2026 Dog Grooming Price Guide: What to Pay in Australia
Dog grooming prices in Australia range from $70-$200+ depending on your dog’s size, service type, and whether you choose a salon or mobile groomer. A full groom (wash, dry, clip, and nails) costs $70-$90 for small dogs at salons, $85-$110 for medium breeds, and $100-$140 for large dogs. Mobile grooming usually adds $10-$20 to these prices and is more convenient for anxious pets.
If you’ve booked a grooming appointment recently, you might have noticed the price has gone up. You aren’t alone. With the rising cost of utilities, products, and labour, dog grooming prices in Australia have adjusted across the board in 2026.
But what is a fair price to pay? And why does a mobile groomer quote $100 for a service that a salon charges $80?
This guide covers the current market rates for dog grooming across Australia, helping you budget for your pet’s care.
Dog grooming price list near me: how to compare quotes
Search traffic often uses phrases like dog grooming price list near me or dog groomers near me prices. In practice, most salons and mobile groomers do not publish a full public menu online, or the menu excludes nuance (coat condition, behaviour surcharges). The fairest approach is to 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).
Retail chains sometimes advertise package tiers; timelines and included extras still vary by location. If you are comparing a big-box salon with an indie groomer, read what is bundled (nails, ears, sanitary trim) so you are not comparing half a service with a full groom. For typical salon turnaround times, which affect how “half-day” pricing feels, see how long Petbarn grooming takes as an example of multi-dog salon workflow.
Average dog grooming costs by size
Most groomers structure their pricing based on the size of the dog and the time required. While prices vary between Sydney, Melbourne, and regional areas, these are the national averages you can expect to pay for a Full Groom (wash, dry, clip, and nails).
| 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 may vary based on coat condition.
Dog grooming prices by city (2026 estimates)
Metro salons and mobile vans usually charge more than regional towns because of rent, labour and travel costs. 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-specific 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 often on Australian invoices:
- Dematting / brushing surcharge – tiered by time or severity (often quoted after assessment).
- Deshedding treatment – extra product and labour on heavy shedders; see what deshedding means.
- Nail grind or severely overgrown nails – sometimes bundled, sometimes extra; see dog nail clipping.
- Flea rinse or medicated shampoo – product cost plus handling time.
- Difficulty or behaviour handling – some businesses add a fee when two groomers are needed or stops exceed normal limits.
Wash & tidy vs full groom: Price comparison
A Wash & Tidy (bath, dry, brush, and basic trim) is usually $20-$30 cheaper than a full groom. This service is for dogs who don’t need a full clip but still require regular maintenance.
| Service type | Small dog | Medium dog | Large dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash & tidy | $50 – $65 | $65 – $85 | $80 – $110 |
| Full groom | $70 – $90 | $85 – $110 | $100 – $140 |
Mobile vs salon: Why the price difference?
One of the most common questions we get is: “Why is mobile grooming more expensive?”
When you book a mobile service, you are paying for convenience and exclusivity. A mobile groomer drives a fully equipped salon to your driveway. This includes extra costs like fuel, generator maintenance, and travel time.
- No travel: You don’t have to wrestle your dog into the car.
- Less stress: Your dog is the only animal in the trailer (no barking dogs in cages nearby).
- Speed: The groom is usually finished in 60–90 minutes, whereas salons may keep a dog for 3–4 hours.
Hidden costs: The “matting fee”
If you do not brush your dog between professional visits, you may be hit with a matting fee. This is standard industry practice.
Removing tight mats (knots) close to the skin is dangerous and time-consuming. It dulls clipper blades and requires a lot of skill to avoid cutting the dog’s skin. Most groomers charge between $15 to $30 per 15 minutes of extra dematting work.
If you are weighing DIY wash bays against full professional clips, see self-service dog wash vs professional grooming. To get an accurate quote for your dog’s specific needs, find a dog groomer near you and discuss your pet’s coat condition before booking.
Ready to book?
Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly wash or a premium mobile service, we have verified listings in your local area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog grooming cost in Australia in 2026?
A full salon groom typically costs $70–$90 for small dogs, $85–$110 for medium breeds and $100–$140 for large dogs. Mobile grooming adds about $10–$20.
Why did dog grooming prices go up?
Rising rent, utilities, products and qualified labour have pushed prices up across salons and mobile businesses since 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 mobile 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 is bundled (nails, ears, sanitary trim) before choosing the cheapest line item.
