Dog grooming is one of those recurring costs that adds up quickly, especially if you have a breed with a high maintenance coat. Knowing what to expect price wise helps you budget for the year and spot when you are being overcharged.
This guide covers real dog grooming prices across the UK in 2026, broken down by dog size, coat type, and the services included.
A full groom for a medium sized dog costs £40 to £60 on average. Small dogs pay £25 to £40. Large breeds cost £50 to £90+. Mobile groomers charge £5 to £15 extra for the convenience of coming to your home. London and city prices run 20% to 40% higher.
Dog Grooming Costs by Size
| Dog Size | Full Groom | Bath and Brush |
|---|---|---|
| Small (Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Jack Russell) | £25 to £40 | £15 to £25 |
| Medium (Cocker Spaniel, Cockapoo, Labrador) | £40 to £60 | £25 to £35 |
| Large (Golden Retriever, German Shepherd) | £50 to £75 | £30 to £45 |
| Giant (Newfoundland, St Bernard) | £60 to £90+ | £35 to £55 |
Regional Price Variations
Dog grooming costs follow similar regional patterns to other services, with London and the South East charging a premium. The difference is not as dramatic as trades like plumbing or electrical work, but it is noticeable.
| Region | Full Groom (medium dog) | Bath and Brush (medium dog) |
|---|---|---|
| London | £55 to £80 | £30 to £45 |
| South East | £45 to £65 | £25 to £40 |
| Midlands | £35 to £55 | £20 to £35 |
| North of England | £30 to £50 | £18 to £30 |
| Scotland | £35 to £55 | £20 to £35 |
| Wales | £30 to £50 | £18 to £30 |
London groomers charge 30% to 50% more than those in the North of England or Wales. The quality of grooming is not necessarily better. If you live near a regional boundary, it can be worth travelling 20 minutes for a significantly cheaper groom.
Budget vs Mid Range vs Premium Grooming
| Feature | Budget (£20 to £35) | Mid Range (£35 to £55) | Premium (£55+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service | Bath, dry, basic trim | Full groom, breed cut | Spa treatment, premium products |
| Products | Standard shampoo | Quality shampoo and conditioner | Hypoallergenic, designer products |
| Venue | Basic salon | Professional salon | Boutique salon or mobile |
| Extras included | None | Nail trim, ear clean | Teeth clean, cologne, bandana |
| Time per dog | 30 to 60 minutes | 60 to 90 minutes | 90 to 120 minutes |
| Wait list | Walk in or same week | 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 4 weeks |
What Is Included in a Full Groom?
A standard full groom typically includes a bath with shampoo and conditioner, blow dry and brush out, full body clip or trim to breed standard, face, ears, and paw tidying, nail trim, ear cleaning, and sanitary trim. Some groomers include teeth cleaning or anal gland expression as standard; others charge extra.
Additional Services and Costs
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Nail trim only | £8 to £15 |
| Ear cleaning | £5 to £10 |
| Teeth cleaning | £5 to £15 |
| Dematting (per 15 minutes) | £10 to £20 |
| Flea treatment wash | £5 to £15 |
| Hand stripping (terriers, spaniels) | £50 to £90 |
| Mobile grooming surcharge | £5 to £15 |
Costs by Breed
| Breed | Full Groom Cost | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Cockapoo | £40 to £60 | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Labrador | £35 to £50 | Every 8 to 12 weeks |
| Shih Tzu | £30 to £45 | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Poodle (standard) | £50 to £70 | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
| German Shepherd | £45 to £65 | Every 8 to 12 weeks |
| Husky | £50 to £75 | Every 8 to 12 weeks |
| Wire haired terrier (hand strip) | £55 to £90 | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
Annual Grooming Costs
The total annual cost depends on how often your dog needs grooming. A Cockapoo groomed every 6 weeks at £50 per visit costs around £435 per year. A Labrador groomed every 10 weeks at £40 costs around £210 per year. These are significant ongoing costs to factor into your pet budget.
| Breed | Groom Cost | Frequency | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cockapoo | £50 | Every 6 weeks | £435 |
| Shih Tzu | £35 | Every 5 weeks | £365 |
| Poodle (standard) | £60 | Every 5 weeks | £625 |
| Labrador | £40 | Every 10 weeks | £210 |
| German Shepherd | £55 | Every 10 weeks | £290 |
| Wire haired Terrier | £70 | Every 7 weeks | £520 |
These annual costs add up to a significant part of the overall cost of dog ownership. Before getting a breed with high grooming needs, factor in £400 to £600 per year for professional grooming on top of food, insurance, and vet bills.
DIY Grooming: What You Can Do at Home
You do not need to pay a professional for everything. Regular home maintenance between professional grooms keeps costs down and keeps your dog more comfortable. Brushing two to three times per week prevents matting (a matted dog costs more to groom because the groomer has to spend extra time carefully removing the mats). A decent grooming kit including clippers, scissors, slicker brush, and nail clippers costs £50 to £150 and lasts for years.
Nail trimming can be done at home with a pair of dog nail clippers (£5 to £15) or a nail grinder (£15 to £30). The key is to learn where the quick is (the blood supply inside the nail) and trim gradually. If you are nervous about doing it yourself, ask your groomer to show you the technique during your next appointment. Bathing at home between grooms is also straightforward, though be aware that using human shampoo on a dog can irritate their skin. A bottle of quality dog shampoo costs £5 to £12 and lasts several months.
What Affects the Price?
