How Much to Charge for Dog Grooming in 2026

Rates vary significantly by region (city groomers typically charge 20–40% more than rural ones), dog size, coat type, and condition. These national averages are based on published pricing surveys and industry benchmarks and give you a solid starting point:

These are floor prices for decent markets. In major metros (New York, LA, Chicago, Miami), rates run 30–50% higher. Mobile groomers consistently charge $20–$40 above salon prices because clients pay for the convenience of door-to-door service.

Don't just pick a number from the table above. Think through these variables for every service you offer:

• Coat type and condition — a matted double coat takes 3x longer to groom safely than a freshly maintained one. Most groomers charge a de-matting fee ($10–$30 on top of the base price) and disclose it upfront in their cancellation policy.
• Dog temperament — anxious, reactive, or bite-risk dogs require more time, concentration, and skill. Charging 20–30% more for a high-stress groom is standard practice, and declining a dog who poses a safety risk is entirely reasonable.
• Breed complexity — Doodles, Poodles, Bichons, and Shih Tzus require significantly more detailed scissor work than Labs or Beagles. Build breed complexity into your base price rather than springing a surcharge on clients at pickup.
• Appointment frequency — dogs booked every 4–6 weeks are easier and faster to groom than dogs who only come in twice a year. A small loyalty discount for regulars often pays off in time saved.
• Your cost of time — work backward. What do you need to earn per hour to cover costs and hit your income goal? If you need $60/hour and a full groom takes 2 hours, $120 is your floor. Don't price below your own cost of labor.

The most common pricing mistake is matching the local franchise salon's prices — or going lower — to seem competitive. The math doesn't work for a solo operator:

• Chains operate on volume with multiple groomers per location. You're one person with one table.
• Independent groomers offer a one-on-one, lower-stress experience that genuinely commands a premium for the right clients.
• Low prices attract price-sensitive clients who will leave the moment they find someone $5 cheaper. Clients who value your relationship with their dog are far more loyal.

A groomer charging $85 per full groom who does 6 grooms a day earns more and burns out less than one charging $55 scrambling to fit in 10. Fewer, higher-paying clients is almost always the better model for solo groomers.

Already established but feeling underpaid? Here's a low-drama approach to raising rates:

• Give 30–60 days notice — email your client list with a friendly heads-up. Most people appreciate advance warning over a surprise at pickup.
• Raise rates on new clients first — bring new bookings in at the new rate right away. Give existing clients a 2–3 month grace period, then transition them up.
• Frame it honestly — "to continue investing in quality products and give each dog the time they deserve" is a real reason. You don't need to spin it.
• Raise in steps if needed — going from $60 to $90 at once can feel jarring. Going from $60 to $75, then to $90 six months later, is much easier for clients to accept.

You will lose a small number of price-sensitive clients with any rate increase. That's normal and usually fine — they open up slots for better-fit clients.

The number that matters most isn't your posted rate — it's your actual earnings after platform fees, product costs, and time. If a $70 groom takes 2.5 hours and uses $8 in product, you're clearing about $25/hour before taxes. That math needs to work for your goals.

PawDash shows your revenue, busiest days, and top-performing services on the Pro plan — so you can see at a glance which services are worth your time and which are quietly underpriced.

Start tracking your grooming revenue for free.