Dog Grooming Cost by Size
Size is the biggest driver of what a groomer charges. Bigger dogs take longer to bathe, dry and trim, so most salons price by weight class and then adjust for coat type.
| Dog size | Full groom (bath + haircut) | Bath and brush only | Mobile full groom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lb) | $40–$80 | $25–$50 | $60–$100 |
| Medium (20–50 lb) | $60–$110 | $35–$65 | $80–$140 |
| Large (50–90 lb) | $75–$135 | $45–$80 | $100–$175 |
| Giant (90+ lb) | $95–$175 | $55–$105 | $125–$225 |
Thumbtack puts the national average for a groom at about $104, with most customers paying $79 to $136. Bark reports averages of roughly $62 for small breeds, $77 for medium, $95 for large and $120 for giant breeds. Our ranges above reflect that consensus for a typical salon.
Cost by coat type
Coat matters almost as much as size. A short, smooth coat (Beagle, Boxer, Lab) mostly needs a bath, brush-out and nail trim. A long, curly or silky coat (Poodle, doodle, Shih Tzu, Yorkie) needs scissoring or clipping every 4 to 8 weeks, and groomers usually charge 20% to 30% more for it. Heavy double coats (Husky, Shiba Inu, German Shepherd) are not usually shaved, but a de-shedding treatment adds time and cost.
What’s Included in the Price
A “full groom” at most salons covers more than a haircut. Here is what the base price usually includes and what costs extra.
| Service | Usually included in a full groom? | Typical price on its own or as an add-on |
|---|---|---|
| Bath, shampoo and blow-dry | Yes | $25–$90 as a bath-and-brush package |
| Brush-out | Yes | Included |
| Haircut or breed trim | Yes | $45–$140+ |
| Nail trim | Yes | $10–$20 walk-in |
| Nail grinding / buffing | Sometimes | $15–$25 |
| Ear cleaning | Yes | $5–$30 as a separate add-on |
| Teeth brushing | Sometimes | $10–$20 |
| De-shedding treatment | No | $20–$50 |
| De-matting | No | $20–$60+ |
| Flea and tick shampoo | No | $15–$30 |
| Specialty shampoo, facial, nail polish | No | $5–$20 |
How Much Does It Cost to Groom a Dog at a Chain Store?
Many owners compare local salons with big pet-store chains such as PetSmart and Petco. PetSmart does not publish a national price list for dog haircuts: its grooming FAQ says base package prices depend on the breed, the condition of the coat and the length of the service, and it asks customers to get a quote online or from their local salon.
In practice, chain salon prices tend to fall within the same range as independent salons in the same area. A small, short-coated dog getting a bath will be at the low end; a large doodle with a full haircut will be at the high end. Chains often sell bath-only packages, walk-in nail trims and add-on bundles, so ask for the price of exactly the services you want.
Before booking any salon, have your dog’s vaccine records ready. PetSmart, for example, requires proof of a current rabies vaccination for dogs over four months, and some states and cities require extra vaccines. If your dog is due, see our guide to the rabies shot cost.
What Affects the Cost of Dog Grooming
Size and weight
A 10-lb dog may be done in an hour, while a 100-lb dog can take three or four. Most groomers use weight brackets, and giant breeds often cost two to three times as much as toy breeds.
Coat type and condition
Long, curly and double coats take more time. Matting is the most common surprise charge: a matted coat may need de-matting at an extra fee or a short “shave-down” for the dog’s comfort. Regular brushing at home keeps this cost away.
Type of groomer
- Self-serve dog wash: usually the cheapest option; you do the work with the shop’s tub and dryer.
- Chain or independent salon: the standard price range in the tables above.
- Mobile groomer: a van comes to your home. Bark estimates mobile grooming at about 20% to 30% more than salon prices, in exchange for convenience and a calmer, one-on-one session.
- Vet clinic grooming or sedated grooming: for very anxious or aggressive dogs, and usually the most expensive.
Region
Prices in big metro areas like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles can run 30% to 50% higher than in rural areas. Bark reports $150 or more for a medium-to-large dog in major cities versus $50 to $80 in rural areas.
