topic Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer? in Pet Lovers

How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

SXMGirl — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:00:08 GMT

I have never had this situation before, because both Darcy and Happy got baths at home and had their nails trimmed at doggie daycare.

Now, Miss Maui needs a full groom, which is not inexpensive, and I am wondering how much to tip. Suggestions please!

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

bonappetit — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:07:18 GMT

The norm for tips: 15-20% for most services? The same with dog groomers.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Zips — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:26:39 GMT

To groom my dog always costs me $75.00. I used to pay the groomer 15% tip. However, I was not always happy with the job she did so, I knocked the tip down to an even $10.00 and would address the issue(s) at the next visit because she was usually at lunch when I picked him up. My dog got a grooming every 4 weeks and, he had a simple straight forward easy haircut and, was a perfect gentlemen throughout the process. I always gave him a bath twice in between groomings so he was always pretty clean. As much as I’m visiting the groomer, I have seen other dog owners not give the groomers a tip at all. Honestly, I believe you should tip but, the amount should be your choice. I always felt that if I gave a decent tip, the groomer would always be attentive to my dog. I also feel it should be a minimum of 10%. Please forgive the length of my answer but, I feel that you should know the reason behind my tipping amount. I’m hoping my answer helps.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

SXMGirl — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:35:13 GMT

@ZipsThanks. I am having the owner groom her, but I never realized how often it would be needed. I think that I will start with $10 and see how that goes. Maybe $15. This is new territory for me.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

queendiva — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:41:34 GMT

@SXMGirl : how large is your dog? What type of hair?

My dog is well under 20 lbs but has long hair. Complete grooming, including nails clipped, teeth and ears cleaned, costs @ $55.00. I always add a $10.00 tip.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

SXMGirl — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:48:39 GMT

@queendiva Maui is 10 pounds, and she has fur around her face that needs to be trimmed (styled?). I think the grooming package for her is $57, so I think that a $10 tip should be fine.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Zips — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:49:11 GMT

You’re so welcome and, good luck to you! I just lost my fur baby. He was a very large standard poodle, 13 1/2 years old, and a real sweet beauty. Since we did a lot of volunteering together, I always wanted him to be very clean. I also kept him in a short simple cut in an effort to make it easy on myself and, also because I’m not a fan of the continental cut on poodles. He was too manly for that. ;-) And, because of all our volunteering, I never wanted him to smell doggy thus, baths in between grooms. I know that tips are expected but, I expect to get what I pay for and, most importantly, I expect my fur baby to always be treated with a gentle loving attitude. There is nothing worse then taking your dog to a groomer and having him not want to enter through the door. I feel he is the best indicator of a problem. So, trust your instincts and know your dog well. Again, good luck to you!

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Havarti — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:52:25 GMT

I go to the owner/groomer and I always tip 20%. When she was in business with her mom, her mother said you don't need to tip the owner but I really appreciate how kind, gentle and patient she is with my crew (they can be uncooperative with the grooming process at times). I have one little Yorkie that will only recline on the grooming table...she just will not sit up to be clipped or brushed. This kind lady humors their idiosyncrasies and makes them look their best...in spite of themselves. She is worth every penny and I am retired - at that stage where every penny counts and needs to be stretched to the max.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

SXMGirl — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 18:00:56 GMT

@Zips I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our Darcy 18 months ago and I am still not over it. Maui is very sweet, abandoned at age 10, so all of the groomer info is new to me. I do think that she will behave because she is very sweet (has Darcy's personality).

@Havarti Do you stay with your dog during grooming? I plan to, but I have no idea how long it takes. I do know that this facility is cage-free.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

panda1234 — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 18:08:34 GMT

@Zips wrote:
To groom my dog always costs me $75.00. I used to pay the groomer 15% tip. However, I was not always happy with the job she did so, I knocked the tip down to an even $10.00 and would address the issue(s) at the next visit because she was usually at lunch when I picked him up. My dog got a grooming every 4 weeks and, he had a simple straight forward easy haircut and, was a perfect gentlemen throughout the process. I always gave him a bath twice in between groomings so he was always pretty clean. As much as I’m visiting the groomer, I have seen other dog owners not give the groomers a tip at all. Honestly, I believe you should tip but, the amount should be your choice. I always felt that if I gave a decent tip, the groomer would always be attentive to my dog. I also feel it should be a minimum of 10%. Please forgive the length of my answer but, I feel that you should know the reason behind my tipping amount. I’m hoping my answer helps.

