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“So… Do You Want to Add a Deep Conditioning Treatment With That?”
It’s 8:58 a.m. I’m standing at the PetSmart grooming counter, still in my pajama pants under a hoodie. My 12-pound schnauzer mix, Teddy, is trying to climb up my shoulder like I’m a rock wall.
And the groomer hits me with The Question:
“Which grooming package would you like — basic, deluxe, or ultimate?”
Suddenly, I’m sweating harder than Teddy.
Because let’s be real:
Most of us have no idea what those packages actually include.
And the fear of getting upsold into a $100 grooming session when all you wanted was a nail trim? It’s real.
So I went on a mission — tried different PetSmart grooming packages, took notes, and finally figured out what’s actually worth it and what’s just nice-sounding fluff.
🧼 First: What Are the PetSmart Grooming Packages?
Here’s how they typically break it down. The exact names may vary slightly depending on location, but here’s the gist:
🟢 Basic Groom/Bath
💰 Starting at $20–$30
Includes:
-
Bath with shampoo
-
Blow dry
-
Brushing
-
Nail trim
-
Ear cleaning
-
Anal gland expression (dogs only)
✅ Best for: Regular maintenance between big haircuts.
🔵 Deluxe or “Furminator” Package
💰 Add $15–$20 to base price
Includes everything in Basic, plus:
-
De-shedding treatment
-
Conditioner upgrade
-
Scented spritz
-
Face trim (in some locations)
✅ Best for: Dogs who shed like it's their job (labs, huskies, GSDs, etc.).
🔴 Ultimate Package / Top Dog / Premium
💰 Add $25–$35 to base price
Includes:
-
Everything in Deluxe
-
Toothbrushing
-
Nail grinding (vs. trimming)
-
Breath spray
-
Bandana or bow (if you’re into that)
✅ Best for: High-maintenance pets, fancy photo ops, or when grandma’s visiting and you want the dog to smell like cucumbers.
🧠 Real Talk: What’s Worth It vs. What’s Just... Extra?
✅ Totally Worth It (Most of the Time)
-
Nail grinding instead of clipping – Smoother finish, lasts longer.
-
De-shedding treatment (for thick-coated dogs) – Saves your couch. And your sanity.
-
Toothbrushing (if you’re not doing it at home) – Dental care is pricey later.
🚫 Meh or Optional Add-ons
-
Scented spritz – Smells good for 15 minutes, then smells like dog again.
-
Bandana/bow – Cute, but they’ll shake it off in the car.
-
Breath spray – Honestly? It’s minty air. Doesn’t solve tartar or real dental problems.
🐶 What to Ask Before Saying “Yes” at the Counter
If you want to avoid accidental upsells or surprise charges, ask these five questions:
-
“What does the basic groom include for my dog’s breed?”
(Breed and coat type change everything.) -
“Will there be any coat condition fees added?”
(Matted fur = automatic extra charge.) -
“Can I request nail grinding only, without a full premium package?”
(Most will say yes — you don’t need the $35 bundle.) -
“Are there any current coupons or first-time discounts?”
(PetSmart almost always has a promo hiding somewhere.) -
“How long will it take?”
(Because time is also money — and stress.)
💸 Example: My Grooming Receipts (So You Can Compare)
| Dog Breed | Package Chosen | Total Cost (before tip) | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schnauzer Mix | Basic + nail grind | $48 | ✅ Yes |
| Golden Retriever | Deluxe (de-shed) | $75 | ✅ Yes |
| Chihuahua | Ultimate (all-in) | $85 | 🚫 Not really |
| Pomeranian | Basic only | $38 | ✅ Yes |
✂️ Pro Tip: You Can Build Your Own Groom
You don’t have to go with a package.
You can say:
“I’ll take the basic bath, but I’d like to add nail grinding and skip the rest.”
Most groomers are happy to customize. You just have to ask. (They’re not trying to trick you — they just default to offering what’s on the menu.)
❤️ Final Thoughts: Groom Smart, Not Guilty
We all want our pets to feel pampered. But you don’t need to spend $100+ every time to be a “good” pet parent.
Choosing the right grooming package isn’t about guilt or glam — it’s about what your dog actually needs, not what the menu says sounds fancy.
So next time you’re at the counter and someone asks you, “Would you like the deluxe package with breath spray?” — smile, breathe, and say:
“No thanks. We’re just here for the basics today.”
And you know what? That’s more than enough.
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