What does dog grooming actually cost in the UK?
In the UK, most dog owners pay around £30 to £90 for a grooming session. The price depends on the dog’s size, coat type, and the amount of grooming work. A full groom for a small breed can cost around £25-£40, while a groom for a large breed with a thick or curly coat can easily go up to £80-£120.
These numbers compare UK groomer prices in 2025, which includes independent salons, mobile groomers, and chain services like Pets at Home Groom Room and The Groomers. Prices in London are usually the highest, often 30-50% more than the same service in northern England, Scotland, or Wales.
Below is a breakdown of average costs by breed size and coat type, followed by an explanation of factors that may increase or decrease the price.
Average grooming prices by breed size
To make it easier for you to understand dog grooming costs, we have divided them by breed so you can see your dog’s grooming costs.
Small breeds (under 10kg)
Typical breeds: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Toy Poodle, Lhasa Apso, French Bulldog, and Pug.
Bath and brush: £20-£30. Full groom, which includes bath, brush, trim, nails, and ears: £30-£50. Hand stripping, which is for wire-coated breeds: £40-£60.
Small dogs are usually groomed quickly and use less product, making this the cheapest category. However, some small breeds are exceptions, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus. Their hair is long, fine, or continuously growing, so trimming and styling it requires more time and skill.
Medium breeds (10-25kg)
Typical breeds: Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Springer Spaniel, Beagle, English Bulldog, Miniature Poodle, and Australian Shepherd.
Bath and brush: £30-£45. Full groom: £45-£70. Hand stripping: £55-£80.
Medium dogs are quite common in UK grooming salons, especially Spaniels. Their feathered coat, floppy ears, and tendency to get grass, mud, or small objects stuck in their coat during walks all require regular grooming.
Grooming Cocker Spaniels can be especially expensive because their coat is thick, grows quickly, and hair easily becomes tangled if brushings are missed.
Large breeds (25-45kg)
Typical breeds: Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky, Standard Poodle, Afghan Hound, and Airedale Terrier.
Bath and brush: £40-£60. Full groom: £60-£90. Hand stripping: £70-£100.
Large breeds take longer to wash, dry, and groom. Drying is a big factor here, as thick double coats don’t dry quickly. Professional groomers use high-velocity dryers, and the dryer needs to be run for longer on large dogs.
For some large breeds with very dense undercoats, such as Huskies and Newfoundlands, a proper groom can take up to 2-3 hours.
Giant breeds (over 45kg)
Typical breeds: Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Irish Wolfhound, and Leonberger.
Bath and brush: £50-£80. Full groom: £80-£120+. Hand stripping: £100-£150+.
Not every groomer accepts giant breeds because they are physically harder to lift, handle, and manage on the grooming table. Some groomers also charge extra for giant breeds.
It’s best to call the groomer to confirm before booking an appointment.
Prices are subject to change over time. Grooming costs depend on your dog’s size, coat type, behavior, location, and groomer’s experience.
Prices listed here may fluctuate slightly due to inflation, demand, and updated salon rates. So, be sure to confirm the latest prices with your local groomer before booking an appointment to get a clear idea of the exact cost.
Dog Grooming Cost in the UK: Price Comparison
| Service | Small Breed | Medium Breed | Large Breed | Giant Breed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bath and brush | £20-30 | £30-45 | £40-60 | £50-80 |
| Full groom | £30-50 | £45-70 | £60-90 | £80-120 |
| Hand stripping | £40-60 | £55-80 | £70-100 | £100-150 |
| Puppy first groom | £15-25 | £25-40 | £35-50 | £45-70 |
| Nail trim only | £5-10 | £8-12 | £10-15 | £12-20 |
| De-shedding treatment | £15-25 | £25-40 | £35-55 | £45-70 |
What affects the price?
Coat condition
If your dog goes to the groomer with a matted coat, the cost may be higher. Handling excessively matted hair can take 2-3 times longer than normal grooming, and many groomers also charge a “dematting fee” on top of the standard price.
In some extreme cases, shaving the coat short may be the best option. This may be a bit upsetting for the owner, but it’s sometimes the gentlest choice for the dog’s comfort.
