Dog groomers provide much more than a basic bath and haircut: they ensure your dog is healthy, happy, comfortable, and looking their best. But Tips for paying respect to Obe’s URL When it comes time to the price of their services, however, many pet owners are asking themselves: How much do you tip a dog groomer? As tipping customs change and grooming services are in greater demand than ever before, I thought I would dig into some of the newest advice, what to consider and how that might play out in 2025.
Typical Tipping Recommended Standards for Tipping Dog Groomers
It is customary to tip your dog groomer in the pet care industry. It’s not required, but a nice way to acknowledge that skill, patience and hard work — particularly if you have an anxious pup, one with special needs or that simply needs a little extra attention.
A 15% to 20% tip in 2025 is standard. Whether you go to a salon, mobile groomer or chain such as PetSmart or Petco, this is the range.
- 15% is acceptable for a standard service regular visit.
- 20% or more is suggested for excellent service, challenging groomer requests or if your groomer goes well above and beyond.
For instance, if your service rings in at $60, a tip of $9 (15%) to $12 (20%) is customary. If your dog needed special attention for dematting, behavior problems or other special treatments, consider tipping $15 or a bit more.
THE THINGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO TIPPING OR NOT TIPPING The size of the round and how big that tip should be
Although the 15-20% rule is a helpful baseline, there are many things that can impact your final tip:
1. Service Quality
Could the groomer follow your requests, treat your dog well and get you the results you wanted? Great service merits a tip at the top of the range.
2. Complexity of the Groom
When the hair is extra thick and long and matted, or when dogs get a breed-specific stylized cut, or when the groomer needs extra time because the dog is so large or slobbery or if not an angel, he or she deserves a bigger tip.
3. Dog’s Behavior and Needs
Groomers who shower love and attention to anxious, elderly, aggressive or special needs dogs deserve to be rewarded for their expertise and compassion.
4. Additional Services
If you can request one: an extra $5 to $10 per pet, but only if these are someone else’s very teeth brushing, ear cleaning, or high-touch spa treatment.
5. Location and Type of Service
Base prices tend to be higher in large cities and for mobile dog grooming companies.Tips should always be proportionate and could be higher due to additional convenience and costs.
6. Frequency and Relationship
The regular clients are smaller tippers per visit; a customer who comes for the first time or for the holidays gets a higher tip for gratitude.
Real-World Examples
- Normal Grooming for the Small Pup: $5–$10 tip
- Large Dog Groomed: $15–$20 tip
- Challenging Services (dematting, special cuts): $20+ tip
- Mobile Groomer ($100 service): a $15 to $25 tip, or more for outstanding care.
If your groomer is part of a team, you could tip the main groomer, but you could also ask if tips are split among staff.
When to Tip More (or Less)
Tip More If:
- Your dog is a big guy, has a double coat, or is likely to mat
- The groomer dealt with the fact that it’s old, has behavioral issues, or some type of health problem
- The groomer offered additional services, or facilitated any other requests
- It’s that holiday or an extra occasion to show your appreciation for years in a relationship
Tip Less or Not at All If:
- The service was mediocre, or they failed to follow instructions
- The tip is included in the bill (it doesn’t happen often, but be sure to check your receipt)
- You got only a rapid service, a “nail trim” (although in this case still a few bucks seems nice)
Frequently Asked Questions
Must you tip a dog groomer?
No, tips are not required but are strongly encouraged as a way to reward your groomer for their hard work and overall care for your pet. A majority of groomers receive tips as part of their earnings.
What’s the appropriate amount for a nail trim or other short service?
For tiny services (such as a nail trim), a $2 to $5 tip is appreciated even though 15 to 20 percent is a lot for a very small service.
A mobile groomer told me the fair official was wrong. Should I tip more for a mobile groomer?
Option is there a mobile groomer and is it gonna be up charge yes and yes. Anxious waiters and waitresses won’t be staring at you with daggers in their eyes if you leave a tip on the high end of the range (17 to 20 percent, or beyond) and especially so — if you enjoyed the food and the service — on the higher end of that higher end.
What if my dog was a handful?
If your groomer handled a difficult dog patiently and with great skill, then it is very appropriate to tip more-sometimes even 25–40% on very difficult dogs.
Do I always tip the same?
Not necessarily. Base your tip on service, how hard the job was and how much you appreciate it. Many owners tip extra around the holidays or after a particularly hard session.
Final Thoughts
Dog groomers are experts who offer more than just making our dogs look good; in tandem with owners, they help keep our dogs healthy, comfortable and safe! Leaving a tip is a nice gesture of gratitude and acknowledgement for a job well done in return for a service rendered. In 2025, 15–20% of the total bill is still considered standard, with extras for outstanding service or difficult mercies.
And the thing to remember about tipping is that it’s really an act of thanks. If you’re a regular client of your groomer’s (or you’re popping in for a first-ever grooming appointment, your tip can go a long way to making your groomer’s day a better one by letting him or her know that you appreciate the way your dog looks after a visit to the spa.
In summary:
- Begin at 15–20%, and modify based on service and the situation
- Give a bigger tip for challenging jobs, special needs, or above-and-beyond service
- Say Thank You to your groomer espcially at Christmas or for trying hard.
- Ask if you are unsure, your groomer will be glad that you care.
A few dollars more will mean a lot for the people who keep our furry friends looking and feeling great.
