Pricing Guide

Pet Grooming Prices Near Me: What to Expect in 2026

Wondering what pet grooming should cost in your area? This guide breaks down average prices, explains what affects local costs, and helps you find the best value for your furry friend.

Updated January 2026β€’8 min read
Professional dog grooming - understanding pet grooming prices in your local area

Pet grooming prices vary significantly by location, dog size, and service type

What Are Pet Grooming Prices Near You?

Average pet grooming prices in 2026 range from $30-150 depending on location and services:

  • Basic Bath & Brush: $30-65
  • Full Groom with Haircut: $50-100+
  • Mobile Grooming: $75-150

Urban areas typically charge 15-30% more than suburban/rural areas.

If you've ever searched for pet grooming prices near me, you've probably noticed that costs can vary wildly - even within the same city. A full groom that costs $60 at one salon might be $100 at another just a few miles away.

Understanding what drives these price differences helps you make informed decisions and find the best value for your pet. This guide covers average prices by region, explains what affects local costs, and shares tips for finding affordable grooming without sacrificing quality.

πŸ“Š National Average Pet Grooming Prices (2026)

Here are the national average pet grooming prices for common services. Your local prices may be higher or lower depending on your region.

ServiceSmall Dog
(<25 lbs)
Medium Dog
(25-50 lbs)
Large Dog
(50+ lbs)
Bath & Brush$30-40$40-55$50-65
Full Groom (with haircut)$50-65$65-85$80-100+
De-Shedding Treatment$40-50$55-70$70-85
Mobile Grooming$75-95$95-120$115-150
Nail Trim Only$12-20

*These are national averages. Actual prices in your area may vary by 20-40% based on location.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Pet Grooming Prices by Region

Location is one of the biggest factors in dog grooming prices near me. Here's how prices compare across different types of areas:

Major Metro Areas (NYC, SF, LA, Chicago)

Highest Prices

Full Groom: $80-150+ | Bath: $50-85

Expect to pay 30-50% above national average. High rent, labor costs, and demand drive prices up.

Mid-Size Cities & Affluent Suburbs

Above Average

Full Groom: $65-100 | Bath: $40-65

10-25% above national average. Good balance of quality groomers and reasonable prices.

Suburban & Small City Areas

Average Prices

Full Groom: $55-85 | Bath: $35-55

Close to national averages. Wide variety of options from chains to independents.

Rural Areas & Small Towns

Below Average

Full Groom: $45-70 | Bath: $25-45

10-20% below national average, but fewer options available. May need to travel further.

Dog being groomed at professional pet salon - pet grooming prices vary by location and service

Professional grooming salons set prices based on local market conditions

βš™οΈ What Affects Pet Grooming Prices in Your Area

Several factors determine pet grooming prices near you:

1. Cost of Living

Rent, utilities, and wages are higher in expensive areas, so groomers charge more to cover costs. A groomer paying $5,000/month rent in NYC needs to charge more than one paying $1,200 in a small town.

2. Local Competition

Areas with more groomers tend to have more competitive pricing. If there are 20 groomers within 5 miles, they compete on price and service. In areas with fewer options, groomers can charge more.

3. Dog Size & Breed

Larger dogs take more time, products, and effort. Breeds with complex coats (Poodles, Doodles) cost more than simple-coated breeds (Labs, Beagles). A Goldendoodle groom costs 50-100% more than a Chihuahua.

4. Coat Condition

Matted or neglected coats require extra work. De-matting charges typically add $10-30+ to the bill. Regular grooming prevents this and saves money long-term.

5. Service Type

Mobile grooming costs 20-40% more than salon services due to travel time and operating costs. Premium salons and specialty groomers charge more than basic services at chain stores.

6. Groomer Experience

Certified master groomers and breed specialists often charge more than generalists. If your dog needs specific breed cuts or has behavioral challenges, paying more for experience is worthwhile.

βš–οΈ Chain Store vs. Independent Groomer Prices

When searching for dog grooming prices near me, you'll find both chain stores (PetSmart, Petco) and independent groomers. Here's how they compare:

FactorChain StoresIndependent Groomers
Price (Medium Dog Full Groom)$55-75$65-100
ConsistencyDifferent groomer each visitSame groomer builds relationship
ConvenienceMany locations, easy bookingMay book further in advance
SpecializationGeneral groomingMay specialize in breeds
EnvironmentBusier, more dogs aroundOften quieter, personalized

The Bottom Line:

Chain stores are typically 10-20% cheaper and more convenient. Independent groomers offer more personalized service and may be worth the extra cost for anxious dogs or breeds needing specialized cuts. Both can provide quality grooming - the best choice depends on your priorities.

