How Long Does Dog Grooming Take? Mobile vs Salon Times Explained
How Long Does Dog Grooming Take? Mobile vs Salon Times Explained
Dog grooming takes 1-1.5 hours for mobile services and 3-4 hours at salons. Mobile groomers work one-on-one with your dog from start to finish, while salons use “drying cages” between steps, extending the total time. Factors like coat condition, matting, and your dog’s behaviour can add 30-60 minutes to either service.
If you’ve ever dropped your dog off at a salon at 9am and been told to pick them up at 1pm, you might wonder: “What takes so long?” Conversely, if you’ve booked a mobile groomer who promises a 90-minute service, you might question whether they’re rushing the job.
The truth is, both services take roughly the same amount of active grooming time—the difference lies in how that time is structured. Let’s break down what happens behind the scenes.
Mobile Grooming: 60-90 Minutes
Mobile groomers work exclusively with your dog from arrival to completion. There are no waiting periods, no cage time, and no queue. Here’s the typical timeline:
| Step | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Groom Assessment | 5-10 min | Check coat condition, discuss preferences |
| Bath & Shampoo | 15-20 min | Wash, rinse, condition |
| Drying | 15-25 min | Hand-held dryer (no cage) |
| Clipping & Styling | 20-30 min | Full clip, trim, shaping |
| Finishing Touches | 10-15 min | Nails, ears, sanitary trim |
Total Active Time: 65-100 minutes (typically 75-90 minutes for most dogs)
Salon Grooming: 3-4 Hours
Salons operate on a “batch” system. Your dog is one of several dogs being groomed simultaneously. Here’s why it takes longer:
| Step | Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Check-In & Wait | 15-30 min | Your dog waits in a crate until their turn |
| Bath & Shampoo | 15-20 min | Active grooming time |
| Drying Cage | 45-90 min | Dog sits in a cage with a dryer while groomer works on other dogs |
| Clipping & Styling | 20-30 min | Active grooming time |
| Finishing & Wait | 10-15 min | Final touches, then wait for pickup |
Total Active Time: 60-95 minutes (same as mobile)
Total Elapsed Time: 3-4 hours (due to queue and drying cage)
Understanding the “Drying Cage” Process
In salons, after the bath, your dog is placed in a drying cage—a kennel with a built-in dryer. This allows the groomer to:
- Work on multiple dogs simultaneously
- Let thick coats air-dry while attending to other clients
- Maximise efficiency and reduce labour costs
While this is standard practice and safe, it extends the total time your dog spends at the salon. Mobile groomers use hand-held dryers, which means they’re actively working on your dog the entire time—no waiting periods.
Factors That Affect Grooming Time
Several factors can add time to either service:
- Coat Condition: Matted coats require 30-60 extra minutes of dematting
- Dog Size: Giant breeds (e.g., Bernese Mountain Dog) take 20-30 minutes longer
- Behaviour: Anxious or aggressive dogs may need breaks, adding 15-30 minutes
- Service Type: A “Wash & Tidy” takes 30-40 minutes less than a “Full Groom”
- Special Requests: Hand-scissoring, creative cuts, or show trims add 20-40 minutes
Which Service Is Right for You?
Choose mobile grooming if:
- Your dog is anxious around other dogs
- You need a quick turnaround (same-day appointments often available)
- You prefer to be present during the groom
- Your dog has separation anxiety
Choose salon grooming if:
- Your dog enjoys socialising with other pets
- You’re on a tighter budget
- You don’t mind a longer wait time
- You prefer a traditional grooming experience
To find a dog groomer near you that fits your schedule and your dog’s needs, browse our verified directory of mobile and salon groomers across Australia.
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