A "full groom" isn't a regulated term, and what you get varies more than most owners realize. At most U.S. salons it means a bath, dry, brush-out, haircut, nails, ears and a sanitary trim for $55–$120. But some shops price each element separately — which is how a $45 quote becomes an $85 bill.
What's usually included
- Bath with shampoo and conditioner suited to the coat
- Blow-dry, usually high-velocity, plus a full brush-out
- Haircut or breed trim — or a tidy on breeds that aren't cut
- Nail trim, sometimes with grinding
- Ear cleaning, and hair removal in breeds that grow it in the canal
- Sanitary trim around the rear and genitals
- Paw pad trim and a face tidy
- Finishing touches — bandana, bow, light cologne
What's usually extra
| Service | Typical add-on |
|---|---|
| De-shedding treatment | $20–$60 |
| Teeth brushing | $10–$20 |
| Flea & tick bath | $15–$35 |
| Medicated shampoo | $10–$25 |
| Anal gland expression | $10–$20 |
| Dematting | $15–$30 per 15 min |
| Nail grinding | $5–$15 |
| Spa or facial upgrades | $8–$20 |
Bath vs full groom
Salons typically offer two or three tiers:
Bath and brush ($25–$70) — wash, dry, brush-out, usually nails and ears. No haircut. Good for short-coated dogs and as a mid-cycle refresh between full grooms.
Full groom ($55–$120) — everything above plus a haircut or trim.
Full groom plus de-shedding ($75–$150) — for double-coated breeds, adding a proper undercoat removal.
What to ask when booking
One question removes almost all the ambiguity: "Does that price include the haircut, nails and ears — and what would push it higher?"
Also worth asking:
- How long will my dog be with you?
- Do you use heated cage dryers? (Relevant for flat-faced and senior dogs.)
- What's your dematting policy and charge?
- Will you call me before doing anything that changes the price?
A good salon answers all of these without hesitation.
How long it takes
Most full grooms take two to four hours of salon time, though only some of that is hands-on. Many shops work in stages — bath, dry, cut — with rest periods between. Mobile groomers typically finish in one to two hours because the dog is the only one there.
If your dog finds long stays stressful, ask for an early slot or consider mobile grooming.
Frequently asked questions
Are anal glands included?
It varies. Some salons include it, some charge, some decline entirely and refer to a vet — which is a reasonable position, as it's arguably a veterinary task.
Why was my bill higher than the quote?
Almost always dematting, or a dog that took longer than the size band assumed. Ask to be called before extra charges are incurred — most salons will.
Should I tip on top?
Yes, 15–20% is standard. See how much to tip a dog groomer.