Dog grooming cost Melbourne varies more than most owners expect before they start ringing around. According to the Animal Medicines Australia 2025 Pets in Australia report, grooming is one of the top discretionary expenses for Australian dog owners, and Melbourne’s density of grooming salons means prices are genuinely competitive, but that doesn’t mean they’re cheap. A small breed in a basic salon in Footscray might cost $60. The same dog in a boutique studio in South Yarra? Closer to $110.
Dog grooming cost Melbourne typically runs $55–$85 for small breeds, $75–$115 for medium dogs, and $95–$165 for large or thick-coated breeds. Inner-city suburbs like Fitzroy and South Yarra sit at the higher end; outer areas like Cranbourne or Werribee are noticeably cheaper. Mobile grooming adds $15–$35 on top of salon rates.
That price spread is what this guide is actually about. Not the lowest-possible figure a groomer quotes to get you in the door, but what you’ll realistically pay for a decent job in 2026.
What you’ll typically pay for dog grooming in Melbourne in 2026
Melbourne grooming rates have climbed roughly 8–12% since 2024, mostly driven by higher business rents and minimum wage increases. The Australian Veterinary Association has flagged that pet service costs broadly are rising faster than general inflation, and grooming is no exception.
Here’s the state-by-state comparison so you can see where Melbourne sits nationally:
| State | Average Cost (Full Groom) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $97 | $65 – $155 |
| VIC | $91 | $55 – $150 |
| QLD | $84 | $50 – $130 |
| WA | $88 | $55 – $140 |
| SA | $79 | $48 – $120 |
| TAS | $74 | $45 – $110 |
| ACT | $95 | $62 – $148 |
| NT | $82 | $52 – $125 |
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Melbourne sits mid-table nationally, cheaper than Sydney but pricier than Brisbane or Adelaide. That said, inner-Melbourne suburbs easily match or beat Sydney’s rates. A Labradoodle groom in Fitzroy will set you back $115–$140. Same service in Geelong? More like $80–$100.
These are full-groom prices. If you’re only after a bath and dry, knock 30–40% off the figures above. A bath-only for a medium dog in Melbourne runs $40–$65 at most salons.
If you’re considering mobile grooming instead of a salon, the difference between mobile and salon dog grooming costs is worth understanding before you commit either way.
Where the money actually goes: what drives dog grooming cost Melbourne
Suburb and business rent
This is probably the single biggest variable. A grooming salon in Prahran or Richmond is paying $4,000–$8,000 per month in rent. A suburban salon in Cranbourne or Werribee might pay a third of that. That difference flows directly into pricing. You’ll pay 20–35% more in inner Melbourne for what is often a very similar service. Worth knowing, especially if you’re mobile enough to travel 15 minutes for a $30–$40 saving.
Coat condition and matting
A Border Collie with a well-maintained coat in Hawthorn might cost $95 to groom. The same dog brought in every 12 weeks with significant matting? That’s $120–$145 once the de-matting surcharge is applied, and some groomers will simply shave the coat down rather than spend the time. Brushing weekly with a quality slicker brush is genuinely the cheapest thing you can do to keep grooming costs predictable.
Breed and coat type
A Chihuahua takes 45–60 minutes. A Bernese Mountain Dog takes 2.5–3.5 hours. You’re paying for labour time, not just the end result. Doodle breeds are the worst value in this sense: their coats are dense and prone to matting, which means longer sessions and more frequent visits. A Groodle in Melbourne averages $115–$140 per groom, every 6–8 weeks. That’s $750–$1,200 per year just in grooming.
Mobile vs salon
Mobile grooming in Melbourne adds roughly $15–$35 to the equivalent salon price. The convenience is real, and anxious dogs often do better in a quiet van than in a busy salon. For a small-to-medium dog, expect $85–$120 for mobile grooming versus $65–$95 at a salon. Larger breeds in mobile vans can run $130–$165. Check our breakdown of mobile vs salon grooming prices across Australia for a fuller comparison.
