Some dogs look great and stay healthy with a good brushing and occasional bath while others need regular professional help. So how much does salon grooming cost and what can you do to make grooming more affordable?
Keep in mind that grooming costs can vary widely depending on factors such as:
- Your dog’s breed, size, and coat type
- Your location (regional area, city, suburbs, rural)
- Your groomer’s training, experience, equipment, and grooming facility
- Your dog’s coat condition and previous grooming experience
How Much Dog Grooming Costs on Average
Basic grooming sessions usually include a bath and brush-out, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and a simple haircut or trim. Based on size, nationwide averages for these basic dog grooming services are:
- $30 to $50 for small dogs (up to 20 pounds)
- $50 to $80 for medium-sized dogs (20 to 50 pounds)
- $80 to $120 for large dogs (50 to 80 pounds)
- $120 to $200 for giant breeds (over 80 pounds)
More extensive dog grooming services include a deep-cleaning bath, detailed haircut, anal gland expression, teeth brushing, or other specialized treatments. Comprehensive grooming packages average:
- $50 to $80 for small dogs
- $80 to $110 for medium-sized dogs
- $110 to $150 for large dogs
- $150 to $250 for giant breeds
Special dog grooming services add additional fees to basic prices. Examples include:
- De-matting treatments that remove snarls, tangles, and mats ($10 to $100 extra depending on the coat’s condition)
- Flea baths and flea treatments ($10 to $45 extra)
- Medicated baths or specialized skin treatments ($15 to $45 extra)
- Shed-control treatments (price depends on size and coat)
- Stand-alone nail trims, which can often be done on a drop-in basis for an average fee of $15.
When to Go to a Professional Groomer
Professional grooming is most important when your dog has a complex coat, you don’t have time to perform thorough at-home grooming, or your dog has a skin condition that requires specialized care.
Keep in mind that prices vary by region. In general, grooming prices are highest in large cities and lower in rural areas. In addition, mobile groomers, who come to your home, are more expensive than groomers who work in salons. In the end, everything depends on supply (the number of qualified, experienced groomers and the services they offer) and demand (the number of dogs and owners needing their attention). For accurate estimates in your area, contact local groomers and grooming salons.
Grooming Factors to Consider When Getting a Dog
If you are shopping for a dog or planning to adopt one, start with an understanding of the different breeds’ grooming requirements. If you don’t enjoy brushing dogs (for some breeds it’s a daily requirement) or if you can’t afford frequent visits to groomers, think twice about living with a dog with a high-maintenance coat.
For example, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Afghan Hounds—and mixes with similar coat types—cost from $50 to $200 per grooming session. These dogs often need monthly appointments. Similarly, breeds that are heavy shedders like Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and German Shepherd Dogs can be expensive to groom when the seasons change. In contrast, short-haired and smooth-coated dogs typically cost $40 to $50 for basic grooming.
How to Reduce Grooming Costs
If you have a puppy or adult dog who isn’t used to professional grooming, start with short training sessions that will help him relax and enjoy the experience. Do this with short, gentle, reward-filled brushing sessions, massage your pup’s paws daily, gently touch his face and head with the back of a spoon or spoon handle (this will help him relax around scissors), set your phone to vibrate and simulate the vibration of clippers, and encourage him to stand still for bathing and brushing.
Ask for meet-and-greet introductions to any groomer you’d like to try. In a few minutes, an experienced groomer can recommend grooming options, explain their fees, answer your questions, and help your dog feel comfortable in the salon.
Your groomer can recommend combs or brushes to use at home, how often to brush your dog, how often to bathe and with what products, and other suggestions for routine maintenance.
If your dog’s coat has tangles and mats, bathing may worsen them and trap moisture on the skin, potentially causing more problems. There is no simple way to remove mats and tangles without shaving the dog, though in some cases they can be picked apart. A professional groomer will know what approach to take.
Why Is Dog Grooming So Expensive?
Dog grooming most closely resembles human hair styling. If you have a favorite hair stylist or barber, you’re likely to schedule regular appointments, tip well, and develop a personal relationship. You respect your stylist’s training, experience, equipment, and efficiency. As groomer Lara Fasekas explains, “Dog grooming can cost more than a human haircut because there’s so much involved. It’s also more physically demanding because groomers have to lift and position dogs of all sizes. Dog grooming equipment has come a long way with the help of innovations that cost money, like belly straps that fasten to the groomer’s wall to keep dogs closer and help them feel safer. Quality scissors and clippers are serious investments, costing hundreds of dollars. In addition, there is a nationwide shortage of experienced groomers, and all of this adds to the cost of grooming.”