Dog Grooming Pricing Guide: What to Charge

Setting the right prices for your dog grooming services is one of the most important—and stressful—decisions you'll make. Charge too little and you'll burn out working long hours for slim margins. Charge too much without the reputation to back it up and you'll struggle to book clients.

This dog grooming pricing guide will help you find the sweet spot: prices that attract clients, reflect your value, and keep your business profitable.

The Psychology of Grooming Prices

Before diving into numbers, understand how clients think about pricing:

Price signals quality.
Many pet owners assume “cheap” means “bad” and will actually avoid the lowest-priced groomer in fear of poor treatment or results.

Value matters more than cost.
Clients don’t buy a haircut—they buy a clean, good-smelling, great-looking dog and the feeling of being a good pet parent.

Consistency builds trust.
Unpredictable pricing frustrates clients. Clear, predictable pricing makes booking easy.

Time is money.
Convenience (location, availability, communication) can justify premium pricing.

Average Dog Grooming Prices in 2026

National averages provide a starting point, but local market research is essential.

Full Grooming Service (Bath + Haircut)

Bath and Brush Only (No Haircut)

Common Add-On Services

Mobile Grooming Premium

Mobile groomers typically charge 20–40% more than salon prices for the convenience factor.

Factors That Affect Pricing

Your prices shouldn’t be arbitrary. These factors determine what you can (and should) charge.

1. Your Location

Geography dramatically impacts pricing:

• Major metro areas (NYC, LA, SF): 30–50% above national average
• Suburban areas: Near or slightly above national average
• Rural areas: Often 10–20% below national average
• Affluent neighborhoods: Premium pricing expected and accepted

2. Your Experience and Credentials

3. Coat Type and Condition

Different coats require different time investments.

Low-maintenance coats (smooth, short):

• Labradors, Beagles, Boxers
• Quick baths, minimal styling
• Price at or below average

Medium-maintenance coats:

• Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies
• Significant de-shedding needed
• Price at average to slightly above

High-maintenance coats (curly, long, double):

• Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, Bichons
• Require more time and skill
• Price above average

Matted dogs:

• Always charge more for matting
• Consider hourly rate for severe cases
• Clearly communicate pricing before starting

4. Dog Size vs. Actual Work

Size matters, but so does coat density and behavior.

A 60-lb Lab might take 45 minutes, while a 20-lb heavily coated Pomeranian might take 90 minutes. Adjust pricing based on time and effort—not just size.

5. Breed Complexity

6. Dog Behavior

Difficult dogs warrant additional charges.

7. Additional Services Requested

Build in prices for extras before clients ask:

• Special shampoos (hypoallergenic, medicated)
• Extra brushing for shedding dogs
• Detailed styling or creative requests
• Same-day or emergency appointments

Pricing Models Explained

Model 1: Size-Based Pricing

The simplest approach—prices based purely on dog size.

Pros:

• Easy for clients to understand
• Simple to communicate and quote

Cons:

• Doesn’t account for coat type
• May undercharge for high-maintenance small dogs
• May overcharge for low-maintenance big dogs

Example:

• Small: $50
• Medium: $65
• Large: $80
• XL: $100

Model 2: Breed-Specific Pricing

Different prices for different breeds.

Pros:

• More accurately reflects work required
• Fair to both groomer and client

Cons:

• More complex to communicate
• Mixed breeds are tricky
• Requires memorizing many prices

Example:

• Labrador: $60
• Golden Retriever: $75
• Standard Poodle: $95
• Goldendoodle: $90

Model 3: A La Carte Pricing

Base bath price plus add-ons.

Pros:

• Clients only pay for what they want
• Flexibility for different needs
• Can increase ticket size with upsells

Cons:

• Can feel like nickel-and-diming
• Quotes take longer
• Final price can surprise clients

Example:

• Base bath: $30
• Haircut: +$30–$50
• Nail trim: +$15
• Ear cleaning: +$10
• Total: Custom quote

Model 4: Tiered Service Packages

Good / Better / Best package options.

Pros:

• Easy for clients to choose
• Natural upselling opportunity
• Clear value differentiation

Cons:

• Less flexibility
• May leave money on the table
• Clients may always choose cheapest

Example:

• Basic Bath: $45 (bath, dry, brush)
• Full Groom: $70 (bath, dry, haircut, nails, ears)
• Spa Day: $95 (full groom + teeth, massage, specialty shampoo)

Model 5: Flat Rate with Exceptions

One price covers everything, with listed exceptions.

Pros:

• Maximum simplicity
• No surprise costs
• Easy to communicate

Cons:

• May undercharge for complex dogs
• Requires clear exception policies

Example:
"$75 for any dog, any size. Additional charges for severe matting, de-shedding breeds, or special requests."

How to Research Your Local Market

Don’t guess at pricing—research it.

