What’s Included in the price of The Dog Grooming Service?
Often, as dog groomers, the first question asked when answering the phone is “How much does dog grooming cost ?”
Although it may seem an expense, pricing is determined by many factors. You may also find the price quoted to you differs between those who are groomed on a regular basis to those those who leave it longer between dog grooming appointments.
This is not the only question to ask when trying to find the right dog groomers. How can you compare when you don’t know whats included in the price. Some groomers consider nail clipping etc as an extra service. Make sure you know what you are getting.
What do we consider a full Groom ?
When we quote the cost of our dog grooming service, it includes the following:
Consultation
Initially to check there are no health problems with your dog before grooming. Also to ascertain any specific requirements for style of cut. Behaviour issues, any sensitive areas. This also allows your dog to settle in before grooming.
Full Groom
The exact content depends on breed. Smooth coated dogs will be de-shedded where required. Any pad areas requiring trimming. Ear leathers cleaned. Nails clipped. Shampoo and rinse to loosen dirt. Second shampoo removing any debris and maintain coat. Blow dry and fragrance as required.
With longer coats, additionally we brush out loose and dead hair when grooming dogs with double coats that don’t require clipping. Examples of these would be Golden Retrievers and Collies. Where coats are styled, clipping is included as well as scissoring where required.
Other Dog Grooming Cost Considerations.
Due to being a small business, we only have one persons dog in the grooming area at a time. For us, it is a more personal dog grooming service. We find often dogs are more relaxed.
There will often be extra costs if your dogs coat is heavily matted, your dog behaves badly whilst grooming or your dog comes into the salon with fleas.. This is due to the extra time or products it will take to ensure the safety of your dog.
What am I paying for ?
In using a dog grooming service, or any small business, not all your payment goes to the dog groomer. When you are told the cost of dog grooming, remember you are paying for:
Premises Rent
Electricity/Gas
Groomers training and experience
Groomers ongoing training
Scissors
Clippers
Blades
Sharpening
Towels
Washing
Disinfectant
Water Supply
Correct waste disposal
Business insurance
Buildings Insurance
Liability Insurance
Groomers Wages
The cost of dog grooming is so much more than just the time it takes. As with many things in life, the cheapest option is not always the best option. It is also important to remember, unlike visiting the hairdressers, regular visits to a professional groomer is needed for the dogs welfare.