Dog Grooming Pricing Guide: How to Set Your Rates in 2026
The average full dog groom in 2026 costs $50-75 for small dogs, $65-95 for medium dogs, and $80-120+ for large dogs. Prices vary by region, experience level, and whether you run a salon or mobile grooming business. This guide helps you set — and raise — your rates confidently.
Average Grooming Prices in 2026
| Service | Small Dog | Medium Dog | Large Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath & brush | $30-50 | $40-70 | $50-90 |
| Full groom | $50-75 | $65-95 | $80-120+ |
| Puppy first groom | $30-45 | $35-55 | $40-60 |
| De-shedding treatment | $40-60 | $55-80 | $70-100 |
| Hand stripping | $65-90 | $80-120 | $100-150+ |
Breed-Specific Pricing Guide
Not all dogs of the same size require the same effort. Coat type, temperament, and grooming complexity vary widely by breed. Here is a breakdown of typical full-groom pricing for popular breeds:
| Breed | Size | Typical Full Groom | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yorkshire Terrier | Small | $50-65 | Fine coat, requires careful handling |
| Shih Tzu | Small | $55-70 | Dense double coat, prone to matting |
| Poodle (Miniature) | Small-Med | $60-80 | Curly coat, breed-specific clips take longer |
| Cocker Spaniel | Medium | $65-85 | Long ears need extra attention |
| Golden Retriever | Large | $75-100 | Heavy shedder, de-shedding adds time |
| Labrador Retriever | Large | $65-85 | Short coat but heavy shedding |
| Standard Poodle | Large | $85-120 | Breed clips require skill, charge accordingly |
| Goldendoodle | Large | $80-110 | Thick coat mats easily, often matted on arrival |
| German Shepherd | Large | $75-95 | Double coat, heavy de-shedding |
| Husky / Malamute | Large | $85-110 | Extreme shedding, 1.5-2 hour groom |
| Great Pyrenees | Giant | $100-140 | Massive coat, plan 2+ hours |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Giant | $95-130 | Double coat, heavy undercoat removal |
Matting surcharge: Many groomers add a $15-40 matting surcharge for severely matted coats. This is fair and standard — matting takes significantly more time and dulls your blades faster. Always communicate this at drop-off so there are no surprises on the bill.
Regional Price Differences
Location has one of the biggest impacts on what you can charge. Here is a detailed breakdown of regional pricing for a medium-dog full groom:
| Region | States | Avg. Full Groom (Medium) | vs. National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | NY, MA, CT, NJ, PA | $80-110 | +15-25% |
| West Coast | CA, WA, OR | $75-100 | +10-20% |
| Mountain West | CO, UT, AZ, NV | $70-90 | +0-10% |
| Midwest | IL, OH, MI, MN, WI | $60-85 | Near average |
| South | TX, FL, GA, NC, TN | $55-80 | -5-15% |
| Rural areas | Varies | $45-70 | -15-25% |
Keep in mind that even within a region, pricing varies by city. A groomer in downtown Manhattan charges very differently from one in rural upstate New York. Research your specific local market rather than relying solely on regional averages.
Use our free Grooming Pricing Calculator for personalized rate recommendations based on your exact region, experience, and services.
How to Price Your Services
- Research your local market — Check competitors' posted prices online and through Google searches. Call 3-5 nearby groomers posing as a new client to ask about pricing. This gives you a realistic range for your area.
- Factor in your experience — New groomers (0-2 years) should price at 85-90% of the local average. Specialists with 5+ years can charge 15-30% above average.
- Calculate your costs — Rent, supplies, insurance, and software all eat into your margins. Make sure your pricing covers costs and leaves a reasonable profit. A good target is 50-65% profit margin after all expenses. Use our Profit Audit tool to see where you stand.
- Use size-based pricing — Always charge by dog size. A Yorkie and a Great Dane are not the same job. Consider adding weight brackets to your price list (e.g., under 15 lbs, 15-40 lbs, 40-70 lbs, 70+ lbs).
- Add premium services — Teeth brushing ($10-15), nail grinding ($10-15), blueberry facials ($10-20), and de-shedding packages let clients self-select into higher tickets.
