Pet grooming: what to know

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

What pet grooming is

A pet groomer cleans and maintains your pet's coat, nails and ears, using tools and products that suit the species. Pet grooming can cover dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals, and each one needs a different approach.

Signs you need it

  • Your pet's coat or fur is dirty, tangled or has grown too long
  • Your pet's nails are long, cracked or need a trim
  • Your pet's ears need a clean and an inspection
  • You have a small animal whose fur needs care suited to its species, since some small animals should not be bathed in water
  • You want a groomer who knows your pet's species and handles it calmly

What the pro does

  • Asks about your pet's species, coat, temperament, health and any past grooming
  • Checks the coat, skin, ears, nails and feet for any signs of problems
  • Bathes, brushes or trims the pet with products that suit its species and skin
  • Trims nails and cleans ears, taking care with sensitive areas
  • Dries the pet at a safe temperature and checks its comfort
  • Shows the owner the result and tells them about any 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Every job is different, so we do not publish prices.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 species, size and coat type of the pet
  • The level of matting or dirt that needs to be removed
  • Whether a bath, a trim, nail care or ear cleaning is included
  • Whether the pet has special handling needs or a health issue
  • Whether the groomer works with small animals or only dogs and cats
  • Whether pick-up and drop-off are included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The species, the service type and the approximate time
  • Whether bath, trim, nail care and ear cleaning are included
  • Whether matting removal and special handling are included
  • Whether pick-up and drop-off are included
  • The cancellation terms and any change in the plan if the pet cannot be handled

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you groom my pet's species, and how do you handle it?
  • What products do you use, and are they safe for my pet's skin?
  • How do you keep my pet calm during grooming?
  • What do you do if you find a skin problem, a wound or a lump?
  • How long will the grooming take?
  • Do you trim nails, and how do you avoid cutting the quick?
  • Can I see photos of your work on pets like mine?

Red flags

  • Handles small animals roughly or keeps them in a dryer for long periods
  • Uses unlabeled or strong products on the pet's skin
  • Will not say what species they groom or how they handle them
  • Does not check for wounds, fleas, lumps or pain before starting
  • Does not tell the owner about a problem found during the visit

What you can do yourself

You can brush your pet regularly, check its ears and nails, and wipe its coat or fur after outdoor time. Use the brush and clipper types that suit your pet's species. Hire a groomer for baths, deep mats, nail care for animals that resist it, and any grooming you are not confident doing safely, and call your veterinarian for any wound, lump, rash or pain.

Licenses and permits

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

Pet grooming questions

How often should my pet be groomed?

It depends on the species, the coat or fur type and how dirty the pet gets. Ask the groomer for a schedule that fits your pet.

Can a groomer clip my pet's nails safely?

Yes, when done carefully. Ask the groomer how they avoid cutting the quick, and tell them if your pet has had nail problems before.

What if my pet has a health problem?

Tell the groomer before the visit, and call your veterinarian for any health concern. Do not use medicated products from the groomer without checking with your veterinarian.

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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