How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost?

Getting your dog groomed isn’t like going in for a haircut — professional groomers will include services that impact your dog’s health as much as their looks.

Curious about the cost for dog grooming? We’ll help break it down. There are a number of factors that determine what dog grooming costs.

The Cost to Groom a Dog

The average dog grooming cost can fall between $30 and $90.³ The size and species of your pooch has the largest impact on the final bill. That’s because most professional dog groomers will price a session based on how long it takes to finish the job. If you bring in a komondor (aka Hungarian sheep dog), for instance, it’s going to take the groomer much longer to deal with all that fur. Opting for a komondor’s signature “mop” cut will likely raise the price even higher.

But you’re getting more than just a new ‘do in the bargain. Most groomers will include a handful of services per session, including:

• Bath
• Blow dry
• Nail trim
• Ear cleaning
• Anal gland expression

Each of these is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and happy. Paying a pro to do it also means you won’t have to be the one wrestling with your pooch the whole time.

The importance of dog grooming

Baths at home are an important part of pet ownership and a good way to save money. But there are good reasons to regularly bring your dog to a groomer as well. They have the tools and experience to offer services that go above and beyond what you might be able to handle at home, including:⁴

• Gentle shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin
• Dog-safe toothpaste for teeth cleaning
• Flea and tick removal
• Ear exams to check for infection

Some things are also better off left to the professionals. If you have an anxious or aggressive dog, your groomer will know how to handle them without risking harm to either party. They may even be able to help your dog enjoy the experience!

Does Pet Insurance Cover Grooming?

Most pet insurance providers don’t provide reimbursement for cosmetics, including grooming. However, pairing a dog insurance policy with regular trips to the groomers can still help keep your pooch healthy. If the groomer discovers signs of an infection or other health issue, MetLife Pet Insurance could help cover the cost of diagnosis and treatment.^1,2 Learn more about pet insurance to see how you and your furry family could benefit from a policy.