Salon, home-based or mobile?
- Salons usually have more equipment and several groomers, but can be busy and noisy.
- Home-based groomers often work one-to-one, which suits nervous dogs.
- Mobile groomers come to your door in a fitted van: convenient, and often calmer for anxious or older dogs, but usually priced higher.
What to check
- Qualifications: in the UK, look for recognised grooming qualifications such as City & Guilds or iPET Network. In the US, look for certification from groups such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
- Insurance: public liability and care, custody and control cover.
- Drying: ask how dogs are dried. Unattended heated cage dryers can be risky, especially for flat-faced breeds.
- Handling: will they stop if your dog is stressed? Do they offer short puppy introduction sessions?
- Vaccinations: reputable groomers usually ask for proof that your dog is up to date.
How often does a dog need grooming?
It depends on the coat. Dogs with continuously growing coats (such as poodles, shih tzus and many doodles) often need a professional groom every 4–8 weeks. Short-coated dogs may only need regular brushing, nail trims and the occasional bath.
Save money with grooming at home
- Brush between grooms to prevent matting, which can make appointments longer and pricier.
- Learn to trim nails or ask your groomer for a quick nail-only appointment.
- Clean teeth with a pet toothpaste: never human toothpaste, which can contain xylitol and is toxic to dogs.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
