How to Set Your Dog Grooming Price List

Your dog grooming price list is one of the most important business decisions you'll make — and one of the most commonly gotten wrong. Charge too little and you're working yourself into the ground for poverty wages. Charge too much without the reputation to back it up and you'll struggle to fill your book. This guide walks you through exactly how to build a competitive, profitable grooming price list in 2026, with real rate benchmarks you can use as a starting point.

Why Most Groomers Underprice Themselves

Before we get into the numbers, let's address the elephant in the room: most independent groomers charge less than they should.

• Fear of losing clients. Most loyal clients will absorb a 10–15% increase without issue.
• Comparing to corporate chains. Their pricing is built on volume — yours shouldn’t be.
• Not accounting for all costs. Supplies, insurance, software, and your time add up fast.

The right price is one that supports a sustainable workload and a solid income — then you build from there.

If you haven’t built your business foundation yet, start here:
Dog Grooming Business Plan: Free Template + Guide

How to Calculate Your Minimum Viable Price

Before setting client-facing prices, calculate your break-even point.

Step 1: Add up your monthly overhead

• Rent: $[X]
• Supplies: ~$300
• Insurance: ~$100
• Software: ~$100
• Marketing: ~$150
• Utilities/misc: ~$150
• Total: ~$800 (home salon) to $3,000+ (commercial)

Step 2: Decide your target income

Example: $5,500/month

Step 3: Calculate required revenue

$5,500 + $1,200 overhead = $6,700/month

Step 4: Price per groom

176 grooms/month → $6,700 ÷ 176 = $38 minimum per groom

That’s your floor — not your final price.

2026 Grooming Price Benchmarks by Service

Full Groom (Bath + Haircut + Nails + Ears)

Bath & Brush (No Haircut)

À La Carte Services

Breed-Specific Pricing Adjustments

Flat pricing doesn’t work across breeds.

Common surcharge breeds (+$15–$50):

• Doodles
• Poodles
• Cocker Spaniels
• Shih Tzus
• Huskies
• Chow Chows
• Samoyeds

Example pricing:

How to Present Your Price List

• Online: Clear pricing improves bookings
• In-salon: Reduces awkward conversations
• On intake forms: Prevents disputes

Use a structured intake form to confirm pricing and policies:
Dog Grooming Intake Form: What to Include + Free Template

When and How to Raise Your Prices

• Give 30 days notice
• Raise 10–15% at a time
• Keep messaging simple
• Expect minimal client loss

If you’re booked weeks out — you’re underpriced.

Free Dog Grooming Price List Template

Using Software to Manage Your Pricing

Once your pricing is set, consistency matters. Grooming software ensures clients see accurate prices, reduces disputes, and improves checkout.

Platforms like Teddy help you:

• Display pricing during booking
• Automate reminders
• Track client history
• Process payments smoothly

If you're still managing pricing manually, switching to a system like Teddy can directly increase your efficiency and revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my prices are too low?

If you're fully booked weeks out or feeling underpaid, it's time to raise them.

Should I list prices online?

Yes — it increases booking conversions and filters better clients.

Can I adjust pricing per coat condition?

Absolutely. Always account for matting and maintenance level.

How often should I raise prices?

Typically once per year (5–10%), or sooner if demand is high.

Should I charge for difficult dogs?

Yes. A $10–$25 behavior fee is common and reasonable.