How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost?

When you adopt a dog, one of the things you may need to do on a regular basis is make sure they’re groomed. And the cost of grooming a dog can add up, depending on the frequency it needs to happen as well as whether you do it yourself or pay for a groomer.

Here, we’ll review some average dog grooming prices, so you know what to expect. We’ll also show you how to save money on dog grooming if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

What’s Included in Dog Grooming Packages?

A full-service dog grooming session has several components, including:

• Bathing and shampooing
• Brushing and de-shedding
• Trimming, shaving, and de-matting
• Styling and shaping
• Ear cleaning
• Nail trimming

Some groomers also offer teeth brushing with their standard packages or as an add-on. However, do know that having your dog’s teeth brushed during a grooming session is not necessarily a substitute for following up with their vet on dental care.

Average Dog Grooming Costs

The cost of grooming your dog will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Your dog's breed, size, and coat
• Where you live
• What additional services you want
• Whether you do it yourself versus pay for a groomer

Assuming you're using a professional groomer, Bark puts the average cost at $85.

Here are Bark’s averages based on dog size:

• Small breed - $62
• Medium breed - $77
• Large breed - $95
• Extra-large breed - $120

In addition to your dog’s size, their breed/coat will determine how much it costs to groom them. Here’s what you may be looking at for a few popular breeds:

• Poodles - $50 to $100 per month
• Labrador Retrievers - $45 to $75 per month
• Pomeranians - $100 to $400 per month

If you have a mobile grooming service in your area, it may or may not be more expensive than taking your dog to a grooming salon. The Academy of Pet Careers puts the average mobile dog grooming cost at $60 to $100 or more, depending on your dog's size and breed.

On the one hand, your dog grooming costs may be lower with a mobile service since there may not be as much overhead as renting an actual salon space. On the other hand, mobile grooming services offer the convenience of coming to you, which you might pay for.

Factors That Affect Dog Grooming Prices

There are a number of factors that go into the cost of dog grooming:

• Your dog’s coat type and length. If it’s thick and matted, you can expect to pay more.
• Your dog’s behavior and temperament. If your dog is squirmy or anxious, it might take a groomer longer to groom them, resulting in a surcharge. Some groomers charge extra for puppies for this reason.
• Dog grooming frequency. The more often you get your dog groomed, the more manageable their coat might be, resulting in a lower cost per session. If you use the same groomer, they might also offer a discount for frequent customers.
• Your location. In some parts of the country, services in general are more expensive than in others. Expect to pay more if you’re in a big city.
• Salon reputation. A higher-end grooming salon might charge more than a salon located in a pet supply store.
• Add-on services. If you ask for extras, expect to pay for them.

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

The frequency at which you groom your dog should depend on their breed and coat. Some short-haired dogs hardly ever need to be groomed professionally. You can simply brush their hair once a week and bathe them yourself on occasion.

Grooming frequency should also depend on how much your dog sheds, and the times of the year when that shedding is most intense. For many breeds, spring is when the most shedding occurs.

The thicker and longer your dog's coat, the more frequently you might need to groom them. Ridgeside K9 Grooming makes the following recommendations:

• Labrador Retriever - brush weekly, bathe every six to eight weeks
• German Shepherd - brush multiple times a week, bathe every six to eight weeks
• Poodle - brush daily, groom every four to six weeks

It's important to look out for signs that you aren't grooming your dog frequently enough. These include:

• Matted fur
• Overgrown nails
• Extra shedding

And perhaps the most telltale sign that your dog is overdue to be groomed is if they start to stink.

How to Save on Dog Grooming Costs

The cost of grooming a dog can really add up. Here are some ways to save.

• Do it yourself. Invest in some basic tools like a dog brush, shampoo, nail clippers, and scissors for trimming, and do your grooming on your own. For a large dog, you may want to invest in a heavy-duty pet blow dryer.
• Sign up for a loyalty program. Some dog groomers offer a discount if you use them regularly during the year. You can also see if prepaying for a year of services results in a discount on the regular price.
• Scope out dog grooming deals. Sometimes, you may get a better price at a small, independent groomer than at a large chain. Or, if there’s a mobile pet groomer in your area who’s just starting out, they may be willing to offer their services at a discount while they build up a roster of clients.
• Train your dog to sit still. Though it’s easier said than done, if you’re able to get your dog into the habit of sitting still during a grooming session, your groomer may cut you a deal.
• Only pay for services you need. You may feel comfortable clipping your dog’s nails but not trimming their coat. Talk to different groomers who offer packages and see if it’s possible to purchase services a la carte.

Is Professional Dog Grooming Worth It?

There’s nothing wrong with trying to groom your dog on your own, and it could save you a lot of money. But in some cases, it may be worth turning to a professional. Here are some situations where you may not want to take a DIY approach:

• Your dog has behavioral issues. If your dog is very anxious, they might lash out at you and cause an injury if you attempt to groom them yourself. A professional may be better equipped to handle a pet with special needs.
• Your dog is very matted. If your dog's coat has reached the point where it's severely matted, it's best to turn to a professional.
• Your dog's coat is complex. Certain breeds are harder to groom than others. If you have a breed like a Poodle or Pomeranian, you may want to pay for a service rather than tackle grooming yourself.
• Your dog is very large. It can be challenging to bathe a large dog that won't sit still, and you don't want to risk an injury.

Here’s how to decide whether to do your own grooming versus using a professional groomer.

Of course, one of the best reasons to do your own dog grooming is to save money. But even then, you’ll want to make sure you’re really up to the task. If it turns out that it’s best to use a professional, doing a little research could help you find “affordable dog grooming near me” that doesn’t break the bank.