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 arrives at the groomer with a matted coat, expect to pay more. Severely matted coats can take 2-3 times longer to deal with, and many groomers charge a “dematting fee” on top of the standard price. In extreme cases, the only option is to shave the coat short, which some owners find distressing but is genuinely the kindest option for the dog.
Regular brushing between appointments (even 5 minutes a day) prevents matting and keeps grooming costs down.
Coat type
Curly and woolly coats (poodles, doodle breeds) require specialist scissoring skills and take longer to trim. Wire coats (border terriers, schnauzers, Airedales) may need hand stripping, which is labour-intensive and costs more than clipping. Continuously growing coats (shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers) need more frequent trimming to stay manageable.
The “doodle” explosion in the UK has pushed prices up in some areas because these crosses (cockapoos, labradoodles, goldendoodles) have dense, curly coats that mat quickly and require skilled groomers to handle properly.
Behaviour
Some dogs are difficult to groom. They may bite, struggle, or panic at the noise of clippers and dryers. Groomers may charge more for dogs that need extra time, a second pair of hands, or muzzling. If your dog has behavioural issues with grooming, ask about a “behavioural groom” which is a longer, slower session designed to build confidence.
Frequency
Most groomers offer a small discount for booking regular appointments (every 4-8 weeks) rather than one-off visits. It’s worth asking about loyalty packages or block booking discounts.
Location
London and the South East command the highest prices. A full groom for a cocker spaniel that costs £50 in Manchester might cost £70-80 in central London. Rural areas and smaller towns tend to be cheaper. Mobile groomers often charge a travel surcharge based on 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, no waiting around. The trade-off is price. Mobile grooming typically costs 20-40% more than a salon visit. Expect to pay £50-100+ for a medium breed full groom from a mobile operator.
For anxious dogs or owners without transport, the extra cost can be worth it. Some mobile groomers specialise in nervous dogs and offer a quieter, one-to-one experience that salon environments can’t match.
DIY grooming: how much can you save?
Basic home grooming can reduce your professional grooming costs significantly. If you can handle regular brushing, bathing, and nail trims at home, you might only need a professional groom 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; the pH is wrong 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 costs £30-80 for everything you need. Professional clippers (Wahl, Andis, Heiniger) cost £80-200 but last for years with proper care. The upfront investment pays for itself quickly if you’re currently paying for professional grooms every 6 weeks.
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?
It depends entirely on the coat type:
- Short, smooth coats (Labrador, boxer): Brush weekly, bathe monthly, professional groom rarely needed.
- Double coats (German shepherd, husky, collie): Brush 2-3 times per week, more during shedding season. Professional de-shedding treatment 2-4 times per year.
- Long, silky coats (Yorkshire terrier, shih tzu, Maltese): Daily brushing. Professional trim every 4-6 weeks.
- Curly/wavy coats (poodle, doodle breeds): Brush every 1-2 days. Professional groom every 6-8 weeks minimum.
- Wire coats (border terrier, schnauzer, Airedale): Brush 2-3 times per week. Hand strip or clip every 6-12 weeks.
- Clipped coats (spaniels, poodles): Professional clip every 6-8 weeks.
Tips for reducing grooming costs
Brush your dog regularly between appointments. This single habit saves more money than anything else. A well-brushed coat takes the groomer less time, which means a lower bill and less chance of a dematting surcharge.
Compare local groomers rather than automatically going to the nearest one. Prices for the same service can vary by 30-50% within a single postcode area. Look at Google reviews and ask for recommendations in local Facebook groups.
Consider grooming school clinics. Many training academies offer discounted grooming by students under supervision. The British Dog Grooming Association (BDGA) website lists accredited training centres, some of which run public clinics. Prices can be 40-60% below standard salon rates.
Learn to trim nails and clean ears at home. These are simple tasks that many owners pay a groomer to do. A pair of nail clippers and some ear cleaning solution cost less than a single nail trim appointment at a salon.
Bathe your dog at home between professional grooms. If you have a walk-in shower, a utility sink, or are willing to use the garden hose in summer, you can skip the bath portion of a professional groom and just book for a trim. This typically 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 the specific breed and coat type. If you work it back from the price, it’s roughly £20-40 per hour for salon groomers. Mobile groomers and specialists (hand stripping, show trimming) charge towards the higher end.
Should I tip my dog groomer?
Tipping is not expected in the UK in the way it is in the US. Some owners round up or add £5 if they’re pleased with the result, but there’s no obligation. Regular clients who tip occasionally tend to get good service, but a good groomer should deliver quality work regardless.
How much does it cost to groom a doodle (cockapoo, labradoodle)?
Doodle breeds are among the more expensive 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, curly coats mat easily and require professional attention every 6-8 weeks. Budget £400-700 per year for grooming a medium-sized doodle, assuming regular at-home brushing between visits.
Can I groom my dog at home with clippers?
Yes, and many owners do. Start with a basic pair of clippers (Wahl Arco or Andis AGC are good entry-level options) and watch tutorial videos on YouTube. The Blue Cross and RSPCA websites both have basic grooming guides. Start with simple tasks like trimming paw pads and sanitary areas before attempting a full body clip. Be patient, use plenty of treats, and stop if your dog gets stressed.
What’s included in a “full groom”?
A standard full groom typically includes: bath with shampoo and conditioner, blow dry, brush out, nail trim, ear cleaning/plucking, pad trimming, and a full haircut or trim to your chosen style. Some groomers include gland expression, teeth brushing, and a cologne spray. Ask what’s included when you book so there are no surprises on the bill.
How to find a good groomer
Not all groomers are equal. The industry is unregulated in the UK, which means anyone can set up as a dog groomer without formal qualifications. That doesn’t mean all unqualified groomers do poor work, but it does mean you need to check.
Look for membership of a professional body. The British Dog Groomers’ Association (BDGA), the Groomers’ Spotlight, and the Pet Care Trust all have registers of members who meet certain standards. Level 3 City and Guilds qualifications in dog grooming are the industry benchmark.
Visit the salon before booking. A clean, well-organised space with calm dogs suggests good practice. Dogs should not be caged for extended periods. If you can hear stressed, barking dogs from outside, consider looking elsewhere.
Ask about their experience with your specific breed. A groomer who primarily 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 attention to the detail. A pattern of complaints about rushing, nicks from clippers, or dogs returning stressed is a red flag. Five-star reviews that say “my dog always comes out happy” count for a lot.
The bottom line
Dog grooming is a significant ongoing cost, particularly for owners of curly-coated, doodle-type breeds. Budget £300-800 per year for grooming, depending on breed size and coat type. You can reduce this by brushing regularly at home, learning basic tasks like nail trims and bathing, and shopping around for competitive local prices. The initial investment in home grooming tools pays for itself within a few months for most owners.
