How much does dog and cat grooming cost in Australia?
On PetGuides.au, a full dog groom typically runs A$75–$220 depending on size, a small-dog bath A$35–$75, and a cat groom A$110–$240. Coat type, matting and the dog’s size and behaviour drive the price more than the salon’s postcode.
By PetGuides Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-06-13. Ranges are typical Australian figures from our listings sample and public price lists — always confirm the quote with the provider before booking.
Typical pet grooming costs in Australia
| Service | Typical low | Typical mid | Typical high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath only (small dog) | A$35 | A$50 | A$75 |
| Full groom (small dog) | A$75 | A$95 | A$130 |
| Full groom (medium dog) | A$90 | A$120 | A$160 |
| Full groom (large dog) | A$120 | A$160 | A$220 |
| Cat groom | A$110 | A$160 | A$240 |
| Nail clip only | A$15 | A$25 | A$35 |
| De-shed treatment | A$35 | A$55 | A$90 |
What drives the price of grooming
Grooming is priced on time and difficulty, so the same “full groom” varies a lot by dog:
- Size and coat: a full groom runs roughly A$75–$130 for a small dog, A$90–$160 medium and A$120–$220 large, because more dog means more bathing, drying and clipping. A double or curly coat takes longer than a short single coat.
- Matting: a badly matted coat is the single biggest surcharge — it is slow, careful work and sometimes has to be clipped off for welfare reasons. Regular brushing at home is what keeps the bill down.
- Behaviour and handling: a dog that won’t stand for the dryer, nails or a face trim takes two sets of hands and more time.
- Cat grooming (A$110–$240): cats are specialised, often need more careful handling, and matted long-haired cats sometimes need sedation at a vet rather than a salon.
- Mobile vs salon and add-ons: mobile grooming is convenient and often dearer; de-shed treatments, nail clips and teeth brushing are usually add-ons.
How to get an accurate grooming quote
Groomers quote on what they actually see, so describe the dog honestly:
- Tell them the breed (or mix), rough weight, coat length and when it was last groomed — “six months ago” signals likely matting.
- Ask whether the price includes nails, ears, a sanitary trim and teeth, or whether those are add-ons.
- Flag any handling issues (fear of the dryer, sore spots, dislike of paw-handling) up front; it changes the time and the price.
- Ask the matting policy: many groomers charge by the extra time, and a heavily matted coat may be shaved short for the dog’s comfort.
How to keep grooming costs down
Most grooming savings come from maintenance, not from skipping appointments:
- Brush at home between visits — it prevents matting (the big surcharge) and lets you stretch the gap between professional grooms.
- Book a regular schedule rather than waiting for a crisis groom; salons often price a maintained coat lower than a neglected one.
- Choose a clip length you can actually maintain in the Australian heat — a shorter, simpler cut is cheaper to keep up than a show coat.
- Learn to do nails and basic tidy-ups at home for between-visit upkeep, and use the PetGuides cost guide to compare local salons before booking.
Pet grooming costs by city
Choose your city for local ranges, listing counts and nearby providers.
Pet grooming cost questions
Why does my dog’s groom cost more than my friend’s?
Grooming is priced on size, coat and condition, so two dogs rarely cost the same. A large or double-coated dog takes far longer to bathe, dry and clip than a small short-haired one, and any matting adds careful, slow work. Behaviour matters too — a dog that won’t settle for the dryer or nails needs more time. On PetGuides.au, full dog grooms typically range A$75–$220 for these reasons.
Why is cat grooming more expensive than dog grooming?
Cat grooming (typically A$110–$240) is specialised work. Cats are less tolerant of handling, can stress quickly, and long-haired cats mat in tricky spots, so it takes patience and skill. Badly matted cats sometimes need clipping under sedation at a vet rather than a salon. Fewer groomers offer cats, which also keeps the price up.
How often should I get my dog professionally groomed?
It depends entirely on the coat. A short-haired dog may only need an occasional bath and tidy, while a curly or double coat (think Cavoodle or Groodle) usually needs a professional groom every 6–8 weeks plus brushing at home. Stretching the gap too far invites matting, which costs more to fix than a regular groom. Check your breed’s care guide on PetGuides.au for its grooming frequency.
Is mobile grooming worth the extra cost?
Mobile grooming usually costs a little more than a salon, and the value is in the convenience and the calmer, one-on-one setting — useful for anxious dogs, multi-pet homes, or owners without transport. A salon can be cheaper and may handle large dogs or complex jobs more easily. Compare both on PetGuides.au and weigh the time saved against the price difference.
How we build these ranges
Figures are typical Australian ranges drawn from PetGuides.au listings and public price lists, rounded for guidance. They are decision support, not a quote — your final cost depends on the service, your pet and the provider.
- RSPCA Australia — Pet care and cost advice
- Australian Veterinary Association — Veterinary fees and animal health
See also our vet bill estimator and sources page.