16/04/2025
Have you considered how much hair is on a dog?
And how much a dog groomer charges to wash your dog, cut its hair, de-matt it, if necessary, trim its nails and blow dry it?
Now compare that to what your hairdresser charges.
A typical haircut and blow-dry for a person might take 45 minutes and cost anywhere from £30 to £80, depending on location. Your dog’s groom can take up to two hours or more, often includes more services—and yet, most groomers charge less than a high-street hairdresser.
And let’s be honest—your hairdresser doesn’t have to bathe you while you wriggle, bark, or try to bite. They don’t have to lift you into a tub, de-matt a tangled coat, or try to trim your nails while you squirm
Still think it’s overpriced?
And unlike human salons, grooming salons must invest in specialised equipment, high-quality shampoos, dryers, clippers, tables—and often do it all while working solo or in small teams.
Groomers don’t just care about appearances—they’re often the first to spot early signs of skin problems, infections, or unusual lumps. Their work plays an important role in your dog’s health as well as their comfort and wellbeing.
The truth is, most groomers got into the job because they love dogs, not because they expected to make a fortune. Many earn less than minimum wage once all their costs are taken into account.
And here’s something else to look out for: qualifications. A Level 2 qualification is the entry point to grooming, but if you want your dog groomed to breed standard or styled with more advanced techniques, look for someone with a Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming. It shows they've committed to a higher level of professional training and expertise.
Many professional groomers are also members of the British Dog Groomers' Association (BDGA), a division of the Pet Industry Federation (PIF). BDGA members commit to professional standards, and PIF membership gives you extra peace of mind. If you ever feel unhappy with a groom, you can raise a concern through PIF’s dispute resolution service, which is designed to be fair to both you and the groomer.
So next time you collect your freshly groomed pup, take a moment to appreciate the time, care, skill—and love—that’s gone into it.
Tell your groomer if you’re happy. Tip them. Leave a review. Recommend them.
And most importantly—don’t undervalue them.
Because they certainly don’t do it just for the money.
If you want more information about the pet grooming industry and PIF membership, go www.petfederation.co.uk
