How to Price Your Pet Grooming Services for Maximum Profit
Pricing is one of the hardest parts of running a grooming business. Too low and you're working yourself into the ground. Too high and you lose clients. Here's how to find the sweet spot.
Why most groomers underprice
Most groomers set their prices based on what other shops in the area charge, then never raise them. The problem? Your costs go up every year — supplies, rent, insurance, wages — but your prices stay flat. You're effectively taking a pay cut every year.
Pricing should be based on the value you provide, the time each service takes, and the profit margin you need — not just what the shop down the street charges.
Three pricing models that work
1. Breed-based pricing
Price by breed and size. A Golden Retriever costs more than a Shih Tzu because it takes more time and product. This is the most common model and easiest for clients to understand.
2. Weight-based pricing
Price tiers by weight ranges (e.g., under 25 lbs, 25-50 lbs, 50+ lbs). Simpler to manage but less precise — a heavily matted 30-lb dog takes much longer than a clean one.
3. Service-based pricing
A la carte pricing where clients build their own package: bath, haircut, nail trim, teeth cleaning, gland expression. Gives transparency and lets clients choose their budget.
The add-on strategy that increases average ticket size
The most profitable groomers don't just charge more for the base groom — they offer add-ons that clients genuinely want:
- De-shedding treatment (+$15-25)
- Teeth brushing (+$10-15)
- Skunk treatment (+$30-50)
- Blueberry facial scrub (+$10)
- Paw balm treatment (+$8-12)
- Multi-groom packages (buy 5, get 1 free)
If your average groom is $65 and half your clients add one $15 service, that's an extra $1,950/month on a 26-groom week. Add-ons are pure profit for services that take 5-10 extra minutes.
Should you publish prices on your website?
Yes — at least ranges. Pet owners hate calling just to ask "how much for a groom?" and many won't call at all if there's no pricing information. Publishing at least starting prices (e.g., "Full grooms starting at $55") filters out price shoppers and builds trust with serious clients.
Your website should have a clear services page with pricing ranges, breed size categories, and add-on options. This is one of the most-requested features from pet owners browsing grooming websites.
When and how to raise your prices
If you haven't raised prices in over a year, you're overdue. Here's how to do it without losing clients:
- Give 30 days notice (post it in-shop and on your website)
- Explain the reason briefly (rising costs, improved services)
- Raise prices 10-15% — enough to matter, not enough to shock
- Grandfather loyal clients at old prices for one more groom as a goodwill gesture
Most clients understand price increases if you communicate them clearly. The ones who leave over a small increase were going to leave eventually anyway.