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How to choose a dog groomer

Finding a dog groomer isn't simply about finding the nearest business with an available appointment. Your dog may spend several hours with their groomer, so it's worth finding someone whose environment, approach and services suit your particular dog.

Published by Book A Dog Groomer · 8 min read · Updated 24 August 2026

Some dogs are perfectly happy in a busy grooming salon. Others may be more comfortable in a quieter home-based environment or with a groomer who works one-to-one. Puppies, senior dogs, nervous dogs and dogs with particular coat types can all have different needs.

Here are some of the things worth considering when choosing a dog groomer.

Start with your dog's needs

Before searching for a groomer, think about what matters most for your dog.

Do you have a confident dog who is comfortable around other dogs, or one who becomes anxious in busy environments? Is this a puppy's first experience of professional grooming? Does your dog have a coat that requires a particular grooming technique such as hand stripping or regular de-shedding?

You might also need a groomer who accepts very large dogs, offers one-to-one appointments or has experience working with senior or nervous dogs.

Knowing what you're looking for makes it much easier to compare grooming businesses.

Salon, home-based or mobile dog groomer?

There isn't one type of grooming business that's automatically better than another.

Dog grooming salon

Salons can have extensive grooming equipment and may have several groomers working from the same premises. Some dogs enjoy this environment, while owners may also appreciate the wider appointment availability a larger business can sometimes provide.

Ask whether dogs are groomed individually or alongside other dogs and how long your dog is likely to remain at the salon.

Home-based dog groomer

Home-based groomers work from grooming spaces at or alongside their homes. Some operate on a one-to-one basis, which can provide a quieter environment.

Don't assume every home-based groomer works in the same way. Check the individual business profile and ask how appointments are organised.

Mobile dog groomer

A mobile groomer travels to the customer, normally grooming from a specially equipped vehicle.

This can be convenient for owners and removes the journey to a salon for the dog. Availability and travelling areas vary considerably between businesses.

Look beyond the haircut

A photograph of a beautifully groomed dog can show you examples of someone's work, but there's more to choosing a groomer than the finished haircut.

Read what the groomer says about how they work.

Do they describe their grooming environment? Do they work one-to-one? How do they approach nervous dogs? Do they offer puppy introductions? What happens if a dog needs a break?

The right answers will depend on your dog.

Does the groomer work with dogs like yours?

Breed can be relevant, but coat type, size, temperament and grooming history can be just as important.

Consider whether the groomer says they work with:

  • Puppies
  • Senior dogs
  • Nervous or anxious dogs
  • Reactive dogs
  • Giant or large breeds
  • Curly or wool coats
  • Double coats
  • Wire coats requiring hand stripping

Not every groomer offers every service or accepts every dog, and that's perfectly normal.

Questions to ask a new dog groomer

A conversation with a potential groomer can tell you a great deal. These are the questions worth asking.

How long will my dog normally be with you?

This helps you understand how appointments are organised.

Will other dogs be there at the same time?

Particularly useful to know if your dog is nervous or uncomfortable around other dogs.

How do you approach nervous dogs?

Tell the groomer honestly about your dog's behaviour and previous grooming experiences.

What happens if my dog becomes distressed or uncomfortable?

Grooming shouldn't simply be about completing a haircut at any cost. Ask how the groomer approaches a dog who is struggling with the process.

Do you regularly groom my dog's breed or coat type?

This can be particularly useful for coats requiring specific maintenance or techniques.

What should I do between appointments?

A groomer may be able to recommend an appropriate brushing routine and grooming schedule for your dog's coat.

What is included in the appointment?

Don't assume every business includes exactly the same services within a full groom.

How often should my dog be professionally groomed?

The answer will depend on coat, lifestyle, preferred hairstyle and how much coat maintenance you do at home.

Tell your groomer about your dog

Choosing the right groomer works both ways. Useful information to share before booking includes whether your dog:

  • Has previously found grooming difficult
  • Is nervous around people or other dogs
  • Dislikes particular parts of grooming or being handled in certain areas
  • Has health or mobility considerations
  • Has bitten or attempted to bite during grooming
  • Has significant matting
  • Has never been professionally groomed before

This isn't about getting your dog turned away. The groomer needs accurate information to decide how best to accommodate your dog's needs, and most would much rather know in advance.

Don't choose on price alone

Prices between dog groomers can vary substantially. Businesses have different appointment lengths, premises, staffing levels, products, equipment and ways of working, so two services both described as a full groom may not be identical.

Instead of simply asking how much, ask what's included and how the appointment works. We've explained this in more detail in our guide to dog grooming prices in the UK.

Look for the right fit

Ultimately, the best dog groomer isn't necessarily the nearest, the cheapest or the one with the first available appointment. You're looking for a business whose services and way of working seem suitable for your dog.

Book A Dog Groomer profiles are designed to help with exactly that. Grooming businesses can tell you about their services, their grooming environment, the dogs they welcome, their coat experience and how they work, all before you contact them.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a dog groomer is right for my dog?
Look beyond availability and price. Consider the environment, how appointments work, the services offered and whether the groomer says they work with dogs with needs similar to yours.
Should I visit a dog groomer before booking?
Some businesses may allow this and others may not because they are working with dogs during the day. Contact the individual groomer and ask how they handle new-client enquiries.
Should I tell a groomer that my dog is nervous?
Yes. Give an honest description of your dog's previous grooming experiences and anything that may help the groomer decide how best to approach the appointment.

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