πŸ’‘ How to Find Affordable Pet Grooming Near You

  1. 1
    Compare Multiple Groomers Online

    Use directories like OurPetGroomer.com to see prices, reviews, and services from multiple groomers in your area. Don't settle for the first option.

  2. 2
    Check Chain Store Promotions

    PetSmart and Petco frequently offer first-time customer discounts (20-30% off) and rewards programs. Sign up for email alerts.

  3. 3
    Ask About Package Deals

    Many groomers offer discounts for pre-paid packages or recurring appointments. Book 4-6 appointments in advance for 10-15% savings.

  4. 4
    Maintain Your Dog's Coat at Home

    Regular brushing prevents matting, which can add $15-40+ to grooming costs. A few minutes of brushing several times a week saves money.

  5. 5
    Consider Grooming Schools

    Grooming schools offer heavily discounted services (50-70% off) performed by supervised students. Great for basic grooming on well-behaved dogs.

  6. 6
    Look for New Business Promotions

    New groomers often offer introductory pricing to build clientele. Watch for grand opening specials in your area.

  7. 7
    Choose Bath-Only When Possible

    If your dog doesn't need a haircut, stick with bath & brush services - they're 30-40% cheaper than full grooms.

πŸ’Ž When It's Worth Paying More for Grooming

While finding affordable pet grooming prices is important, sometimes paying more is the right choice:

Pay More For:

  • βœ“Anxious or fearful dogs (calmer environment)
  • βœ“Breeds needing specialized cuts (Poodles, Bichons)
  • βœ“Senior dogs or those with health issues
  • βœ“Show dogs or competition grooming
  • βœ“Mobile grooming (convenience has value)

Budget Options Work For:

  • β€’Well-socialized, calm dogs
  • β€’Simple coats (short-haired breeds)
  • β€’Basic haircuts (puppy cut, all-over trim)
  • β€’Healthy adult dogs
  • β€’Maintenance grooming between full grooms

Compare Pet Grooming Prices Near You

Ready to find the best grooming value in your area? Browse local groomers, compare prices, read reviews, and book your appointment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are average pet grooming prices near me?β–Ό

Average pet grooming prices range from $30-100+ depending on location, dog size, and services. Basic baths typically cost $30-65, full grooms with haircuts $50-100+, and mobile grooming $75-150. Urban areas charge 15-30% more than suburban or rural areas.

Why is dog grooming so expensive in some areas?β–Ό

Grooming prices are higher in expensive areas due to increased costs for rent, utilities, insurance, and wages. Groomers in cities like NYC or San Francisco may pay 3-5x more in rent than those in smaller towns, and those costs are passed to customers. Local demand and competition levels also affect pricing.

Are PetSmart and Petco prices the same everywhere?β–Ό

No, even chain store grooming prices vary by location. A bath that costs $35 in a suburban location might cost $45-55 in a major city. Check your local store's prices online or call for exact quotes - don't assume prices from another location will apply.

How can I save money on pet grooming?β–Ό

Save money by: comparing prices from multiple groomers, using chain store rewards programs, booking package deals, maintaining your dog's coat between appointments to avoid matting charges, considering grooming schools, and choosing bath-only services when haircuts aren't needed.

Is mobile grooming worth the extra cost?β–Ό

Mobile grooming costs 20-40% more but offers significant benefits: convenience (no driving), one-on-one attention, reduced stress for anxious dogs, and no exposure to other animals. It's worth the extra cost for busy pet parents, nervous dogs, senior pets, or those without easy transportation to a salon.

πŸ“ The Bottom Line on Pet Grooming Prices

Pet grooming prices vary significantly based on where you live, your dog's size and coat type, and the level of service you choose. National averages range from $30-100+, but your local prices may be higher or lower.

To find the best value: compare multiple groomers, take advantage of promotions and loyalty programs, maintain your dog's coat between visits, and choose the right level of service for your needs. Don't always default to the cheapest option - sometimes paying more for experienced groomers or personalized service is worth it.

Remember to tip your groomer 15-20% for quality service, and book regular appointments to keep your pet looking and feeling their best!

Ready to find groomers in your area? Search local pet groomers to compare prices, read reviews, and book your appointment.