Add-ons and extras
The base quote isn’t always what you pay. Common Melbourne add-ons include anal gland expression ($15–$22), teeth brushing ($12–$20), flea treatment ($15–$30), and de-shedding treatments ($20–$40). A basic $80 groom can quietly become $120 with a couple of extras. Ask what’s included before you drop the dog off, not after you pick them up.
Keeping on top of dental health separately can also reduce costs at both the groomer and the vet. See what professional pet dental cleaning costs in Australia if you’re looking at the bigger picture of your dog’s care budget.
Questions to ask before you book
Is the price a flat rate or does it change on the day?
Some Melbourne groomers quote a base rate and adjust it once they see the dog’s coat condition in person. That’s not dodgy, but you want to know upfront. Ask: “Will the price change if the coat is in worse condition than expected, and by how much?” A good groomer will give you a range, not a hard answer either way.
How long will the appointment take?
Grooming a medium dog typically takes 1.5–2.5 hours; larger breeds can be 3–4 hours. If a groomer says they’ll do your large breed in 45 minutes, that’s worth questioning. Rushed grooms mean stressed dogs and patchy results. Ask for an estimate and plan your day around it.
What happens if my dog is difficult or anxious?
Reactive or anxious dogs take longer to groom safely. Some Melbourne groomers charge $15–$30 extra for difficult dogs; others won’t handle them at all. Better to disclose this upfront than have the groomer call you 20 minutes in. Ask if they have experience with anxious dogs and what their approach is.
Are the de-matting and nail-trim included in the quote?
At many salons, nail clips and ear cleaning are included in a full groom. De-matting is almost never included. Anal gland expression and teeth brushing usually aren’t either. Get a specific list of what’s in the price so you can compare quotes properly.
How do you handle dogs who don’t tolerate drying?
Force-drying (blast dryers) is fast but stressful for some dogs. Cage drying is slower. Some boutique Melbourne groomers towel-dry and use low-heat dryers for anxious dogs. This matters less for confident breeds, but if your dog has had a bad experience before, ask specifically.
Do you accept walk-ins or is it appointment only?
Most decent Melbourne salons are appointment-only, especially in busy inner suburbs. If a salon always has immediate availability, ask why. High turnover and low wait times can mean low quality or high staff churn. A 1–2 week wait at a reputable groomer is normal and usually worth it.
Common mistakes Melbourne dog owners make when booking a groomer
- Choosing purely on price. The cheapest quote in your suburb isn’t always poor quality, but salons undercutting by $25–$40 are often cutting corners somewhere: faster sessions, lower-quality products, or overcrowded appointments. Check Google reviews for photos of actual groom results, not just star ratings.
- Waiting too long between grooms for high-maintenance breeds. Doodle owners are the worst for this. Stretching a Groodle to 14–16 weeks between grooms almost guarantees a de-matting surcharge or a shave-down, plus a longer (read: more expensive) session. At $115–$140 a pop, it’s cheaper to go every 7–8 weeks.
- Not factoring in add-ons when comparing prices. A salon quoting $75 with anal gland expression, nail grinding, and ear flush included is better value than one quoting $70 for a bath and trim only. Build the full list of inclusions before deciding.
- Skipping post-groom maintenance. Brushing a couple of times a week dramatically extends how long a groom looks good, keeps matting away, and means you can stretch appointments without paying a condition surcharge. It’s 10 minutes, not a commitment. Using a professional-grade dog shampoo at home between visits also keeps the coat in better shape.
For dogs that need other care between grooms, you might also want to look at the cost of dog vaccinations in Australia or what dog boarding costs if you travel regularly. These all add up fast when you’re budgeting for a dog annually. The MoneySmart pet ownership guide has a useful total-cost breakdown for new owners trying to see the full picture.
