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Dog Grooming Price List: How to Set Your Rates
Build a dog grooming price list that's profitable and competitive
Your dog grooming price list is one of the most important business documents you'll create — and one of the most commonly botched. Most groomers either underprice out of fear or copy a competitor's rates without doing the math to know if those prices are actually profitable.
This guide walks you through how to build a dog grooming price list from scratch, with a template you can customize for your salon, studio, or mobile business. We’ll cover base service pricing by size, add-ons, and how to handle special cases like matted coats and difficult dogs.
Why Your Pricing Matters More Than You Think
Every dollar you undercharge is permanent. Once clients get used to a price, raising it becomes harder than setting it correctly from the start.
Good pricing:
- Covers your time, products, and overhead with room for profit
- Reflects the skill and value you provide
- Sets realistic client expectations
- Allows room for promotions without losing money
How to Calculate Your Base Price
Before checking competitors, calculate your own cost per groom:
Cost per groom = (Monthly fixed costs ÷ monthly groom count) + variable costs + (hourly rate × time per groom)
Example:
- Fixed costs: $600/month
- Grooms per month: 120 → $5 per groom
- Variable costs: ~$4
- Hourly target: $40
- Time per groom: 1.5 hours → $60 labor
Minimum price = $5 + $4 + $60 = $69
That’s your floor. Your actual pricing should meet or exceed your local market rates.
Dog Grooming Price List Template
Base Services by Dog Size
Bath & Brush includes: shampoo, condition, blow dry, brush out, nail trim, ear cleaning
Full Groom includes: everything above plus haircut/style
Add-On Services
Surcharges
How to Handle Breed-Specific Pricing
Some breeds require significantly more time and skill than others.
Common examples:
- Double-coated breeds: Huskies, Samoyeds — heavy de-shedding workload
- Doodles: High maintenance, inconsistent coats — often +$15–$40
- Poodles: Detailed pattern work — premium pricing
- Cocker Spaniels: Labor-intensive coats
- Shih Tzus/Lhasas: Small but time-consuming
Creating a coat-type or breed tier system helps justify pricing differences clearly.
Displaying Your Price List
Where you show your pricing matters:
On Your Website
Make it easy to find. A simple table with a note (“prices may vary by coat condition”) works well.
In Your Booking Flow
Display pricing during booking to avoid surprises.
In Your Salon
A printed price list improves professionalism and reduces questions.
In Your Intake Form
Let clients see expected pricing before they arrive.
Raising Your Prices
If you haven’t raised prices in 12–18 months, you’re likely undercharging.
Best practices:
- Give 30–60 days notice
- Raise annually (5–10% is normal)
- Apply increases to new clients immediately
- Frame it around quality and service value
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m charging enough?
If you're fully booked weeks out and turning clients away, you're likely underpriced. Track your hourly revenue — aim for at least $50–$80/hour.
Should I charge more for first-time clients?
Yes, many groomers add $10–$20 to offset intake time and unpredictability. Just be transparent upfront.
How should I price Doodles?
Typically $15–$40 more than standard pricing for their size due to coat complexity and time required.
What’s a fair no-show fee?
Charging the full service fee is standard. Just make sure it’s clearly stated in your policy.
How do I present prices without a website?
Use a PDF price list or a booking platform that displays services and pricing. You can also send pricing directly via text before the first appointment.
