Professional pet grooming goes far beyond a quick bath — it’s an essential part of your pet’s health and happiness. From basic baths to full breed-specific cuts, pet grooming services in the USA range from $40 for small dogs up to $200+ for giant breeds. This ultimate guide covers every type of grooming service, what to expect, how much to pay, and how to find the best groomer near you.
This guide is for informational purposes. Always contact providers directly for current pricing and availability.
Types of Pet Grooming Services
Not all grooming visits are the same. Understanding what each service includes helps you book the right appointment — and avoid surprises on the bill.
Bath & Brush (Basic Grooming)
The most common service, a bath and brush includes a professional-grade shampoo and conditioner, towel and blow-dry, brush-out to remove loose hair and tangles, ear cleaning, and nail trim. This is ideal for short-haired breeds or between full groom appointments. Average cost: $30–$60 depending on dog size.
Full Groom (Bath + Haircut)
A full groom includes everything in a bath and brush, plus a breed-appropriate or owner-requested haircut. Most groomers also include ear hair removal, paw pad trimming, and a light spritz of cologne or perfume. This is the most popular service for dogs with longer coats like Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers. Average cost: $40–$120+ based on breed and size.
Deshedding Treatment
A deshedding treatment uses specialized shampoos, conditioners, and high-velocity dryers to remove up to 80% of loose undercoat in a single session. Strongly recommended for heavy shedders like Huskies, German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers before summer. Average cost: $50–$90 for medium/large breeds.
Dematting
When a dog’s coat develops mats or tangles, dematting may be needed before a regular groom can proceed. Severe matting may require shaving down the coat entirely. This service is charged additionally, often at $10–$25 per 15-minute increment of extra work required. Regular brushing at home prevents mats from forming.
Cat Grooming
Cat grooming is a specialty service not all groomers offer, due to the handling challenges. Services include lion cuts (shaving most of the body), sanitary trims, nail caps (Soft Paws), and bath and dry. Cat grooming costs typically range from $50–$130, with many groomers requiring cats to be in a carrier and sedation-free.
Add-On Services
Most grooming salons offer add-on services that can be booked alongside any package. Common add-ons include teeth brushing ($10–$20), anal gland expression ($10–$15), blueberry facial ($5–$15), paw balm ($5–$10), flea and tick treatment ($15–$25), nail grinding/buffing ($15–$20), and nail polish ($7–$15). Offering add-ons increases the average ticket by 15–30%.
Pet Grooming Prices in 2026: Complete Price Guide
Grooming prices have risen approximately 40–50% since 2019 due to the labor shortage in the pet industry and general inflation. Here’s what to expect across service types and dog sizes as of 2026:
| Dog Size / Weight | Bath & Brush | Full Groom | Mobile Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small (0–14 lbs) | $20–$35 | $40–$60 | $60–$80 |
| Small (15–35 lbs) | $30–$45 | $50–$75 | $65–$90 |
| Medium (35–60 lbs) | $40–$55 | $60–$90 | $75–$110 |
| Large (60–80 lbs) | $50–$65 | $75–$120 | $90–$140 |
| Extra Large (80 lbs+) | $65–$85 | $100–$200+ | $120–$200+ |
*Prices based on national averages from HomeGuide, Bark.com, and QC Pet Studies (2026). High-cost metro areas like NYC, SF, and Seattle typically run 30–50% above these figures.
Grooming Prices by Breed
| Breed (Full Groom) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pug, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier | $40–$55 |
| Schnauzer, Corgi, Dachshund, Toy Poodle | $50–$65 |
| Miniature Poodle, Westie, Mini Doodle, Mini Aussie | $55–$75 |
| Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, American Eskimo | $60–$85 |
| Golden Retriever, Labrador, Springer Spaniel, Australian Shepherd | $70–$100 |
| German Shepherd, Husky, Chow Chow, Standard Poodle, Doodle | $80–$130 |
| Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, Malamute | $100–$200+ |
Mobile Dog Grooming vs. Salon Grooming
One of the biggest decisions pet owners face is whether to use a traditional grooming salon or a mobile groomer who comes to your home. Each has clear pros and cons:
| Factor | Mobile Grooming | Salon Grooming |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $65–$200+ (higher) | $40–$150 (lower) |
| Convenience | ✅ Comes to you | ❌ You drive there |
| Anxious pets | ✅ One-on-one attention | ❌ Other dogs present |
| Wait time | ✅ Done in 1–2 hrs | ❌ Left for 3–6+ hrs |
| Availability | ❌ Book weeks ahead | ✅ Often same-week |
| Multi-pet discount | ✅ Often offered | ✅ Sometimes offered |
Mobile grooming is ideal for anxious, elderly, or large dogs that are difficult to transport. Salon grooming is better for routine maintenance on well-socialized pets or when cost is the primary concern.
