Should You Tip PetSmart Groomers? What Really Happens Behind the Grooming Table

Ever walked out of PetSmart after getting your dog groomed and wondered if you should leave a tip? You’re not alone. Most people feel awkward about it. You paid for the service, so why add more? But then you see the groomer sweating through their apron, handling a wriggly poodle, and you think-maybe they deserve more.

Here’s the simple truth: Tipping PetSmart groomers is optional, but it’s often appreciated.

PetSmart groomers don’t get paid well. Most earn between $12 and $18 an hour, depending on location and experience. That’s not much when you consider what they do. They bathe, blow-dry, clip, brush, and sometimes calm down terrified dogs-all while standing on wet floors for eight hours straight. Many work weekends and holidays when families are off. They’re not billionaires. They’re just people who love animals and show up every day.

Unlike restaurants, where tipping is baked into the wage system, groomers at PetSmart are salaried or paid hourly. The price you pay covers their labor, tools, shampoo, and the salon’s overhead. So legally, you don’t owe them anything extra. But if you’ve seen how hard they worked-especially with a nervous dog, a matted coat, or a senior pup who can’t stand still-then a tip isn’t just nice. It’s human.

How much should you tip?

There’s no official rule, but here’s what most regular customers do:

• $5 to $10 for a basic bath and brush
• $10 to $20 for a full groom (haircut, nails, ears, anal glands)
• $20+ if they went above and beyond-like calming a scared dog, staying late, or fixing a bad cut from another groomer

Some people tip 15% to 20% of the total bill. That works if your groom cost $80 or more. But if you paid $40 for a small dog, $10 is more than enough. Don’t feel pressured to match restaurant tipping standards. Grooming isn’t fine dining. It’s messy, physical, and often emotional work.

One woman in Ohio told me she always tips $15 for her Shih Tzu’s monthly groom. Her dog used to shake so badly the groomer had to stop three times. Now, after six months of patience, the dog sits still. “She didn’t just cut his hair,” the woman said. “She saved his sanity-and mine.” That’s worth $15.

What if you can’t afford to tip?

You’re not a bad person. Not everyone has extra cash. And groomers know that. If you’re on a tight budget, here’s what actually matters more than money:

• Write a note. A quick “Thanks for being so patient with Max!” on the receipt means more than you think.
• Leave a Google review. Groomers get performance reviews based on online feedback. A five-star review with details helps them keep their job and get raises.
• Bring treats. A bag of dog biscuits or a small jar of peanut butter (no xylitol!) is a common gift. Groomers often share them with the dogs they care for.
• Be on time. Showing up late delays their whole day. Being ready with a clean, leashed dog? That’s a gift.
• Ask for the same groomer. Consistency helps them build trust with your dog. It also means they’re more likely to get scheduled for better shifts.

One groomer in Texas shared that the best tip she ever got was a handwritten card from a little girl: “Thank you for not yelling at my dog. He’s scared of scissors.” She framed it. That card is still on her wall five years later.

Why don’t PetSmart groomers make more money?

It’s not because they’re unskilled. A good dog groomer needs to know anatomy, behavior, breed standards, and how to use clippers without nicking skin. They learn through months of apprenticeships. Many start as assistants, cleaning cages and brushing dogs, before they’re allowed to touch a blade.

But PetSmart is a retail chain. Their business model is built on volume, not premium pay. They make money by doing 20 to 30 grooms a day. That means each groom has to be fast. Speed over perfection. And that’s hard on the groomers. They’re pressured to move quickly, even when a dog is scared or tangled.

Compare that to an independent groomer who charges $120 for a full cut. They might only do 5 grooms a day. Their overhead is higher, but so is their pay. PetSmart groomers don’t get to set their own prices. They don’t get tips from the company. They rely on customers to decide if they’re worth it.

What do groomers actually do with tips?

Most use it for small things: a coffee on their break, gas money, or saving up for vet bills for their own pets. Some put it toward continuing education-like learning how to groom senior dogs or handle anxiety cases. A few even save up to open their own shop.

One groomer in Florida told me he used his tips to buy a new set of clippers after his old ones broke. “I couldn’t afford it on my paycheck,” he said. “But three customers tipped me $20 each. Now I can do a better job for everyone.”

It’s not about luxury. It’s about dignity.

When not to tip

Not every groom is perfect. Sometimes the cut is uneven. Sometimes the dog comes out with a smell that lingers for days. If the service was bad, you don’t have to tip. But here’s what to do instead:

• Speak up politely. Say, “I noticed the back legs were shorter than the front. Could you fix it next time?”
• Ask to speak to the manager. Most PetSmart locations have a grooming supervisor who will re-groom for free or give you a discount.
• Don’t leave a bad review without giving them a chance to fix it.

Groomers are human. They make mistakes. But they also want to do better. If you give them feedback, they’ll remember you-and next time, your dog might get extra attention.

What about holiday tips?

Some people give bigger tips around Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the dog’s birthday. That’s thoughtful. A $25 to $50 tip during the holidays can mean a lot when times are tight. But it’s not expected. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t.

One family in Oregon gives their groomer a $30 gift card every December. “She’s been with us since our first dog passed away,” the dad said. “She held our daughter while she cried. We don’t know how to say thank you except with this.”

Final thought: It’s not about the money

What you’re really doing when you tip is saying: I see you. I see how hard you work. I see how you handle my dog like he’s your own. I see you on a Saturday morning when everyone else is sleeping.

You don’t have to tip. But if you can, even a few dollars makes a difference. And if you can’t? A smile, a thank-you, or a review still matters.

At the end of the day, your dog walks out looking great-and that’s because someone cared enough to get it right. That’s worth more than a tip. But sometimes, a tip is the easiest way to say it out loud.

Next steps if you’re unsure

Still not sure? Try this: Next time you go to PetSmart, watch the groomer work. Notice how long they spend on your dog. Do they talk to them softly? Do they take breaks to let them calm down? Do they clean up after every dog? If you see care, consider leaving $10. If you don’t see it, that’s okay too. You’re not obligated.

But if you do tip? You’re not just giving money. You’re telling someone: Your work matters. And in a world where too many jobs go unnoticed, that’s powerful.