Behavior and age
Puppies on their first visits, senior dogs and nervous dogs need more time and patience. Some groomers add a handling fee for dogs that need two people or frequent breaks.
How often you go
Many salons discount regular appointments every 4 to 6 weeks, because a well-kept coat is quicker to groom. Waiting three or four months usually means more tangles and a higher bill.
How Often Does a Dog Need Professional Grooming?
| Coat type | Examples | Typical schedule | Yearly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short, smooth | Beagle, Boxer, Lab | Bath every 2–3 months, or at home | $0–$300 |
| Double coat | Husky, Shiba Inu, Golden Retriever | Bath and de-shed every 6–12 weeks | $300–$900 |
| Long, curly or silky | Poodle, doodle, Shih Tzu | Full groom every 4–8 weeks | $600–$1,600 |
Grooming is one of the easiest line items to forget when you plan a budget. Our cost of owning a dog guide puts it alongside food, vet care and insurance.
How Much Should You Tip a Dog Groomer?
The usual tip for a dog groomer is 15% to 20% of the bill, according to both Thumbtack and QC Pet Studies. On an $85 groom, that’s about $13 to $17. Many owners tip a little more when the dog was matted, very muddy or hard to handle, and around the holidays.
If the groomer owns the business, some owners skip the tip, but many still leave one. For mobile groomers, a similar 15% to 20% is common.
When to Call Your Vet Instead of a Groomer
Groomers often spot problems first, but they can’t treat them. Book a vet visit if your dog has red or smelly ears, hot spots, sudden hair loss, lumps, or constant scratching. Call your vet or an emergency vet right away if a nail is torn and bleeding heavily, if your dog is injured, or if there are signs of heat stress after grooming such as heavy panting, weakness or collapse. Our vet visit cost guide explains typical exam fees.
How to Save Money on Dog Grooming
- Brush at home a few times a week. A tangle-free coat avoids de-matting fees and shortens every appointment.
- Book on a regular schedule. Many groomers discount standing appointments every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Alternate full grooms with bath-only visits. A bath and brush costs roughly 40% less than a full groom.
- Trim nails yourself or use walk-in nail trims. A $10 to $20 walk-in trim between grooms keeps nails short.
- Try a self-serve dog wash for short-coated dogs that just need a bath.
- Ask for an itemized quote. Confirm what’s included before add-ons like de-shedding or specialty shampoo are added.
- Look for grooming school salons. Some grooming academies offer supervised student grooms at a lower price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to groom a dog?
A full groom usually costs $40 to $80 for a small dog, $60 to $110 for a medium dog, $75 to $135 for a large dog and $95 to $175 for a giant breed. Long or curly coats cost more, and a bath-only visit costs roughly 40% less.
How much is a PetSmart dog haircut?
PetSmart doesn’t publish a national price list. Its grooming FAQ says base package prices depend on the breed, the condition of the coat and the length of the service, so you’ll get the exact price from your local salon or when booking online. Chain prices generally fall within the same range as other salons in your area.
How much should I tip a dog groomer?
The usual tip is 15% to 20% of the bill, so about $13 to $17 on an $85 groom. Owners often tip more for a matted, muddy or anxious dog, and around the holidays.
Is mobile dog grooming more expensive?
Yes, usually by about 20% to 30% compared with a salon, because the groomer travels to you and works one-on-one. Many owners of anxious or senior dogs find the convenience worth it.
How often should I get my dog groomed?
Dogs with long, curly or silky coats usually need a full groom every 4 to 8 weeks. Double-coated dogs do well with a bath and de-shed every 6 to 12 weeks, and short-coated dogs may only need an occasional bath and nail trim.
Does pet insurance cover grooming?
No. Grooming is routine care, so accident-and-illness plans don’t cover it. Some optional wellness add-ons include a small grooming allowance, subject to the plan’s terms.
Not veterinary advice. Prices are estimates for budgeting, not quotes. Ask your veterinarian for a written, itemized estimate. If your pet is injured, in pain or acting unwell, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away.
