How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost in 2026? Average Prices by Breed & Service

12 Sep 2026 6 min read No comments Pet Grooming
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How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost in 2026? Average Prices by Breed & Service

Dog grooming costs in 2026 range from $30 for a basic bath and brush to $150 or more for a full groom on a large or double-coated breed. Prices vary based on your dog’s size, coat type, the services included, and whether you choose a salon, mobile groomer, or self-service station. This guide breaks down average grooming prices by breed, service type, and location so you can budget with confidence.

This guide is for informational purposes. Always contact providers directly for current pricing and availability.

In This Guide:

  1. Average Dog Grooming Prices in 2026
  2. Dog Grooming Cost by Breed & Size
  3. Types of Grooming Services & What They Cost
  4. Mobile vs. Salon vs. Self-Service Grooming
  5. What Factors Affect Grooming Prices?
  6. How to Save Money on Dog Grooming
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

Average Dog Grooming Prices in 2026

According to data from Rover, Thumbtack, and local grooming salons surveyed in mid-2026, the national average cost for a full dog groom is between $65 and $110. However, prices swing significantly based on dog size, coat condition, and your ZIP code.

Close-up of professional dog groomer carefully trimming a dog in a salon
A professional groomer at work — grooming prices vary by dog size, coat type, and services selected.

Here’s a quick overview of what most pet owners pay in 2026:

Dog Size Weight Average Full Groom Bath & Brush Only
Small Under 25 lbs $40 – $75 $30 – $55
Medium 25 – 50 lbs $60 – $95 $45 – $70
Large 50 – 80 lbs $75 – $130 $55 – $90
Extra-Large 80+ lbs $100 – $175 $70 – $120
Double-Coated Breeds Any Add $20 – $50 Add $15 – $35

Source: Rover, Thumbtack, and grooming salon surveys, June 2026. Prices reflect national averages and may vary by region.

Dog Grooming Cost by Breed & Size

Your dog’s breed plays a major role in grooming costs. Dogs with continuously growing hair (like Poodles and Shih Tzus) need professional grooming every 4–8 weeks. Short-haired breeds like Beagles can go months between professional visits.

Breed Size Avg. Full Groom Frequency
Chihuahua Small $35 – $55 Every 8–12 weeks
Shih Tzu Small $55 – $80 Every 4–6 weeks
Poodle (Miniature) Small/Medium $60 – $90 Every 4–6 weeks
Labrador Retriever Large $70 – $110 Every 8–12 weeks
Golden Retriever Large $80 – $130 Every 6–8 weeks
German Shepherd Large $85 – $140 Every 8–12 weeks
Standard Poodle Large $90 – $150 Every 4–6 weeks
Bernese Mountain Dog Extra-Large $110 – $175 Every 6–8 weeks

Prices sourced from national grooming salon averages, July 2026.

Looking for a groomer near you? Browse pet grooming services on HeiBob to compare local options.

Types of Grooming Services & What They Cost

Not all grooming visits are the same. Most salons offer a menu of services you can mix and match. Here’s what to expect to pay for each:

  • Bath & Brush: $30–$60 — Shampoo, conditioning, blow-dry, and brush-out. Ideal for short-haired breeds or between full grooms.
  • Full Groom: $50–$175 — Includes bath, blow-dry, haircut/trim, nail clip, ear cleaning, and cologne or bandana. This is the most complete option.
  • Nail Trim Only: $10–$25 — A quick service often available walk-in at pet supply stores like PetSmart or Petco.
  • Teeth Brushing: $10–$20 — An add-on service to promote oral hygiene. Worth doing monthly.
  • Deshedding Treatment: $25–$65 — Deep conditioning and high-velocity drying to remove loose undercoat. Recommended for double-coated breeds like Huskies and Labs.
  • Anal Gland Expression: $10–$30 — A medically important service your vet or groomer can provide.
  • Flea Treatment: $15–$35 — Medicated shampoo and treatment if fleas are detected.
  • Puppy’s First Groom: $30–$60 — A gentle introductory session, usually shorter and more positive-reinforcement focused.

Mobile vs. Salon vs. Self-Service: Price Comparison

Where you take your dog for grooming also affects price significantly. Here’s how the three main options compare:

Grooming Type Average Cost Pros Cons
Salon / Grooming Parlor $50 – $150+ Professional equipment; social experience for dogs Drop-off wait times; stress for anxious dogs
Mobile Groomer $75 – $200+ Comes to you; one-on-one attention; less stress Higher cost; limited availability in rural areas
Self-Service Station $15 – $35/session Most affordable; you control the process Labor-intensive; no professional trimming
Mobile dog grooming van parked in a sunny residential neighborhood
Mobile grooming vans bring professional services directly to your door — ideal for anxious or senior dogs.

