Keeping your four-legged friend clean and tidy can be a bit of a challenge, especially if your dog has a longer coat. Dog grooming can help keep on top of knots, tangles, and matted coats, but what kinds of prices could you be looking at?
What services does a dog groomer provider?
Dog groomers may offer a range of services. The cost will nearly always be determined by the service you choose. To give you an idea, these are the most common:
- A full groom: usually includes bath, brushing and detangling, clipping and scissor finish, eyes, ears, and nails cleaned and trimmed, drying
- Hand stripping: a process that involves removing dead hairs from the coat by hand, instead of clipping to keep the coat tidy
- Bath, dry and trim
- Nail and / or pad trim
- Teeth cleaning
The above services are likely to vary between groomers, so check exactly what is included in the package you choose as this will have a bearing on the cost.
What other factors affect the cost?
One of the main things that can affect the cost is the size of your dog. Large shaggy dogs will often cost more to groom than small, short-haired hounds. Check with your dog groomer to see whether they offer different price bands.
It may also make a difference if your dog groomer comes to your home (not all offer this service) or whether you must go to their salon.
Do all dog groomers cost the same?
Dog groomers set their own prices, so there will be some price differences between groomers. But there are other factors that may also affect the price.
Qualifications and experience
There are a few different dog grooming qualifications. A well-qualified and experienced dog groomer may charge a little more than a beginner or junior groomer.
How your dog groomer operates
A professionally set up dog groomer with a salon and employees is likely to cost a little more than a sole trader operating from a mobile salon, e.g. a van. A properly set up dog grooming business will have expenses like dog grooming insurance, rent and utility bills.
However, don’t choose a dog groomer just because they are cheaper. It’s important that your groomer can operate safely and appropriately. They should also be insured, in case something goes wrong while your dog is in their care.
What are the average costs of dog grooming in the UK?
Considering the above, and the fact that prices vary, average dog grooming service costs may resemble the following:
- full groom: £40-£95
- hand stripping: £50-150
- bath, dry and trim: £30
- nail and or pad trim: £20-£30
- teeth cleaning: £25-£35
What can you do to reduce your dog grooming costs?
The most important thing you can do to keep costs down over the long term is to groom your dog regularly. This may be easier for some than others. Factors to consider include:
- your dog’s coat (and how long or tangled it gets)
- how dirty your dog gets (a dog walking regularly in the countryside may get muddier than a city dog)
- your dog’s temperament (some dogs hate being groomed, which can make the process challenging)
Gentle and regular brushing, and washing your dog down if they get really dirty, can make a difference to keeping their coat in good shape. If you regularly visit the groomer, it should help keep your dog’s coat healthy.
It’s also worth comparing prices between different groomers. Again, make sure you are comparing like with like. If one groomer is more expensive, consider why that may be. They could have the extra experience needed to tend to your dog properly and appropriately.
Getting dog grooming insurance
If you are working as a dog groomer, or looking for a dog groomer, insurance is always an important consideration.
Pet Business Insurance has almost two decades of experience in providing specialised insurance for a range of small- and medium-sized pet businesses, including dog groomers.
Whether you are running a mobile dog grooming operation or have your own established premises, our policies can cover your typical business liabilities, while also offering the extra protections you need, such as accidents and injuries to animals insurance.
We also offer optional cover for businesses with specific setups or circumstances. For example, if you own a grooming parlour with a glass shop front, you may want to insure against potential damage caused deliberately or by accident.
To discuss your dog grooming insurance requirements, get in touch with Pet Business Insurance today. Call 01284 736 874 or complete our online enquiry form.