Dog grooming prices: what affects the cost

Size and coat length

Bigger dogs and longer coats take longer to bathe, dry and finish, so they usually cost more than a small, short-coated dog. Drying in particular can take a large proportion of the appointment.

Coat condition and matting

A well-maintained coat is quicker and kinder to work on. A matted coat takes far longer and can only be dealt with safely in certain ways, so many groomers charge extra time for de-matting, or clip short where working through the mats would hurt the dog.

What the groom includes

• A full groom usually covers bath, dry, brush out, haircut, nails, ears and a tidy of the face, feet and rear.
• A bath and tidy costs less than a full haircut because there is less finishing work.
• De-shedding treatments for double coats are often priced separately.
• Hand stripping is a specialist, time-consuming service and is usually priced higher.
• Puppy introduction sessions are typically shorter and cheaper than a full adult groom.

Breed and handling

Breed matters mainly because of the coat and the finish it needs. A dog who finds grooming difficult, or who needs frequent breaks, also takes more time. Some groomers work at a slower pace for nervous or senior dogs and price accordingly.

Where the groomer works

Salon, home-based and mobile groomers all have different overheads. Mobile grooming often costs a little more because the groomer travels to you and works with one dog at a time. Prices also vary noticeably between regions and between towns and cities.

How to get an accurate quote

• Say the breed or cross, your dog's rough weight and how long the coat is now.
• Be honest about matting and when your dog was last groomed.
• Say what finish you want: short and low maintenance, or longer and styled.
• Ask what is included and whether nails, ears or de-matting are extra.
• Ask how often they would recommend bringing your dog back, as that sets the yearly cost.

Most groomers will only confirm a final price once they have seen your dog's coat, which is normal, and it is the fairest way to price the actual work involved.