Mobile Pet Grooming Prices by Breed and Coat
Mobile dog grooming costs by size and coat type, why it's priced above shop grooming, and what a full groom should include.
Updated 2026-08-01
Mobile grooming runs roughly 20–40% above shop pricing, and the premium buys one-on-one attention, no cage time and no double car trip.
Coat type matters more than size. A small doodle with a matted coat is a longer, harder groom than a large short-haired dog.
Matting is the wildcard. Severe matting adds a de-matting fee or forces a shave-down, because brushing out a tight mat is painful for the animal.
Typical price
A medium doodle on an eight-week schedule usually runs $120–$160 per visit.
Price breakdown
| Item | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog, short coat | $70 – $110 | Bath, nails, ears, light trim. |
| Small dog, long or curly coat | $95 – $150 | Doodles and terriers. |
| Medium dog full groom | $100 – $160 | Most common booking. |
| Large dog full groom | $130 – $220 | Longer dry time. |
| Giant breed | $180 – $300 | Two-hour-plus appointments. |
| Bath and brush only | $50 – $100 | No haircut. |
| De-matting | +$20 – $80 | Billed in 15-minute blocks. |
| Nail trim / grind only | $15 – $30 | Often bundled free with a groom. |
| Cat grooming | $90 – $180 | Fewer groomers offer it. |
What drives the price
- Coat type and length, and time since the last groom.
- Degree of matting.
- Behavior — anxious or reactive dogs take longer and sometimes need two handlers.
- Size and drying time.
- Travel distance to your address.
How to pay less
- Keep a consistent 6–8 week schedule; overgrown coats cost more every time.
- Brush at home between visits to avoid de-matting fees.
- Book multiple pets in one stop for a multi-pet discount.
- Choose a shorter maintenance cut in summer.
- Ask about standing-appointment pricing.
Questions to ask before you book
- What's included in your full groom?
- How do you handle an anxious or senior dog?
- What's your de-matting policy and fee?
- Is the van climate controlled?
- Do you offer a discount for a standing appointment?
Red flags
- No questions asked about your dog's temperament or health.
- Forcing a brush-out of severe mats instead of recommending a shave.
- No proof of insurance or bonding.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is mobile grooming more expensive?
- You're paying for a fully equipped van, one-on-one time and no cage waiting — typically a 20–40% premium over a shop.
- How long does a mobile groom take?
- 60–120 minutes for most dogs, since there's no waiting between stages.
- Is it better for anxious dogs?
- Usually yes — no other barking dogs, no cages and no car ride are the three biggest stress reducers.