How Much Does Mobile Dog Grooming Cost?
If you’re a dog parent or looking to adopt, there are several grooming options which might be suitable for you. While most dog owners opt to take their precious pooch to a brick-and-mortar salon, others might choose to have a mobile dog groomer visit their home. Neither option is ‘correct’ or ‘better’, but both have their advantages. Mobile grooming is often overlooked and some dog parents might not realise it’s even an option.
Even if you’ve decided on mobile grooming there are a few more options you’ll have to choose from. From choosing the right groomer that matches your budget to the type of grooming package you want for your dog, there are several options which need to be considered. If you’re on the fence and wondering if it’s worthwhile, this article should help you see why this service is so popular and why the prices might be steeper than in-store grooming alternatives. So, let’s go over why mobile dog grooming is a great choice, the options you have and how much it’s likely to cost!
Why Choose Mobile Dog Grooming?
Some owners may choose mobile grooming purely for its simplicity and convenience but it’s a necessity for others. Mobile dog grooming is ideal for owners who have mobility problems, disabilities or for the elderly as it can be difficult moving a dog around, especially if the dog is large, elderly or not very mobile themselves. It’s also perfect for pups who have mental health or behavioral problems if they are likely to become anxious, stressed or aggressive when visiting a salon.
If you decide it might be best for you and your dog to have a mobile dog groomer visit your home, you should tell them your reasons for choosing this service. It’s your responsibility to disclose any mental health or behavioral problems which have contributed to your decision. Some mobile dog groomers might not choose to groom particularly aggressive animals so you may need to find a suitable alternative. Thankfully, the mobile pet grooming business is a busy, competitive field, so finding another suitable groomer shouldn’t be difficult. Many dog parents use mobile grooming as it allows them to stay with their loving doggo while the grooming takes place. Some groomers will let you help if your dog is particularly anxious or scared, or they might let you stay in the same room to ensure your dog knows they’re in safe hands.
If this situation hasn’t happened yet but you’re worried your careful canine might become this anxious around a groomer, there are some things you could do to help. To start, you could limit grooming sessions to one form of care at a time. By rewarding good behavior with dog treats, your dog should learn that grooming is perfectly normal and safe. Over time you could introduce multiple aspects of grooming together in a session until they are comfortable being fully groomed in one go. While we hope this doesn’t need happen, following these steps during your dog’s initial grooming sessions could help your dog shake off their fear and become more comfortable around the groomer.
Another important reason for choosing this service is simply its convenience. While it might cost the same (or slightly more) than an in-store salon, mobile dog grooming is the easiest and most convenient option for many dog parents. Some salons are busy with back-to-back appointments which means you may need to drop-off your doggo in advance of your appointment and return to collect them later in the day. The additional time and travel costs are simply not worth it to some pet parents which is why mobile grooming is so useful. If you’ve had similar thoughts to these when taking your dog to a salon then mobile dog grooming might be worth considering!
So, if you have an anxious or stressed doggo who prefers the comfort of home, or if you just like the simplicity of at-home grooming, then this might be the ideal option for you.
What Can Affect the Cost?
Before we look at specific costs per treatment, it’s important to first understand there are some factors which will affect the costs of mobile dog grooming. Just like most things, the location can greatly alter the price for a few reasons. In busy, metropolitan areas mobile grooming can cost much more than in smaller towns. General pet care is likely to cost more in cities because of competitive standards and subsequent higher prices for the quality you receive.
While a simple trim might cost just a little bit more than in-store prices, there are many additional costs which might increase the overall costs significantly. Nail trims, teeth cleaning, tear-stain removal and more advance coat cleaning are some of many additional features you can expect to pay for. Each groomer will charge their own set prices for these extra features so you might be able to find a price that works for your budget by simply looking around. If your dog has any special grooming needs, you could ask your vet for a recommendation as they’ll no doubt know someone who can cater to your needs.
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So, How Much Will it Cost?
As a rule, mobile dog grooming costs roughly $10 to $20 more than grooming in a salon. This typical fee is for the convenience and for transport costs, but it can increase depending on the location and if the groomer must travel far to your property. Most groomers will charge a fee for a set package. This could simply be a short coat trim or include lots of extras such as a bath with shampoo and conditioner, blow-dry or towel-dry, nail trim, ear clean and teeth clean. For more options, check out our detailed reviews of pet hair dryers and dog drying towels.
For a standard bundle, you could pay around $60 to $100 dollars depending on the size of your dog. Small dog breeds will always cost less than larger breeds as the care requires less time and can often be more straightforward. Larger dog breeds (like Alaskan Malamutes or German Shepherds) can cost considerably more, especially if they have a long and unruly coat to trim.
On top of the standard fee, you might find that the groomer offers additional grooming features for an additional fee (usually around $10 per treatment). These extras could include de-matting the coat, teeth brushing, anal gland expressing and flea treatment. Some groomers may even offer to trim your dog’s coat using scissors instead of electric clippers which will cost around $10 to $30 extra as it requires more skill and time. You could even pay for some more luxurious spa treatments like face masks and body scrubs. These treatments go for a premium price and can cost up to $50 on top of the original package. While this isn’t entirely necessary, some dog parents use these a special treat for their pampered pooch.
In total, a fairly complete grooming package for a medium sized dog is likely to cost up to $100. As this price is simply an average it may increase or decrease depending on the location. For example, in a suburban area or small town this price could drop to around $70.
Take a look at our guides on Dog Thinning Shears, Grooming Table for Dogs and Dog Grooming Clippers.
What Can you Do to Keep the Costs Down?
If mobile dog grooming is ideal for you but you’re worried about the costs, there are a few things you can do to keep the prices minimized. The most obvious way to keep the cost down is to simply ask the groomer if you can negotiate on a price, this might involve a more basic package for a reduced price. Some groomers even offer discounts or deals if you recommend friends or family, this could be another option worth exploring.
Alternatively, you can carry out the additional features of dog grooming which are not included in your package or are too expensive to pay for. For example, you may be able to reduce the cost of a standard grooming package if you shampoo and condition your dog’s coat. If you can trim your dog’s nails, this could also bring down the overall cost of mobile grooming. DIY grooming tools and dog shampoo/conditioners can either be bought in a pet store or online and are likely to save you some money in the long run.
Doing a little bit more DIY doggy grooming won’t just save you money, it might also help to alleviate stress if your dog becomes nervous around groomers. By understanding your dog’s needs you might be able to do some of the work yourself and have a groomer do the rest. Just remember that there are some important hygienic aspects of rooming which must be carried out by a groomer regularly.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a mobile dog groomer might be slightly more expensive than taking your dog to a grooming salon but most owners believe it’s worth the price. Mobile grooming allows a customized experience to suit your dog’s needs and you can search around for the best price for your budget. Although it may seem like an unnecessary luxury to some people, mobile grooming is essential for some owners and for dogs with mental, physical or behavioral problems.
