Buying guides
Dog Grooming Cost: What Decides the Price
Dog grooming cost varies by salon and region, and no authoritative source publishes a single national price, so this guide explains what drives the quote instead. Coat type, size, matting, and extras such as hand stripping decide most of it. Ask for a written quote for your dog's coat before you book.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Why there is no single price
Groomers set their own rates, and they differ by region, salon, the groomer's experience and what is included. That is why published figures vary so widely, and why this page does not quote one. The reliable approach is to call two or three local groomers, describe your dog's breed, weight and coat, and ask what a full groom would include.
A fair quote is specific. It should say what the base price covers, such as a bath, blow-dry, brush-out, trim, nail trim and ear cleaning, and what costs extra. Ask whether the price is per visit or per hour, and whether matted coats are charged separately.
Coat type is the biggest factor
The AKC describes several coat types, from short double coats like a Beagle or Labrador to long coats like a Collie, plus Arctic coats and wire coats. A dense double coat takes longer to wash, dry and de-shed, and long or curly coats need more brush-out and trimming time. Because grooming is priced largely on labor, more time on the table usually means a higher price.
Size matters for the same reason: a large dog takes more time and more water, shampoo and drying than a small one. Many salons price by size bracket or weight, so know your dog's current weight before you call.
Matting, shedding and condition
The AKC notes that neglected coats can tangle and irritate the skin, and that groomers can gently remove mats and, when needed, trim the coat to clear tangles and let the skin dry. Removing mats takes extra time and care, which is why many salons add a surcharge or insist on clipping the coat short.
Regular brushing between visits is the most effective way to keep that cost down. The AKC advises brushing a double-coated dog at least once a week with a slicker brush followed by a comb. A dog that comes in clean and tangle-free is quicker to groom, and often cheaper to book.
Extras that change the quote
Add-ons raise the total. Hand stripping, which the AKC describes as a specialized service for wire-coated dogs, is a premium service that costs more than a traditional groom, and it takes training to do well. Other common extras include de-shedding treatments, teeth brushing, nail grinding, specialty shampoos and flea treatments.
Not every extra is necessary. The AKC points out that most pet dogs do not need hand stripping, and many owners choose a pet strip, a clipper trim with carding. Ask which services your dog really needs and which are optional.
How often to go, and the cost over a year
How often a dog should visit depends on home maintenance, coat type and climate, according to the AKC. A short-coated dog that is brushed at home may need professional grooming only occasionally, while a poodle-type or long-coated dog may need regular appointments. Your groomer can suggest a schedule for your dog's coat.
Over a year, the number of visits matters more than the price of one. A dog booked on a regular schedule often has a shorter, cleaner groom each time than one brought in after months of neglect. Groomers also check the dog all over and may notice lumps, sore paw pads, ear problems or dental issues you have missed. Tell your vet about anything they flag.
Doing part of it yourself
Home care covers the routine jobs: weekly brushing, a bath only when your dog is dirty or smelly (the AKC warns that overbathing strips natural oils), nail trims and ear checks. A dog grooming kit with a brush, comb and nail tools covers the basics, and a dog brush suited to your dog's coat does most of the work between visits. Our guide to choosing a dog grooming kit explains what to look for.
Home grooming does not replace a groomer for every dog. Dogs with wire coats, heavy double coats or tricky haircuts usually benefit from professional skills, and the AKC cautions against shaving a double coat unless tangles force it, since shaving can damage the topcoat and raise the risk of skin problems and sunburn.
When grooming problems need a vet
See your vet if your dog has red, sore or flaking skin, a bad smell, head shaking or scratching at the ears, or lumps you find while brushing. These are medical questions, not grooming ones, and a groomer cannot treat them.
Dogs that panic at grooming can be helped by starting young, short sessions and a patient groomer. If your dog is very frightened or aggressive at the salon, talk to your vet about options.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How much does dog grooming cost?
It varies by salon, region, coat type and dog size, and no authoritative source gives one national price. Call local groomers with your dog's breed and weight, and ask for a written quote that lists what is included.
Why is grooming more expensive for some breeds?
Price mostly follows labor. Dense double coats, long coats and curly coats take longer to wash, dry, brush and trim, and extras such as hand stripping take specialist skill, so those dogs usually cost more than short-coated ones.
How can I lower my dog's grooming costs?
Brush your dog regularly so the coat does not mat, keep nails trimmed, and book on a steady schedule rather than waiting for a mess. Skip optional extras your dog does not need.
How often should a dog see a groomer?
The AKC says it depends on home maintenance, coat type and climate. Ask your groomer to recommend a schedule for your dog's coat, and keep up weekly brushing between visits.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