Regular brushing between appointments, even if it’s just 5 minutes a day, helps prevent matting and keeps grooming costs under control.
Coat type
Curly and woolly coats, like those found in poodles and doodle breeds, require special scissoring skills and are more time-consuming. Wire coats, like those found in border terriers, schnauzers, and Airedales, sometimes require hand stripping. This is more laborious and more expensive than clipping. Continuously growing coats, like those found in shih tzus, Maltese, and Yorkshire terriers, require more frequent trimming to keep them manageable.
The trend for “doodle” breeds has exploded in the UK, and in some areas, grooming prices have skyrocketed. This is because crossbreeds like cockapoos, labradoodles, and goldendoodles have dense, curly coats that mat quickly, and require skilled groomers to handle them properly.
Behaviour
Some dogs are difficult to groom. They may bite, struggle, or become frightened by the sound of clippers and dryers. Groomers may charge more for dogs that require extra time, another helper, or a muzzle. If your dog has behavioral issues during grooming, ask about a “behavioral groom.” This is a long, slow session designed to build the dog’s confidence.
Frequency
Most groomers offer a small discount for booking regular appointments, such as every 4 to 8 weeks, rather than one-off visits. So it’s worth asking about loyalty packages or block booking discounts.
Location
Prices are highest in London and the South East. A full groom for a Cocker Spaniel that might cost £50 in Manchester can cost £70–£80 in central London. Rural areas and small towns are usually cheaper. Mobile groomers often charge a travel surcharge depending on the distance.
Mobile grooming vs salon
Mobile groomers come to your home in a converted van. The convenience is obvious: no travel, less stress for the dog, and no waiting. But the trade-off is price. Mobile grooming is usually 20–40% more expensive than a salon visit. Expect to pay £50–£100+ from a mobile groomer for a full groom of a medium breed.
For anxious dogs or owners who don’t have transportation, the extra cost may be worth it. Some mobile groomers specialize in nervous dogs and offer a quieter, one-to-one experience that the salon environment often can’t match.
DIY grooming: how much can you save?
Basic home grooming can significantly reduce your professional grooming costs. If you can handle regular brushing, bathing, and nail trims at home, you may only need a professional groomer every 8–12 weeks instead of every 4–6 weeks.
Starter grooming kit costs:
- Slicker brush: £8–15
- Steel comb: £5–10
- Nail clippers, guillotine or scissor type: £8–15
- Dog shampoo: £5–12. Avoid human shampoo, as its pH is not suitable for dog skin.
- Dog conditioner, for long coats: £5–10
- Thinning shears or clippers, optional: £30–£60 for entry-level clippers
A basic home grooming kit with all the essentials costs around £30–£80. Professional clippers, such as Wahl, Andis, and Heiniger, cost £80–£200, but with proper care, they can last for years. If you’re currently paying for a professional groomer every six weeks, this upfront investment will quickly cover its costs.
For more detailed guidance on choosing the right tools, check out our article on the best dog hair brushes available in the UK.
How often should you groom your dog?
This depends entirely on the coat type:
- Short, smooth coats, such as Labrador and Boxer: Brush once a week, bathe once a month, and require a professional grooming service.
- Double coats, such as German Shepherd, Husky, and Collie: Brush 2–3 times a week, more during shedding season. Professional de-shedding treatments may be required 2–4 times a year.
- Long, silky coats, such as Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Maltese: Daily brushing is required. A professional trim should be performed every 4–6 weeks.
- Curly or wavy coats, such as poodle and doodle breeds: Brush every 1–2 days. A minimum of every 6–8 weeks is recommended.
- Wire coats, such as border terriers, schnauzers, and Airedales: Brush 2–3 times a week. Hand strip or clip every 6–12 weeks.
- Clipped coats, such as spaniels and poodles: Professionally clip every 6–8 weeks.
Tips for reducing grooming costs
Brush your dog regularly between appointments. This simple habit saves more money than anything else. A well-brushed coat takes less time to handle by the groomer, which means a lower bill and a reduced chance of dematting surcharges.
