09/13/2026
🐾 HOW MUCH SHOULD A DOG GROOMER REALLY BE CHARGING YOU? 🐾
I often see people questioning the price of a dog groom and saying, “That’s expensive for a haircut.”
But dog grooming isn’t just a haircut. And it certainly isn’t just about the time the scissors are in your hand.
A professional groomer has usually invested thousands of dollars into setting up their business — grooming tables, dryers, clippers, blades, scissors, bathing equipment, insurance, training and ongoing education.
Then there’s the rent, electricity, water, laundry, cleaning products, shampoos, conditioner, equipment maintenance, waste disposal, business rates, booking systems, card fees… the list goes on.
And most importantly, there is time and SKILL.
A groomer isn't simply making a dog look pretty. They are handling that dog safely, recognising changes in the skin, coat, ears, nails and general condition, working with nervous or difficult dogs, preventing injury and making decisions based on the individual dog's welfare.
This is a skilled trade.
That hourly rate has to cover everything above — before the groomer actually pays themselves.
And here's something that really makes me think…
20 years ago, my prices were around:
🐶 Cockerpoo — $50
🐶 Small dog — $40
Twenty years later, those prices have obviously had to increase but have they increased as much as they should have.... I don't feel they have.
Just think about how much rent, electricity, water, insurance, products and equipment have increased over that same period.
Yet there still seems to be an expectation that dog grooming should somehow remain cheap.
Would you expect a plumber, electrician, mechanic or hairdresser to charge the same price today as they did 20 years ago?
Of course not.
So please remember when you book your dog's groom:
❤️ You're not just paying for a haircut.
❤️ You're paying for someone's time.
❤️ You're paying for their years of experience and training.
❤️ You're paying for the equipment and products they have invested in.
❤️ You're paying for a professional, safe environment.
❤️ And ultimately, you're paying for someone to care for your dog's health, comfort and welfare.
Dog grooming is a profession, a skilled trade and a responsibility — not a luxury haircut. 🐾✂️
So perhaps the question shouldn't be “Why does a groom cost that much?”
Maybe it should be:
“How much does it actually cost a professional groomer to provide that service?”
