As a savvy pet parent, you want to keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best, but you also don‘t want to overpay for grooming services. Petco is a leading pet retailer that offers a wide range of grooming options for both dogs and cats at their in-store salons. But how much does Petco grooming cost, and is it a good value compared to other options? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down Petco‘s grooming prices and packages, share expert tips for saving money, and help you decide if Petco grooming is the right choice for you and your pet.
Petco Dog Grooming Prices
The cost of dog grooming at Petco starts at $45 for a basic full-service bath and haircut, but can go up to $100 or more for large dogs or those with special needs. The exact price depends on your dog‘s size, breed, and coat condition, as well as the specific services you choose.
Here is a breakdown of Petco‘s starting prices for the most common dog grooming services:
| Service | Extra Small (0-15 lbs) | Small (16-25 lbs) | Medium (26-50 lbs) | Large (51-75 lbs) | Extra Large (76+ lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bath & Haircut | $45 | $50 | $55 | $65 | $75+ |
| Bath Only | $25 | $30 | $35 | $40 | $45+ |
| Nail Trim | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 |
| Teeth Brushing | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 |
Keep in mind that these are starting prices, and your actual cost may be higher if your dog has matting, tangles, skin issues, or behavioral challenges that require extra time and care. According to Petco, the average price for a standard grooming is $65, but a ProPet Works survey found that prices can range from $30 to $90 based on location and pet size^1^.
What‘s Included in a Petco Dog Grooming?
A full-service dog grooming at Petco includes:
- Bath with premium shampoo and conditioner
- Blow dry and brushing
- Haircut customized to breed and owner preferences
- Ear cleaning and plucking (if needed)
- Nail trim and grinding
- Gland expression (upon request)
- Spritz of cologne
- Bow or bandana
The groomer will also check your dog‘s skin, coat, ears, and teeth for any issues and alert you to potential health concerns.
Petco Cat Grooming Prices
Cats may be independent groomers, but they still benefit from professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, especially long-haired breeds prone to matting. Petco offers several grooming options for cats at these starting price points:
- Bath only: $40
- Bath and haircut: $55+
- Nail trim only: $12
- Teeth brushing only: $12
The bath service includes a gentle massage with cat-specific shampoo, blow dry, ear cleaning, nail trim, and a spritz of cologne. The haircut removes mats and tangles, and can be a lion cut or a breed-specific trim.
Keep in mind that grooming costs for cats may be higher than the base prices if your kitty has severely matted fur, special health issues, or an aggressive temperament. Discuss any concerns with your groomer upfront so they can give you an accurate estimate. On average, expect to pay around $50-$70 for a standard cat grooming at Petco.
Benefits of Professional Grooming for Pets
Grooming isn‘t just about keeping your pet pretty – it‘s also essential for their health and wellbeing. Regular visits to a professional groomer offer these benefits for your dog or cat:
- Detecting skin issues, lumps, parasites and other health concerns early
- Preventing painful matting and overgrown nails
- Reducing shedding and dandruff
- Keeping ears and teeth clean and infection-free
- Expressing anal glands to prevent discomfort and leakage
- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation through massage and handling
The American Kennel Club recommends getting your dog groomed every 4-6 weeks, while the ASPCA suggests grooming cats every 4-8 weeks depending on coat length and thickness^3^. Staying on top of grooming can save you money on vet bills in the long run by preventing health and hygiene issues.
How Petco Grooming Compares to Other Options
Petco is a convenient choice for grooming, with over 1,000 in-store salons nationwide. But how do their prices stack up against the competition? Here‘s a quick comparison:
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Independent grooming salons: Prices vary widely, but expect to pay $40-$75 for a standard dog groom and $30-$50 for cats, plus extra fees for larger pets or add-on services. You may save money with an independent groomer, but be sure to check reviews and credentials carefully.
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Mobile groomers: Mobile grooming vans come to your home, which is convenient for busy pet owners or anxious pets. However, they typically cost 50-70% more than in-store grooming due to travel costs and specialized equipment. Expect to pay $75-$100 for a full dog groom and $60-$80 for cats.
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DIY grooming: If you have the time, tools, and skills, grooming your pet at home can save money. However, it‘s easy to accidentally injure your pet during grooming, and some dogs and cats really dislike baths and nail trims. Stick to professional grooming unless you are confident in handling your pet for these tasks.
