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A real-world Perth example: the Groodle at the Fremantle groomer
To make this concrete: a friend in Fremantle has a medium Groodle (about 18kg) on a 7-week grooming schedule. Her regular groomer charges $115 for a full groom, bath, blow-dry, haircut, ear clean, nail clip. The same groomer charges $72 for her neighbour’s Beagle. That $43 gap reflects coat complexity more than anything else.
If she booked the same Groodle with a mobile groomer in Fremantle, she’d likely pay $135–$150. Convenient, but she reckons the salon does a more thorough job. Worth comparing for your own dog.
Grooming costs by dog size and coat type
Size and coat type together set the floor on what you’ll pay. Here’s how Perth groomers typically structure their pricing, these figures reflect what I’ve seen quoted across suburbs including Joondalup, Victoria Park and Wembley.
| Dog Type | Example Breeds | Typical Perth Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small, short coat | Jack Russell, Chihuahua, Staffy | $55 – $75 |
| Small, long/curly coat | Maltese, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle | $70 – $95 |
| Medium, short coat | Beagle, Dalmatian, Boxer | $65 – $88 |
| Medium, double/fluffy coat | Border Collie, Groodle, Cocker Spaniel | $90 – $120 |
| Large, short coat | Labrador, Weimaraner | $75 – $105 |
| Large, thick/double coat | Golden Retriever, Husky, Samoyed | $110 – $145 |
The big jump happens between medium double-coated breeds and large thick-coated ones. A Husky in full winter coat will test a groomer’s patience and their equipment. Don’t be surprised if a Samoyed groom in Subiaco hits $145 or slightly above.
Where the money actually goes
Coat condition and matting
This is the single biggest price variable, and most owners don’t realise it until they’re handed a higher invoice. A Border Collie brought in regularly with a well-brushed coat might cost $97 per session in Perth. The same dog arriving with significant matting will trigger a de-matting surcharge of $25–$55 on top. In bad cases, the groomer will recommend a full shave-down to avoid putting the dog through painful detangling, that’s not a rip-off, it’s genuinely the kinder call. A good deshedding brush for dogs used weekly makes a real difference here.
Breed and coat type
Labour time drives the price more than almost anything else. A short-haired Labrador needs a bath, blow-dry and light brush, about 45 minutes total. A Standard Poodle with a scissored trim takes 2.5–3 hours. Perth groomers generally price for time, so a Poodle groom at $130 isn’t gouging, it’s reflecting real hours spent. You’ll also pay more for double-coated breeds like Huskies and Malamutes, even for a basic wash, because the undercoat takes serious blow-dry time to dry thoroughly in Perth’s humidity.
Location within Perth
Groomers in Subiaco, Cottesloe and Mount Lawley run higher overheads and price accordingly. A full groom that costs $115 in Fremantle might be $85–$90 in Midland, Armadale or Rockingham. For large breeds on a regular schedule, that’s a real difference. Worth driving an extra 15 kilometres if you’re paying for a $125 groom every 6 weeks.
Mobile vs salon grooming
Mobile dog grooming in Perth adds roughly $20–$35 to the base salon rate. The upside is convenience and a calmer experience for anxious dogs. If your dog gets stressed in a busy salon environment, the premium may actually save you money versus the alternative (sedation at a vet). Check out our breakdown of mobile dog grooming versus salon prices across Australia if you’re weighing up the options.
Add-on services
Most Perth salons price the groom as a base, then add specific services. Common add-ons include: teeth brushing ($12–$22), flea or tick treatment ($15–$30), de-shedding treatment ($20–$40), and cologne or conditioning treatment ($8–$18). A basic groom at $75 can become $110–$115 once you’ve nodded along to a few extras at drop-off. Decide in advance what you actually want, not in the moment.
Questions to ask before you book
Is the price a flat rate or does it change on the day?
Some Perth groomers quote a starting price and adjust based on what they find when your dog arrives. That’s not necessarily wrong, but you should know upfront. Ask: “Is this the final price, or could it change if my dog’s coat is in a certain condition?” A fixed quote is always preferable for budget certainty.
How long will my dog be there?
This matters more than people realise. Some salons batch appointments and your dog may be kennelled waiting between steps for 3–4 hours. Others do cage-free appointments where your dog is attended to continuously for 1–1.5 hours and then collected. If your dog is anxious, ask specifically about their process.
What does the standard groom include, and what costs extra?
A “full groom” at one salon might include nail grinding, ear plucking and teeth brushing as standard. At another, those are $10–$20 add-ons each. Get a clear list of what’s included before agreeing to the price, or you’ll be surprised at checkout.
Do you have experience with my breed?
Breed-specific cuts (Schnauzer patterns, Poodle clips, Westie trims) require real experience. A groomer who says “we do all breeds” is fine for a basic trim, but if you want a specific style maintained correctly, ask how many of your breed they see per month. Lack of experience shows up in the finished result.
What’s your policy if my dog is difficult to handle?
Some dogs bite, wriggle or just refuse to cooperate. Some groomers charge a handling fee ($15–$30) for difficult dogs; others will simply decline future bookings. Know the policy upfront so there are no awkward conversations after the fact.
Are you insured and do you hold any grooming qualifications?
