What Does Dog Grooming Cost on Average?

The average dog grooming cost in the United States ranges from $30 to $130 depending on your dog's size, breed, coat type, and the services you choose. A basic bath and brush for a small dog might cost $30–$50, while a full groom for a large double-coated breed like a Husky or Bernese Mountain Dog can run $100–$175 or more.

The good news: once you know what to expect, you can budget confidently and find a great groomer who fits your needs. Browse verified groomers near you on DogBaths.com →

Dog Grooming Cost by Service Type

Grooming prices vary significantly depending on which services you book. Here's a breakdown of the most common services and what they typically cost across the US:

Basic Bath & Brush

Includes shampoo, blow dry, brush-out, and ear cleaning. Most groomers include nail trimming at this level too.

Typical cost: $30–$60 for small dogs, $50–$80 for medium dogs, $65–$100 for large dogs

Full Groom

Everything in a bath plus a haircut styled to breed standard or owner preference. This is the most popular grooming service.

Typical cost: $45–$75 for small dogs, $65–$100 for medium dogs, $85–$130+ for large dogs

Self-Service Dog Wash

You do the washing yourself using the salon's tubs, shampoo, dryers, and towels. No appointment needed at most locations — just show up.

Typical cost: $15–$30 per session

Self-service dog wash stations are one of the fastest-growing grooming options in the US. Find self-service dog wash stations near you →

Mobile Dog Grooming

A fully-equipped van comes directly to your home. Premium service with zero transport stress for your dog — but you pay for the convenience.

Typical cost: $75–$150+ depending on dog size and location

Browse mobile dog groomers near you →

Add-On Services

Most groomers offer add-ons that can increase the total cost:

Teeth brushing: $10–$20
Nail grinding (vs clipping): $10–$15
De-shedding treatment: $20–$45
Flea treatment: $15–$30
Blueberry facial: $10–$15
Anal gland expression: $15–$25

Dog Grooming Cost by Dog Size

Size is the biggest single factor in grooming cost. Here's a general breakdown for a full groom:

Extra small (under 10 lbs): $35–$65 — Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese
Small (10–25 lbs): $45–$75 — Shih Tzus, Bichons, Miniature Poodles
Medium (25–60 lbs): $60–$95 — Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Bulldogs
Large (60–90 lbs): $80–$120 — Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles
Extra large (90 lbs+): $100–$175+ — Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernards

Dog Grooming Prices by Breed

Breed matters as much as size. Dogs with thick double coats, long flowing hair, or curly coats take significantly longer to groom and cost more as a result.

Most Expensive Breeds to Groom

Poodle (Standard): $80–$150 — intricate cuts, high-maintenance coat
Bichon Frise: $65–$120 — specialized fluffy styling
Afghan Hound: $100–$200 — long silky coat requires extensive work
Chow Chow: $90–$160 — dense double coat
Bernese Mountain Dog: $100–$175 — large size plus thick coat

Most Affordable Breeds to Groom

Beagle: $30–$55 — short coat, easy maintenance
Boxer: $35–$60 — minimal coat care needed
Weimaraner: $35–$55 — short smooth coat
Dalmatian: $35–$60 — short coat, easy to groom
Greyhound: $30–$55 — minimal grooming requirements

Dog Grooming Costs by State

Location matters — grooming in New York City or San Francisco costs significantly more than in rural areas. Here are typical full groom prices for a medium-sized dog by region:

Northeast (NY, MA, CT): $80–$140
West Coast (CA, WA, OR): $75–$130
Southeast (FL, GA, TX): $55–$95
Midwest (IL, OH, MI): $50–$85
Mountain West (CO, AZ, UT): $55–$95
South Central (TX, OK, LA): $45–$85

Want to see real groomers and compare prices in your area? Browse groomers by state →

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

Grooming frequency affects your annual cost significantly. Here's a general guide:

Short-coated dogs (Beagles, Boxers): Every 8–12 weeks for a professional groom; brush weekly at home
Medium-coated dogs (Golden Retrievers, Border Collies): Every 6–8 weeks
Long-coated dogs (Shih Tzus, Maltese): Every 4–6 weeks
Curly/wavy coats (Poodles, Doodles): Every 4–6 weeks or coat mats quickly
Double-coated dogs (Huskies, Malamutes): Every 8–12 weeks plus de-shedding treatments seasonally

Tips for Saving Money on Dog Grooming

Use self-service dog wash stations — $15–$30 per visit instead of $60–$100 for a full groom
Brush your dog regularly at home — prevents matting which groomers charge extra to remove
Book regular appointments — many groomers offer loyalty discounts to repeat clients
Ask about package deals — some salons bundle services at a discount
Compare prices locally — prices vary widely even within the same city
Consider grooming school students — supervised students often charge 30–50% less

What's Included in a Dog Grooming Appointment?

Always ask what's included before booking — packages vary widely between groomers. A standard full groom typically includes:

Bath with professional shampoo and conditioner
Blow dry and brush-out
Haircut styled to breed standard or your preference
Nail trimming
Ear cleaning
Scissoring around eyes, paws, and sanitary areas

Some groomers include teeth brushing and cologne; others charge extra. Always confirm before your appointment.

How to Find a Good Dog Groomer

Price matters — but so does quality and safety. Here's what to look for:

Reviews: Look for consistent 4.5+ star ratings with mentions of the groomer being gentle and patient
Clean facility: A good groomer keeps their space clean and smells fresh
Clear communication: They should ask about your dog's temperament, health issues, and preferences
Transparent pricing: No surprise charges after the appointment
Handling style: Ask how they handle anxious or reactive dogs

DogBaths.com lists 1,800+ verified groomers across the US with real ratings and reviews. Find a trusted groomer near you →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a basic dog bath cost?

A basic bath and brush typically costs $30–$60 for small dogs and $50–$100 for larger breeds. Self-service dog wash stations are the most affordable option at $15–$30 per visit.

Why is dog grooming so expensive?

Professional dog grooming requires specialized training, equipment, and significant time — a full groom can take 2–4 hours. Groomers also carry liability insurance and use professional-grade shampoos and tools. The cost reflects skilled labor, not just a bath.

How much should I tip my dog groomer?

15–20% is standard for good service, similar to tipping a hairdresser. For exceptional work or a difficult dog, 20–25% is appropriate. Groomers are often paid on commission, so tips make a real difference.

Is mobile dog grooming worth the extra cost?

For anxious dogs, senior dogs, or owners with busy schedules, mobile grooming is often worth the premium. Your dog stays in a familiar environment and gets one-on-one attention with no waiting around other animals. Browse mobile groomers near you →

How much does it cost to groom a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles typically cost $70–$130 for a full groom depending on size (mini vs standard) and coat condition. Their curly coats require more time and skill than many breeds — regular 6-week appointments help keep costs down by preventing matting.

Can I negotiate grooming prices?

Most groomers have set prices, but you can ask about package deals, loyalty programs, or off-peak discounts. Being a regular client and booking consistently often leads to better pricing over time.

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How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost? (2026 Complete Price Guide)