How to Choose the Right Pet Groomer
Finding a groomer you can trust takes a bit of research. Here’s what to look for:
- Certifications — Look for groomers certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA), International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC), or International Pet Groomers Inc (IPG). While not required, certification indicates professional training.
- Google & Yelp reviews — Look for consistent 4.5+ star ratings with specific mentions of gentle handling. Pay attention to any reviews mentioning injuries or matting issues.
- Tour the facility — A reputable groomer will let you see the grooming area. Look for cleanliness, adequate ventilation, secure cages, and calm dogs. Avoid any facility that refuses an inspection.
- Ask about cage dryers — Unattended cage dryers can cause overheating. Ask how often dogs are checked when using cage drying equipment.
- Species and breed experience — Ask how many dogs of your breed they groom per week. Some breeds (like Poodles and Doodles) require specialized cutting knowledge; others (like Huskies) need deshedding expertise.
- Transparent pricing — A good groomer provides a clear estimate upfront. Beware of vague pricing that leads to sticker shock at pickup.
DIY Grooming Tips Between Professional Visits
Regular at-home grooming between salon visits keeps your pet comfortable and reduces the cost of professional grooming by preventing matting and excessive shedding. Here are the key tasks to do at home:
- Brush 2–3x per week — For long-haired breeds, daily brushing is ideal. Use a slicker brush for general coat maintenance and a metal comb to check for tangles behind the ears, under the armpits, and around the collar.
- Clean ears weekly — Use a vet-approved ear cleaner on a cotton ball. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Dogs with floppy ears are especially prone to infections.
- Trim nails every 3–4 weeks — Overgrown nails cause discomfort and affect your dog’s gait. Use a sharp guillotine or scissor-style clipper and avoid cutting the quick (the pink vein inside the nail).
- Brush teeth 2–3x per week — Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs by age 3. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste (never human toothpaste).
- Wipe paws after walks — Removes allergens, pesticides, and debris. In hot climates like Phoenix or Houston, check paw pads for cracking from heat.
Find Pet Groomers in Your City
HeiBob has grooming listings across hundreds of U.S. cities. Browse top-rated groomers near you:
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Grooming Services
How often should I get my dog professionally groomed?
Most dogs benefit from a professional groom every 6–8 weeks. Short-haired breeds like Beagles and Boxers can go 8–12 weeks between grooms, while long-haired or curly-coated breeds like Poodles, Doodles, and Shih Tzus need grooming every 4–6 weeks to prevent matting. Regular at-home brushing extends the time between salon visits.
What is included in a full dog groom?
A full dog groom typically includes a bath with professional shampoo and conditioner, blow-dry and brush-out, a breed-appropriate or owner-requested haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and a light cologne spritz. Some groomers also include anal gland expression and teeth brushing in their full groom package; others charge these as add-ons.
How much should I tip my dog groomer?
The standard tip for a dog groomer is 15–20% of the service cost. Tip more (20–25%) if your dog was difficult, had excessive matting, or the groomer did a particularly great job. If your groomer is self-employed and owns their own salon, a tip is still appreciated but some owners opt for holiday bonuses instead of per-visit tips.
What is the difference between a bath and brush and a full groom?
A bath and brush includes a shampoo, blow-dry, brush-out, ear cleaning, and nail trim — but no haircut. A full groom includes all of that plus a breed-standard or custom haircut. Bath and brush is suitable for short-haired dogs or as a maintenance service between full grooms. Full grooms are necessary for long-haired, curly, or double-coated breeds that require regular trimming.
Is mobile grooming worth the extra cost?
Mobile grooming costs 20–40% more than salon grooming but offers significant advantages for anxious, elderly, or large dogs. Your pet receives one-on-one attention in a familiar environment without the stress of other dogs, car rides, or long cage waits. For multi-pet households, mobile groomers often offer per-pet discounts that reduce the price gap. Many pet owners find the convenience and reduced pet stress is worth the premium.
Can I groom my cat at home?
Basic cat grooming like brushing, nail trimming, and spot-cleaning can be done at home. However, bathing, lion cuts, or any significant trimming should be done by a professional cat groomer — cats can injure themselves or the groomer if restrained incorrectly. Many cats find professional grooming stressful, so ask about Fear Free certified groomers in your area who specialize in low-stress cat handling.
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Ready to book a groomer for your pet? Browse all pet grooming services on HeiBob to find top-rated groomers near you. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly bath or a full luxury spa treatment, HeiBob helps you compare, contact, and book the best groomers in your area. You can also explore our guides on dog training and pet boarding to keep your pet healthy, happy, and well-cared-for year-round.
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