Premium Add-On Pricing Guide
Add-ons are one of the easiest ways to increase your average ticket without raising base prices. Here are the most popular add-ons and what groomers typically charge:
| Add-On Service | Typical Price | Avg. Uptake Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth brushing | $10-15 | 15-25% |
| Nail grinding (vs. clipping) | $10-15 | 30-40% |
| Blueberry or oatmeal facial | $10-20 | 10-20% |
| De-shedding treatment | $15-30 | 20-30% |
| Flea & tick treatment | $15-25 | 10-15% |
| Cologne / bandana / bow | $5-10 | 40-50% |
| Pawdicure (nail paint) | $10-15 | 5-10% |
| Medicated shampoo upgrade | $10-20 | 15-20% |
If you average just $12 in add-ons per appointment across 25 appointments per week, that is an extra $300/week — over $15,000/year in additional revenue with no extra appointment slots needed.
Seasonal Pricing Strategy
Demand for grooming is not evenly distributed throughout the year. Smart groomers adjust pricing to reflect peak and off-peak periods:
- Pre-holiday rush (Nov-Dec): Many groomers add a $10-25 holiday surcharge during the Thanksgiving-to-Christmas window. Clients want their dogs looking sharp for family gatherings and holiday photos. This is the busiest period for most groomers.
- Spring de-shedding season (Mar-May): Double-coated breeds blow their winter coats, driving demand for de-shedding services. Promote de-shedding packages at premium rates during this window.
- Summer peak (Jun-Aug): Vacation season means clients want their dogs groomed before boarding or travel. Many groomers stay booked solid. Consider raising prices $5-10 across the board during summer.
- January-February dip: Post-holiday spending slowdown. This is a good time to run a first-time client promotion or loyalty discount to fill your calendar. Read our guide to getting more grooming clients for ideas.
Communicate seasonal pricing clearly. Add a note to your booking page: "Holiday appointments (Nov 15 - Dec 31) include a $15 seasonal surcharge." Clients understand — they are used to peak pricing in other industries.
When (and How) to Raise Your Prices
Signs it is time to raise prices:
- You're booked out more than 1-2 weeks in advance
- You rarely get pushback on pricing
- Your costs have increased (supplies, rent, gas)
- You have not raised prices in 6+ months
- You are earning less per hour than you want after expenses
How to Communicate a Price Increase
The biggest mistake groomers make is being apologetic about raising prices. You are running a business, and your costs go up every year. Here are templates you can use:
SMS template (recommended — 98% open rate):
"Hi [name]! Just a heads up — starting [date], our grooming prices will be adjusting by $5-10 to reflect increased supply and operating costs. We truly appreciate your loyalty and look forward to continuing to pamper [pet name]! Book your next appointment: [link]"
Email template for larger increases:
"Dear [name], We wanted to let you know that effective [date], we will be updating our grooming prices. This is the first adjustment in [X months/years] and reflects rising costs for professional grooming supplies, equipment maintenance, and continued education. Our new pricing: [list changes]. We remain committed to providing the best possible care for [pet name]. Thank you for your continued trust. — [Your name]"
Tips for a smooth transition:
- Give 2-4 weeks notice before the new prices take effect
- Raise prices for all clients at the same time — do not grandfather some and not others
- Frame it as a reflection of your growing expertise and rising costs, not an apology
- If you lose 1-2 clients over a $5 increase, you are still better off — the math works in your favor
- Consider raising prices when you add a new service or certification, so clients see added value
Common Pricing Mistakes to Avoid
- Charging by breed instead of size/coat type: A well-maintained Goldendoodle and a matted Goldendoodle are completely different jobs. Price by condition, not just breed.
- Not charging for matting: Matting takes extra time and wears out your blades. Always charge a matting surcharge and communicate it at drop-off.
- Underpricing to win clients: Competing on price attracts price-sensitive clients who are more likely to no-show and less loyal. Compete on quality and convenience instead.
- Flat pricing for all sizes: A Chihuahua bath is not the same as a Great Dane bath. Use at least 3 size brackets.
- Forgetting to account for time: Price your services based on how long they take. If a full groom takes 90 minutes, make sure your price reflects a reasonable hourly rate after expenses.
Tools to Help You Price Right
Our free Grooming Pricing Calculator factors in your region, experience, service type, and overhead costs to give you a personalized pricing recommendation. It is based on real market data and updated for 2026.
If you want to understand how pricing affects your bottom line, run the numbers through our Profit Audit tool as well. And if no-shows are eating into your revenue, check our No-Show Cost Calculator to see the real impact.
For a look at how the broader market is growing and where pricing is heading, see our 2026 industry statistics. And for comparisons on how grooming software like Gingr and MoeGo handle pricing features, see our comparison pages.
Want to see where you stand? Try our free Pricing Calculator →