Dog Grooming Prices by Size: What Groomers Charge and How to Set Yours
Published October 3, 2026 · By the LaunchKit team · How these guides are written
TL;DR: Bark's 2026 price guide puts the average groom at $62 for a small dog, $77 for medium, $95 for large and $120 for giant breeds. Thumbtack's guide (labeled 2025) puts a typical session at $79 to $136 per dog, averaging $104. Both checked 2026-10-01. Price by size and coat, then check each price covers your time on the table.
Dog grooming prices by size
Bark's national averages and typical ranges (2026 guide):
| Dog size | Average | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Small (e.g. Chihuahua) | $62 | $25–$100 |
| Medium (e.g. Beagle, Bulldog) | $77 | $35–$120 |
| Large (e.g. Labrador, Golden Retriever) | $95 | $50–$140 |
| Giant (e.g. Great Dane, Saint Bernard) | $120 | $60–$180 |
Bark says these come from its own data and research. Its page also gives two different overall averages, $85 and $100, so treat the headline number as rough.
Coat type matters as much as size
Bark gives these ranges by coat:
| Coat | Example breeds | Bark's range |
|---|---|---|
| Short or smooth | Beagles, Boxers, Bulldogs | $25–$40 small, $35–$50 medium, $50–$70 large |
| Medium-length | Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds | $50–$75 (medium-large) |
| Long | Maltese, Yorkies, Afghan Hounds | $70–$140+ |
| Curly | Poodles, Doodles, Bichons | $80–$120+, even for small-medium |
| Double | Huskies, Malamutes, Collies | $70–$140 |
That's why a small Doodle can cost more to groom than a large Boxer. Size alone won't price it right.
A real example of a flat price with a time cap
Thumbtack's guide quotes a real groomer, BlissBlound Hound, which charges $130 for its grooming package, plus $40 an hour for dogs that need more than four hours.
That's a useful model. You get a clear price for most dogs, and protection for the dog that takes all afternoon.
How to set your own grooming prices: step by step
Step 1: Time your grooms
For two weeks, write down how long each groom takes from check-in to pickup, by size and coat. Include bathing, drying and cleanup.
Step 2: Work out what an hour must earn
Add up a month of costs: rent or van payments, shampoo and supplies, insurance, software, card fees, and what you need to pay yourself. Divide by the hours you actually groom. Our guide to pricing small business services has more on cost-based pricing.
If you're self-employed, include self-employment tax. The IRS rate is 15.3% (Social Security plus Medicare), on top of income tax.
Step 3: Build a size-and-coat grid
Multiply your hourly rate by your average time for each size and coat. That gives you a base price for each box in the grid.
Then compare with Bark's ranges above. If you're well below them, check your costs and times before you advertise.
Step 4: Add clear extra charges
Write down what costs extra, and roughly how much. Bark lists common add-ons:
- Haircuts: $45 to $140+, depending on breed and size.
- De-matting: $10 to $100+ (Bark also says "around $100" elsewhere on the page).
- Flea treatment: $15 to $400+, depending on how bad it is.
Say on your price list when a matting fee applies, so owners aren't surprised at pickup.
Step 5: Decide how to handle long grooms
Use a time cap like BlissBlound Hound's: a flat price up to a set number of hours, then an hourly rate. Put it in writing before the groom.
Step 6: Review every few months
Re-time a few grooms every month. If your Doodles keep taking longer than you priced, raise that line.
What a standard groom includes
Thumbtack says a standard groom usually includes a bath, brushing, a haircut, nail trimming, ear cleaning and teeth brushing. Bark lists bath, brush-out, nail trim and ear cleaning. Say exactly what's in yours, so owners can compare.
Tools that help
The Dog Grooming Price List & Service Menu ($4.99) is an editable one-page price list in HTML and Word, ready to print on US Letter. The Dog Grooming Pricing Calculator ($14.99) is an Excel workbook with a service pricing tab for your hourly rate and service hours, a quote builder, a job log and an expenses tab.
FAQ
How much does it cost to groom a large dog?
Bark's 2026 average for large breeds is $95, with most between $50 and $140. Giant breeds average $120.
What is the average dog grooming cost?
Thumbtack's guide (labeled 2025) says $104 on average, with most between $79 and $136 per session per dog.
Do I need a license to set up as a groomer?
It depends on your state and city. Our guide to dog grooming licenses shows how to find your answer.
Should I charge by size or by the hour?
Most owners like a price up front. Price by size and coat, built from your own times, and add a time cap for very long grooms.
How do I charge for matted dogs?
Set a de-matting fee and say on your price list when it applies. Bark's range is $10 to $100+.
Sources
Checked October 1, 2026.
- Bark, "Dog grooming costs 2026" (size averages and ranges; coat-type ranges; add-ons: haircuts $45–$140+, de-matting $10–$100+, flea $15–$400+; basic package contents; own data and research)
- Thumbtack, "Dog grooming prices" (labeled 2025, updated Oct 16; $79–$136 per session per dog, average $104; BlissBlound Hound $130 plus $40/hr over four hours; standard groom contents)
- IRS, Self-employment tax (15.3%)
This is general information, not financial advice. Prices shown are national averages from two price guides. Check local prices before you set yours.
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