How Much Do You Tip a Dog Groomer?
The usual tip for a dog groomer in the US is 15–20% of the grooming price, the same range as other personal-care services (NerdWallet's grooming expert and groomers' own guides use this range; checked October 2026). On a typical $50–75 groom that's about $7.50–15.
Dog grooming tip chart
| Grooming price | 15% | 18% | 20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40.00 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $50.00 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $60.00 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| $75.00 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $90.00 | $13.50 | $16.20 | $18.00 | $22.50 |
| $100.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $120.00 | $18.00 | $21.60 | $24.00 | $30.00 |
| $150.00 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200.00 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
When to Tip Your Groomer More
- Matted or very dirty coat: dematting takes extra time and care.
- Anxious, reactive or senior dogs that need patience and breaks.
- Large or double-coated breeds (huskies, doodles, shepherds) that take hours to dry and brush out.
- Mobile groomers who come to your home.
Add a few dollars, or move up to 20–25%. In the calculator, add it under Extra for a tough groom & tax.
Do You Tip at PetSmart or Petco?
Advice differs here: some sources say tipping isn't expected at big chains, while many groomers who work there say tips are welcome and make up part of their pay. If the store allows it, a 15–20% tip is a kind thank-you; ask at the desk if you're unsure whether cash can go directly to your groomer.
Groomer and Bather: Splitting the Tip
At some salons one person bathes and dries your dog and another does the cut. Set Split between to 2 and the calculator divides the tip evenly, rounded to whole dollars for cash.
Holiday Tip for Your Dog Groomer
If the same person grooms your dog all year, the Emily Post Institute holiday tipping guide suggests up to the cost of one session or a gift.
More Tipping Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you tip a dog groomer?
15–20% of the grooming price. A $75 groom is an $11–15 tip; tip more for matted, anxious or large dogs.
How much do you tip for a $100 dog grooming?
$15–20 at 15–20%, or more for a difficult groom or a mobile groomer who comes to your home.
Do you tip a mobile dog groomer?
Yes, the usual 15–20%, and many people add a little extra for the convenience of an at-home visit.
Do you tip groomers at PetSmart or Petco?
Opinions differ; if the store allows tips, 15–20% is a welcome thank-you. Ask at the desk if you're unsure.
How much should you tip your dog groomer at Christmas?
Up to the cost of one grooming session, or a gift, if the same groomer looks after your dog all year (Emily Post Institute).
Written by Prakhar Singh, software engineer and creator of K4Converter · Last updated October 2026