How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost in 2026? Complete Price Guide by Size, Breed & City
Dog grooming costs between $30 and $180 in 2026, depending on your dog’s size, coat type, and the services included. A full groom for a small dog averages $50–$75, while large or double-coated breeds regularly run $100–$150+. This guide breaks down every cost factor so you can budget accurately and find the best value for your pet.
This guide is for informational purposes. Always contact providers directly for current pricing and availability.
Average Dog Grooming Costs in 2026
The national average for a full dog grooming session in 2026 is $65–$100, though prices vary significantly based on where you live, your dog’s size, and the groomer you choose. According to data from Bark.com and HomeGuide, here’s what most pet owners pay:
| Service Level | Small Dog (under 25 lbs) | Medium Dog (25–60 lbs) | Large Dog (60–90 lbs) | Giant Breed (90+ lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bath & Brush Only | $30–$50 | $40–$65 | $55–$80 | $70–$100 |
| Full Groom (Bath + Cut + Nails + Ears) | $50–$80 | $70–$110 | $90–$140 | $120–$180 |
| Mobile Grooming (Full) | $65–$100 | $90–$140 | $120–$175 | $150–$220 |
Source: HomeGuide.com, Bark.com — June 2026 pricing averages across US providers.
Dog Grooming Costs by Size
Size is the most reliable predictor of grooming cost. Larger dogs take more time, use more product, and require more physical effort from the groomer. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Small Dogs (Under 25 lbs)
Breeds like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Yorkies typically cost $50–$80 for a full groom. Despite being small, some small-breed dogs have high-maintenance coats (like Shih Tzus and Poodles under 20 lbs) that push prices toward the higher end.
Medium Dogs (25–60 lbs)
Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Bulldogs, and medium Poodles fall in this range. Expect to pay $70–$110 for a full groom. Coat type matters a lot here — a Bulldog is quick to groom; a Cocker Spaniel with long silky fur takes significantly longer.
Large Dogs (60–90 lbs)
Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Border Collies typically cost $90–$140. Double-coated breeds in this category often cost more due to the additional de-shedding work involved.
Giant Breeds (90+ lbs)
Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, and Irish Wolfhounds fall in this category. Budget $120–$180+ per session. Some groomers charge by the hour for giant breeds, which can push costs higher depending on coat condition.
Dog Grooming Costs by Breed Type
Beyond size, your dog’s coat type is the second biggest cost factor. Some breeds require highly specialized cuts that take significantly longer than a standard groom:
| Breed / Coat Type | Typical Full Groom Cost | Why It Costs More/Less |
|---|---|---|
| Poodles, Doodles, Bichon Frise | $80–$150+ | Curly/wavy coats mat easily; precise breed cuts required |
| Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Maltese | $60–$100 | Long silky coats require careful detangling and trimming |
| Husky, German Shepherd, Akita | $75–$130 | Double coat de-shedding adds 30–60 min to service |
| Golden Retriever, Lab, Beagle | $60–$110 | Standard coats; cost driven mainly by size |
| Bulldog, Boxer, Chihuahua | $35–$70 | Short smooth coats are fastest to groom |
| Cocker Spaniel, Afghan Hound | $80–$140 | Feathered, long coats require specialized technique |
Source: MoeGo.pet, QCPetStudies.com — 2026 survey of US grooming providers.
Pro tip: If you have a Doodle or double-coated breed, ask your groomer if they charge by the hour — some do for complex coats, which means mat-free dogs cost significantly less than matted ones.
Types of Dog Grooming Services & What They Cost
Not every grooming visit is the same. Here are the main service tiers you’ll encounter:
Bath & Brush ($30–$80)
The most basic service: a shampoo/conditioner bath, blow-dry, brush-out, and sometimes nail trim. Ideal for short-haired breeds or as a maintenance session between full grooms. This is the go-to service for pet grooming salons looking to offer budget-friendly options.
Full Groom ($50–$180)
Includes bath, blow-dry, haircut to breed standard (or owner preference), nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression on request. This is what most owners mean when they say “grooming appointment.” Frequency: every 4–8 weeks depending on breed.
De-Shedding Treatment ($25–$75 add-on)
Specifically for double-coated breeds, this treatment uses specialized shampoos and tools to remove up to 80% of loose undercoat. Often reduces shedding for 4–6 weeks. Highly recommended for Huskies, Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
Puppy’s First Groom ($40–$80)
Many groomers offer discounted or specialized first-groom sessions for puppies under 6 months. The focus is on positive association — getting the pup comfortable with water, clippers, and handling. Worth the investment for long-term grooming ease.
