The best dog groomers near you

Reviewed by Dr Jill McMaster BVM&S MBA MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon and in-house expert at BorrowMyDoggy on 7 June 2023

Do you have a fuzzy friend at home who needs regular grooming? If so, it's vital to find a groomer that you can trust. Every groomer is different, so it's impawtant to do your research before selecting the best groomer for you and your puppy pal. Here’s some top tips on how to find the best dog groomers near you.

Overview of guide:

Find your local dog groomer

How to find the perfect dog groomer

Mobile dog groomers

FAQs

Find your area in the map or list below for local dog groomers:

How to find the pawfect dog groomer for your pooch?

When it comes to finding the best dog groomer for you, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

You want to make sure that the groomer is experienced and qualified.
You also want to know about their grooming methods and whether they use any harsh chemicals or tools.
You'll want to find a groomer who is gentle and patient with dogs. They should be able to handle even the most bouncy pup without losing their cool.
It's also important to find a groomer who is available when you are, so you can fit regular grooms with them into your schedule.

Flossie the Bichon Frise standing on the groomer’s table showing off her new do — Flossie the Bichon Frise

So how do you find these wagnificent groomers?

Ask your friends and family for recommendations

Chances are, someone you know has already taken their dog to a local groomer and can give you a good idea of what to expect. Once you've got a few names, do some research to find out more about each one or have a look at our list below. Check online reviews, call to ask about prices and policies, and even visit groomers in person if possible. The most important thing is to find a dog groomer that you feel comfortable with and that you know will take good care of your dog.

Read and leave reviews

When it comes to dog grooming, you want to make sure you're entrusting your furry friend to the best possible person. But with so many dog groomers out there, how can you be sure you're choosing the right one? A great way to narrow down your options is to read reviews from other dog owners.

Make sure to leave your own reviews too, if you’ve had good/bad experiences so you can help other pups find the best beauty treatments.

Contact the groomers to ask about their experience and training

The best way to ask about their experience and training is to contact the groomers themselves!

This can be done in person, through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, or even through email or a phone call.

Many dog groomers are more than happy to chat with potential customers about their experience and qualifications. By taking the time to contact the dog groomers directly, dog owners can be more confident that they are finding the best possible match for their beloved pet.

A good dog groomer will have plenty of experience dealing with all types of dogs and coats. They should be able to give you a rundown of the different grooming services they offer, and how often your dog will need them. They should also be able to answer any questions you have about the process.

As far as training goes, most dog groomers will have taken some kind of course or certification. Unfortunately, there isn’t one standard qualification every groomer has, but making sure they have a qualification in dog grooming and dog first aid is a good start! This shows that they know the ins and outs of dog grooming, and can safely handle even the most difficult jobs. If your dog groomer can't provide you with this information, it's best to find someone who can.

Casper the Standard Poodle sitting proudly with gorgeous grey curly hair — Casper the Standard Poodle

Schedule a meeting with the groomers to see how they work and how your dog reacts to them

It's important to form a good relationship with your dog groomer because they will be spending a lot of time with your fuzzy friend. You want to make sure that they're someone your dog is comfortable with and who will take good care of them. Remember that it might not be love at first sight, as not all dogs enjoy going to get a trim, no matter how lovely your groomer is! But you want your groomer to be patient and calm in building up that relationship.

The best way to get to know a dog groomer is to schedule a meet-and-greet. This will give you the chance to see the salon and how your dog reacts to the groomer themselves. Plus, it's the perfect time to ask any questions you may have about their services. Studies have shown that our pups can feel a bit stressed when going into a grooming salon - especially during their blow-dry. But most groomers do work hard to make the whole experience less stressful and even enjoyable for your pooch. So finding a groomer you’re both comfortable with, is really impawtant, and in no time your pooch’s look will go from hairy to houndsome!

Mobile dog groomers

If you're looking for someone to clip your dog at home, there are plenty of mobile dog groomers in the UK and Ireland. Not only are they convenient, but a home-visit can be less stressful for some pooches. Like any other dog groomer, make sure they are trained to handle and groom all types of dogs safely, and that they use only the best products available. If you're looking for a mobile dog groomer in the UK, be sure to check out one of these top-rated businesses.

FAQs on dog grooming in the UK

We spoke to doggy member Willow's owner about their grooming experience. Willow is a 2 year old Cockapoo and visits the groomers every 8 weeks. Although Willow doesn't enjoy a pamper quite as much as her human does, her pet parent believes they've found the pawfect groomers to suit Willow's needs.

Willow the Cockapoo with her scruffy golden, red curls before a trip to the groomers — Willow the Cockapoo before a visit to the groomers

How do you go about finding a good dog groomer? "It's difficult to know where to start when currently dog groomers are unregulated. So I think as an owner you have to gather as much information as you can about the groomer and their services, have a list of things that are important to you and your pooch and ask lots of questions. Consider things such as the safety of the equipment, the type of space, is it a 1:1 experience or will other dogs be present, does your dog feel comfortable there etc."
What kind of things do you look for when choosing a groomer? "Willow is a Cockapoo and requires regular grooming. She doesn't enjoy being brushed or bathed, so it was really important for me to find a space that she was comfortable in and groomers who were able to do the job well whilst making it as fun as possible for Willow. I wanted to know it was a clean space and the equipment was maintained to a high standard, that the groomers interacted well with Willow and vice versa, and that she wouldn't be left unsupervised during the grooming process. I also liked to read their reviews to hear about real life experiences and look at the before and after images that many dog parents share."
Do you think it's important to have a relationship with your dog groomer? "Absolutely! This was super important to me, it can be a really stressful experience for doggies who don't enjoy a pamper or those that aren't confident being left with others without their owner's presence. Willow's current groomers have taken the time to get to know not only her coat needs but generally too - they know her personality and have taken the time to build a relationship with both Willow and myself. I can confidently leave Willow at the groomers knowing that she's being cared for throughout the process, I don't feel like I'm leaving her with a stranger."
Have you ever groomed your dog at home? How did it go? "Last summer I struggled to get Willow an appointment with her groomers at the time and decided to give it a go myself... It was a disaster! Willow is extremely fidgety, I started with her legs thinking I'd get those out of the way first, but I spent nearly 2 hours on just her legs and it looked awful. It was stressful for both Willow and myself so we gave up and I've never attempted it again. Now I always make sure to book her next groom when I collect her from her appointment."
Do you think it's better to take your dog to a groomer or do it yourself? "It totally depends on the dog. It can be quite expensive having regular trips to the groomers so if your pup is happy to sit still and you're confident to groom them yourself then you can certainly save some pennies. There are also a lot of how to videos online which you can follow. But if like Willow, your dog doesn't sit still and doesn't enjoy being groomed it's far less stressful for both your pup and yourself to leave it to the experts."