Dog Grooming Tip Calculator
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You just dropped off your dog for a $70 grooming session. The groomer spent over an hour brushing, bathing, trimming, and making your pup look like a show dog. When it’s time to pay, you pause. Should you tip? And if so, how much?
There’s No Hard Rule, But There’s a Fair Range
Tipping a dog groomer isn’t mandatory - but it’s expected in most places, especially if they did a great job. Unlike restaurants, where tipping is built into the culture, pet grooming tipping is more about appreciation than obligation. Still, most dog owners tip between 15% and 20% for good service. For a $70 groom, that means $10 to $14.
Why that range? Because grooming isn’t just cutting hair. It’s handling anxious dogs, dealing with matted fur, cleaning ears, trimming nails, and sometimes even dealing with skin issues or fleas. A good groomer reads your dog’s body language, adjusts their technique, and makes the whole experience less stressful for everyone - including you.
When to Tip More Than 20%
If your dog came out looking flawless and they were a handful to work with, go higher. A 25% tip ($17.50) or even $20 is not unusual in these cases. Think about it: if your dog is terrified of water, hates being brushed, or has thick, tangled fur that took 45 minutes to detangle, that’s extra work. The groomer didn’t just do their job - they went above it.
One client in Wellington told me her 12-year-old Shih Tzu, Milo, had never been groomed without crying. The groomer spent 30 extra minutes calming him down, using treats and slow movements. When Milo walked out looking like a fluffy cloud and wagging his tail? She tipped $25 on a $75 groom. She said it wasn’t just for the haircut - it was for the patience.
When You Can Skip the Tip
Not every groom is worth a tip. If the groomer rushed through it, left mats in the coat, clipped too short, or didn’t clean up after the bath, then no - don’t tip. And don’t feel guilty. You paid for a service, and if it wasn’t delivered, you’re not obligated to reward poor work.
Some groomers work out of small home businesses or mobile vans. They might charge less because they have lower overhead. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tip - it just means you should judge based on the quality, not the price. A $50 groom done perfectly deserves the same respect as a $100 one.
How to Tip - Cash, Card, or Digital?
Cash is still the easiest and most appreciated way. Many groomers don’t get paid through tips on card systems, and even if they do, cash feels more personal. Hand it to them with a smile and say, “Thanks for taking such good care of him.”
If you’re paying by card, ask if they accept tips through the terminal. Some shops have a tip option on their iPad or POS system. Others don’t. If they don’t, just hand them cash at the door. Don’t leave it on the counter - that feels impersonal.
Some owners use digital payments like PayNow or Zelle to send a tip later. That’s fine if you’re not sure how much to give right away. But if you’re tipping because you’re impressed, do it in person. It means more.
What If You Can’t Afford to Tip?
Not everyone can swing an extra $15. And that’s okay. You can show appreciation in other ways.
- Leave a 5-star Google review - groomers rely on these for new clients.
- Refer a friend. “My groomer is amazing - here’s her number.”
- Bring them a coffee or a snack next time. A pack of biscuits or a bottle of water goes a long way.
- Book ahead for their next busy day. Groomers love predictable schedules.
These gestures matter. Many groomers say they remember the clients who say thank you, even if they didn’t tip.
How Often Should You Tip?
Tip every time - unless the service was bad. Consistency builds trust. If you go every 6 to 8 weeks, your groomer learns your dog’s habits, your preferences, and even your dog’s quirks. They start to know when to skip the blow-dry because your Poodle hates the noise, or when to use the hypoallergenic shampoo because your Lab gets itchy.
Tipping regularly turns a transaction into a relationship. And that’s worth more than the money.
What About Mobile Groomers or Pet Stores?
Mobile groomers often charge more - $80 to $120 - because they come to you. That includes fuel, equipment transport, and setup time. For them, tipping 15-20% is even more important. They’re running a one-person business. A $20 tip on a $90 job helps cover their overhead.
At big chains like Petco or PetSmart, the groomer might be an employee with a base salary. Tips still matter. They might not get bonuses, but a tip shows their work is seen. Don’t assume they’re “just an employee” - many of them have been grooming for over a decade.
What’s the Average Dog Grooming Cost in 2025?
Prices vary by breed, size, coat type, and location. In Auckland, here’s what you can expect:
| Dog Size | Coat Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 10kg) | Short hair | $45-$60 |
| Small | Long or curly | $60-$80 |
| Medium (10-25kg) | Short hair | $60-$75 |
| Medium | Long or double coat | $75-$100 |
| Large (25kg+) | Any | $90-$130 |
These prices include a bath, blow-dry, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression (if needed). If your dog is severely matted, expect extra fees - sometimes $20-$40 extra. That’s why $70 is a common mid-range price.
Why Tipping Matters More Than You Think
Dog groomers are underpaid for the skill they have. They need to know anatomy, behavior, safety protocols, and grooming techniques. Many go through certification programs that take months. They deal with bites, scratches, and stressed animals every day.
And yet, most don’t make much more than minimum wage after expenses. In New Zealand, many groomers work 60-hour weeks and still struggle to save. A $15 tip might not seem like much to you - but it’s a coffee, a gas refill, or a meal for their family.
Tipping isn’t charity. It’s fair compensation for extra effort.
Final Rule: Tip Based on Value, Not Price
Don’t tip based on the bill. Tip based on the experience. Did they make your dog look great? Did they take time to explain how to care for the coat between visits? Did they notice your dog was limping and ask about it? That’s professional care. That’s worth rewarding.
For a $70 groom? $10-$14 is standard. $15-$20 if they went above and beyond. Nothing if they didn’t deliver. And if you can’t tip? Say thank you. Write a review. Bring them a treat next time.
At the end of the day, your dog’s groomer isn’t just cutting hair. They’re helping your pet feel comfortable, healthy, and loved. That’s worth more than a percentage.
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