Dog grooming costs in Australia range from $60 to $230+ depending on your dog’s size, coat type, and location.
A small dog at a salon might cost $60–$90, while a large or double-coated breed runs $120–$185.
Mobile groomers typically charge 20–40% more. Understanding what affects the price helps you budget and anticipate any extra charges.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute veterinary or professional advice. Every pet is different. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, behaviour, or wellbeing, consult a qualified veterinarian or other appropriate professional.
Average Dog Grooming Prices in Australia
A full groom for an average-sized dog costs between $80 and $150 at a salon, depending on location and coat type. Mobile groomers typically charge 20–40% more. Below is a realistic breakdown by service and dog size:
| Service | Small dog | Medium dog | Large dog | Giant/double coat |
| Wash only | $40–$60 | $50–$80 | $70–$100 | $100–$140 |
| Wash + blow-dry | $60–$85 | $75–$110 | $100–$150 | $140–$190 |
| Full groom | $60–$90 | $80–$120 | $120–$185 | $160–$230+ |
| Nail trim only | $15–$25 | $15–$25 | $20–$35 | $25–$40 |
| Deshedding treatment | Add $25–$50 | Add $30–$60 | Add $40–$80 | Add $50–$100 |
| Puppy grooming | $50–$75 | $60–$100 | $80–$130 | $120–$180 |
These are guide ranges. Prices are higher in inner suburbs and major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) and typically lower in regional areas.
Peak times (Christmas, school holidays, early summer) mean higher prices and often weeks-long waiting lists. If a groomer quotes significantly outside these ranges, ask what’s included.
What a full groom includes:
A standard full groom includes bathing with breed-appropriate shampoo, blow-drying, brushing, coat trimming or scissoring, nail clipping, hygiene trims (face, paws, ears, belly), ear cleaning, and deshedding for double-coated breeds. Common add-ons charged separately include teeth brushing, medicated baths, flea or tick rinses, and dematting.
What Affects the Cost of Dog Grooming?
Several factors push the price up or down. Understanding them helps you budget and know when to expect extra charges.
Size and breed
Larger dogs take longer to groom and need heavier-duty equipment. A Maltese is a 20-minute job; a Bernese Mountain Dog is three to four hours. Giant breeds (Bernese, Standard Poodle, Husky) require special hydraulic or heavy-duty grooming tables, high-capacity dryers, and groomers experienced in handling them safely.
Most salons book these as the first appointment of the day because the time demand is significant.
Small breeds (Jack Russell, Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) are the quickest and often cheaper. Medium breeds (Cavoodle, Cocker Spaniel, Staffy) hit the middle price range. If you own a large or giant breed, expect to pay top dollar and book early. Not every salon takes them on.
Coat type and condition
A single-coat dog (Labrador, French Bulldog, Staffy) is cheaper to groom than a double-coated breed (Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Husky). Matted or knotted-up coats cost extra. You’ll typically pay $20–$50 more because the groomer spends extra time detangling or dematting. If a groomer quotes significantly higher than expected, matting is often why.
Long-haired breeds (poodle crosses, Afghan Hound) need regular brushing between grooms or they mat quickly. Neglected coats get charged as extra services. The best approach is preventing heavy matting with regular grooms every four to six weeks.
Behaviour and handling needs
A calm, confident dog who stands still is cheaper to groom than one who’s anxious, aggressive, or difficult to handle. Some groomers charge extra for dogs that need restraint, won’t stay still, or are aggressive. A few refuse to groom anxious dogs at all. If your dog gets stressed atgrooming, mention this when booking. Some groomers specialise in nervous or reactive dogs and charge accordingly.
Service type and location
A simple wash and blow-dry costs less than a full groom. A wash-only service (for between-groom cleanups) is the cheapest option. Location matters significantly: inner-city salons, shopping centres, and premium boutique grooming services charge more than suburban or regional groomers. Inner-city Melbourne and Sydney often run 15–30% higher than outer suburbs.