Compare local groomers instead of automatically going to the nearest groomer. Prices for the same service can vary by 30–50% within the same postcode area. Check Google reviews and ask for recommendations in local Facebook groups.
Consider grooming school clinics. Many training academies offer discounted grooming with students under supervision. The British Dog Grooming Association (BDGA) website lists accredited training centers, some of which also run public clinics. Prices can be 40–60% lower than standard salon rates.
Learn to trim nails and clean ears at home. These are simple tasks that many owners pay a groomer for. A pair of nail clippers and ear cleaning solution cost less than a nail trim appointment at a salon.
Bathe your dog at home between professional groomers. If you have a walk-in shower, a utility sink, or are willing to use a garden hose in the summer, you can skip the bath portion at a professional groomer and book just the trim. This usually reduces the cost by 20–30%.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dog groomer cost per hour in the UK?
Most groomers don’t charge by the hour. They charge by the service, which includes a set time for a specific breed and coat type. If you calculate roughly by price, it works out to around £20–£40 per hour for salon groomers. Mobile groomers and specialists, such as those who hand strip or show trim, usually charge on the higher end.
Should I tip my dog groomer?
Tipping isn’t expected in the UK like it is in the US. Some owners round up the amount or add an extra £5 if they’re happy with the results, but this isn’t mandatory. Regular clients who occasionally tip often receive good service, but a good groomer should still provide quality work.
How much does it cost to groom a doodle (cockapoo, labradoodle)?
Doodle breeds are among the more expensive breeds to groom. A full groom for a Cockapoo typically costs £45–70, and for a Labradoodle £55–85, depending on size and coat condition. Their dense and curly coats mat easily, so professional attention is needed every 6–8 weeks. If you do regular brushing at home between visits, you should budget around £400–700 annually for grooming a medium-sized Doodle.
Can I groom my dog at home with clippers?
Yes, and many owners do. Start with a pair of basic clippers, like the Wahl Arco or Andis AGC are good entry-level options, and watch tutorial videos on YouTube. Basic grooming guides are available on both the Blue Cross and RSPCA websites. Start with simple tasks, like trimming paw pads and sanitary areas, before trying a full body clip. Be patient, use treats sparingly, and stop if your dog becomes stressed.
What’s included in a “full groom”?
A standard full groom usually includes: a bath with shampoo and conditioner, a blow dry, a brush out, a nail trim, ear cleaning or plucking, pad trimming, and a full haircut or trim according to your chosen style. Some groomers also include gland expression, teeth brushing, and cologne spray. Ask what’s included when booking to avoid any surprises on the bill.
How to find a good groomer
Not all groomers are of the same quality. The dog grooming industry in the UK is not regulated, meaning anyone can start working as a dog groomer without formal qualifications. This doesn’t mean all unqualified groomers do poor work, but it does mean you should check.
Check for membership in a professional body. The British Dog Groomers’ Association (BDGA), Groomers’ Spotlight, and Pet Care Trust maintain registers of members who meet certain standards. Level 3 City & Guilds qualifications are considered the industry benchmark in dog grooming.
Visit the salon before booking. A clean, well-organized space where dogs are calm is a sign of good practice. Dogs should not be kept in cages for long periods of time. If you can hear stressed and barking dogs from outside, consider another groomer.
Ask about their experience with your specific breed. A groomer who mostly works with poodles may not be the best choice for a hand-stripped Border Terrier. Different coat types require different techniques and equipment.
Read Google and Facebook reviews, but pay close attention to details. If there is a pattern to complaints, such as rushing, nicks from clippers, or dogs coming back stressed, this is a red flag. Five-star reviews like these that say, “my dog always comes out happy,” hold a lot of value.
The bottom line
Dog grooming is a significant ongoing cost, especially for owners with dogs of curly-coated or doodle-type breeds. Grooming should be budgeted for £300–£800 annually, depending on breed size and coat type.
You can reduce this cost by learning basic tasks at home, such as regular brushing, nail trims, and bathing, and by comparing local prices. The initial investment in home grooming tools often recoups its costs within a few months for most owners.
