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

27 Jun 2026 6 min read No comments Pet Grooming
Featured image

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

Dog grooming costs $30–$130+ in 2026, depending on your dog’s size, breed, coat type, and the services included. Most pet owners pay $50–$75 for a full groom on a medium-sized dog. Mobile grooming and specialty services cost more, while self-service grooming stations can cut your bill in half.

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

In This Guide:
  1. Average Dog Grooming Costs in 2026
  2. Cost by Dog Size
  3. Cost by Service Type
  4. Mobile Dog Grooming Cost
  5. Factors That Affect the Price
  6. How to Save Money on Dog Grooming
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

Average Dog Grooming Costs in 2026

The national average for a full dog groom (bath, blow-dry, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning) is $55–$75 for a medium-sized dog. Prices have risen 10–15% since 2023 due to increased demand for professional pet services and rising operating costs for groomers.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to pay across common grooming services:

Service Average Cost (2026) Notes
Full Groom (small dog) $30–$60 Bath, dry, haircut, nails
Full Groom (medium dog) $50–$80 Most popular size range
Full Groom (large dog) $70–$110 Golden retrievers, labs, etc.
Full Groom (extra-large) $90–$130+ Great Danes, Bernese, etc.
Bath & Brush Only $20–$50 No haircut included
Nail Trim Only $10–$20 Quick service, most vets offer it
Mobile Grooming $75–$150 Convenience premium applies

Sources: National Dog Groomers Association, Yelp grooming price surveys, HeiBob groomer listings (June 2026)

Dog grooming prices by size — small dog $30, medium dog $55, large dog $80 — HeiBob 2026
Typical dog grooming price ranges by size in 2026. Actual prices vary by breed and location.

Dog Grooming Cost by Size

Size is the single biggest factor in grooming cost. Larger dogs take more time, more product, and more physical effort from the groomer. Most salons charge by weight category:

  • Toy & small breeds (under 20 lbs) — $30–$60. Think Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers. These are the easiest and fastest to groom.
  • Medium breeds (20–50 lbs) — $50–$80. Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Border Collies, Bulldogs. Medium-length or double coats push prices toward the higher end.
  • Large breeds (50–90 lbs) — $70–$110. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies. Heavy shedders and long-coated dogs cost more.
  • Extra-large breeds (90+ lbs) — $90–$130+. Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs. Some groomers charge a premium for XXL dogs or require two groomers.

Browse pet grooming services near you to compare prices from local salons.

Dog Grooming Cost by Service Type

Not all grooming appointments are the same. Here’s what each type typically includes and costs:

Full Groom ($30–$130)

The most comprehensive option. A full groom includes a bath with shampoo and conditioner, blow-dry, breed-specific haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and sometimes anal gland expression. This is the service most dog owners book every 6–8 weeks.

Bath & Brush ($20–$50)

Bath, dry, and brush-out — no haircut. Good for short-coated dogs or between full grooms to manage shedding. Most groomers include a nail trim in this service.

Nail Trim ($10–$20)

A quick standalone service. Many vet offices and pet stores like PetSmart offer walk-in nail trims for $10–$15. Nail grinding (a smoothing step after clipping) adds $5–$10.

De-Shedding Treatment ($25–$50 add-on)

A specialized bath and blow-out using de-shedding shampoos and high-velocity dryers. Highly recommended for double-coated breeds like Huskies, Labs, and German Shepherds — can reduce shedding by up to 90% for several weeks.

Teeth Brushing ($10–$15 add-on)

A quick brush with dog-safe toothpaste. Not a substitute for veterinary dental cleaning, but helps with odor and plaque between vet visits.

Self-Service Dog Wash ($15–$30)

Bathing stations where you do the work yourself using the salon’s tubs, shampoo, dryers, and towels. Great for budget-conscious owners with easy-to-bathe dogs. Available at many pet stores and independent grooming shops.

Mobile Dog Grooming Cost

Mobile grooming — where a fully equipped van comes to your home — typically costs $75–$150 for a full groom, which is 30–50% more than a salon visit. The premium covers the groomer’s travel time, fuel, and the convenience of one-on-one attention for your dog.

