PetSmart Grooming Prices: What I Actually Paid (And What They Don’t Tell You Online)

 

💬 “Wait… Grooming Costs How Much?”

That was my first thought when I booked a grooming appointment for my 16-lb fluff tornado, Luna.

I expected a cute bath, a quick trim, maybe a nail clip. What I didn’t expect? A bill that felt like I’d just sent her to a doggy day spa in Beverly Hills.

If you’re stressed about how much PetSmart grooming really costs — especially if this is your first time — I wrote this for you.

Let’s break it down, no fluff. (Okay, maybe a little fluff. It’s grooming, after all.)

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🧾 What PetSmart Says It Costs vs. What I Actually Paid

💡 First, the “Starting Prices” (Spoiler: They’re Just That — a Start)

Here’s what PetSmart generally advertises online:

Service Type	Starting Price (Small Dog)
Bath Only	$22–$30
Bath + Haircut	$38–$50
Nail Trim Only	$10–$12
Puppy Package	$20–$25
Cat Grooming	$40–$60+

These look friendly, right?

But here’s the kicker: the final price is almost always higher, depending on breed, size, coat condition, and add-ons you didn’t even know you were saying “yes” to.

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🐶 My Real Receipt: What Luna’s Grooming Actually Cost

Here’s a breakdown of what I paid for my medium-haired, 16-lb mixed breed dog:

• Bath + Haircut (Medium Package): $50

• De-shedding Treatment (Add-on): $15

• Toothbrushing: $10

• Nail Grinding (Not just trimming): $12

• Gland Expression: Free (included in bath package)

• Tip (Optional but expected): $10

💸 Total: $97 + tax = $104.82

I went in thinking I’d spend $40. I left with a receipt over $100. And this is with a very average-sized dog.

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👀 Where the Hidden Costs Creep In

1. Add-Ons Galore

PetSmart is basically the Chipotle of dog grooming — everything is à la carte. You’re offered upgrades that sound responsible (like “nail grinding” instead of clipping), but they add up fast.

2. Size-Based Pricing

If your dog is above 40 lbs? Expect an automatic bump of $10–$20 per service.

3. Coat Condition

Matted coat? Heavy shedding? You’ll get hit with a $10–$20 surcharge, even if your dog is sweet as pie.

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🧼 What’s Included in the Base Price?

Let’s clear this up, because the online descriptions are vague.

Bath + Haircut Packages Include:

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Haircut

• Blow dry

• Brushing

• Nail trim (basic)

• Ear cleaning

• Gland expression (for dogs)

• Bandana or bow (if you’re into that)

But services like toothbrushing, flea treatment, nail grinding, or de-shedding? Those are all extra.

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🐾 How to Groom on a Budget (Without Skipping Care)

Let’s be real. Not everyone has $100+ to drop every 6–8 weeks. But your pet still deserves care.

Here’s how to keep grooming manageable:

✅ 1. Go for the Basic Bath, Skip the Add-Ons

Most essentials are covered in the bath package — nails, ears, even glands. You can brush teeth at home. Save the extras for special occasions.

✅ 2. Use the PetSmart Grooming Coupons (Yes, They Exist!)

Check your PetSmart app or email. New customers often get 20% off. Holidays usually bring promo codes.

✅ 3. Brush Between Appointments

Regular brushing reduces matting and shedding — which means fewer “coat condition” fees.

✅ 4. Book Early, Ask Questions

Call ahead and ask for an estimate based on breed, size, and coat type. Avoid pricing surprises at checkout.

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🧠 Is It Worth It? Here’s My Honest Take

Look, $100+ for a dog haircut might feel absurd. But after watching Luna come home looking like a shampoo commercial, I get it.

The groomers at PetSmart are trained, patient, and surprisingly good with nervous pets. Mine even called mid-groom to check if I was okay with trimming Luna’s ears shorter than usual.

For me? That kind of care was worth it.
But if I’d known how pricing actually worked, I would’ve planned better — and skipped the toothbrushing.

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📦 TL;DR – PetSmart Grooming Price Breakdown (Real Talk)

• Bath + haircut: $50–$80

• Add-ons: $10–$30 extra per item

• Size or coat condition: +$10–$20

• Tips: Usually $10–$20 is appreciated

• Total realistic cost: $70–$120+ per session

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🐕 Final Thoughts: You’re Not a Bad Pet Parent If You’re Budgeting

Being overwhelmed by pet expenses doesn’t mean you love your pet less.
You’re just human. And this stuff adds up.

But now? You’re armed. You know what to expect. You can walk into PetSmart and ask the right questions.

And if you want to DIY a few things at home to save cash? That’s not just smart — that’s love, too.