Add-On Services & What They Cost
Most full grooms can be enhanced with these popular add-ons. Prices vary by salon but these ranges are nationally representative for 2026:
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Grinding (Dremel) | $5–$20 | Smoother edges vs. clipping; PetSmart charges $19 |
| Teeth Brushing | $10–$20 | Not a replacement for professional dental cleaning |
| Flea & Tick Treatment | $15–$35 | Topical treatment during bath; not a preventative |
| Blueberry Facial | $10–$15 | Cleans tear stains; popular for Shih Tzus, Maltese |
| Bandana / Bow / Cologne | $3–$10 | Finishing touches; often included at boutique salons |
| De-Matting Fee | $10–$50+ | Charged when coat is severely matted; time-intensive |
| Paw Balm / Pad Treatment | $5–$15 | Moisturizes cracked pads; helpful in dry or cold climates |
Source: PetSmart grooming price list, MoeGo 2026 grooming survey, Bark.com.
Dog Grooming Costs by City (2026)
Where you live has a major impact on what you’ll pay. Cities with higher costs of living — and higher demand for professional services — charge significantly more for grooming than smaller markets. Here’s how major US cities compare for a full groom on a medium-sized dog:
| City | Average Full Groom (Medium Dog) | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $120–$175 | 🔴 Premium |
| Los Angeles, CA | $100–$150 | 🔴 Premium |
| San Francisco, CA | $110–$160 | 🔴 Premium |
| Seattle, WA | $85–$130 | 🟡 Above Average |
| Chicago, IL | $75–$120 | 🟡 Above Average |
| Denver, CO | $70–$110 | 🟡 Above Average |
| Dallas, TX | $65–$100 | 🟢 Average |
| Houston, TX | $60–$95 | 🟢 Average |
| Phoenix, AZ | $60–$95 | 🟢 Average |
| Atlanta, GA | $55–$90 | 🟢 Average |
Source: Bark.com regional pricing data, PetCareBooker.com — June 2026.
Looking for groomers in your city? Browse local pet grooming services on HeiBob to compare salons near you.
Salon vs. Mobile vs. DIY Dog Grooming: Cost Comparison
Beyond the type of groom, the delivery method you choose significantly affects your total spend:
Grooming Salon ($50–$180 per session)
The most common option. You drop your dog off, they groom several dogs throughout the day, and you pick up 2–4 hours later. Salons offer the widest range of services and often the lowest base prices due to volume. Ideal for social dogs who don’t mind waiting.
Mobile Grooming ($65–$220 per session)
A groomer comes to your home in a self-contained van. Your dog gets one-on-one attention and never has to wait in a kennel. Expect to pay 20–30% more than salon rates for the convenience. Worth it for anxious dogs, seniors, or owners with mobility limitations.
In-Home Groomer ($60–$200 per session)
A groomer comes to your home but uses your bathtub or an outdoor setup. Less common, but popular in areas where mobile vans can’t navigate easily. Pricing is similar to mobile grooming.
DIY / At-Home Grooming ($0–$30 per session)
If you invest in quality tools upfront (clippers: $50–$150, grooming table: $80–$200), you can groom your dog at home for the cost of shampoo. Realistic for low-maintenance coats and patient dogs — much harder for complex cuts like Poodle or Doodle trims. Most owners use DIY grooming between professional appointments to maintain the coat.
You can find both salon and mobile groomers on HeiBob. Check pet grooming listings in your area for verified providers with pricing.
How to Save Money on Dog Grooming
Regular grooming is a recurring expense — the right approach can save you hundreds per year without sacrificing your pet’s health or coat condition:
- Book regular appointments: A dog groomed every 6–8 weeks rarely mats, which means no expensive de-matting fees. Irregular grooming almost always costs more per session.
- Brush between appointments: For any dog with a longer coat, brushing 2–3x per week at home dramatically reduces grooming time (and cost).
- Ask about puppy packages or loyalty programs: Many independent groomers offer discounts for regular clients or puppy introductory pricing.
- Skip unnecessary add-ons: Teeth brushing, cologne, and bows add up. Stick to the essentials and handle teeth cleaning separately at the vet.
- Choose the right frequency for your breed: Short-coated dogs like Labs and Beagles don’t need professional grooming every 6 weeks — every 10–12 weeks may be sufficient, cutting annual costs significantly.
- Use chain salons for routine appointments: PetSmart and Petco offer competitive pricing and standardized services. Save boutique salons for special occasions or breed-specific cuts.
- Compare local options on HeiBob: Browse pet grooming near you to compare prices across salons in your neighborhood before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Grooming Costs in 2026
How much does dog grooming cost on average in 2026?
How often should I get my dog groomed?
Why is mobile dog grooming more expensive?
Why does grooming a Doodle or Poodle cost so much?
What’s included in a standard full dog groom?
How do I find affordable dog groomers near me?
Is it cheaper to groom my dog at home?
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