Why Grooming Prices Vary So Much (And Why It Matters)

At Roman’s Empire, we hear it often:
"Why does one groomer charge $75 and another $250 for the same breed?"

"Why is your pricing so different from the shop down the street?"

"Why does my dog take longer at some places and less time at others?"

Let’s unpack what really goes into grooming prices—and why it's not as simple as comparing numbers on a list. Because when it comes to professional grooming, you’re not just paying for a haircut. You’re investing in your pet’s comfort, health, safety, and well-being

The Root of Price Differences: Education, Not Just Experience

Many groomers enter the industry with minimal formal training, often learning on the job or through informal apprenticeships. While time in the field can be valuable, experience alone doesn’t equal quality—especially when that experience was shaped in environments prioritizing quantity over care.

In fact, a groomer with 20+ years of experience may be more at risk of outdated practices and harmful handling than a newer groomer with continued education and certifications.

Without regular training, it’s easy to fall into bad habits—like using harsh products, rough restraint methods, excessive force with tools, rushed drying, disregarding mental wellness and capacity or misreading body language.

Longevity without learning leads to:

• Improper brushing and drying techniques that damage coats or skin
• Using harsh products
• Use of outdated tools (like Furminators or stripping blades on the wrong coats)
• Unsafe restraint practices that cause injury or trauma
• Missed warning signs of stress or health concerns
• Inflexibility when handling dogs with special needs
• Disregarding mental wellness

At Roman’s Empire, we’ve invested in specialized training, certifications, and ongoing education to understand:

• Breed-specific grooming
• Skin and coat care science
• Canine and feline body language and anatomy
• Proper handling and desensitization
• Equipment maintenance and safety
• Cooperative care techniques

And we educate our clients too—because an informed pet parent is an empowered one.

(See: What Professional Grooming Actually Involves and Why At-Home Grooming Isn’t the Same).

The Low-Price War: A Race to the Bottom

Most shops are locked in a low-price war that stems from:

• Lack of business training
• Poor client education
• Fear of losing clients to undercutting competitors

These businesses often undercharge to survive, pushing out as many dogs as possible to stay afloat. This leads to rushed appointments, overworked staff, unsafe shortcuts, and high turnover.

They can’t charge more—because they can’t offer more.

No time for proper bathing, brushing, or skin checks.

No tools or products beyond the bare minimum.

No one-on-one service or behavioral support.
Just the cheapest, fastest version of “done.”

It’s the fast food of grooming. And your pet deserves better.

(Related: Why Cheap Grooming Isn’t a Bargain).

See why price haggling is harmful for your groomer and pet alike.

Experienced Groomers Without Education

There’s a dangerous myth in the grooming world that “20+ years of experience” automatically equals mastery. But in an unregulated industry like grooming, experience can be a double-edged sword.

 In fact, groomers with decades under their belt who have never pursued continued education or updated their methods are statistically more likely to use outdated, unsafe, or even abusive handling techniques.

Why? Because they’ve been allowed to repeat unchecked habits for years without accountability—and often, they believe their way is best simply because it’s familiar and what they've been told or picked up on their own--without keeping up with industry, product, tool, handling, behavior and other advancements.

Meanwhile, newer groomers who prioritize certifications, mentorship, modern technique, behavior education, and compassionate care often provide safer and more ethical grooming—even with fewer years behind the table.

The difference is mindset and commitment to growth, not just time served.

Good Grooming Takes Time—and Great Grooming Takes Longer

A rushed job may take 60 minutes.
A solid, safe job might take 90.

A truly thorough, tailored, compassionate service? Two hours or more—especially for longhaired or double-coated breeds.

Grooming is part art, part science, part therapy. Each pet’s:

• Coat type
• Size
• Temperament
• Medical or behavioral issues
• Style requests

…all determine how long and how difficult the job will be. No two dogs or cats are the same—so no two appointments should be.

At Roman’s Empire, we never cut corners to speed things up. We build time into each appointment for:

• A thorough physical exam identifying any changes or causes for concern
• Thorough bathing and rinsing using tailored, high-end products
• Coat conditioning and drying with proper technique
• Brushing, de-shedding, and mat management
• Sanitary trimming, nail care, ear cleaning
• Style grooming (when requested)
• Mental wellness and physical capacity
• Nervous dog and cat support and breaks as needed

Every step is done safely, with precision and purpose.

That’s where Roman’s Empire sets itself apart.

We combine the compassion and reverence we have for our own dog, Roman, and cat, Bug, with real, continued investment in education and ethical business practices. We’re not interested in being the fastest or the cheapest—we’re here to give every pet we serve the same high standard of care we’d expect for our beloved pets. Every pet is groomed with respect, patience, and intention.

