2026 Dog Grooming Price Guide: What to Pay in Australia
Dog grooming prices in Australia usually sit between about $70 and $200+ for a full groom, depending on size, coat, and whether you book a salon or a mobile van. Small dogs often land around $70–$90 at a salon; medium coats $85–$110; large dogs $100–$140. Mobile visits commonly add $10–$20 for the driveway convenience.
If you’ve booked lately, you’ve probably noticed the quote crept up. You’re not imagining it. Rent, products, power and skilled labour all moved through 2024–2026, so menus adjusted with them.
But what’s actually fair? And why does a mobile groomer ask $100 when a busy salon quotes $80 for a similar clip?
Use this guide as a budgeting baseline, then confirm with a local quote. For a quick interactive estimate by size, coat and service, try the free dog grooming price estimator. Also worth reading: why grooming costs what it does, groomer hourly rates, and how we compile these prices.
How to compare a dog grooming price list near you
People search “dog grooming price list near me” expecting a neat menu. Most salons don’t publish a full public list, or the list skips the bits that change the bill: coat condition, mats, behaviour, and exact inclusions.
So ask for a quote with four details: breed or adult weight, coat length and last groom date, whether mats are present, and the exact service (full groom vs wash and tidy). If you’re comparing Petbarn or PETstock with an indie salon, check what’s bundled (nails, ears, sanitary trim) so you’re not matching half a service against a full clip. For typical multi-dog salon timing, see how long Petbarn grooming takes.
Average full-groom costs by dog size
Most Australian groomers price by size and time. Ranges below are national starting points for a full groom (wash, dry, clip or scissor finish, plus nails in many packages). Coat condition still moves the final number.
| Dog size / breed example | Salon price | Mobile price |
|---|---|---|
| Small (e.g. Terrier, Pug) | $70 – $90 | $80 – $100 |
| Medium (e.g. Cocker Spaniel, Cavoodle) | $85 – $110 | $95 – $125 |
| Large (e.g. Labrador, Border Collie) | $100 – $140 | $120 – $160 |
| Giant (e.g. Bernese Mountain Dog) | $150 – $200+ | $180 – $250+ |
*Estimated averages for 2026. Prices vary with coat condition and behaviour.
Dog grooming prices by city (2026 estimates)
Metro salons and vans usually charge more than regional towns because of rent, wages and travel. These full-groom ranges are typical starting points before add-ons:
| City / region | Small dog (salon) | Medium dog (salon) | Mobile premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $80 – $100 | $95 – $125 | +$15 – $25 |
| Melbourne | $75 – $95 | $90 – $115 | +$10 – $20 |
| Brisbane | $70 – $90 | $85 – $110 | +$10 – $20 |
| Regional AU | $60 – $80 | $75 – $95 | +$10 – $15 |
City guides: mobile dog grooming cost Sydney and Melbourne.
Common add-ons that change the bill
Base quotes assume a cooperative dog and a manageable coat. These extras show up a lot on Australian invoices, and they’re why two “same size” dogs can land $40 apart:
- Dematting / brushing surcharge – usually timed after the groomer sees the coat.
- Deshedding treatment – extra product and labour on heavy shedders; see what deshedding means.
- Nail grind or badly overgrown nails – sometimes bundled, sometimes extra; see dog nail clipping.
- Flea rinse or medicated shampoo – product cost plus handling time.
- Behaviour / handling fee – when two people are needed or the dog needs frequent breaks.
If mats are already tight against the skin, don’t expect a cheap brush-out. Read why groomers shave matted dogs before you argue the clip.
Wash and tidy vs full groom: price comparison
A wash and tidy (bath, dry, brush, light trim) is often $20–$30 cheaper than a full groom. It suits dogs that don’t need a full clip yet still need regular maintenance between big appointments.
| Service type | Small dog | Medium dog | Large dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash and tidy | $50 – $65 | $65 – $85 | $80 – $110 |
| Full groom | $70 – $90 | $85 – $110 | $100 – $140 |
Still unsure which tier you need? Our full groom vs bath and tidy guide breaks down what’s usually included.
Mobile vs salon: why the price gap?
One of the most common questions we get: “Why is mobile grooming more expensive?”
You’re paying for convenience and one-on-one time. A mobile groomer brings a fitted van or trailer to your driveway. That means fuel, generator upkeep, insurance and travel between suburbs.
- No car trip: you don’t have to load a wriggly dog into traffic.
- Less waiting-room stress: your dog is usually the only one in the van.
- Faster day: many mobile visits finish in 60–90 minutes; busy salons can hold a dog for half a day.
So if your Cavoodle panics in a kennel row, the extra $15–$25 can be worth it. If your Lab is calm and you want the lower line item, a salon is often fine. Compare options in the locations hub.
Hidden costs: the matting fee
Skip brushing between visits and you can get hit with a matting fee. That’s standard practice, not a gotcha.
Tight mats near the skin are slow and risky to clear. Blades dull fast, and careless work can nick the dog. Many groomers charge roughly $15–$30 per 15 minutes of extra dematting. If the coat’s already solid, a shorter clip is often kinder than a painful brush-out.
Weighing a DIY wash bay against a full professional clip? See self-service dog wash vs professional grooming. For a quote that matches your dog, find a dog groomer near you and describe coat condition before you book.
Ready to book?
Whether you want a budget wash-and-tidy or a premium mobile visit, browse verified listings in your suburb and compare what’s included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog grooming cost in Australia in 2026?
A full salon groom commonly costs $70–$90 for small dogs, $85–$110 for medium breeds and $100–$140 for large dogs. Mobile grooming often adds about $10–$20.
Why did dog grooming prices go up?
Rising rent, utilities, products and qualified labour pushed menus higher across salons and mobile businesses through 2024–2026.
Is mobile dog grooming worth the extra cost?
Many owners pay the premium for one-on-one attention and no car travel. Anxious dogs often do better in a van. See mobile dog grooming explained.
What is a fair dog grooming price list near me?
Ask for a quote with breed, weight, coat condition and exact services. Compare what’s bundled (nails, ears, sanitary trim) before picking the cheapest line.
Sources: Coat-care baselines from RSPCA Australia. Price bands are directory estimates, not a fixed national tariff.
By Dog Grooming Australia Team
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Browse verified businesses in our directory for hours and contact details, or read more guides on the blog when you want coat-care and booking context first.
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