Dog grooming: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What dog grooming is

A groomer bathes, dries, brushes and trims your dog's coat, and cleans its ears, nails and face. Regular grooming keeps the coat healthy, prevents matting and helps you spot skin, ear or nail problems early.

Signs you need it

  • Your dog's coat is matted, tangled or hard to brush at home
  • Your dog's coat has grown too long for the breed or the season
  • Your dog's nails are long or cracked and need a trim
  • Your dog has a strong odor, dirty ears or a coat that smells after walks
  • Your dog needs a breed-specific cut or a clean trim for a show or event

What the pro does

  • Asks about your dog's coat type, its history with grooming and any skin or ear concerns
  • Checks the coat, skin, ears, nails and anal glands area as the service allows
  • Bathes and dries the dog with products that suit its coat and skin
  • Brushes out tangles and mats, using clippers or scissors where needed
  • Trims the nails, cleans the ears and tidies the feet and face
  • Shows you the coat and the skin before you pick the dog up, and notes any problem

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The dog's size and the amount of coat it has
  • The level of matting and how much time it takes to remove
  • The cut style, such as a bath and brush or a full breed-specific cut
  • Whether extras such as teeth brushing, nail grinding or de-shedding are included
  • Whether the dog is a senior or has special handling needs
  • Whether the groomer picks up and drops off the dog

What a written quote should spell out

  • The service type, such as a bath, a trim or a full cut
  • Whether matting removal, nail trims and ear cleaning are included
  • Whether a de-shedding or teeth brushing step is part of the service
  • The approximate time the dog will stay with the groomer
  • The cancellation terms and the late arrival policy

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your experience with my dog's breed and coat type?
  • Will you check for mats before you start, and what do you do if the coat is badly matted?
  • What shampoo and dryer do you use, and how do you protect sensitive skin?
  • How do you handle a dog that is nervous or hard to handle?
  • What do you do if you find a skin problem, a lump or an ear infection?
  • Will you cut the nails, and how do you avoid cutting the quick?
  • Can I see photos of your work on dogs with coats like mine?

Red flags

  • Shaves a double-coated dog without explaining the risk to the coat
  • Uses harsh products or hot dryers on sensitive skin with no check
  • Will not show the work or the tools they use
  • Does not check the dog's skin, ears or nails before starting
  • Leaves the dog in a crate or a tub unattended during the service

What you can do yourself

You can brush your dog every few days, check the ears and nails, and wipe the face and paws after walks. Use a brush and comb that suit the coat, and work through mats gently with a detangler. Hire a groomer for full baths, deep mats, breed-specific cuts, nail grinding and de-shedding, and see a veterinarian for skin problems, ear infections or a lump you find.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for dog grooming, but some states and cities regulate pet grooming. Ask for proof of grooming training or certification and for photos of work on dogs like yours, and check with your state and local agencies if you are unsure.

Dog grooming questions

How often should my dog be groomed?

It depends on the coat type, the breed and how fast the coat mats. Ask the groomer for a schedule that fits your dog's coat and lifestyle.

Should I brush my dog before the appointment?

Yes, a brush-out before the visit helps the groomer work faster and keeps the coat in better shape. Ask the groomer whether they prefer a brushed or a clean coat.

What if my dog has a skin problem?

Tell the groomer before the appointment and ask them to note what they see. Call your veterinarian for any rash, sore, lump, ear infection or other health concern.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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