Pet bathing: what to know

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

What pet bathing is

A bather washes your pet with suitable shampoo, rinses thoroughly and dries it safely. Bathing is mainly used for dogs and cats that get dirty, smelly or need a clean coat between full grooming visits. Some small animals, such as rabbits, are usually spot cleaned rather than bathed, so ask a bather who knows the species first.

Signs you need it

  • Your pet has rolled in something dirty or smelly and needs a clean
  • Your pet's coat looks dull or greasy between grooming appointments
  • Your pet is shedding heavily and needs a bath to help loosen the loose coat
  • Your pet is nervous about baths at home and needs a calm, experienced bather
  • Your pet has a skin condition your veterinarian has asked you to manage with bathing

What the pro does

  • Asks about your pet's coat, skin, temperament and any health concern
  • Brushes out loose hair and checks the coat and skin before the bath
  • Wets the coat with warm water and applies the shampoo that suits the pet
  • Rinses thoroughly so no shampoo is left on the skin
  • Dries the pet at a safe temperature and brushes the coat as it dries
  • Shows you the coat and tells you about any skin, ear or nail problem found

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Every job is different, so we do not publish prices.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 size of the pet and how much coat it has
  • How dirty the pet is and how much time the bath takes
  • Whether a special shampoo or medicated product is needed
  • Whether drying, brushing and ear cleaning are included
  • Whether the bather works on small animals or only dogs and cats
  • Whether pick-up and drop-off are included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The pet's size, the bath type and the approximate time
  • Whether drying, brushing and ear cleaning are included
  • Which shampoo is used, and whether a special product is included
  • Whether pick-up and drop-off are included
  • The cancellation terms and the policy for a pet that cannot be bathed safely

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What shampoo do you use, and is it safe for my pet's skin?
  • How do you keep my pet calm in the bath?
  • Do you dry the pet with a dryer, and at what temperature?
  • What do you do if my pet is too stressed to bathe?
  • Do you check for fleas, ticks or skin problems during the bath?
  • How soon should my pet be bathed again?
  • Can you use a medicated shampoo my vet prescribed?

Red flags

  • Leaves shampoo on the pet's skin after rinsing
  • Uses a very hot dryer or leaves the pet damp in a cold room
  • Will not say what shampoo they use
  • Does not check the skin or the ears before bathing
  • Puts a pet that is clearly ill or injured in the bath without asking

What you can do yourself

You can bathe your pet at home with a shampoo labeled for its species, lukewarm water and a gentle rinse. Dry the pet well afterward, and keep it out of drafts. Hire a bather for a pet that is nervous in the tub, for a large dog that is hard to handle, or for a pet with a skin condition that needs careful bathing and rinsing.

Licenses and permits

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

Pet bathing questions

How often should a pet be bathed?

It depends on the species, the coat and the lifestyle. Ask the bather how often they recommend, and check with your veterinarian if your pet has a skin condition.

Can I use human shampoo on my pet?

No. Use a shampoo labeled for your pet's species, and ask the bather which product they use. Call your veterinarian if your pet's skin is red, sore or flaking.

What if my pet is afraid of the water?

Tell the bather before the visit. A good bather will work slowly and calmly, and they will stop if the pet becomes too stressed.

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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