Dog Grooming Services: Professional Care Near You
Find welfare-first professional dog grooming near you to keep your dog comfortable, clean, and healthy. This hub explains what's included in each service, how often different coat types need care, and how to choose the right groomer for your dog.
Quick Answer:
Grooming typically includes brushing, bathing, drying, nail trimming, and basic hygiene checks. How often your dog needs professional grooming and baths varies by coat type, condition, and lifestyle.
What Is Dog Grooming? What's Included in a Full Groom vs Basic
Professional dog grooming is a comprehensive care service that maintains your dog's hygiene, health, and appearance through specialized techniques and equipment. Understanding the difference between service levels helps you choose the right option for your dog's needs and budget.
Basic Groom
- Bath with appropriate shampoo and conditioning
- Thorough brush-out and de-shedding
- Nail trimming to safe length
- Ear cleaning and inspection
- Hygiene tidy around sanitary areas
- Basic blow-dry and finishing
Full Groom (includes everything in basic plus)
- Complete coat trim, clip, or hand stripping as appropriate
- Breed-specific styling or owner-requested cut
- Detailed sanitary and hygiene trimming
- Professional styling and finishing touches
- Paw pad trimming and nail shaping
The 7 Core Steps of Professional Grooming
Health & Coat Assessment
Checking for skin issues, matting, parasites, and overall condition
Pre-bath Preparation
Brushing out loose fur, removing mats, and preparing the coat
Bathing & Shampooing
Using appropriate products for coat type and skin condition
Drying & De-shedding
Thorough drying with professional equipment and additional de-shedding
Hygiene Care
Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sanitary area maintenance
Styling & Trimming
Coat cutting, shaping, and breed-specific styling
Final Inspection
Quality check, aftercare advice, and scheduling next appointment
Dog Grooming Prices: UK Guide
Understanding grooming costs helps you budget for your dog's care. Prices vary based on size, coat type, condition, and services required.
Basic Grooming Prices
Includes: Bath, brush-out, nail trim, ear clean, hygiene trim, blow-dry
Full Grooming Prices
Includes: Everything in basic plus full coat cut/styling, detailed trimming
Factors That Affect Grooming Prices
Coat Condition
Matted, neglected coats require extra time and may incur surcharges of £10-30
Breed Requirements
Poodles, Bichons, and show cuts require specialist skills and more time
Behaviour
Anxious or difficult dogs may require extra handling time or sedation
Location
London and South East typically 20-30% higher than national average
Additional Services
Teeth cleaning (£5-15), flea treatment (£10-20), nail painting (£5-10)
Frequency
Regular customers often receive loyalty discounts of 10-15%
How to Choose a Professional Dog Groomer
Selecting the right groomer is crucial for your dog's safety, comfort, and wellbeing. Use this comprehensive checklist to evaluate potential groomers.
Essential Credentials & Qualifications
- City & Guilds Level 2/3 in Dog Grooming or equivalent
- Pet First Aid certification (current)
- Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million)
- Professional membership (e.g., British Dog Groomers Association)
- Continuing professional development evidence
- Local authority licensing (where required)
Welfare Standards to Look For
- Clean, well-ventilated grooming environment
- Proper restraint methods (no hanging or force)
- Temperature monitoring and climate control
- Regular breaks for dogs during long sessions
- Sanitised equipment between dogs
- Emergency procedures and vet contact details
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
- Refuses to show qualifications or insurance
- Won't allow you to see the grooming area
- Uses sedatives without veterinary supervision
- Doesn't ask about your dog's health or behaviour
- Prices significantly below market rate
- No clear pricing structure or written estimates
- Unclean facilities or strong chemical odours
- Aggressive handling or stressed dogs visible
Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking
About Experience & Training
- • How long have you been grooming professionally?
- • What qualifications do you hold?
- • Do you have experience with my dog's breed?
- • How do you handle anxious or difficult dogs?
About Services & Procedures
- • What's included in the grooming service?
- • How long will the appointment take?
- • What happens if my dog becomes stressed?
- • Do you offer any guarantees on your work?
29 Professional Dog Groomers Available
All our groomers are experienced professionals who specialize in dog grooming services. Compare their services, read reviews, and book your appointment.
