Professional dog grooming keeps your dog's coat, skin, nails, ears, and teeth healthy. The cost varies by your dog's size, breed, coat type, condition, and the services included. Regular grooming prevents matting, skin infections, ear problems, and overgrown nails — all of which can lead to costly vet bills if neglected.
The average cost of dog grooming is $30 to $150 per session, with a national average of $60–$80 for a full groom (bath, haircut, nails, ears).
Dog Grooming Cost by Service
| Service | Cost Range | Average | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full groom (bath + haircut) | $40–$150 | $75 | Bath, blow dry, haircut/style, nail trim, ear cleaning |
| Bath & brush only | $25–$60 | $40 | Bath, blow dry, brush out — no haircut |
| Nail trim only | $10–$25 | $15 | Nail clipping — sometimes includes grind |
| Ear cleaning | $10–$20 | $15 | Ears cleaned and plucked (if needed) |
| Anal gland expression | $10–$40 | $25 | External or internal expression |
| Teeth brushing | $10–$25 | $15 | Brush with enzymatic toothpaste |
| De-shedding treatment | $15–$40 | $25 | Special shampoo + tool to reduce shedding |
| Dematting (add-on) | $20–$80 | $40 | Removes mats — price based on severity |
| Flea bath (add-on) | $15–$30 | $20 | Medicated flea/tick shampoo |
| Skunk odor removal | $30–$60 | $45 | Special de-skunking shampoo treatment |
Dog Grooming Cost by Size
| Dog Size | Full Groom | Bath & Brush | Nail Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 25 lbs) | $40–$80 | $25–$45 | $10–$15 |
| Medium (25–50 lbs) | $50–$100 | $35–$60 | $12–$20 |
| Large (50–80 lbs) | $60–$130 | $45–$75 | $15–$25 |
| Giant (80+ lbs) | $80–$150+ | $55–$100 | $20–$30 |
Dog Grooming Cost by Popular Breed
| Breed | Full Groom | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goldendoodle / Labradoodle | $90–$150 | Every 6–8 weeks | Curly coat — prone to matting, requires extensive work |
| Poodle (Standard) | $80–$130 | Every 4–6 weeks | Curly coat — professional clip required |
| Shih Tzu | $50–$80 | Every 6–8 weeks | Long coat — prone to matting and eye issues |
| Golden Retriever | $60–$90 | Every 8–12 weeks | Double coat — de-shedding treatment recommended |
| Labrador Retriever | $45–$70 | Every 8–12 weeks | Short coat — bath and de-shed only |
| German Shepherd | $60–$100 | Every 8–12 weeks | Heavy double coat — de-shedding essential |
| French Bulldog | $35–$60 | Every 8–12 weeks | Short coat — bath, facial folds, nails |
| Cocker Spaniel | $55–$90 | Every 6–8 weeks | Long coat — prone to matting |
| Siberian Husky | $60–$100 | Every 10–12 weeks | Heavy double coat — de-shedding blowout |
| Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) | $40–$70 | Every 6–8 weeks | Long fine coat — needs regular brushing |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | $80–$130 | Every 8–12 weeks | Large double coat — de-shedding treatment |
| Chihuahua | $30–$50 | Every 10–12 weeks | Short coat — minimal grooming needed |
Where to Get Dog Grooming
| Source | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PetSmart | $40–$130 | National chain — package pricing by size |
| Petco | $25–$130 | National chain — starts at $24 for small dogs |
| Independent groomer | $30–$120 | Varies — often more personalized than chains |
| Mobile groomer | $60–$180 | Comes to your home — convenience premium |
| Vet clinic grooming | $40–$150 | 15–30% more than salon — good for dogs with health issues |
| Self-serve dog wash | $10–$25 | DIY — you wash, they provide tub, shampoo, dryer |
| Big box (Petco, PetSmart) | $40–$130 | Bundled packages — vaccination records required |
How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?
| Coat Type | Full Groom | Bath & Brush | Nail Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short coat (Lab, Beagle) | Every 12 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Medium coat (Golden, Border Collie) | Every 8–10 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Long/curly coat (Poodle, Doodle) | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 2–4 weeks | Every 4 weeks |
| Double coat (Husky, Shepherd) | Every 10–12 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks (heavy shedding season) | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Wire coat (Terrier, Schnauzer) | Every 6–8 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
What Affects Dog Grooming Prices in 2026
Dog grooming costs vary widely based on several key factors that every pet owner should understand before booking an appointment. The size and breed of your dog is the single biggest cost driver — a Great Dane will cost 2–3 times more to groom than a Chihuahua because of the additional time, shampoo, and drying required. Coat type matters just as much: curly-coated breeds like Poodles and Doodles require more skill and time to prevent matting, pushing prices to the $90–$150 range.
Coat condition is another major factor. If your dog's coat is matted or heavily tangled, most groomers charge a dematting fee of $15–$50 per half-hour of extra work. Severe matting may require shaving the coat short (a "teddy bear cut" or full shave), which can cost $80–$180. Geographic location also plays a significant role — grooming in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco typically costs 30–50% more than in suburban or rural areas.
Full Groom vs. Bath-Only: What's Included?
Understanding what you're paying for helps you compare prices accurately. A full groom ($60–$150) typically includes:
- Bath with shampoo and conditioner appropriate for your dog's coat type
- Blow-dry and brush-out to remove loose fur and prevent tangles
- Haircut or trim to your requested style (breed-standard or puppy cut)
- Nail trimming and filing
- Ear cleaning and plucking (for breeds with hair in the ear canal)
- Anal gland expression (external, if needed)
- Teeth brushing or dental wipe
A bath-only service ($25–$60) includes washing, drying, and brushing but skips the haircut. This is a good option between full grooms to keep your dog clean and reduce shedding without the full cost.
How to Save on Dog Grooming Costs
There are several proven strategies to reduce your dog grooming expenses without sacrificing quality:
- Book package deals: Many groomers offer 10–15% discounts when you prepay for 4–6 grooms upfront.
- Maintain between visits: Brush your dog daily and bathe at home every 4–6 weeks to extend the time between professional grooms.
- Learn basic skills: Trimming nails and cleaning ears at home can save $20–$40 per visit. See our nail trimming cost guide for DIY tips.
- Choose off-peak times: Some groomers offer weekday discounts when demand is lower.
- Consider pet store chains: Stores like PetSmart and Petco often have grooming packages starting at $40, though independent groomers may provide more personalized care.
When to Choose Mobile Grooming vs. Salon
Mobile dog grooming costs $60–$180, roughly 30–50% more than a salon, but offers significant convenience benefits. Mobile grooming is ideal for dogs with anxiety, car sickness, or aggression issues, as well as senior dogs who find travel stressful. The groomer comes to your driveway in a fully-equipped van, eliminating the need to transport your dog and reducing their stress. For most dogs without special needs, a traditional salon offers better value.