Secret Shopping Method

1. Call 5–10 local groomers
2. Ask for quotes on specific breeds and sizes
3. Note what’s included in their pricing
4. Ask about additional charges
5. Record prices in a spreadsheet

Online Research

1. Check competitors’ websites and social media
2. Look at Google Business listings for pricing
3. Read reviews mentioning prices
4. Check Yelp, Nextdoor, and local Facebook groups

Position Yourself Strategically

Most sustainable businesses position in the middle-to-upper range. Avoid racing to the bottom.

Calculating Your Required Pricing

Work backwards from what you need to earn.

Step 1: Determine Your Income Goal

Annual income goal: $________

Step 2: Calculate Working Days

• Days per week: ______
• Weeks per year: ______ (subtract vacation)
• Total working days: ______

Step 3: Estimate Dogs Per Day

Realistic capacity:

• Solo groomer: 4–8 dogs/day
• With assistant: 6–12 dogs/day

Dogs per day: ______

Step 4: Calculate Required Revenue Per Dog

Income goal ÷ Working days ÷ Dogs per day = Required average

Example:

• Goal: $60,000/year
• Working days: 250 (50 weeks × 5 days)
• Dogs per day: 6
• Required: $60,000 ÷ 250 ÷ 6 = $40 minimum average per dog

Step 5: Add Operating Costs

Don’t forget expenses:

• Supplies: $5–$10 per dog
• Rent/utilities portion
• Insurance, software, and other overhead

If expenses are $15 per dog and you need $40 profit, charge a minimum of $55 per dog.

Handling Pricing Challenges

“Your Prices Are Too High”

Response options:

• “I understand price is a factor. Let me share what’s included in my service…”
• “I do offer a bath-only option at $X if full grooming doesn’t fit your budget.”
• “My pricing reflects my experience and the quality products I use for every dog.”

Stand firm if you’re priced fairly for your market and quality level.

Dealing with Matted Dogs

Always charge more for matting. Options include:

1. Per-severity surcharge: $15 / $30 / $50
2. Hourly rate for severely matted dogs
3. Flat demat fee

Always communicate before starting. No one likes surprise charges.

Raising Prices

Prices should increase over time.

When to raise:

• Annually (minimum)
• When costs increase
• When demand exceeds capacity
• After gaining significant experience or certifications

How much:

• 3–5% annually is standard
• 10%+ requires strong justification

How to communicate:

• Give 30–60 days notice
• Briefly explain the reason
• Thank clients for their loyalty

Sample script:
“Hi [Name]! Starting [date], my prices will increase by [amount]. This helps me continue providing the quality care [Pet Name] deserves. Thank you for your continued trust!”

Pricing for Profitability

Know Your Numbers

Track these metrics:

• Average ticket: Total revenue ÷ Dogs groomed
• Revenue per hour: Total revenue ÷ Hours worked
• Profit per dog: Revenue − Direct costs

Increase Average Ticket

• Offer premium add-ons
• Create spa packages
• Retail products
• Introduce memberships

Reduce Time Per Dog

More dogs at the same quality = more revenue.

• Improve efficiency
• Invest in time-saving equipment
• Train clients to bring dogs ready
• Book efficiently (similar breeds together)

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I raise prices?

At minimum, annually. Many groomers raise prices every 6–12 months. Don’t wait until you resent your rates.

Should I publish my prices?

Pros: Attracts price-conscious shoppers, filters mismatches, easy for clients.
Cons: Less flexibility, competitors see pricing, complex breeds are harder to list.

Middle ground: List starting prices or ranges and note “final pricing based on consultation.”

What if I’m just starting out?

Start slightly below market to build your client base quickly. Plan to reach market rate within 6–12 months.

How do I handle price-shoppers?

Some clients will always choose cheapest. Let them go. Focus on clients who value quality and convenience.

Should I charge more for last-minute bookings?

Many groomers add 10–25% for same-day or emergency appointments. This is reasonable in most markets.

Your Pricing Action Plan

This Week

1. Research 5–10 local competitors
2. Calculate required revenue per dog
3. Compare your numbers to market rates

This Month

1. Finalize pricing structure
2. Create a clear price menu
3. Set matting and add-on charges
4. Publish pricing clearly on website and booking

Ongoing

1. Track average ticket and revenue per hour
2. Review pricing every 6 months
3. Adjust based on demand and costs
4. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth

Final Thoughts

Your prices tell a story about your business. They signal your quality, your confidence, and your value. Many groomers undercharge out of fear—fear of losing clients, fear of seeming greedy, fear of not being “worth it.”

Here’s the truth: clients who value their pets will pay for quality grooming. The right clients will pay your prices happily. The wrong clients will always want cheaper—and they’ll be your most demanding, least loyal customers.

Price for profit.
Price for sustainability.
Price for the business you want to build.

You’re worth it. Charge accordingly.