Understanding Dog Grooming Prices

A good groom is never cheap…and a cheap groom is never good.

At WAG the Dog we never, ever give prices over the phone.  The most frequent question we get is, "How much will it cost to groom my XXXX please?"  It's a question that always makes us smile, for it really has no answer.
Just how can you quote for a dog you haven't seen, when even within the breed it can vary by + or - 10Kg? When the coat could be silky and fine, well maintained and professionally groomed on a regular basis, or thick, coarse, packed, matted, flea-ridden and filthy?

Factors that will affect the price of your groom in any salon are:

• The size of your dog – small, medium, large or extra-large?

• The length of its coat (now) and the length of its coat when the groom is completed.

• How long it has been since it was last combed (not brushed) right through to the skin?

• When was it last bathed or groomed?

• How "well behaved" your dog is, whether it stands still and loves being groomed or whether it acts like a bucking bronco as soon as it sees scissors or clippers.

• How old your dog is, its physical disabilities and weight.  A skeletal hound is as difficult to clip as an obese dog with rolls of fat.

Some of the questions we ask ourselves are:

• How many shampoos will this dog need and how much shampoo will I need each time?

• Which shampoo will be the best to use on this dogs coat? 

• Will I need to use detangling or dematting products too?

• How long will it take to bath this dog? 

• How much water are we likely to need?

• How long will it take to dry?

• What style is this dog in? 

• Has it grown out (will we have to restyle from scratch or can we follow the existing pattern)?

• What sort of temperament does this dog have?

• Will it be jumping around on the table and require training or has it already been trained to stand still? 

• Is it worth my while investing my time in training this dog - will it be coming back regularly?

• When was this dog last groomed and by whom? 

• How much grooming or coat maintenance goes on at home?

• Will this dog's skin be sensitive because it’s not brushed much in between visits?

So you see, we're not being elusive when we ask to set up a meet and greet appointment so we can give you an accurate assessment, so please, don't be offended if we can't give you a quote on the day you make initial contact.

Each and every full groom includes:

• An initial comb and brush through to check for knots and matts and to lift dander from the surface of the skin.

• A thorough ear cleaning ensuring your dog’s ears are free from debris and odours.

• Bathing – A fresh warm water shampoo and rinse using as many shampoos as is required to get your fur baby squeaky clean.

• Conditioning – application and massage in of high-quality conditioning treatment purposely chosen to get the best results for your dog’s coat.

• Drying - with the force dryer or hand dryer, depends on breed, style required and the dog’s behaviour.

• Nails - where possible.  If it took three people at the vets to pin your dog down last time you went in, no, it’s not included in the groom!

• A second comb through before clipping.

• Clipping of sanitary areas and feet and paw pad areas.

• Trimming or clipping of head legs and body to your specifications or to the breed style.

• A final brush and comb through.

• Coat conditioning spray and fragrance and a doggy treat as a special reward.

Finally, also under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, we are required to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal, so humanity comes before vanity and we always endeavour to make the dog’s health and well-being our priority.

If you are interested in becoming a Wag the Dog customer, please let us know about your dog and your requirements here and we will contact you to set up a meet and greet appointment as soon as possible.

Back to Articles