Updated June 2026
Mobile dog grooming prices: how much does it cost in the UK?
Most full mobile dog grooms in the UK cost between £40 and £70 for a small or medium dog, and £60 to £100 or more for a large or double-coated breed. The exact figure comes down to your dog's size, the state of their coat and the services you pick.
Having a groomer turn up at your door and hand your dog back fluffy an hour later is a lovely thing. It does cost a little more than the high street, though, and the quotes you get can vary more than you might expect. If you have just brought home a puppy or you are weighing up your options, here is a straight answer on what mobile dog grooming costs in the UK, and why one groomer charges more than the next.
How much does mobile dog grooming cost?
As a rough guide, a quick wash, brush and tidy for a small dog like a Cavalier or a Shih Tzu tends to sit around £30 to £45. A full groom for a Cockapoo, the breed half the country seems to own right now, usually comes in at £45 to £65. Step up to a big, dense-coated dog such as a Golden Retriever, German Shepherd or Newfoundland and you are often looking at £70 to £120, simply because of the time it takes to bath, dry and brush all that coat.
Those are ballpark figures. Every groomer sets their own rates, and prices drift up a little around the big cities and down in quieter areas. The only number that really matters is the one your groomer gives you once they have met your dog, so always confirm before you book.
What makes the price go up or down
Size and coat do most of the heavy lifting. A small smooth-coated dog is quick; a large curly or double coat is not. Condition matters just as much. A coat that has been left to matt takes far longer to sort out safely, and most groomers charge extra for de-matting because it cannot be rushed without hurting the dog.
After that it is the details. A dog that finds grooming stressful needs more time and patience. Add-ons like nail clipping, a de-shedding treatment, ear plucking or teeth cleaning each add a few pounds. And a groomer who has to drive half an hour to reach you may build that into the price too.
What is usually included in a full groom
A full groom is more than a haircut. It normally covers a warm bath with a suitable shampoo, a proper blow-dry, a full clip or hand-strip to your chosen style, nails trimmed, ears checked and cleaned, and a tidy of the paws, face and sanitary areas. Some groomers include anal glands and a finishing spritz; others charge for those separately. It is always worth asking exactly what a price covers, so you can compare two quotes fairly rather than just on the headline number.
Is mobile grooming more expensive than a salon?
Usually a little, yes. With a mobile groomer you are paying for the convenience and the one-to-one attention. Your dog is the only animal being worked on, on your own driveway, with no cage and no waiting around. For a lot of owners, and especially for nervous or elderly dogs, that calmer experience is worth the extra. You also save the two trips across town, which is not nothing.
How to keep the cost down
The single biggest saving is keeping on top of the coat. Book regularly so it never gets the chance to matt, and brush at home between visits. A well-maintained Cockapoo on a six-week cycle will always cost less than the same dog left for six months. Beyond that, book ahead for the busy spring and summer months, be honest about your dog's temperament so the groomer can set aside the right amount of time, and ask which add-ons you actually need rather than taking the lot.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you tip a mobile dog groomer?
Tipping is not expected in the UK, but it is always welcome for a job well done. Plenty of owners round up to the nearest five or ten pounds, or add around 10 percent at Christmas.
Why are mobile groomers more expensive than salons?
You are paying for convenience and undivided attention. The groomer works on your dog alone, brings a fully equipped van to your door, and spends time travelling between clients, all of which is built into the price.
Do groomers charge more for a matted dog?
Usually, yes. De-matting is slow, careful work and it cannot be rushed without hurting the dog. If a coat is badly matted, a kind groomer will often suggest a shorter clip-off rather than hours of painful brushing.
How much is a mobile groom for a Cockapoo?
A full groom for a Cockapoo typically costs around £45 to £65, depending on size, coat condition and your area. Keeping to a regular four to six week cycle keeps it at the lower end.
Do mobile dog groomers ask for a deposit?
Some do, particularly for new clients or first appointments. A small deposit of around £10 to £20 is common, and it usually comes off the final price.
How often will I need to pay for grooming?
Most dogs need a groom every four to twelve weeks depending on their coat, so it helps to budget it as a regular cost rather than a one-off. Our guide on how often to groom your dog breaks it down by breed.
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