How to set your dog grooming prices

Updated 1 October 2026

Grooming prices are hard to get right. Too low and you work long days for little; too high without explanation and new clients go elsewhere. A clear method, rather than copying the salon down the road, gives you a price list you can stand behind.

Start with what you need to earn

Add up your monthly costs: rent or van, insurance, products, equipment, software, fuel and your own wage. Divide by the number of hours you can realistically groom in a month. That’s the least each hour on the table has to bring in.

Price by size, coat and time

Most groomers set a base price for each service by size (small, medium, large, giant) and adjust it for coat type. A full groom on a curly coat takes far longer than one on a smooth coat of the same size.

Base price per service, by size.
Breed or coat adjustments where the time really differs.
A fair extra for matting, behaviour that needs more time, or a dog that hasn’t been groomed for a long time.

Extras and add-ons

Nail trims, teeth cleaning, de-shedding treatments and special shampoos can be priced separately. Keep the list short; too many options make it hard for clients to choose.

Make it easy to understand

Show “from” prices online and explain what changes the price. Clients don’t mind paying more for a matted coat if they knew that could happen. Confirm the price for each dog after the first groom so there are no surprises.

Review prices every year

Your costs go up every year, so your prices should too. Give regulars notice of a rise and explain it simply.

Questions

Should I charge more for matted dogs?

Many groomers do, because dematting takes longer and needs more care. Put it in your price list and terms so owners know before they book.

Should I show prices on my website?

Showing starting prices helps clients choose you and saves you answering the same questions. Explain what can change the price.