09/05/2026
This is a hard post for me to make because raising prices never feels good.
Back in January, I made a post about increasing our grooming prices. The truth is, I didn’t actually increase the prices for the majority of my longtime clients. I kept putting it off because I know everyone is feeling the cost of living, and the last thing I want to do is make things harder for anyone.
But I’ve reached the point where I have to make a business decision if I want our grooming salon to remain open.
Our salon operates differently than many smaller grooming setups. We have a storefront, employees, insurance, utilities, taxes, equipment, professional products and a lot of overhead that comes with running an incorporated business.
I also believe strongly in paying for experience. Eduardo brings an incredible amount of knowledge to our salon and is an internationally certified Master Groomer. Having experienced, educated groomers caring for your pets is something I value and something I’m not willing to compromise on.
There are also so many costs behind grooming that most people never see.
Our professional shampoo can cost around $150 a bottle. A set of clippers can cost around $600 to replace. Clipper blades are around $70 each, and on a severely dirty or matted dog, we can sometimes go through multiple blades just getting through the coat. Add in sharpening, equipment repairs, dryers, tables, laundry, cleaning supplies and continuing education, and the expenses add up very quickly.
And then there is the actual work.
Your dog may be with their groomer for 1½ to 3 hours — sometimes even longer. During that time, we are bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, sc******ng, doing nails, cleaning ears and working carefully with an animal that moves, wiggles and sometimes has absolutely no interest in getting a haircut that day. 😂
Grooming is physically demanding, skilled work.
People sometimes compare the price of their dog’s groom to the price of their own haircut, but they really aren’t comparable. Your hairdresser probably doesn’t have to wash your entire body, trim your nails, clean your ears and chase you around the table while you try to eat the clippers. 😂
Industry pricing has continued to increase, and when I compare our prices to what professional groomers are charging elsewhere, we are still very reasonable. But I can no longer continue charging below what it actually costs us to provide the level of service we provide.
So, unfortunately, our grooming prices will be increasing.
I completely understand that this may mean some clients need to look elsewhere for a less expensive option. There are absolutely no hard feelings. Everyone has a budget, and I respect that.
But I also have a responsibility to my employees, my business and myself to charge appropriately for the service we provide. I cannot continue absorbing rising costs until there is no business left.
I hope our clients understand that this decision wasn’t made lightly. I am incredibly grateful for everyone who continues to support Studs & Divas Pet Salon and trusts us with their fur babies.
Thank you for supporting a local business, our team and the work that goes on behind the scenes every single day. ❤️🐾
