Is $20 a Good Tip for a Dog Groomer? The Real Numbers Behind Tipping

Handing your groomer $20 at the end of a session feels generous, but is it really what groomers expect? Tipping dog groomers is definitely a thing—most people do it, but there’s a lot of confusion about what’s fair.

First off, dog grooming isn’t cheap. Most people spend anywhere from $40 to $100 per session, sometimes even more if your pooch needs extra attention or has a double coat. The tip is usually calculated as a percentage, but a flat $20? That’s where things get interesting. There’s actually no official rule that says you have to tip a certain amount, but there are some common practices that make it easier to decide.

Let’s be real: dog grooming can get messy, and some dogs are tough customers. Your groomer might deal with mats, snarls, or even a bit of attitude—so tipping is not just about generosity, it's about respect for their patience and skill. Still, toss out what you heard about restaurant tipping—groomers have their own etiquette.

• What’s the Standard Tip for Dog Groomers?
• What Should You Consider Before Tipping?
• When is $20 More Than Enough—or Not Quite Enough?
• Are There Other Ways to Show Your Appreciation?
• Tips for Making the Tipping Experience Easier

What’s the Standard Tip for Dog Groomers?

If you’re new to professional dog grooming, tipping can feel a little awkward. How much is normal? Across the U.S., most pet owners tip their dog groomer somewhere between 15% and 20% of the total grooming bill. If you want numbers, that means if you paid $60 for the session, you’d usually leave $9 to $12 as a tip. So, that $20 tip? It’s actually really solid for a typical grooming that costs $100 or less.

Here’s a quick look at what people pay in tips based on their bill:

Some national grooming chains even suggest a 15% to 20% tip outright, similar to what you’d give at a hair salon. Smaller shops or independent groomers don’t always set a number, but everyone appreciates something extra, especially for tough jobs—think large dogs, matting, or behavioral challenges.

If you’re totally lost, just ask at the front desk what’s common, or check recent reviews on Google or Yelp. You can even ask your fellow dog parents—most folks are happy to talk numbers, especially when it comes to their pets!

Bottom line: a $20 tip stands out for most regular grooming sessions, especially if the cost is under $100. But if you’re booking special extras (like teeth cleaning or de-shedding), you might want to adjust up a little more.

What Should You Consider Before Tipping?

Before you hand over that $20, take a minute to look at a few things that really matter. Tipping your dog groomer isn’t just about writing a number on a receipt. It’s about rewarding someone for time, effort, and skill. But not every grooming session is the same, and neither are the tips.

Here’s what you should weigh before you decide how much to give:

• Price of the Groom – Did your session cost $50, or did it run you close to $120? A common range is 15-20% of the grooming price. If your dog’s appointment was $60, then $9 to $12 is standard, so $20 is more generous. For a $100 service, $20 sits right at that 20% mark.
• Dog’s Behavior and Condition – Did your pup arrive squeaky clean and calm, or do they shed like it’s their job and squirm the whole way? Mats, bad behavior, or extra wrangling ups the work. Going above the usual dog groomer tip shows you appreciate the effort.
• Grooming Complexity – Was this just a basic wash and nail trim, or did your groomer tackle hand-scissoring, de-matting, or breed-specific styling? The harder the job, the higher the tip makes sense.
• Location – Tipping expectations in New York City might run higher than in a small town. Groomers in pricier cities sometimes see 20% as a baseline, while smaller towns may settle around 10-15%.
• Your Experience – Did the groomer greet you and your pet warmly? Did they follow your instructions and deliver exactly what you wanted? A tip is also a thank you for good customer service.

Just to put things in perspective, here’s a look at typical tips by service cost:

A dog grooming tip is always at your discretion, but it should feel fair for the service you received. When in doubt, ask the groomer what’s typical in your area. They’re used to these questions, and many would rather you ask than stress over it.

When is More Than Enough—or Not Quite Enough?

That $20 tip can be a game changer—or just standard, depending on the situation. For a quick wash and a nail trim at a discount salon, handing your dog groomer $20 can feel almost over the top. But at a high-end pet spa where a full groom costs close to $150, that same tip might not hit the mark.

