Why Does It Cost So Much For Dog Grooming?

Though it is hard to give a firm estimation of costs for your dog due to many variables, Small Dogs can expect to price from $62-79 and Large breed dogs sit in the $89 to $180 range, with Medium dogs somewhere in the middle.

The main factors a groomer considers when pricing your pet are size, style of haircut, temperament, and coat type/ condition. It all depends on the time spent grooming. A dog that gets groomed every 4-6 weeks is typically in good condition and will not need as much prep work. Where as a dog that hasn’t been groomed in a while could take a lot more time.

The size factor of a pet is pretty self explanatory, but please understand that just because you have said “I have a Shih Tzu” doesn’t really help. I’ve groomed 3 pound Imperial Shih Tzu and I have groomed overweight 25 pound Shih Tzu. Also, with mixed breeds or “designer breeds” the size variations is even larger. The larger the dog the longer it can take a groomer to shave it because of more surface area, but the smaller the dog doesn’t necessarily mean easier either. When dogs are really small it can take some extra time too because it is very hard to get the big clipper in their tiny areas, like armpits and paw pads.

Coat type and condition on a dog is pertaining to short-haired like a beagle, or long-haired like a Maltese. Short-haired dogs are typically cheaper because they will only need to be brushed out after the bath rather than getting a hair cut like a long-haired dog. Please be aware that short-haired dogs may be shedding which also affects the price. The longer it takes to remove all the dead hair the more expensive it will be. If a pet goes to the groomer on a consistent basis and the coat is free of knots it will be cheaper. Pre-shaving or de-matting knots on long-haired dogs will be an extra charge. The amount of the extra charge will all depend on the time it takes.

Temperament is a big factor that a groomer needs to consider. It is also a factor that they won’t fully know until they’ve started working with the pet. By temperament, I don’t only mean aggressive. There are many nervous or shy pets that do best when groomed slowly, so a trusting relationship can be built. A dog with a very playful personality is great, but is very hard to groom if they are excited and wiggly about everything! If it is an aggressive dog and has to be muzzled or requires more than one groomer the client needs to understand it takes longer and is more difficult, which makes the price increase.

The best way to keep the price as low as possible is to get on a schedule for every 4-8 weeks, and or bath-and-brush appointments between grooms. Brushing at home in-between grooming is also essential for the best outcome.