How Much Does It Cost To Get A Dog

Most people don't think twice about booking themselves an appointment at the salon. And, as it turns out, more and more of them don't think twice about booking an appointment for their dog, either. Americans spend roughly 5.4 billion on dog grooming and pet boarding services every year, and jobs in the pet grooming industry are expected to grow by about 11% in the next six years, according to a recent article by The New York Times. Our own internal business data confirms this growth. In 2016 alone, we helped groom over 50,000 animals.

But why the sudden boom in the dog grooming industry? When did a simple bath become not enough for our four-legged best-friends? Read on to learn why you might want to book a spa day for your dog today.

What's included in pet grooming?

That really depends on the type of dog you have and their particular needs. Some dogs might not have the type of fur that needs to be cut, whereas other breeds might need a very specific sort of haircut, especially if they compete in dog shows. But any full-service dog-grooming package is likely to include the following services:

Bath (typically with anti-flea and anti-tick shampoo)
Brushing
Eye and ear cleaning
Nail trimming
Teeth brushing
Haircut (if needed)
Anal gland expression

Depending on your dog's breed and/or their temperament, some of these services can be hard to perform yourself. This is especially true if your dog has thick, curly fur that is prone to matting. Or, if you have a nervous dog that won't sit still long enough to let you safely clip their nails. In these cases, it's safer and more comfortable (for you and your dog) if these tasks are handled by a professional dog groomer.

In addition to performing all these tasks, dog groomers can also help identify potential issues with your dog's eyes, ears, mouth, and skin that you may not be accustomed to looking for. These include checking for ticks, parasites, skin infections, and gum disease.

How much does dog grooming cost?

The cost of dog grooming can also vary by what services are included in the package, as well as the size of the dog. All things considered, you should expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $90 for standard grooming, but you can always check Groupon for great deals on dog grooming near you.

How often should I have my dog groomed?

Dogs with really long coats or coats that get easily matted should typically be groomed every 6 weeks. Other long-haired breeds that require less upkeep (such a collies) can go 8 weeks between appointments, while shorter haired dogs that just require a bath and nail trim might be able to go as long as 3 months between salon visits. When it doubt, as your groomer or your vet to recommend a grooming schedule based on your dog's breed.

My dog is nervous/aggressive. Can he/she still be groomed?

If your dog gets frightened easily or is prone to aggression, you may want to speak to the groomer first before booking an appointment. Most dog groomers are used to working with dogs of all temperaments, but in the case of an overly aggressive dog, they may turn down the appointment due to safety concerns. In some cases, sedation for an overly-aggressive dog might be available, but it's always best to speak to a vet before exploring this option.

If you're worried about an overly-anxious pet, you may want to consider mobile dog grooming, which allows the dog groomer to bathe and clip your pet in your own home. This option is typically more costly, but may be worthwhile if you have a dog that can't bear to be separated from you.