How to price your pet grooming services

Get paid what you're worth while staying competitive in your market.

The fundamentals of grooming pricing

Pricing pet grooming is more complex than many service businesses. You're not just pricing time—you're pricing skill, physical labor, and often, managing challenging behaviors.

Base your prices on these factors

1. Size and weight

The most obvious factor. Create clear size tiers:

• Small (under 10kg): $50-70

• Medium (10-25kg): $70-95

• Large (25-40kg): $95-130

• Extra Large (40kg+): $130-180+

2. Coat type and condition

• Short/smooth coat: Standard pricing

• Double coat (requires deshedding): +$15-30

• Long/flowing coat: +$10-20

• Matted/neglected coat: +$20-50 (or refuse and recommend shave-down)

3. Behavior and temperament

• Easy, cooperative dog: Standard pricing

• Mildly anxious: Consider a small uplift (+$10-15)

• Aggressive or very difficult: You can decline or charge a significant premium (+$30-50)

4. Service type

Break down your services:

• Bath & Brush: 40-50% of full groom price

• Full Groom: Your base pricing tier

• Breed-Specific Styling: Premium pricing (+20-30%)

• Hand-Stripping: Premium pricing (2x standard groom)

• Creative Grooming/Coloring: Premium pricing

Calculate your hourly rate

Know your costs

Add up your monthly expenses:

• Rent/utilities

• Insurance

• Equipment and supplies

• Software and booking fees

• Marketing

• Your salary

Divide by hours worked to get your minimum hourly rate.

Example calculation

• Monthly costs: $4,000

• Hours worked per month: 160

• Minimum hourly rate: $25/hour

If a large breed groom takes 2 hours, you need to charge at least $50 just to break even—before profit.

Pricing packages and add-ons

Prepaid packages

Offer discounts for prepaid grooming packages:

• 6-Groom Package: 10% off

• 12-Groom Package: 15% off

This locks in repeat business and improves cash flow.

Add-on services

Increase ticket value with add-ons:

• Nail grinding (vs. clipping): +$10

• Teeth brushing: +$10

• Flea treatment: +$15

• Blueberry facial: +$15

• Paw pad treatment: +$10

• Anal gland expression: +$15

First-time pet assessment

Charge for a first-visit assessment:

• Evaluate coat condition

• Assess temperament

• Discuss owner expectations

• Set realistic pricing

This sets expectations and protects you from underpricing difficult dogs.

Competitor research

Mystery shop your competition

Call or book with 3-5 competitors:

• What do they charge for similar services?

• What's included in their "full groom"?

• Do they charge extra for difficult dogs?

Position yourself strategically

• Budget positioning: Compete on price (risky for quality reputation)

• Mid-market: Match competitors, compete on convenience

• Premium: Charge more, deliver exceptional service and experience

Raising your prices

When to raise prices

• Annually (at minimum)

• When you're fully booked for weeks in advance

• When costs increase (supplies, rent)

• When you add new skills or certifications

How to communicate price increases

• Give 30 days notice

• Explain briefly (rising costs, investment in quality)

• Grandfather loyal clients for one groom cycle if needed

• Never apologize—you're worth it

Sample pricing menu

| Service | Small | Medium | Large | XL | |---------|-------|--------|-------|-----| | Bath & Brush | $35 | $45 | $55 | $70 | | Full Groom | $60 | $80 | $110 | $150 | | Breed Cut | $70 | $95 | $130 | $175 | | Deshedding Add-on | +$15 | +$20 | +$25 | +$30 | | Matted Coat | +$20-50 | +$25-60 | +$30-75 | +$40-100 |

Pro tips

• Don't undercharge for difficult dogs: Your safety and stress matter

• Quote ranges for new clients: "Between $80-100 depending on condition"

• Display prices clearly: Transparency builds trust

• Require deposits for high-value grooms: Protect your revenue