The usual tipping range for dog grooming sits between 15% and 25% of the total bill. If your pup’s basic tidy-up was $40, $20 is a 50% tip—way above the norm. On a $100 session, it’s a bit less generous but still solid. Here’s a quick table to break down how $20 stacks up with common grooming prices:

But it’s not just about the numbers. Consider things like:

• The time and effort needed—Did your dog have knots, fleas, or resist the whole thing?
• The groomer's attitude—Did they squeeze you in after hours or deal with a nervous pup?
• Local vibes—Big city salons might expect more, while small-town places are happy with less.

If you’re super happy, had extra services like de-shedding or tooth cleaning, or if your dog was a handful, $20 feels just right—even generous. But if the session was pricey, included a lot of extras, or you have a big floofy dog needing hours in the tub, think about bumping the tip up to around 20-25% of the bill. On the flip side, don’t feel pressured if you’re on a tight budget—being consistent with whatever you can give matters to your groomer.

Bottom line: $20 can be a great tip for dog groomers but always look at the full picture. The cost, the effort, your dog’s condition, and the local tipping culture all play a part.

Are There Other Ways to Show Your Appreciation?

Money talks, but actions do too. There are plenty of ways to thank your dog groomer beyond just tipping. Sometimes, a simple gesture can make just as big a difference as handing over cash—especially if you want to build a good relationship and make sure your pup always gets top care.

One of the best things you can do? Leave a genuine, detailed review online. Sites like Google, Yelp, and Facebook matter to local groomers. A five-star rating with a note about how the groomer handled your anxious bulldog or made your poodle look like a show dog can get them real business. It’s not just fluff—a 2023 industry report showed pet businesses with strong online reviews get 26% more new customers. Your good word stretches way farther than you think.

Another pro move: refer your friends or family. Word of mouth still rules in dog grooming, and many groomers will give regulars a discount or even a free nail trim after a couple of referrals. Just ask your groomer if they have referral deals going. Even if they don’t, your recommendation helps them stay busy.

• Bring treats or a small gift (a coffee gift card or homemade snacks go over well, especially around holidays).
• Book your appointments ahead rather than at the last minute. Advance planning makes life easier for groomers and shows respect for their time.
• Keep your dog clean and brushed between visits. This isn’t just for the dog—it shows your groomer you care about their job, and it really does save them time.
• If you need to cancel, give as much notice as possible—no-shows hurt small businesses the most.

Giving direct feedback helps too. If your dog groomer tries a new style and nails it, tell them. If something could be better, let them know kindly. Clear communication means a better experience for both sides, and most groomers really appreciate knowing what you like.

Of course, don’t skip the tip if you can help it—most groomers rely on them as part of their pay. But if you really want to show your thanks, combine cash with some of these little extras. Your groomer will remember you and your pup, guaranteed.

Tips for Making the Tipping Experience Easier

Awkward moments at the cash register are no fun, especially if you’re not sure how much to tip or how to do it. Making tipping simple for both you and your dog groomer keeps things positive and stress-free. There are a few proven tricks that regulars (and even pros) use to take the guesswork out of the whole situation.

• Decide ahead of time: Figure out what you want to tip before you show up. You can go by percentage—15% to 25% of the grooming bill is pretty standard in the dog grooming world if you’re happy with the work. If you prefer a flat amount, $10 to $20 is common for an easy groom, but go higher for special requests or extra effort.
• Have cash ready: Some salons can’t split tips between groomers or take them on card. Cash is always king, especially if you want your tip to go straight to your dog groomer without any delays or fees.
• Use tip envelopes: Lots of shops have little envelopes at the counter. This makes it easy to write your groomer’s name and slip in your tip, especially if you’re shy about handing it over directly.
• Ask what’s normal: If you’re new, ask the desk staff quietly what most people do. They’ll usually tell you what the average tip looks like for that location and price range.
• Look at the receipt: Some salons now put suggested tip amounts right on your bill, just like restaurants. If so, that’s a super easy guide and you can just round up to a number you’re comfortable with.
• Show appreciation in other ways: Just saying “thank you” doesn’t sound like much but goes a long way. If your dog groomer did an amazing job, a quick note or leaving a positive review online works wonders, too.

Want to know what others tip? Here’s a snapshot based on a 2024 grooming industry survey:

Setting aside your tip before you pick up your pup just makes things run smoother. And if you ever forget cash, don’t sweat it—ask if Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal works, since a lot of dog groomers are happy to accept tips via these digital options now.