Mutleys mobile dog grooming
Dover, CT16 2QD
Professional pet grooming services in Dover, Kent
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Bark & Bubbles Dog Grooming
Hythe, CT21 4PP
Family-owned dog grooming run by qualified groomer Russell Bailey in Saltwood, Kent
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Clippetts Dog Grooming
Folkestone, CT19 4LB
Level Three Qualified Dog Grooming - Fully Insured Professional Service
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Cuts And Clips
Folkestone, CT21 5AT
Established dog grooming salon since 2015 offering full grooms and luxury spa treatments
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E’s Prestige Dog Grooming
Sandgate, CT20 3BD
Level 3 qualified groomer with Canine Health & Pet First Aid certification in Sandgate
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Happy Hounds at Home
Folkestone, CT18 7SB
Professional pet grooming services in Folkestone, Kent
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Tails of Hythe Dog Grooming
Hythe, CT21 4ND
Professional pet grooming services in Hythe, Kent
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The Dog Groomer
Folkestone, CT19 6EJ
Professional pet grooming services in Folkestone, Kent
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The Groom Room Folkestone
Folkestone, CT19 5SY
Professional pet grooming services in Folkestone, Kent
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The Pup Hut & Strut
Hawkinge, CT18 7BX
Professional pet grooming services in Folkestone, Kent
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THE SHED SHED
Folkestone, CT19 4PW
Professional pet grooming services in Folkestone, Kent
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Top Dogs and Tails Dog Grooming Services
Hawkinge, CT18 7DN
Professional pet grooming services in Folkestone, Kent
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Waggers Dog Grooming
Hythe, CT21 6PH
Professional pet grooming services in Hythe, Kent
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Rosie's Groom Room
Dover, CT17 9LD
C&G qualified pet groomer offering VIP treatment and spa experiences in Dover, Kent
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The Dog Pod Ltd
Dover, CT17 9SN
Professional pet grooming services in Dover, Kent
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The Dog House Grooming Salon
Dover, CT15 6DE
Home-based grooming salon where customers become friends - stress-free grooming between Dover and Deal
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Dawn's Dog Grooming Dover
Dover, CT16 2JF
Professional pet grooming services in Dover, Kent
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Laura's K9 Cuties
Folkestone, CT20 2JF
Professional and friendly dog grooming services in Folkestone
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Champagne bubbles dog grooming
Folkestone, CT18 7EH
Professional dog grooming services in Hawkinge, Folkestone
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Shearins Groom Room
Folkestone, CT18 8AE
Professional one-to-one dog grooming salon in Folkestone, Kent
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Dotties Dog Grooming
Hawkinge, CT18
Professional dog grooming service in Hawkinge, Kent
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Royal Bubbles Grooming
Dover, CT16 1EG
Professional dog grooming services in Dover, Kent
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Dandy Dogs Dover
Dover, CT17 9RS
Professional dog grooming services in Dover, Kent
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The Groom Room Dover
Dover, CT16 3PS
Professional dog grooming services at Pets at Home Dover
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Grooming Marvellous
Dover, CT15 5LZ
One-to-one grooming service from home salon in Dover
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Leolux Pet Styling
Dover, CT16 2AQ
Professional 1:1 dog grooming service in Dover, Kent
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Heads & Tails Mobile Dog Grooming
Deal, CT14
Mobile dog grooming in Deal and Dover area
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Woof & Ready
Dover, CT15 7DY
Professional dog grooming salon in Alkham Valley, Kent
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Harry's Home Boarding and Grooming
Dover, CT17 0BE
Level 3 qualified dog groomer offering professional grooming with free pick-up and drop-off service in Dover
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about professional dog grooming services.
How often should I have my dog professionally groomed?
Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 4-8 weeks, depending on their coat type. Short-haired breeds may only need grooming every 8-12 weeks, while long-haired or curly-coated breeds often require grooming every 4-6 weeks. Dogs with continuously growing coats (like Poodles) may need grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting.
What's the difference between a basic groom and a full groom?
A basic groom includes bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and a hygiene trim around sanitary areas. A full groom includes everything in a basic groom plus a complete coat cut or styling, detailed trimming, and breed-specific styling. Full grooms typically take 2-4 hours compared to 1-2 hours for basic grooming.
How much does dog grooming cost in the UK?
Basic grooming typically costs £25-75 depending on size, while full grooming ranges from £40-110. Small dogs (under 10kg) cost less than large dogs (40kg+). Prices vary by location, with London and the South East typically 20-30% higher than the national average. Additional services like de-shedding treatments or nail painting cost extra.
How do I prepare my dog for their first grooming appointment?
Start handling your dog's paws, ears, and mouth regularly at home. Ensure they're up to date with vaccinations and inform the groomer of any health issues or behavioural concerns. Arrive with a tired dog (after a walk) and bring their favourite treats. Don't feed them a large meal beforehand to prevent stomach upset.
What should I look for when choosing a dog groomer?
Look for qualified groomers with City & Guilds Level 2/3 certification, current pet first aid training, and public liability insurance. The facility should be clean, well-ventilated, and use proper restraint methods. Ask about their experience with your dog's breed and how they handle anxious dogs. Always request to see their grooming area before booking.
Can I stay with my dog during grooming?
Most professional groomers prefer owners to leave during the grooming session, as dogs often behave better without their owners present. However, for very anxious dogs or first-time visits, some groomers may allow you to stay for part of the session. Discuss this with your groomer beforehand to understand their policy.
What happens if my dog gets stressed or anxious during grooming?
Professional groomers are trained to recognise stress signals and will take breaks, use calming techniques, or stop the session if necessary. They may suggest shorter sessions, anxiety-reducing techniques, or in severe cases, recommend consulting with a veterinary behaviourist. Never choose a groomer who uses sedatives without veterinary supervision.
Do I need to tip my dog groomer?
Tipping isn't mandatory in the UK but is appreciated for exceptional service. A tip of 10-15% or £5-10 is common for excellent work. Consider tipping more for difficult dogs, last-minute appointments, or if the groomer goes above and beyond. Some groomers prefer tips in cash rather than added to card payments.
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