How Much Does a Dog Groomer Really Cost?

A complete groom for a small dog (e.g. Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Chihuahua). Includes bath, blow dry, full body clip or scissor cut, ear cleaning, nail clipping and sanitary trim. Small dogs with smooth coats like Jack Russells are at the cheaper end.

A complete groom for a medium dog (e.g. Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Springer Spaniel). Includes bath, blow dry, full body clip or scissor cut, ear cleaning, nail clipping and sanitary trim. Cockapoos and doodle crosses with thick curly coats are at the higher end.

A complete groom for a large dog (e.g. Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Labradoodle, Standard Poodle). Includes bath, blow dry, full body clip or scissor cut, ear cleaning, nail clipping and sanitary trim. Giant breeds like Newfoundlands or Saint Bernards may cost even more.

A bath using professional dog shampoo and conditioner, followed by a thorough blow dry and brush out. Does not include clipping or scissoring. Ideal between full grooms or for short-coated breeds that don't need cutting. May include a basic nail clip and ear clean.

Trimming all of the dog's nails to a safe length using clippers or a nail grinder (Dremel). Long nails can cause pain and affect the dog's gait. Dogs that walk regularly on pavements may need less frequent clipping. Some dogs find nail clipping stressful so a calm, experienced groomer makes a difference.

A gentle introduction to grooming for puppies, usually from 12-16 weeks old. A shorter and less intensive session designed to get the puppy comfortable with the grooming process. Typically includes a gentle bath, blow dry, face tidy, nail clip and lots of positive reinforcement. Building good grooming habits early makes future grooms much easier.

Removing dead hair from wire-coated breeds by hand rather than clipping. Maintains the correct coat texture and colour. Essential for breeds like Border Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Schnauzers and Airedales if you want to maintain the breed standard. Very time-consuming and a specialist skill.

An additional charge on top of a standard groom for removing mats and tangles from a neglected coat. Price depends on severity. Badly matted dogs may need to be clipped short (shaved off) for welfare reasons, as de-matting severely matted coats causes pain and skin damage. Regular grooming every 6-8 weeks prevents matting.

Brushing the dog's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste during or alongside a grooming session. This is a cosmetic clean to remove surface plaque, not a veterinary dental procedure. Some groomers use ultrasonic teeth cleaning tools for a deeper clean. Not a substitute for professional veterinary dental treatment if there is significant tartar or gum disease.

A full groom styled to the breed standard or a recognised pet trim for the breed. Includes bath, blow dry and a breed-appropriate cut. Examples include the Bichon Frise lamb trim, Poodle continental clip, Schnauzer eyebrows and skirt, or Westie head shape. Requires a groomer experienced with the specific breed.

A full grooming service carried out in a specially equipped van parked outside your home. Convenient for elderly or disabled owners, anxious dogs, or those without transport. The groomer brings everything including water, power and drying equipment. Typically costs £10-£20 more than a salon groom to cover travel and van running costs.

A bath using specialist flea treatment shampoo to kill and remove fleas. Not a substitute for ongoing prescription flea treatment from your vet, but useful as an immediate measure to remove fleas and provide relief. The groomer will also comb through the coat to remove dead fleas and flea dirt.