Mobile grooming has surged in popularity in 2026 for anxious or senior dogs. Expect to pay a $25–$50 premium over salon prices for the convenience of at-home service.

Find mobile groomers and salon services in your city on HeiBob’s pet grooming directory.

What Factors Affect Dog Grooming Prices?

Even among dogs of the same breed, grooming prices can vary significantly. Here are the biggest factors groomers consider when pricing your appointment:

  • Coat condition: Matted or heavily tangled coats require extra dematting time — often billed at $10–$30 extra per hour. Regular grooming prevents costly dematting sessions.
  • Dog temperament: Anxious, aggressive, or uncooperative dogs take longer to groom safely. Some groomers charge a “difficult dog” fee of $10–$25.
  • Geographic location: Groomers in major metros like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco charge 30–50% more than national averages. Suburban and rural areas tend to be more affordable.
  • Groomer experience: Certified master groomers (NCMG) or those specializing in breed-specific cuts charge premium rates.
  • Frequency of grooming: Dogs groomed regularly (every 4–8 weeks) tend to have better coat condition, which keeps each appointment shorter and cheaper.
  • Add-on services: Each add-on (teeth brushing, deshedding, blueberry facial) adds to the base price.

How to Save Money on Dog Grooming

Professional grooming is a recurring cost of pet ownership, but there are smart ways to keep it affordable:

  • Groom more frequently: Shorter, more regular visits prevent matting and reduce per-visit grooming time — keeping prices lower.
  • Learn basic maintenance at home: Brush your dog 2–3x weekly between grooms, trim around the eyes, and keep nails filed between professional cuts.
  • Use self-service stations: PetSmart, Petco, and independent pet stores often have bathing stations for $15–$25.
  • Ask about package deals: Many groomers offer discounts for prepaid packages of 5–10 appointments.
  • Choose an independent groomer: Independent grooming salons often charge 15–25% less than national chain stores for the same quality service.
  • Compare prices with HeiBob: Browse and compare local pet grooming services near you to find the best value in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Grooming Costs

How much does dog grooming cost on average in 2026?

The average dog grooming cost in 2026 is between $65 and $110 for a full groom, depending on your dog’s size and coat type. Small dogs typically cost $40–$75, medium dogs $60–$95, and large dogs $75–$130. Prices have increased roughly 8–12% compared to 2023 due to labor and supply costs.

How often should I get my dog professionally groomed?

Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Dogs with continuously growing coats (Poodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese) may need grooming every 4–6 weeks. Short-haired breeds like Beagles or Boxers can often go 8–12 weeks between professional appointments, though regular at-home brushing is still recommended.

Is mobile dog grooming worth the extra cost?

Mobile grooming costs $25–$50 more than a salon visit, but it’s often worth it for anxious dogs, senior pets, or owners with busy schedules. The one-on-one attention, reduced stress, and convenience of having the groomer come to you make it a worthwhile investment for many pet owners.

What’s included in a “full groom”?

A standard full groom typically includes a bath with shampoo and conditioner, blow-dry, brush-out, haircut or trim, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and a finishing touch like a bandana or cologne. Some groomers include teeth brushing or anal gland expression in their full groom package — always confirm what’s included before booking.

Why is my dog’s grooming bill so high?

High grooming bills usually come from coat condition (matting requires extra time), dog size, add-on services, or geographic location. If your dog’s coat is matted, the groomer may charge a dematting fee. Regular grooming and at-home brushing are the best ways to keep appointment costs lower over time.

Can I groom my dog at home to save money?

Yes — home grooming is a great way to reduce costs between professional appointments. You can handle brushing, basic bathing, and even nail trims with the right tools. However, breed-specific cuts and dematting are best left to professionals to avoid injury or uneven results. Many owners use a hybrid approach: professional grooms every 8–12 weeks plus regular home maintenance.

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Find Affordable Dog Groomers Near You

Now that you know what to expect from dog grooming prices, it’s time to find the right groomer for your pup. Compare local salons, mobile groomers, and boutique pet spas on HeiBob — all in one place.

Browse Pet Grooming Services Near You →

Annie
Author: Annie

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