- Dog size. A Chihuahua takes 30 minutes to groom. A Newfoundland takes 2 hours or more. Size is the biggest factor in pricing.
- Coat type and condition. Curly, thick, and double coated breeds take longer and require more skill. Matted coats take significantly longer and many groomers charge extra for dematting work.
- Breed specific cuts. Standard breeds with recognised clip styles (Poodles, Bichons, Schnauzers) require groomer expertise and take longer than a simple all over trim.
- Location. London and the South East charge 30% to 50% more than the rest of the UK.
- Groomer experience. A City and Guilds qualified groomer or one with competition awards will charge more than a self taught groomer. The quality of the cut and handling of the dog is usually noticeably better.
- Dog behaviour. Dogs that are anxious, aggressive, or difficult to handle take longer and some groomers charge a surcharge for difficult dogs.
- Mobile vs salon. Mobile groomers come to your home in a van equipped with grooming equipment. The convenience comes at a £5 to £15 premium per visit.
- Frequency. Regular grooming keeps the coat in good condition, which means each session takes less time. Dogs that come in every 12 weeks with a matted coat cost more than dogs groomed every 6 weeks.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No qualifications or training. Dog grooming is not regulated in the UK, which means anyone can set up a grooming business. Ask about their training, qualifications, and experience. A City and Guilds Level 3 in Dog Grooming or equivalent is a good indicator of competence.
- Cage drying. Some groomers use cage dryers (heated boxes that dry the dog unattended). These have caused injuries and deaths in rare cases. Ask how your dog will be dried and supervised.
- No insurance. A professional groomer should have public liability insurance and ideally professional indemnity insurance. If your dog is injured during grooming, insurance covers veterinary costs.
- Rushing the groom. A full groom on a medium dog should take at least 60 minutes. If the groomer is trying to fit in 10 dogs per day, quality will suffer and your dog is more likely to be nicked or stressed.
- Dirty premises. The grooming area should be clean, well lit, and free of strong unpleasant odours. Hair buildup on the floor is normal during grooming but should be cleaned between dogs.
- Not asking about health issues. A responsible groomer will ask about your dog's health, skin conditions, allergies, and any areas of sensitivity before starting. If they do not ask, they are not paying attention to your dog's welfare.
How to Save Money on Dog Grooming
- Brush your dog regularly. Daily brushing prevents matting. Matted dogs take longer to groom and many groomers charge extra for dematting work.
- Book regular appointments. Some groomers offer 10% to 15% discounts for regular bookings or prepaid packages.
- Learn basic maintenance. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and between groom baths can be done at home with basic equipment.
- Choose a salon over mobile. Mobile groomers charge a premium for the convenience. Driving to a salon saves you £5 to £15 per visit.
- Go outside London. If you live near the London boundary, travelling 20 minutes out can save 20% to 30% on grooming costs.
Dog grooming in the UK costs £25 to £90 per session depending on your dog's size, coat type, and the services required. For a medium sized dog groomed every 6 to 8 weeks, budget £350 to £500 per year. Regular brushing at home reduces grooming costs and keeps your dog more comfortable between visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog grooming cost in the UK in 2026?
A full groom for a medium sized dog costs £40 to £60 in the UK in 2026. Small dogs pay £25 to £40, large breeds cost £50 to £75, and giant breeds like Newfoundlands cost £60 to £90 or more. Mobile groomers charge an extra £5 to £15.
How much does it cost to groom a Cockapoo?
A Cockapoo full groom costs £40 to £60 in the UK. Cockapoos need grooming every 6 to 8 weeks due to their curly coat. Annual grooming costs for a Cockapoo are approximately £435 based on grooming every 6 weeks at £50 per visit.
How much does a dog nail trim cost?
A dog nail trim only costs £8 to £15 at a grooming salon. Additional individual services include ear cleaning at £5 to £10, teeth cleaning at £5 to £15, and dematting at £10 to £20 per 15 minutes.
How often should I get my dog groomed?
Grooming frequency depends on breed and coat type. Shih Tzus and Poodles need grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Cockapoos and wire haired terriers every 6 to 8 weeks. Labradors and German Shepherds every 8 to 12 weeks.
How much does dog grooming cost per year in the UK?
Annual dog grooming costs depend on breed and frequency. A Cockapoo groomed every 6 weeks at £50 costs around £435 per year. A Labrador groomed every 10 weeks at £40 costs around £210 per year. Budget £350 to £500 per year for a medium sized dog groomed every 6 to 8 weeks.
What qualifications should a dog groomer have?
Dog grooming is not regulated in the UK, so qualifications are voluntary. Look for a City and Guilds Level 3 in Dog Grooming, IPET Network qualifications, or membership of the Pet Industry Federation. Experience with your specific breed is as important as formal qualifications.
Is mobile dog grooming more expensive?
Mobile groomers charge £5 to £15 more per visit than salon groomers. The premium covers their travel time, fuel, and the cost of maintaining a fully equipped grooming van. The convenience of not having to transport your dog can be worth the extra cost, especially for nervous dogs or elderly owners.
Can I groom my dog at home?
Basic maintenance like brushing, nail trimming, and bathing can be done at home with the right equipment. A decent grooming kit (clippers, scissors, brushes, nail clippers) costs £50 to £150. However, breed specific clipping is a skill that takes training to do well, and a bad home haircut can take weeks to grow out. Most owners handle maintenance between grooms and leave the full groom to a professional.