A good groomer is one who’s clear about price, gentle with your dog, and honest about what a cut will actually look like. Here’s how to weigh up your local options without guessing from star ratings.
Based on each salon’s own website, updated 20 Jun 2026.
What to look for
- Clear pricing. Does the salon publish prices, or only “call for a quote”? Price depends on size, coat and condition — but a good groomer can give a ballpark up front.
- Salon or mobile? Mobile groomers come to you and are calmer for anxious dogs; salons often cost less and handle bigger dogs or full clips.
- Handling. How do they manage nervous dogs, matting, or a dog that’s never been groomed? Force-free, no-sedation handling is worth asking about.
- The right services. Full groom, bath & tidy, de-shedding, hand-stripping and nail clipping are different jobs — check they do the one your breed needs.
- Vaccination rules. Many salons ask for proof of vaccination, the same as boarding — have it ready.
By suburb — with prices where listed→
Questions worth asking
When you call, ask what a full groom costs for your breed and size, what’s included (nails, ears, teeth?), how they handle a nervous dog, and how long the appointment takes. A groomer who answers plainly — and shows you photos of breeds like yours — is usually one worth keeping.
Common questions
How much does dog grooming cost?
It depends on your dog’s size, coat and condition. We pull the real prices each salon publishes so you can check up front — see how dog grooming is priced.
Is a higher star rating a better groomer?
Not on its own. A 5.0 from three reviews tells you less than a 4.6 from four hundred. We show what each salon publishes — services and prices — not stars. Here’s how.