Labradoodle grooming cost Australia is one of the more searched pet care expenses for a reason: these dogs are high-maintenance compared to most breeds, and the bills add up faster than many new owners expect. According to Animal Medicines Australia’s 2025 Pets in Australia report, grooming is among the fastest-rising pet care costs nationwide, and Labradoodles sit squarely at the expensive end of that spectrum.
Labradoodle grooming cost Australia sits between $80 and $180 per full groom in 2026. Medium Labradoodles with a wavy fleece coat are at the lower end; large dogs with thick, curly wool coats hit the higher range. Sydney and Melbourne groomers charge more than regional areas, often by $20–$40 per visit.
In 2026, a full professional groom for a Labradoodle runs $80–$180 per session, with most dogs in the $95–$140 range. That’s not a small amount, especially when you’re booking every 6–8 weeks. Here’s what you’re actually paying for and where the price goes up.
What you’ll typically pay across Australia in 2026
Prices vary more than most people realise. A medium Labradoodle with a tidy wavy coat in a suburban Brisbane salon might cost $90–$110. The same dog in Surry Hills or Fitzroy with a denser curly coat could easily be $130–$155. Regional towns are usually cheaper again, sometimes by $25–$40.
The table below reflects full groom pricing (bath, blow-dry, clip, ear clean, nail trim) for a standard medium Labradoodle in reasonable coat condition.
| State | Average Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $130 | $95 – $175 |
| VIC | $125 | $90 – $165 |
| QLD | $115 | $85 – $155 |
| WA | $120 | $88 – $160 |
| SA | $110 | $82 – $145 |
| TAS | $105 | $80 – $140 |
| ACT | $122 | $90 – $158 |
| NT | $112 | $85 – $148 |
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The dematting surcharge is the one that catches people off guard. A Labradoodle that hasn’t been brushed regularly can arrive at the groomer in a state where dematting alone takes an extra 45–60 minutes. That’s an extra $30–$60 on top of the base price, sometimes more.
Ear plucking is another one worth noting. Labradoodles often have hair growing inside the ear canal, which some groomers consider standard care and others charge for separately. Worth asking when you book.
Why labradoodle grooming costs more than most breeds
Five factors genuinely move the price on these dogs. Understanding them helps you predict your costs and, in some cases, control them.
- Coat type: There are three main Labradoodle coat types. Wool (tight curls, like a Poodle) is the most expensive to groom because it mats quickly and takes longer to work through. Fleece (wavy) is more manageable. Hair type (straighter, more like a Labrador) is the cheapest. Most Labradoodles have fleece or wool coats, which is why they cost more than average. a quality slicker brush used daily makes a real difference to coat condition before appointments.
- Size: A miniature Labradoodle (under 10kg) runs $75–$110 for a full groom. A standard Labradoodle (25–35kg) is $120–$180. More dog means more time, more product and more effort. Straightforward.
- Coat condition on arrival: A matted dog is simply more expensive to groom. No groomer will work through severe matting without charging for the extra time, and they’re right not to. If the matting is bad enough, they’ll recommend a shave-down instead, which costs roughly the same but leaves the dog short for months.
- Location: As shown in the table above, metro prices outpace regional ones consistently. A groomer in Fremantle will charge more than one in Bunbury. That’s partly rent, partly labour costs, partly the higher average income in urban areas. Fair Work Ombudsman wage data confirms that award wages for pet groomers apply nationally, but market rates in high-cost areas push well above that floor.
- Frequency of grooming: Dogs that come in every 5–6 weeks take less time to groom than dogs that arrive every 12 weeks in a state of chaos. Regular clients often get slightly better rates or at least never pay dematting surcharges. a good detangling spray between washes also helps keep coat condition stable.
If you’re also managing other pet care costs, it’s worth reviewing what dog boarding typically costs in Australia and budgeting grooming alongside it rather than treating them separately.
How to bring the cost down
The most effective thing you can do is brush your Labradoodle every single day. Yes, every day. It takes about 5 minutes with the right brush, and it directly prevents the dematting surcharges that inflate bills. Over a year, that alone can save $100–$300. Not bad for a daily chore.
Book on a consistent schedule rather than waiting until the dog obviously needs a groom. Groomers work through regular clients faster because the coat is predictable. Some offer loyalty pricing after a few visits too, though this is more common at independent salons than franchise groomers.
Ask for a clipper cut rather than a full scissor finish. A teddy bear cut done mostly with clippers takes less time than a hand-scissored finish and often looks nearly as good on a family dog. The price difference is typically $20–$35 per visit. Over 8 visits a year, that’s $160–$280 saved.
