. Book early to avoid surcharges.

You might also like our articles about the cost of cat grooming, Petco pet grooming, or Yorkie haircuts.

Service Cost Breakdown

Groomers offer tiered service packages. Basic bathing and brushing costs far less than specialized fur styling with extras. Here’s a detailed service menu with pricing:

Basic Bath and Brush Package

• Small dogs – $25 – $40
• Medium dogs – $35 – $55
• Large dogs – $45 – $70
• Giant dogs – $60 – $90

Additional costs to consider:

• Medicated shampoos for skin issues – $5-15 extra
• Conditioning treatments for aging dogs – $8-20 extra
• De-tangling severely matted coats – $25+ extra
• Flea and tick shampoos if needed – $10-15 extra

Haircut and Styling

• Small dogs – $25 – $50
• Medium dogs – $35 – $60
• Large dogs – $45 – $75
• Giant dogs – $70 – $100+

Additional costs may include:

• Complex breed-specific cuts like Poodles – $10-20 extra
• Creative styling like mohawks, dyed tips, bows – $5-15 extra
• De-matting and de-tangling time – $15-25 extra

Nail Trim Package

• Standalone service – $10 – $20
• Bundled with other services – $5 – $10

Additional costs:

• Sedation for extremely anxious or aggressive dogs – $25+ extra
• Grinding thick nails vs standard clipper trim – $5 extra

Ear Cleaning

• Standalone service – $5 – $15
• Bundled with other services – Free – $10

Additional costs:

• Treatment for ear infections – $10-15 extra
• Plucking excessive ear hair – $10 extra

Mobile vs Salon Grooming Costs

Mobile grooming brings the pet salon directly to your home for maximum convenience. But you’ll pay a premium for that in-home service. Prices run 25-50% higher than salon rates.

Brick-and-mortar grooming facilities offer the lowest rates but require you to transport your dog to and from the location. Some salons offer shuttle service for an added $10-20 fee.

When choosing between mobile or in-salon grooming, consider your specific priorities:

• Convenience – Mobile grooming saves you travel time and effort
• Stress reduction – Some dogs find in-home services less stressful than a facility visit
• Flexibility – Mobile groomers may offer weekend and evening appointments when salons are closed
• Cost savings – Salon rates are generally 25-50% cheaper for equivalent services

Check prices between multiple neighborhood salons and mobile pet groomers to find the best balance of affordability, convenience, and service quality for your needs.

Tips for Saving Money

• Learn DIY basics for touch-ups between pro grooming. YouTube tutorials are helpful.
• Bundle services like bath, nails, and ears into a package for 10-15% savings.
• Ask about “happy hour” discounts for off-peak visits.
• Look for occasional holiday specials and first-time customer coupons.
• Research vet students, grooming academies, and big-box stores for budget-friendly options.

Without sacrificing quality, you can keep dog grooming affordable with some smart shopping.

When to Expect Premium Prices

While each groomer publishes their standard price lists, certain circumstances may incur surcharges or add-on costs:

• Peak weekend/holiday fees – Some salons charge an extra $10-15 for last-minute bookings around busy periods when slots fill fast.
• Express appointments – Same-day requests often cost an extra $10-20 depending on availability. Research cancellation/no-show policies.
• Sedation visits – For extremely difficult, anxious, or aggressive dogs, sedation by an accompanying vet tech run $30+ extra.
• De-matting fees – Severely matted coats take extensive prep work beforehand – expect a $25+ upcharge for the added time and care needed.
• Special handling – Elderly dogs or very young puppies may incur an extra fee of $10-15 for the extra time and gentleness required.

Plan ahead to avoid last-minute fees when possible. And budget for add-ons needed based on your pup’s unique situation.

Location Impacts Prices

Where you live significantly impacts how much you’ll pay for dog grooming. Here are some location-based pricing considerations:

Urban Areas

Grooming in major metro areas like Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, and Chicago often costs 20-50% more than surrounding suburbs. Higher facility costs and wages get passed along in elevated rates.

Suburban Areas

In commuter communities around large cities, grooming prices are moderately lower than urban centers while still reflecting higher regional costs of living.

Small Towns and Rural Areas

Sparsely populated rural locations often offer the most budget-friendly pricing on par with costs of living. But availability may be limited.

Some examples of location-based price differences:

• Chicago metro area – $95 average for full grooming
• Suburban Illinois – $75 average
• Rural Illinois towns – $60 average
• NYC boroughs – $110+ average
• Long Island suburbs – $85 average
• Upstate NY towns – $65 average

Check options in your immediate area as well as within about a 30-minute radius for the best value.

DIY Grooming Costs vs Professional

Can you save significantly by grooming your dog at home between professional visits? Here’s a look at the costs:

Upfront DIY Equipment Costs

• Clippers – $40 – $150
• Scissor set – $15 – $40
• Brushes – $10 – $30
• Nail clippers – $15 – $25
• Shampoos – $10 – $25
• Dryer – $30 – $180

Total initial investment: $150 – $500 for quality gear

The DIY Experience

While professional-quality equipment helps, technique and confidence still take time. Most owners find home grooming manageable for baths and brushing but struggle with high-quality cuts. There’s increased risk of nicks, uneven shaving, botched styles, and a generally choppy appearance.

Cost/Benefit Considerations

• For long-haired dogs, DIY grooming every 2-4 weeks can add up to annual savings.
• Short-haired dogs benefit less from frequent trimming – professional visits every 8 weeks are fine.
• DIY works best for maintenance touch-ups between pro visits.
• Pay a groomer for the initial challenging work, maintain at home after.

Final Words

Regular grooming provides health and comfort benefits while avoiding matting issues over time. Comparing neighborhood salons and mobile groomers can help find the best value for your needs. Bundling services, booking off-peak, and checking for promotions can offer cost savings.

With the right planning and research, you can keep your dog looking their very best while staying within your budget.

Answers to Common Questions

How much grooming does a dog need?

Most dogs need professional grooming every 4-8 weeks. Long-haired breeds usually require visits every 4-6 weeks for optimal coat health. Short-haired dogs can go slightly longer between appointments, like every 8 weeks.

How to know when your dog needs grooming?

Signs it’s time to schedule a grooming include matted fur, excess shedding, overgrown nails clicking on floors, dirty coat and skin, or unpleasant “doggie” odor. Reduced energy and moping may also indicate discomfort needing groomer attention.

How many dogs can a groomer cut in a day?

An experienced groomer working 8-hour days can typically bathe, cut, and style 5-8 dogs per day depending on the breeds and extent of services. Some may stretch to groom 10+ smaller dogs daily. But quality care requires time, so excessive volumes risk neglecting each pet’s needs.