How much does dog grooming cost?

Whether your dog needs an overdue haircut or wants a little pampering, hiring a dog groomer is a good idea. From basic cleaning and shampooing to haircuts and styling, they got everything covered. But what are average dog-grooming prices, and how much should you tip a dog groomer?

The average cost of dog grooming is $30 to $60 for a basic wash and dry service. When having a dog groomed, costs can escalate depending on your dog’s size, breed, and coat condition. 

Determining exactly how much it costs to groom a dog can be tricky, especially for first-timers. If you want to know more about how much dog grooming is in your area, here's a comprehensive cost guide.

Dog grooming services and their costs

Full dog-grooming service costs start at $30. This service includes the whole dog care package, such as bathing and washing, blow-drying, coat brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and in some groomers, gland expression.

If you feel a bit fancier or want to reward your dog for being a good and reliable pet, you can also get additional services such as sensitive skin treatment, paw treatment, and fresh breath gel. 

Likewise, if your dog has been suffering from fleas and ticks or looks bushy and messy due to overdue grooming, groomers also offer services to fix these issues. You can avail of flea and tick treatments or coat restyling and colouring to make your dog look and feel their best.

What factors affect dog grooming prices?

Many factors affect dog-grooming prices. Basic grooming usually starts at $30, while it can go up to $130 for larger dogs with thicker coats. We’ve listed the different factors affecting these costs.

Dog size

The size of your pet is one of the main factors affecting grooming prices. The bigger your dog, the longer and more challenging it is to groom. Hence, the higher the cost.

Coat length, thickness, and condition

You also need to consider the length and thickness of your dog’s coat when calculating grooming prices. Grooming dogs with longer and thicker coats often come at a higher cost. 

In addition, the condition of the coat also affects final prices. If you’re walking your dog and they step on a puddle or roll in the mud, dirt will naturally stick to their coat, affecting grooming costs.

Dog breed

The cost of grooming your dog can go higher or lower depending on the breed. Smaller dogs with smoother coats like Pugs or Chihuahuas are the least expensive, while costs can easily double for bigger dogs with thicker coats like German Shepherds or Huskies.

Grooming frequency

Dogs usually need more frequent grooming than other pets. Some dog breeds need monthly grooming, while some require it bi-monthly. If you plan to avail of more than one session, you may check with your groomer if they offer discounts or more budget-friendly packages.

Location

Your location also affects how much it costs to groom a dog. If you live in bigger cities, dog-grooming prices can increase since the costs of living and operating are higher. If you live further from the city and need additional services like doggy day care, this will also add up to the costs.

Breakdown of average dog-grooming prices per state:

Transportation

Some dogs are not fond of being in confined, moving vehicles. It can even be inconvenient for those with bigger, heavier dogs. At times like this, you may benefit from the services of a mobile dog groomer wherein the groomer drives to your place with all the equipment needed for dog grooming. Of course, the added convenience comes at a higher cost.

Dog behaviour

A dog’s temperament also affects-grooming costs. Maybe they tend to bark constantly or even bite in unfamiliar situations. If your dog has aggressive behaviour when placed in a kennel or being looked after by a sitter, then this is worth mentioning to your groomer. Keep in mind that they might charge an additional fee since the job requires extra care or more manpower.

The benefits of hiring a dog groomer

A dog groomer not only cleans your pet or fixes their coat but also ensures they’re comfortable, safe, and healthy. Professional dog groomers are trained to detect potential problems in the form of rashers, bath patches, lesions, lumps, discolouration, and bleeding. Finding a trusted dog groomer will not only be beneficial for your pet but also for your family in the long run, as diseases and infections can be avoided and detected quickly.

Getting ready to hire a dog groomer

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to dog-grooming prices. Connecting with a groomer will give you a better idea of the exact costs and best packages that fit your situation.

Whether your furry friend needs a pamper session or an overdue coat trimming, Airtasker can help! Here’s how it works.

Posting a task

When writing posting a task, it helps to be clear about your dog’s history and what type of service is needed. Here are essential details that you can share:

• dog’s age and size
• dog breed
• dog gender
• history of grooming
• neutered or not neutered
• temperament and medical conditions

Screening

Once your post is up, it’s time to select the right person to do the job. To help you get ready in your search, we’ve listed a few questions that can guide you in picking the right groomer for your beloved pet:

• How long have you been doing dog grooming?
• Can you share before and after photos from other clients?
• Can you share the products that you will use in grooming my dog?
• Do you have any training or certifications related to grooming?

After the service

Once the service is completed, you might be wondering how much you should tip a dog groomer. On average, tips range from 10% to 20% of final costs, similar to how we tip our hairdressers. Generally, tips for dog grooming depend on the service you received. If you think the job was done well, 15% is reasonable.