Mobile grooming is especially popular for:

  • Dogs with anxiety about car rides or salon environments
  • Senior or mobility-impaired dogs
  • Busy pet owners who value the time savings
  • Multi-dog households (groomers often offer discounts for additional pets)

Many mobile groomers book weeks out, so plan ahead. Search mobile dog groomers near you on HeiBob to find available options in your area.

Factors That Affect Dog Grooming Prices

Beyond size, several other variables influence how much you’ll pay:

  • Coat type and condition — Double coats, curly coats (Poodles, Doodles), and severely matted fur all cost more to groom. Severe matting may incur a dematting fee of $10–$30.
  • Breed — Breed-specific cuts (Schnauzer, Poodle, Bichon) require more skill and time than a simple trim.
  • Geographic location — Groomers in Manhattan or San Francisco charge significantly more than those in rural areas. City averages run 20–40% higher.
  • Salon vs. mobile vs. chain store — Independent boutique salons typically charge more than PetSmart or Petco grooming centers, but quality and attention often reflect the price difference.
  • Grooming frequency — Dogs that are groomed more regularly are faster and cheaper to groom. Dogs that go 6+ months between grooms often require extra time and cost more.
  • Add-on services — De-shedding, teeth brushing, paw balm, bandanas, and specialty shampoos all add $5–$30 to the bill.

How to Save Money on Dog Grooming

Professional grooming is a recurring cost, but there are smart ways to reduce the bill without compromising your dog’s care:

  • Book regularly — Dogs on a consistent 6–8 week schedule are faster and cheaper to groom than those that come in matted and overgrown.
  • Use self-service stations — For bath-and-brush sessions, a $15–$20 self-wash station saves $30+ compared to full-service.
  • Ask about loyalty programs — Many independent groomers offer punch cards or discounts for repeat clients.
  • Maintain at home — Brushing your dog 2–3 times per week reduces matting, cutting grooming time (and cost) at the salon.
  • Compare prices — Use HeiBob’s groomer listings to compare prices across local salons before booking.
  • Groom during off-peak times — Some salons offer discounts on weekday mornings when they’re less busy.

📖 More Pet Care Guides

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 $50–$75 for a full groom on a medium-sized dog. Small dogs typically cost $30–$60 and large dogs $70–$110. Prices vary based on breed, coat type, location, and the services included.

Why is dog grooming so expensive?

Professional dog grooming requires specialized training, equipment (high-velocity dryers, grooming tables, professional clippers), grooming products, and significant time — a full groom can take 1.5–3 hours. Groomers also have business overhead costs including insurance and rent, which are reflected in pricing.

How often should I get my dog groomed?

Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Long-coated breeds like Poodles and Shih Tzus may need grooming every 4–6 weeks, while short-haired breeds like Beagles can often go 8–12 weeks between visits. Regular grooming keeps coats healthy and reduces matting costs.

Is mobile dog grooming worth the extra cost?

Mobile grooming is worth it for anxious dogs, senior dogs, or owners who value the convenience of door-to-door service. The 30–50% premium typically buys your dog one-on-one attention, reduced stress from being around other animals, and no car ride anxiety. For easy-going dogs, a salon visit is usually the more economical choice.

What is included in a full dog groom?

A full dog groom typically includes a bath with professional shampoo and conditioner, blow-dry, breed-specific haircut or trim, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes anal gland expression. Additional services like teeth brushing, de-shedding treatment, and paw balm are usually offered as paid add-ons.

Can I negotiate dog grooming prices?

While most grooming salons have set price lists, you can often save by booking loyalty packages, referring friends, grooming during off-peak hours, or maintaining your dog between appointments to reduce grooming time. Building a long-term relationship with a groomer often results in priority booking and occasional discounts.

Ready to Find a Groomer Near You?

Compare prices, read reviews, and book the best dog groomers in your city — all in one place.

Browse Dog Groomers on HeiBob →
Annie
Author: Annie

Leave a Reply