In terms of value, Petco offers competitive pricing and the convenience of getting grooming done while you shop for pet supplies. They also frequently run specials and discounts for Pals Rewards members. However, mobile or independent groomers may be a better choice if your pet has health issues, special handling needs, or prefers a quieter environment.
What to Expect During a Petco Grooming Visit
Taking your pet to the groomer can be nerve-wracking, especially if it‘s their first time. Knowing what to expect can make the process go more smoothly for both you and your pet. Here‘s a step-by-step look at what happens during a typical grooming appointment at Petco:
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Check-in: You‘ll fill out a customer information card and discuss your pet‘s grooming needs and any health concerns with the groomer. They will give you a price estimate and timeline for when your pet will be ready.
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Kennel time: Your pet will be placed in a cozy kennel to await their turn. This is a good time to take your dog to the bathroom and make sure they are calm and comfortable.
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Bathing and drying: The groomer will thoroughly bathe your pet with shampoo and conditioner suited to their skin and coat type. They will rinse and dry your pet using towels and a blow dryer on a cool setting.
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Clipping, trimming, and brushing: If you‘ve requested a haircut, the groomer will use electric clippers, scissors, and brushes to trim your pet‘s coat to your specifications. They will carefully clean and clip around the face, ears, paw pads, and sanitary areas.
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Nail trim and other services: The groomer will trim your pet‘s nails to a safe length and file the tips smooth. They will also clean your pet‘s ears, brush their teeth, and express anal glands if needed.
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Finishing touches: Finally, the groomer will spritz your pet with cologne, add a bow or bandanna, and do a final brush and fluff.
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Pick-up: The groomer will call you when your pet is ready to go home. They will go over what they did, recap any issues they noticed, and give you tips for maintaining your pet‘s coat between grooms.
The whole process can take anywhere from 1-4 hours depending on your pet‘s size and the services you‘ve selected. If your pet has never been to the groomer before, it‘s a good idea to schedule a short get-to-know-you visit before the actual grooming so they can get comfortable with the environment and staff.
Petco Grooming Promotions and Cost-Saving Tips
Grooming is an recurring expense that can really add up over your pet‘s lifetime. The good news is that there are several ways to save on Petco‘s grooming services:
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Join Petco‘s free Pals Rewards program to earn points on every grooming visit. You‘ll get a $5 reward for every $100 you spend, plus access to exclusive deals and discounts.
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Book your appointment at least 48 hours in advance to get a $10 discount on the regular grooming price.
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Purchase a Petco grooming package of 4 or more sessions upfront to save 10-20% off the cost of individual visits.
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Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions around holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter, as well as during Petco‘s anniversary sales events.
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Consider a basic bath or tidy-up package instead of a full haircut if your pet doesn‘t need a complete trim every time.
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Brush and bathe your pet at home between professional groomings to remove tangles and keep their coat clean. This can help you go longer between appointments and may reduce the time (and cost) of each session.
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Be honest with your groomer about your budget and ask for their recommendations on which services are essential and which can be skipped or done less often.
By being a savvy shopper and taking advantage of deals and discounts, you can keep your pet looking great without breaking the bank on grooming costs.
Conclusion
As a concerned pet parent and smart consumer, you want to find the best grooming services for your furry friend at a price that fits your budget. Petco is a top choice for many dog and cat owners, offering a range of grooming options at competitive prices at their convenient in-store salons. While a full-service bath and haircut can cost $45-$100 or more for dogs and $55 and up for cats, the exact price depends on your pet‘s size, breed, coat condition, and temperament, as well as any additional services you select.
Petco‘s prices are in line with the industry average, and they offer good value in terms of the quality of products and services provided. Their groomers complete a rigorous training program and follow strict safety and sanitation protocols to ensure your pet‘s wellbeing. However, budget-conscious pet owners can save even more by joining the free Pals Rewards program, booking appointments in advance, purchasing multi-session packages, and keeping an eye out for seasonal promotions.
Ultimately, the right grooming option for your pet will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as your pet‘s health and personality. Whether you choose Petco or another trusted provider, regular grooming is a critical part of being a responsible pet owner and keeping your dog or cat healthy and comfortable for years to come.
