Adding a furry member, in the form of a pet, or dog to your family often has its perks. These include, but are not limited to, receiving an abundance of kisses, being greeted with a wagging tail after a long day at work, and having a dependable exercise buddy.
And like most things in life, having a dog comes with responsibilities – ensuring they are well-fed, have regular check-ups with the vet, and access to grooming services regularly. The latter can be achieved in one of two ways; you can either take your pet to a brick-and-mortar groomer or invest in the services of a mobile dog groomer. But, how much does mobile dog grooming cost?
Typically, grooming services cost between $60 and $120, depending on the type of service and other variables. Let’s dive deep to find out how various factors impact the cost of mobile dog grooming services.
1. Services You Need
Much like us, each dog has unique grooming needs. The type of grooming service your dog needs will depend on their coat type, skin condition, and general health. For example, short-haired dogs may only need a full bath and nail trim, while long-haired dogs may require clipping or shaving.
Along the same lines, pups with thick coats may require special conditioners or brushing, while dogs with sensitive skin may call for medicated shampoos. Besides, certain health conditions may mean that your pooch requires additional grooming services, such as ear cleaning or teeth brushing. Before you book an appointment, consult with your mobile dog groomer to ensure you are getting the right service for your dog’s individual needs.
2. Size
Some of us love having a gentle giant by our side. But usually, it will mean spending more to maintain your dog.
Let’s use an analogy to paint a clearer picture. In car terms, if you buy a small hatchback, it will cost you less to fill up the tank than if you drive an SUV. Smaller vehicles also tend to be more fuel-efficient. The same goes for maintenance- parts, insurance, and repairs will all be cheaper for the hatchback.
Similarly, smaller dogs will cost less to groom than their larger counterparts. Most mobile dog grooming services charge based on a dog’s weight – in pounds. So, if your Chihuahua needs a bath and ear cleaning, it will cost you way less than if you were to treat your Great Dane to the same services. Generally speaking, the higher costs for grooming a larger dog are because they require more time, effort, and products.
3. Frequency of Grooming
Undoubtedly, the grooming frequency also impacts how much it will cost in the long run. Just as we need a haircut every 4-6 weeks, dogs also require regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin health.
Depending on the coat type, your pup may need grooming services every 4-8 weeks. Hence, consider how often you plan to pamper your dog, even as you think of ways to save some bucks.
4. Location
Where you live can also affect overall costs. For example, if you live off the beaten path or in a rural setting, chances are there are not too many groomers around.
As such, your locality’s mobile dog grooming service providers may charge a higher price than average to compensate for the low demand and lack of competition. Whereas, if you live in an urban center, you might be spoilt for choice – the increased competition may work in your favor by driving down the cost of services.
5. Temperament
If you’re in business, you probably have to handle a problematic customer once in a while. Is it an exciting experience or one you look forward to? I doubt.
Well, some pups can be quite a handful – to put it mildly. For instance, not every dog loves a bath or will gladly get in the tub. Some may need to be muzzled or put on a leash for grooming, while others may be downright aggressive.
If your pup is one tough customer, be upfront about it. The more your groomer knows about their ‘client’s’ temperament, the better for everyone. You don’t want your pup to bite the groomer as they resist attempts to care for them, do you? Besides, it may take more time and effort to groom them, meaning you may be looking at a higher grooming bill.
One thing is clear from this non-exhaustive list of variables: the cost of mobile dog grooming can vary significantly. That implies the final price may differ greatly from your expectations or budget. Talk to your mobile groomer to clearly understand upfront costs and avoid a surprise bill.
