Pet Lovers

[SXMGirl]

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!

[bonappetit]

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

[Zips]

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.

[SXMGirl]

@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.

[queendiva]

@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.

[SXMGirl]

@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.

[Zips]

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!

[Havarti]

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.

[SXMGirl]

@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.

[panda1234]

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@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.

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@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.