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Grooming prices feel like a mystery when you're quoted £30 for one dog and £90 for another. The UK grooming industry has no standard pricing, which means costs vary wildly based on factors most owners don't understand.
Dog grooming in the UK typically costs £25-£100, with most medium dogs averaging £50. Your final price depends on your dog's breed and coat type, the services included, your location, and whether you choose salon or mobile grooming. This 2026 guide breaks down what you'll actually pay and how to budget effectively.
Looking for quality groomers in your area? Check our guides for Folkestone, Dover, and Hythe for vetted recommendations.
Quick Answer: Most full grooms average around £50, with typical ranges £25–£100+ depending on dog size, coat type, and location. Mobile grooming averages ~£40 nationally, and London tends to be higher (~£52).
Most dog owners pay around £50 for a full groom. But that's just the middle ground - prices swing from £25 to over £100 depending on what your dog needs.
Copy this structure and replace ranges with local quotes for your breed and coat type.
Here's what you're looking at:
A standard "full groom" includes shampooing, blow-drying, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and styling. Anything beyond that costs extra.
Here's what you'll actually pay for the most common breeds in the UK:
| Breed | Size Category | Typical Price Range | Grooming Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua, Pug, French Bulldog | Small (smooth coat) | £25-£35 | 8-12 weeks |
| Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier | Small (long coat) | £40-£55 | 4-6 weeks |
| Cocker Spaniel, Beagle | Medium | £45-£65 | 6-8 weeks |
| Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle | Medium (curly coat) | £55-£80 | 6-8 weeks |
| Labrador, Golden Retriever | Large | £60-£85 | 8-10 weeks |
| German Shepherd, Husky, Samoyed | Large (double coat) | £70-£100 | 8-12 weeks |
| Standard Poodle | Large (high maintenance) | £70-£90 | 6-8 weeks |
| Airedale, Wire Fox Terrier | Medium-Large (hand-strip) | £80-£120 | 8-10 weeks |
Prices based on January 2026 UK market rates. Individual groomers may charge outside these ranges based on location, experience, and specific services included.
Your dog's coat is the biggest factor in grooming costs. A smooth-coated Beagle takes 45 minutes to groom. A matted Cockapoo can take 3 hours.
These dogs have short, smooth coats that don't mat or tangle:
These dogs need basic washing, drying, and nail trimming. No fancy cuts, no hours of brushing.
These breeds need serious time and skill:
Poodle crosses are the worst culprits for high costs. Their coats mat if you look at them wrong, and they need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Bring in a matted dog and watch your bill climb. Groomers charge extra for de-matting because it's time-consuming, hard on their equipment, and stressful for your dog.
Matting surcharges typically add £10-£30 to your bill. Severely matted dogs might need complete shave-offs, which some groomers charge as a full groom plus de-matting fees.
Not all "full grooms" are created equal. Some groomers include everything, others nickel-and-dime you with add-ons.
These services cost extra at most groomers:
Always ask what's included before booking. Some groomers charge separately for nail trimming and ear cleaning - services that should be standard.
Difficult dogs cost more to groom. It's not personal - it's practical. Anxious, aggressive, or elderly dogs need extra time and patience.
If your dog's never been groomed before, read our guide on what to expect at your dog's first groom to prepare properly.
Where you live dramatically affects grooming costs. London groomers charge double what rural groomers do - and it's not because they're twice as good.
High prices in expensive areas reflect real costs: commercial rent, business rates, staff wages, and insurance all cost more in city centres.
Many dog owners use chain pet retailers for grooming. Here's what typical pricing looks like at major UK chains in 2026.
Pets at Home operates one of the UK's largest grooming networks with over 300 Groom Rooms. Prices vary by location but generally fall within these ranges:
Exact pricing depends on your dog's breed, coat condition, and specific services needed. They offer online booking where you can see location-specific prices.
Chain groomers offer convenience and standardised pricing, but independent groomers often provide more personalised service.
Chain advantages:
Independent groomer advantages:
Mobile groomers typically cost 10-20% more than salons. But you're paying for convenience, not just grooming.
Pros:
Cons:
Mobile grooming averages £40 nationally, ranging from £18-£80. London averages £52, while smaller cities like Derby average £40.
Pros:
Why it costs more:
The UK grooming industry is unregulated, which means anyone can set up shop. Qualified groomers charge more because they've invested in proper training and equipment.
Cheap groomers cut corners somewhere. Usually it's training, equipment, or products - all things that affect your dog's safety and comfort.
You don't need to break the bank for good grooming. Smart home care and strategic professional grooming can keep costs manageable.
Need help with grooming frequency? Check our guide on how often to groom your dog.
Having the right tools makes home maintenance easier and prevents costly professional de-matting charges. Here's what actually works:
This is one of the highest-rated brushes on Amazon UK (4.5+ stars, 60,000+ reviews). The self-cleaning feature means you just press a button to retract bristles and remove collected hair - no more picking fur out of the brush.
Available on: Amazon UK (typically £11-£15)
Learning to trim nails at home saves £5-£10 per grooming visit. These clippers have a built-in safety guard that prevents cutting too close to the quick - the biggest worry for beginners.
Available on: Amazon UK (typically £8-£12)
Investment vs savings: These two tools cost around £20-£25 combined. If you're taking your dog to the groomer every 6-8 weeks, you'll save that in avoided matting charges within 2-3 visits.
Professional grooming is healthcare, not just cosmetics. Good groomers spot skin problems, lumps, and infections early. They also keep your dog's nails, ears, and coat healthy.
A £20 groomer who cuts your dog or misses health issues will cost you more in vet bills than a £60 professional who does the job right.
Between Professional Grooms?
Self-service dog washes give you professional-grade equipment (hydraulic tables, high-velocity dryers) without buying your own. Pay-per-use from £10-15.
Explore Self-Service Options(dogwashnearme.co.uk)No. Pet insurance covers medical treatment, not routine care. Grooming is considered preventative maintenance, like getting your car serviced.
It depends on your dog's coat:
They have extra costs you don't see: travel time, fuel, van maintenance, and insurance. Plus, you're paying for the convenience of not having to transport your dog.
Expect to pay extra. Severely matted coats add £10-£30 to your bill and may require complete shave-offs. In extreme cases, groomers might refuse the job and refer you to a vet.
The average cost is £50 for a full groom, though prices range from £25 for small, smooth-coated breeds to over £100 for large or high-maintenance breeds. London averages £60-£120 compared to £30-£60 in rural areas.
Pets at Home Groom Room prices start from around £30 for small dogs and go up to £95+ for large breeds. Exact prices vary by location and your dog's specific needs. Check their online booking system for your local Groom Room's pricing.
Brush your dog regularly at home to prevent matting, learn to trim nails yourself (saves £5-£10 per visit), and look for groomer loyalty schemes offering "buy 5, get 6th free". Keeping your dog well-maintained between appointments prevents costly de-matting charges.
Understanding grooming costs helps you budget properly and avoid surprises. The key is finding a qualified groomer who provides transparent pricing and quality care.
Don't choose based on price alone. A good groomer is part of your dog's healthcare team, spotting problems early and keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.
Ready to find a qualified groomer? Browse our directory of vetted groomers across Kent or check our detailed guides for choosing the right groomer.
Browse our directory of qualified, reviewed dog groomers in Folkestone. Compare services, prices, and availability for expert coat care.
Find Local GroomersDiscover more helpful tips and guides for your pet grooming needs
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