@Zips Worked with a groomer and leaving a nice tip does not always mean good service. Unfortunately the dog can not tell you how he was treated.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Zips — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 18:41:51 GMT

Thank you! I’m so sorry for your loss too. They are so much a part of our lives. And, Corby was such a joy, not only for me but, for all those that have known him throughout the years. From all the children that we helped mentor to the adults he brought smiles and laughter to while doing his array of tricks!

As for staying while Maui is groomed. I don’t know really how to answer that because it would be a personal preference. Sometimes our fur babies are better off not seeing you while things are going on. If you could observe the grooming while not being seen by her, I think that might be better. You might want to discuss this with the groomer before you take Maui in for her appointment.

When Corby got groomed, he had the first appointment of the day, always on a Friday. The groomer was to work on him without interruption from other dogs. Sometimes groomers work on a couple dogs at the same time. He was not ever to be caged and always just wandered the room, when finished, until I got there to pick him up. They usually gave me a call about 15 minutes before he was finished to give me adequate drive time. Sometimes they would forget to call me ahead of time but, that was never an issue for Corby as he was so sociable and easy going. But, the minute he knew I was there, he wanted to be with me!

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Zips — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 18:52:29 GMT

He may not be able to verbal,y tell you but, his actions tell a lot and you need to know how to read your dog.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Kachina624 — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 19:05:36 GMT

The last time I had a dog groomed he was a real mess, and I intended to leave a nice tip. I paid by CC and there was no place on the slip for a tip. I asked where to add the tip and was told there was no place, so no tip. I now have 2 dogs that don't need grooming.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Havarti — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 19:15:27 GMT

@SXMGirl

No, I do not stay with them. It seems to give them hope I will pick them up & and take them away rather than be groomed. I leave her in charge of them and she does not feel pressured that I am watching her every move and/or feeling like I am hurrying her. I care more that the dogs are happy and not stressed than how they look. My goal is to get them clean, shorten their fur and have the "rear-end" (it won't let me say the word) glands drained - not so much for the oooooohs & ahhhhhhs of others. Fortunately she always makes them look great. I usually have her call me 30 minutes before they will be done. That way if I am in the middle of something I have time to finish and still get there without them having to wait. It runs about 1 1/2 - 2 hours per dog (usually 1 1/2) - sometimes a little less.

I take their carrier with a blanket in it and leave it so they hang out in there - it gives them a sense of home and I hope a knowing that I will be back for them. Hope that helps.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Spacrazy — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 20:11:38 GMT

@SXMGirl : I’m not sure how helpful I can be because I have used the same groomer for all of my nine year old Westie’s life. It didn’t take long to notice that in the beginning the more gratuity the shorter his grooming time. We have a “standing” appointment every six weeks at 9:00 a.m. and she’s usually done by 10:30 a.m. and he doesn’t go in a kennel. There is no doubt in my mind that she cares for my little man. Can’t put a price tag on that!

p.s. at Christmas I don’t mess with gifts or gift cards I put cash in a handwritten sentimental card and that’s that. I love our relationship.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

chrystaltree — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 20:14:23 GMT

15-20% Just like you would tip anyone else.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

SXMGirl — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 20:36:52 GMT

Thank you all for your replies. I will be making an appointment for Maui next week and hope that all goes well. I just remember when I took Darcy for her first bath after getting her. For some reason, I returned and saw them pulling her on one of those leads that are used by dog catchers. Darcy was terrified and I grabbed her and got her out of there asap. Never again for her. I did all of her bathing.

For Maui, since she needs real grooming, I am taking her to a highly-respected and well reviewed place.

Thanks again, everyone!

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

NEvans2 — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 21:22:16 GMT

I recently had to get a new groomer. Our Springer Spaniel, Zeke, has been going to the same groomer for 10 1/2 years. Our groomer retired. I got a couple opinions from other people and ended up taking him to the groomer my daughter uses. I was really nervous, as Zeke loved the previous groomer. I never stay because I think the dog does better when Mom isn't there. They did a wonderful job and charged me the same as the old groomer, $45. I tipped $10. They said Zeke was a really good boy. I will definitely go back.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

nightnurse — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 14:59:53 GMT

The dog grooming is $55 and I always give her $10 in cash for a tip.

Re: How Much To Tip Dog Groomer?

Warrior2022 — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 21:39:41 GMT

I am trying a mobile groomer as I type this. She is also the owner. In my old state I tipped 15-20 on a 50 buck tab. This lady told me 45-55. So I guess I will decide after I see him!

It ended up being 60 and I gave her 15.