Mobile Dog Groomer vs Salon Prices
Mobile groomers typically charge $90–$260+, depending on dog size, compared to $60–$230+ at salons. The higher price comes with real advantages: no car trip, no waiting in reception, one-on-one attention, and no cage time. For anxious dogs, the quiet environment of mobile grooming justifies the extra cost.
When mobile grooming makes sense
Choose mobile if your dog gets stressed at salons, you struggle to get time off work for appointments, or your dog has health issues requiring a quiet environment. Mobile groomers are also useful during peak periods when salons are booked out for weeks.
When a salon works better
Salons cost less and often have more availability. They’re practical if you have a confident dog, you want a quick turnaround, or you need to add services (medicated bath, teeth brushing) that some mobile groomers don’t offer. Salons can also fit you in faster during emergencies.
Booking either option
Whether you choose a salon or a mobile groomer, ask whether the price quoted includes all the services you need. Some groomers quote a base price, then charge separately for deshedding, dematting, or medicated treatments. Get the full quote before booking.
How Often Will You Need to Pay for Grooming?
Grooming frequency depends entirely on your dog’s coat type. High-maintenance coats (Cavoodle, poodle crosses, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer) need grooming every four to six weeks. Medium-maintenance coats (Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel) need it every six to eight weeks. Short-coated breeds (Staffy, Jack Russell, French Bulldog, Labrador) only need it every eight to 12 weeks, often just for nail trims and hygiene work.
Signs it’s time to book: nails clicking on tiles, mats starting to form, a coat covering the eyes, or a smell even after a bath. If you’re unsure, a groomer can recommend the right schedule for your dog’s coat during the first appointment.
Is Professional Dog Grooming Worth It?
Professional grooming keeps your dog’s coat healthy, prevents skin issues, and removes mats that cause pain and infection. It also means proper nail care, which prevents joint problems from nails digging into paw pads. For long-haired or double-coated dogs, grooming is essential. DIY shaving can permanently damage the coat.
The practical benefits: a properly groomed dog is cleaner, more comfortable, and less prone to ear infections and skin issues. You also get peace of mind knowing someone qualified is handling your dog safely. For most owners, the cost is worth it rather than attempting DIY, which can go wrong quickly.
How to Find a Dog Groomer Near You
Start by searching for “dog groomer near me” filtered by your suburb, then look at reviews on Google and local business directories. Check whether prices are listed. If they’re not, ring and ask for a quote. Ask about the groomer’s experience with your dog’s breed, whether they hold qualifications (Certificate III or IV in Animal Studies is a professional benchmark), and how they handle anxious dogs.
Red flags: no reviews at all, reviews disabled, unusually low prices, or a groomer who won’t talk about their experience. A good groomer will ask about your dog’s behaviour, coat condition, and what you want before providing a quote.
When you’ve found someone, book a simple groom first (like a wash and blow-dry) rather than a full groom, so you can see if your dog gets on with them. If your dog comes home happy and well-groomed, you’ve found someone worth keeping.
For location-specific options, you can also explore the Pawhood dog groomer finder to search by suburb and read verified reviews from other dog owners.
FAQ
How much is a full dog groom in Australia?
A full groom costs $60–$90 for small dogs, $80–$120 for medium dogs, $120–$185 for large dogs, and $160–$230+ for giant or double-coated breeds. Prices are higher in major cities and during peak periods.
How much does mobile dog grooming cost?
Mobile dog grooming typically costs 20–40% more than salons: $90–$125 for small dogs, $110–$155 for medium dogs, $150–$210 for large dogs, and $190–$260+ for giant breeds. You pay extra for convenience and the one-on-one service.
Why can dog grooming prices vary so much?
Prices vary because of dog size, coat type and condition, location, salon reputation, and how busy they are. Matted coats, anxious dogs, and large or giant breeds all cost more. Peak periods (Christmas, school holidays) mean higher prices and limited availability.
Do you tip dog groomers in Australia?
Tipping is not expected in Australia. It is appreciated if your dog had a difficult groom or if the groomer did extra work (like dematting). A 10% tip or a few dollars is thoughtful if you’re happy with the service. It’s never obligatory.
