Last updated July 2026
You think your pup is the cutest creature ever born. But no matter how darling your fur baby, they might need regular glow-ups from a pet groomer to help you keep their appearance (and those sharp nails) in order.
A good groomer can save you time and hassle, whether you’ve got a pup with an easy-to-maintain flat coat (beagles, pugs) or a fuzzy breed that requires a pro to maintain its ’do (Afghan hounds, standard poodles). Some pros also take care of smelly cats.
A grooming session typically includes bath and blow dry, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and a hair trim or cut (how much work and time this involves depends on the breed and the pet’s temperament).
The frequency of your pet’s grooming depends on breed, size, coat type, and your own standards. Professional groomers argue that all pooches benefit from regular visits because this helps maintain their overall health. This is, of course, a self-serving claim, but there’s some truth there: Consistent grooming improves hygiene and means Fido will be periodically inspected by someone who sees many dogs and can spot potential health problems. Also, frequent grooming helps keep your pet’s coat in good condition, resulting in easier and less expensive appointments (with some breeds, wait too long and the coat can become too matted to save, and they’ll suffer the full shave of shame).
For some breeds, there is such a thing as too much grooming. Too-frequent baths can remove natural oils in a dog’s coat or skin, making them dry and raw. Before setting a regular grooming schedule, ask your vet how often they recommend it for your pet. Need a vet for your pet? Click here for our latest ratings of practices.
Groomers work in dedicated pet salons as well as pet stores, boarding kennels, and at some veterinary practices. There are also mobile operations that come to your home and do the work in specially equipped trucks or vans.
Here are tips on how to find the right groomer at the right price:
Get referrals. Good sources of intel are your vet, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Here at Checkbook.org, we’ve assembled reviews from our members. Although a large majority of the ratings submitted to us for grooming operations are positive, we also receive a disturbingly large number of comments that warn of rough treatment, including injured animals, sloppy work by untrained staff, and rude service.
Compare prices. Even among highly recommended groomers, you’ll find a wide range of pricing. The table below reports prices Checkbook’s undercover shoppers were quoted by a sample of area outfits to groom (including haircut) a cocker spaniel and a golden retriever. We were quoted prices ranging from $60 to $125 for the cocker spaniel and from $65 to $150 for the golden retriever. Don’t assume that low prices signify lousy work—several of the least expensive groomers received high marks from their surveyed customers.
Experience counts. You wouldn’t want your hair cut by a newbie. An experienced dog groomer has had time to perfect the craft and become an expert at assessing dogs’ behavior and responding appropriately to nervousness and agitation. Also ask whether the groomer is familiar with your breed—even highly experienced pet pros won’t have extensive experience with all of them. The best groomers will be upfront about their limitations and, if necessary, direct you to another pro who knows the breed better.
Check training and credentials. Several organizations certify dog groomers, including the National Dog Groomers Association of America and the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists. Certification with either of these two programs means a groomer completed coursework and passed written and practical exams. Since the amount of time and effort required for certification is substantial, certification does indicate a groomer is serious about their profession and possesses at least basic skills. On the other hand, many talented, experienced groomers haven’t bothered to take the time or pay the fees to become certified.
Pet groomers should also be certified in cat and dog first aid and CPR to quickly handle salon emergencies like lacerations, heatstroke, or choking. The American Red Cross offers this certification.
Discuss your expectations. Do you want basic grooming services, with no concern that your dog’s trim meets exacting breed-specific standards? Or do you have much higher expectations—a scissored haircut, a sculpted trim, or hand stripping for a terrier? If you have a certain look in mind, share photos.
Convenience of mobile operations vs. pickup/drop-off arrangements. Most groomers require appointments. You can usually drop off pets in the morning and pick them up when they are ready (best for pets who may be nervous in an environment that could be noisy or otherwise stressful depending on the shop), or fetch them anytime before the shop closes.
If your pet becomes very upset when visiting a groomer, or it’s difficult to transport them due to age, an injury, or another reason, consider using a mobile grooming operation, which generally offers one-on-one service, minimizing exposure to other animals and keeping the process shorter.
Take a tour. Each pet should have its own space and access to clean water. If dogs are positioned under blow dryers and left to dry instead of hand-dried, staff should be able to easily monitor them so dogs do not become overheated or burned. Cage drying is controversial; many in the industry argue that these dryers shouldn’t be used because they can cause stress or health problems. Short-muzzled pups such as bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, and pugs are prone to overheating as are very young or senior animals of any breed.
Size up the staff. Does everyone seem to be knowledgeable and caring? Are they willing and able to answer any questions you have?
Check whether they take steps to prevent the spread of disease. They should require vaccination records.
Avoid groomers who sedate animals. Even if your pet is extremely nervous about visiting the groomer, do not let them be sedated.
Ask about insurance. The grooming company should have liability insurance to cover veterinary costs should your pet get injured while in its care.