How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost?
Last updated: April 27, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
Dog grooming costs $40 to $130 per visit, averaging around $75, with dog size and service tier being the biggest factors. A basic bath and brush-out for a small dog can run as little as $30-$40, while a full-service groom with haircut and styling for a large or giant breed can reach $130-$200 or more.
Matted or heavily shedding coats, breed-specific styling, and add-ons like teeth brushing or de-shedding treatments all raise the price above the base groom cost.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $40 – $130
Low end
$30
High end
$200+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
Dog Grooming Cost Calculator
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Bath & shampoo | $15 – $35 |
| Haircut & styling | $20 – $70 |
| Nail trim & ear cleaning | $10 – $20 |
| Blow-dry & brush-out | $10 – $25 |
What Affects the Cost
Dog size and coat type
Larger dogs take more time, water, and product, and thick or double-coated breeds require extra brushing and drying time, both of which raise the price.
Service tier
A basic bath-only visit costs far less than a full-service groom with a haircut, and breed-specific or show-style scissor cuts cost the most due to the skill and time involved.
Coat condition and matting
Heavily matted or tangled coats often require a shorter, dematting-focused cut and additional time, and many groomers charge a matting fee on top of the base price.
Add-on services
Nail trims, teeth brushing, de-shedding treatments, and flea/tick shampoo are commonly offered as extras beyond the standard groom.
Groomer type
Mobile groomers who come to your home often charge more than a walk-in salon due to travel and equipment, while big-box pet store grooming departments tend to be the most affordable option.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
At-home grooming with clippers, shears, and a bathtub or hose can save money for owners comfortable handling their dog, and works well for simple breeds and basic maintenance between professional visits.
Hiring a professional
A professional groomer has the training, tools, and experience to safely handle matting, anxious or squirmy dogs, and breed-standard cuts, and can spot skin issues or lumps during the visit.
Bottom line: DIY works fine for basic baths and simple coats between visits, but matted coats, anxious dogs, or breed-specific cuts are best left to a professional groomer.
Ways to Save
- Brush your dog regularly between visits to prevent matting, which often triggers extra dematting fees.
- Ask about loyalty programs or package pricing for regular visits every 4-6 weeks.
- Use a self-serve dog wash station for basic baths between full professional grooms.
- Skip add-ons like teeth brushing or de-shedding treatments if you can handle them at home.
- Book weekday or off-peak appointments, which some salons discount compared to weekend slots.
- Compare mobile groomers against traditional salons — mobile is more convenient but usually costs more per visit.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog grooming cost?
Dog grooming averages about $75 per visit, typically ranging from $40 for a basic bath on a small dog to $130 or more for a full-service groom on a large breed.
How often should a dog be groomed?
Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 4-8 weeks, though it varies by coat type — double-coated and long-haired breeds often need more frequent visits than short-haired breeds.
Do groomers charge more for matted dogs?
Yes, most groomers add a dematting fee or recommend a shorter cut for heavily matted coats, since dematting takes significantly more time and can be uncomfortable for the dog.
How much should I tip a dog groomer?
A tip of 15-20% of the service cost is standard for good service, similar to tipping conventions at a hair salon.
Is a self-serve dog wash cheaper than a full groom?
Yes — self-serve dog washes typically cost $10-$20 for use of the tub, shampoo, and dryer, much less than a full professional groom, but you do the bathing and brushing yourself.