You pick your dog up looking — and smelling — a hundred times better, and then you’re standing at the counter wondering whether you’re supposed to tip, and how much. Grooming is close, patient work, usually with a wriggly and sometimes nervous animal, so yes, a tip is expected. Here’s what’s normal.
The quick answer
15–20% of the grooming bill is the standard tip for a dog groomer. On a $60 groom, that’s $9 to $12. For a big dog, a badly matted coat, or a pup that fought the whole process, bumping up to 20–25% is a kind and normal move.
Why you tip a groomer
A groom isn’t just a bath. Your groomer is trimming nails, cleaning ears, brushing out mats, running sharp scissors near a moving target, and keeping a scared or squirmy dog calm through all of it. Many groomers work on commission or split the fee with the shop, so tips are a real part of what they take home — same as a hairdresser.
What to tip at common prices
| Groom price | 15% | 20% |
|---|---|---|
| $40 | $6 | $8 |
| $60 | $9 | $12 |
| $80 | $12 | $16 |
| $100 | $15 | $20 |
| $150 (large or doodle) | $22 | $30 |
For a price that’s not on the chart, our tip calculator gives you the exact number in a second — enter the groom price and pick your percentage.
When to tip more
Some grooms simply ask more of the groomer. Lean toward the high end (or above it) when:
- Your dog is big, heavy-coated, or a breed that takes real skill — doodles, huskies, anything prone to matting.
- The coat came in badly matted and needed slow, careful dematting.
- Your dog is anxious, nippy, or won’t hold still, and the groomer stayed patient and gentle.
- They squeezed you in last-minute or handled a holiday-rush appointment.
What about a holiday tip?
Around the holidays, a lot of regulars add an extra tip — often the cost of one full grooming session — as a year-end thank-you to a groomer they trust. It’s not required, but if you see the same person all year, it’s a well-earned gesture.
How to tip
Cash handed straight to your groomer is easiest and makes sure it actually reaches them. At a big chain like PetSmart or Petco you can usually add a tip to the card at checkout — just ask that it goes to your specific groomer. And if a mobile groomer came to your driveway, tip on the higher side; they’re covering their own gas, water, and setup.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip dog groomers?
Yes. Tipping 15–20% is standard, much like tipping a hairdresser. Grooming is skilled, physical work, and many groomers rely on tips as part of their pay.
How much do you tip for a $60 grooming?
A 15–20% tip on $60 is $9–$12. Round up to $15 for a difficult dog or an especially good job.
Do you tip a mobile or self-employed groomer?
Yes, and often a little more. A mobile groomer covers their own supplies, water, and travel, so 20% or a few extra dollars is appreciated. An independent shop owner sets their own prices, so a tip is optional there — but still welcome.
How much do you tip a groomer at Christmas?
Many people give a holiday tip equal to about one grooming session, on top of the usual per-visit tip, as a year-end thank-you to a regular groomer.
Not sure what your tip works out to? Use the free tip calculator — enter the groom price and it does the percentage for you.
For tipping in every other situation, see our complete US tipping guide.