Consider doing your own maintenance trims between grooms. Keeping the face, paws and around the sanitary area tidy at home extends the time between full professional grooms from 6 weeks to 8 weeks. That removes roughly 2 appointments from your annual calendar, saving $160–$360 depending on your groomer’s rates.
If your dog is anxious and you’ve been using a mobile groomer for the convenience, consider whether a calm, well-run salon might work. Mobile grooming is worth the premium for dogs that genuinely struggle with the salon environment, but if your dog’s fine either way, you’re paying $30–$50 extra per visit for no real benefit.
Also think about the other ongoing costs of dog ownership. Staying on top of annual vaccination costs and factoring in things like pet dental cleaning expenses gives you a clearer picture of total outlay across the year.
The MoneySmart pet ownership cost guide has a useful framework for budgeting recurring pet costs if you want to map it all out properly.
Frequently asked questions about Labradoodle grooming costs
How much does it cost to groom a Labradoodle in Australia?
A full groom for a Labradoodle in Australia typically costs $80–$180 in 2026. Medium dogs with a manageable wavy coat sit closer to $80–$110. Large dogs, especially those with dense woolly coats or any matting, can push $130–$180 or more. Sydney and Melbourne prices are generally $20–$40 higher than regional towns.
How often does a Labradoodle need professional grooming?
Every 6–8 weeks is the standard recommendation for most Labradoodles. Dogs with tighter curly coats may need it closer to every 5–6 weeks to prevent matting. If you’re brushing daily at home, you might stretch it to 8–10 weeks, but pushing past that risks coat problems that cost more to fix.
Why is Labradoodle grooming more expensive than other breeds?
Labradoodles have thick, often curly or wavy coats that take significantly longer to groom than short-haired breeds. A groom can take 2–3 hours depending on coat condition. Groomers charge for time, and a matted coat adds even more. It’s genuinely more labour-intensive work, so the higher price is justified.
Does coat type affect Labradoodle grooming prices?
Yes, significantly. Woolly curly coats are the most expensive to groom because they mat more easily and take longer to work through. Wavy fleece coats are more forgiving and generally cheaper. Hair-type coats (which are less common) are closest to standard dog coats and attract the lowest grooming prices.
Is mobile dog grooming a good option for Labradoodles?
It can be, especially for anxious dogs. Mobile groomers typically charge $120–$200 for a Labradoodle, which is $30–$50 more than salon rates on average. The trade-off is less stress for the dog and no travel time for you. Worth considering if your Labradoodle gets anxious in salon environments.
People Also Ask About Labradoodle Grooming Cost Australia
What happens if you don’t groom a Labradoodle regularly?
The coat mats badly, sometimes all the way down to the skin. At that point, shaving the dog is the only humane option, which costs more and leaves the dog looking quite different from what owners expect. Severe matting can also cause skin infections underneath. The $80–$180 every 6–8 weeks is genuinely cheaper than dealing with the consequences of skipping it.
Can I groom my Labradoodle at home to save money?
Partially, yes. Bathing and basic brushing at home is manageable for most owners. Full scissor cuts and clipper work take real skill, though, and a bad cut can take months to grow out. Most owners do best with home maintenance brushing plus a professional groom every 6–8 weeks, rather than trying to replace professional grooms entirely.
Do Labradoodles need a specific grooming style?
There’s no single required style, but most owners go for a teddy bear cut or puppy cut. These keep the coat short enough to manage but still leave the characteristic fluffy Labradoodle look. Groomers familiar with doodle breeds will know these styles. If you want something specific, bring a reference photo.
How long does a Labradoodle groom take?
Expect 2–3 hours for a full groom on a medium to large Labradoodle in good coat condition. A dog with matting or a particularly thick coat can take 3–4 hours. Most groomers ask you to drop off and collect a couple of hours later rather than waiting. Some offer express appointments for an additional $15–$25.
Are Labradoodle grooming costs tax-deductible in Australia?
Generally, no. Pet grooming is a personal expense and isn’t tax-deductible for most Australians. The exception would be if your Labradoodle is a registered assistance or therapy dog used in a professional capacity. In that case, grooming costs may form part of a legitimate work-related deduction, but you’d need to discuss this with your accountant.
If you have other pets at home, the cost of professional cat grooming in Australia is worth knowing. And if you’re looking at the full picture of what a dog costs annually, check out what puppy training costs and desexing prices look like in 2026 too.
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Labradoodle grooming cost Australia genuinely sits at the higher end of the dog grooming spectrum, and that’s not likely to change. These coats need work. But with consistent home brushing, a regular booking schedule and a groomer who knows the breed, $95–$130 every 6–8 weeks is a manageable and predictable expense rather than a nasty surprise.
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