Share this
by MoeGo on Feb 23, 2026 9:00:03 AM
Dog grooming prices in 2025 vary widely depending on size, coat type, location, and service level.
Whether you're a pet owner budgeting for regular grooming or a salon owner setting your rates, understanding how pricing works is essential.
This guide breaks down:
- Average dog grooming costs by size
- What affects pricing
- Add-on services and their impact
- Mobile vs. in-salon cost differences
- Whether grooming is worth the investment
- How professional salons set transparent, profitable pricing
Quick Answer: What Is the Average Cost of Dog Grooming?
In 2026, typical dog grooming prices fall within these ranges:
- Basic Bath & Brush
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): $25–$50
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): $50–$75
- Large dogs (50–80 lbs): $75–$125
- Extra large dogs (80+ lbs): $125–$200
Full Grooming Package (Bath, Haircut, Nails, Ears)
- Small dogs: $75–$125
- Medium dogs: $125–$175
- Large dogs: $175–$200
- Extra large breeds: $200+
These ranges vary by region and salon type.
What Affects Dog Grooming Prices?
Grooming is not a flat-rate service. Pricing reflects time, skill, and risk.
Here are the primary cost drivers.
1. Dog Size & Breed Complexity
Larger dogs require:
- More product
- Longer drying time
- Greater physical effort
Breed coat types also affect price:
- Doodles & Poodles: High-maintenance coats
- Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Shepherds): Intensive de-shedding
- Short-haired breeds: Lower labor time
Time is the true cost driver.
2. Coat Condition & Maintenance
Dogs on regular 4–8 week schedules typically cost less over time.
Why?
- Less matting
- Faster grooming time
- Predictable appointment length
Irregular grooming often leads to:
- Dematting fees
- Extra labor charges
- Extended appointment times
Regular grooming is usually more cost-efficient long term.
3. Service Type: Basic Bath vs. Full Groom
A bath-only service includes:
- Shampoo
- Blow dry
- Brushing
A full groom includes:
- Haircut
- Nail trim
- Ear cleaning
- Sanitary trim
- Styling
Bundled packages often offer better value than separate add-ons.
4. Behavior & Safety Considerations
Grooming is skilled, hands-on work.
Dogs that:
- Bite
- Panic
- Resist handling
Require more time and safety precautions. That risk is factored into pricing.
Mobile vs. Brick-and-Mortar Grooming: What’s the Cost Difference?
Mobile grooming typically costs more.
Why?
- One-on-one service
- Travel time
- Fully equipped grooming vans
- Higher fuel and equipment costs
However, it offers:
- Maximum convenience
- Reduced stress for pets
- No transportation time for owners
In-salon grooming may be more affordable due to:
- Higher volume capacity
- Shared facility costs
Both models can deliver high-quality results, and pricing reflects structure.
How Often Should Dogs Be Groomed?
Typical grooming frequency:
- Short-haired breeds: Every 8–12 weeks
- Long-haired breeds: Every 4–8 weeks
- High-maintenance coats (Doodles, Poodles): Every 4–6 weeks
Regular scheduling reduces:
- Dematting fees
- Coat damage
- Long appointment times
For salon operators, consistent rebooking increases revenue predictability.
Are Dog Grooming Prices Higher in Big Cities?
Yes. Urban areas typically charge: 15–30% higher than suburban or rural markets.
Reasons include:
- Higher rent
- Higher labor costs
- Stronger demand
- Premium positioning
However, high price does not automatically equal high profit. Operational efficiency determines margin.
Is Professional Grooming Worth the Cost?
For most owners, yes.
Professional grooming supports:
- Skin and coat health
- Early detection of parasites or skin issues
- Proper nail trimming (preventing joint strain)
- Reduced shedding
- Improved hygiene
DIY grooming may appear cheaper upfront, but requires:
- Professional tools
- Training
- Significant time investment
For many households, professional grooming is both safer and more efficient.
For Grooming Business Owners: How to Set Profitable, Transparent Pricing
If you operate a grooming business, pricing is one of your most strategic decisions.
Underpricing leads to:
- Burnout
- Low margins
- Overbooked schedules
Overpricing without value alignment leads to:
- Client churn
Here’s how professional salons approach pricing.
1. Assign Rates by Size & Breed Complexity
Modern salons set:
- Tiered pricing by weight
- Coat-type modifiers
- Doodle-specific pricing
- Dematting time charges
This protects margin while remaining fair.
2. Build Service Packages Instead of A La Carte Chaos
Clear packages:
- Reduce front-desk confusion
- Increase average ticket value
- Improve perceived professionalism
Bundling drives higher revenue per appointment without feeling like upselling.
3. Display Add-Ons During Booking
Strategic add-ons:
- De-shedding treatment
- Teeth brushing
- Deep conditioning
- Nail grinding
When presented at booking (not checkout), attachment rates increase.
4. Track Which Services Are Most Profitable
Revenue does not equal profit. High-performing salons analyze:
- Revenue per groomer hour
- Add-on attachment rate
- Rebooking rate
- Average ticket size
Without reporting visibility, pricing becomes guesswork.
How Grooming Software Supports Smarter Pricing
Professional salons increasingly rely on integrated systems to manage pricing complexity.
With purpose-built grooming software, salon owners can:
- Assign rates by pet size or breed
- Set membership plans for recurring clients
- Display transparent pricing during online booking
- Automate rebooking intervals
- Track service profitability
- Monitor performance across staff
This reduces pricing disputes and improves margin control.
For growing salons, structured pricing is the difference between: Running a busy salon vs. Running a profitable one.
Purpose-built grooming business systems, like MoeGo, allow owners to centralize booking, pricing logic, rebooking flows, and performance analytics in one platform.
That structure becomes increasingly important as you:
- Hire additional groomers
- Expand hours
- Open new locations
- Add mobile vans
Spreadsheets don’t scale, but structured systems do.
Understanding Grooming Costs from Both Sides
Dog grooming prices in 2025 reflect:
- Labor
- Skill
- Time
- Risk
- Overhead
- Market demand
For pet owners, understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations.
For salon owners, structured pricing backed by visibility and operational systems protects margin and supports sustainable growth.
The most successful grooming businesses treat pricing not as a guess, but as a strategy.
Just starting or adding to your business?
We have flexible plans meant for all stages.
Do I Need a License to Run a Dog Grooming Business From Home in 2026?
How Much Is Dog Grooming in 2026? Average Prices, Cost Factors & Smart Pricing Insights
How Much Do Dog Daycare Owners Make in 2026? Revenue, Profit Margins & Real Take-Home Pay