And if you have a cat that also needs grooming, cat grooming prices in Australia are a separate beast worth checking separately.
Frequently asked questions about dog grooming cost Melbourne
How much does dog grooming cost in Melbourne on average?
Most Melbourne dog owners pay $65–$115 per session for a full groom. Small breeds like Shih Tzus and Maltese sit toward $65–$90; larger or thicker-coated dogs like Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs push $115–$165. Inner-city salons charge more than outer-suburban ones.
How often should I get my dog groomed in Melbourne?
It depends on the breed. Poodles, Doodles, and Bichon Frises need grooming every 6–8 weeks or their coats mat badly. Short-haired breeds like Beagles or Boxers can go 10–12 weeks between full grooms. A bath-only visit in between costs $35–$60 and stretches time between full grooms.
Is mobile dog grooming in Melbourne worth the extra cost?
For anxious dogs or owners without a car, yes. Mobile groomers typically charge $15–$35 more than salons for the same service, but many dogs are less stressed in a van than in a salon with other animals barking. It’s also useful if you live somewhere like Doncaster or Keilor where parking a van near your house is easy.
What’s included in a standard dog groom in Melbourne?
A full groom usually includes a bath, blow-dry, brush-out, haircut or trim, ear cleaning, and nail clip. Some salons include anal gland expression; many charge $10–$20 extra. De-shedding treatments, teeth brushing, and flea treatment are almost always add-ons.
Why does my groomer charge more for a matted coat?
Dealing with matting takes significantly longer and sometimes requires the dog to be fully shaved down rather than groomed normally. Melbourne groomers typically add a $20–$50 de-matting surcharge. If the coat is severely matted, the dog may also need two appointments.
People Also Ask About Dog Grooming Cost Melbourne
Do Melbourne dog groomers charge more in summer?
Some do, though it’s not universal. Summer means more bookings, especially around Christmas, and some groomers charge peak-season rates or have longer waiting lists. Book 2–3 weeks ahead in November and December to avoid missing out or paying a last-minute premium.
Can I drop off my dog for grooming without a booking in Melbourne?
Most Melbourne grooming salons work by appointment only. Walk-ins are occasionally accepted at quieter times (mid-week, early morning), but you risk a long wait or a flat no. Busy salons in areas like Richmond or St Kilda are often booked 1–2 weeks out.
Are there cheap dog grooming schools in Melbourne where students practice?
Yes. Several Melbourne TAFE campuses and private grooming schools offer discounted grooms by student groomers. Prices can be as low as $30–$50 for a full groom, though you’ll need patience as it takes longer and results vary. It’s best for calm, easy-going dogs rather than anxious or reactive ones.
What dog breeds cost the most to groom in Melbourne?
Bernese Mountain Dogs, Samoyeds, Chow Chows, and Standard Poodles consistently come in at the high end, often $120–$165 per session. Doodle breeds (Labradoodles, Groodles) also run high because of their dense, curly coats that mat easily. Short-haired breeds like Staffies and Whippets are the cheapest.
Is it cheaper to groom my dog at a self-wash station in Melbourne?
Self-wash stations at places like pet stores or standalone dog-wash businesses charge $15–$30 for 20–30 minutes of use, including shampoo and a dryer. That’s much cheaper than a professional groom, but you’re doing the work yourself and it doesn’t include a haircut. Good option for short-haired breeds between professional appointments.
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Dog grooming cost Melbourne is one of those ongoing expenses that sneaks up on you if you don’t plan for it. A Groodle owner going every 7 weeks at $125 per groom is spending close to $930 a year just on grooming. Not including the extras. Knowing the real rates, what drives them, and where you can reasonably cut costs without sacrificing quality is genuinely useful. If you’re budgeting across your dog’s full care needs, also check out dog desexing costs in Australia and the cost of puppy school if you’re in the early stages with a new dog. The costs compound quickly, and knowing them upfront makes a real difference.
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