Simply Dogs

12/09/2026

🐾 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 pounds 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.

💷 A groomer charging around £30–£40 per hour isn't necessarily earning £30–£40 an hour in their pocket.

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 — £40
🐶 Small dog — £35

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?”

07/07/2026

This is so true.

17/05/2026

Please note: Simply Dogs is now closed until Thursday 28th May.

07/12/2025

For info.

22/11/2025

Please note, Simply Dogs will be closed until 3rd December.

15/07/2025

Hi all please note, Simply Dogs is now closed until Thursday 31st July. 🐾🐶🐾

04/07/2025

Please take notice and look after your pets, I have seen people jogging today, dragging their dogs along the pavement.

30/06/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19L5v8QD2f/?mibextid=wwXIfr

WHAT YOU DON'T SEE AT THE DOG GROOMERS.......
You dropped your dog off at the salon and picked them up few hours later - fluffy, fresh, and happy. But what you saw was just the tip of the iceberg.

You didn’t see your groomer arrive early to open up the salon, disinfect tools, lay out fresh towels, and check the day’s appointments. You didn’t see them look over your dog from nose to tail before even lifting a brush - checking the coat condition, skin, eyes, ears, nails, and weight.

You didn’t see the careful way they clipped around a wriggly paw, or how they paused to let your dog calm down during the bath. You didn’t notice the matting hidden beneath your dog’s topcoat, or the way the groomer worked slowly to avoid hurting the skin beneath it.

You weren’t there when they spotted a red patch of irritated skin, or a small lump you hadn’t noticed. You heard them gently mention it to you at collection - not to worry you, but because they genuinely care about your dog’s wellbeing.

And after you left, you didn’t see the clean-down , the floor swept, tables cleaned, blades oiled, messages replied to, notes written up for your next visit, and laundry on again.

All of that… for a price that’s often lower than what you’d pay for your own haircut. And your hairdresser?
They don’t have to bathe you, clip your nails, or hold you still while you try to bite the brush.

The truth is ……. dog grooming is so much more than a haircut.

It’s about health, hygiene, comfort, and trust. It’s about knowing dog anatomy, coat types, skin conditions, behaviour management, handling skills, and safe sc******ng techniques. It’s a profession that takes training, practice, and patience.
Most groomers got into this work because they love dogs. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be paid fairly for the physical, emotional, and skilled work they do every single day.

If your dog leaves their groomer happy, healthy and looking good - it’s not by luck. It’s because you have got a good groomer.
So next time, take a moment to thank them. Leave a review.

Tip them if you can. And above all - don’t undervalue them.
They’re doing far more than just washing the dog.

If you want to know more about the trade association for pet groomers and how we support them, contact the British Dog Groomers Association a division of the Pet Industry Federation www.petfederation.co.uk

25/06/2025

The girls are enjoying their new shade beds.