Australia has no mandatory licensing for dog groomers, which honestly is a problem. Ask whether they hold any certification through a body like the Pet Industry Association of Australia and whether they carry public liability insurance. Most reputable Perth groomers do; the ones who get cagey about it are worth avoiding.
Common mistakes that inflate your bill
- Skipping regular grooming then expecting standard pricing: A dog that hasn’t been groomed in six months will almost always attract a de-matting surcharge or a coat-condition fee. Irregular visits cost more per session than a consistent schedule.
- Booking a full groom when a wash would do: If your short-haired dog just needs a bath and brush, ask for that specifically. Full groom pricing for a dog that doesn’t need a haircut is money left on the table.
- Not asking about add-ons upfront: Drop-off is not the time to make decisions about extras. Decide what you want beforehand so you’re not nodding along under time pressure.
- Choosing the cheapest option without checking reviews: A $45 groom from an uncertified backyard groomer sounds appealing until your dog comes home stressed, nicked or with an uneven clip. Check Google reviews and ask for before-and-after photos for your breed.
If you have cats as well, it’s worth knowing that cat grooming costs in Australia follow a similar pricing logic but with a few key differences. And while you’re reviewing your pet care budget, it’s worth checking whether your dog’s dog vaccination costs and pet dental cleaning are also up to date, groomers often spot early signs of dental issues or skin problems that warrant a vet check. The Australian Veterinary Association has flagged that many Australians are cutting back on pet care due to cost pressures, but routine grooming is one area where skipping it genuinely creates bigger bills down the track.
Other related costs worth budgeting for: dog boarding in Australia if you travel, and puppy school costs if you have a new dog that still needs some handling training before grooming appointments become less of a battle. For dog owners who spend a lot on maintenance, keeping a set of professional dog nail clippers at home genuinely reduces your grooming bill over time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does dog grooming cost in Perth?
Most Perth dog owners pay $55–$145 per session in 2026. Small short-haired breeds sit at the lower end ($55–$75), medium breeds with manageable coats run $75–$105, and large or thick-coated breeds hit $110–$145. Mobile grooming adds $20–$35 on top.
How often should I get my dog groomed in Perth?
Most groomers recommend every 6–8 weeks for breeds that need regular clipping (Poodles, Maltese, Groodles). Short-haired breeds can go every 10–12 weeks or just get a bath and brush. Perth’s hot summers mean many owners go more frequently to keep coats short and dogs comfortable.
Is mobile dog grooming worth the extra cost in Perth?
For anxious dogs or owners without easy transport, yes. Mobile groomers in Perth typically charge $20–$35 more than salons, but you save the trip and your dog avoids a noisy salon environment. Worth it if your dog gets stressed in busy settings.
What’s included in a standard dog groom in Perth?
A standard full groom usually covers bath, blow-dry, brush-out, haircut or trim, ear cleaning, and nail clip. Add-ons like teeth brushing, flea treatments, de-shedding treatments or scissoring complex patterns cost extra, typically $10–$35 per add-on.
Are Perth dog grooming prices higher than other Australian cities?
Perth prices are broadly in line with Brisbane and Adelaide, and sit around 10–15% below Sydney and Melbourne inner-suburb rates. That said, grooming in Subiaco or Cottesloe will cost more than the same service out in Midland or Rockingham.
People Also Ask About Dog Grooming Cost Perth
Do Perth groomers charge more in summer?
Some do, yes. Perth’s summer demand spikes because owners want dogs clipped short before the heat hits. A handful of popular groomers in inner suburbs like Subiaco and Mount Lawley add a peak-season surcharge of $10–$20 between November and February, or simply have longer wait times. Book ahead if you want a slot before Christmas.
How do I find a reputable dog groomer in Perth?
Word of mouth from other dog owners in your suburb is genuinely the best filter. Google reviews are useful but watch for patterns, consistent complaints about anxious dogs or rushed appointments matter more than a single bad review. Ask to see the grooming area before leaving your dog the first time. A well-run salon won’t hesitate.
Can I get my puppy groomed in Perth and at what age?
Most Perth groomers will take puppies from 12–16 weeks, after their second vaccination. The first visit is usually a short ‘puppy introduction’ session (bath, blow-dry, light tidy) for around $45–$65, the goal is familiarising the pup, not a full clip. Check your groomer’s vaccination requirements before booking.
What happens if my dog is matted when I bring them to a Perth groomer?
Groomers typically charge a de-matting fee on top of the standard groom price, anywhere from $20 to $60 depending on severity. In bad cases, the groomer may advise shaving the coat entirely rather than working through the mats, which is less stressful for the dog. Regular brushing at home is the only real way to avoid this.
Is there a difference between a dog wash and a full dog groom in Perth?
Yes, and the price difference is significant. A dog wash (bath, blow-dry, brush) runs $40–$70 in Perth. A full groom adds a haircut, styling, ear cleaning and nail clip, pushing the price to $75–$145. Short-haired breeds often only need the wash; double-coated or curly-coated breeds generally need the full service.
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Dog grooming cost Perth is genuinely manageable if you go in with realistic expectations and a bit of preparation. Keep your dog’s coat brushed between visits, pick a groomer who has real experience with your breed, and decide on add-ons before you drop off rather than at the counter. For most Perth owners, budgeting $85–$110 per session every 6–8 weeks is a fair working estimate. More if you have a Samoyed. Significantly less if you have a Staffy.
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