We do not cut corners. We don’t race against the clock. We do not compromise on product quality, safety, or handling technique. We proudly take longer because great grooming takes longer. And while we charge what our work is worth, we remain all-inclusive—you won’t find surprise fees, withheld services, or upcharges for things your pet actually needs.

Unlike half-priced shops that rely on speed, shortcuts, cheap tools, products, and equipment or add-on traps, we include everything your dog needs in one transparent, ethical price. Why? Because we don’t believe wellness should be itemized. We believe pets deserve full-spectrum care, every time.

(See: What Happens When You Start Professional Grooming Late in Life and Why We Don’t Brush Out Matting).

Industry Evolution: Why Modern Grooming Costs More (and Should)

One of the biggest misconceptions in pet grooming is that it hasn’t changed much in the last 10–20 years. But in reality, the grooming industry has undergone a massive transformation—and not everyone has kept up.

Most experienced groomers still charge low prices because they’re working from outdated models: quick turnaround times, outdated tools, generic products, minimal behavior knowledge, and a “get it done” approach.

While they may mean well, this often comes at the expense of your pet’s comfort, health, and long-term trust in grooming.

Here’s what modern, mindful grooming looks like today—and why it costs more:

Advancements in Tools & Equipment:
Professional dryers, ergonomic shears, cordless clippers, hydraulic tables, and top-of-the-line bathing systems help reduce stress and improve safety—but they’re expensive and require regular maintenance.

Product Evolution:
Gone are the days of using one generic shampoo for every pet. Today, ethical groomers invest in premium, pH-balanced, skin-specific products designed for different coat types, sensitivities, and conditions—because your pet isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Behavioral Science & Cooperative Care:
We now understand so much more about dog psychology, stress responses, and how to create positive associations with grooming. That means slower introductions, decompression time, fear-free handling techniques, and working with (not against) your pet’s nervous system.

Understanding Stress and Wellness:
Emotional health matters just as much as physical cleanliness. Groomers who honor that will take time to earn your pet’s trust, especially if they’ve been traumatized or mishandled in the past. That requires time, training, and emotional regulation, which most “budget” groomers don’t (or can’t) account for.

Specialization (like Mobile Grooming):
Mobile grooming isn’t just about convenience—it’s about individualized care. There’s no chaos, no cages, no industrial-level noise, and no back-to-back appointments. Your dog gets one-on-one attention the entire time, which means safer handling and lower stress. Learn why mobile grooming is more expensive.

Programs, courses, seminars, etc. all cost money to simply attend, and additional costs are required to implement their teachings.

Again, staying out of the loop with industry advancements is the norm. 

How do I know this?
Because I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve worked for

six different grooming shops and a popular local mobile business and interviewed at countless others (yes, those places were somehow worse), and the overwhelming majority still operate from that outdated, production-based mindset:

 rushed appointments, quantity over quality, minimal behavioral understanding, harsh handling and force when dogs resist, generic products, unsafe equipment, and zero regard for emotional wellbeing or physical capacity. It’s treated like an assembly line—not a care service. And while some pets may appear to “tolerate” it, many quietly endure chronic stress, fear, and even trauma. All of my clients during my time working at such places, with my business not even being an idea yet, were informed by myself. So yes, I've been doing all I can to educate throughout my entire career.

This is the industry norm—not the exception. And it’s exactly why I started Roman’s Empire: to create a new standard where dogs and cats are treated with dignity, not discipline. Where they’re heard, not handled. And where grooming becomes something they can feel safe in—not something they survive.

The Bottom Line?
The price difference usually reflects who is adapting to modern standards—and who isn’t.

Low prices often come from those still operating under outdated methods, while fair (and yes, higher) prices often come from groomers who invest in continuing education, top-tier tools, ethical handling, and your pet’s holistic wellbeing.

At Roman’s Empire, I’ve built this business around modern, wellness-first grooming.

The Hidden Cost of Cheaper Services

Lower prices usually mean something is missing—whether it’s:

• Low-quality products
• Untrained or underpaid staff
• Unsafe equipment
• Harsh handling
• Improper deshedding or drying
• Skipped steps to “finish fast”
• Lack of emergency preparedness or liability coverage
• Harsh products
• Cheap tools
• No consideration for mental wellness

It may not show the first time—but over time, these shortcuts take a toll on your dog’s and cat's physical and emotional health.

Again, cheap grooming is not a bargain and comes at a cost your pet pays for.

Why Most Grooming Businesses Don’t Post Their Prices — And Why That’s a Problem

Many grooming businesses choose not to publicly list their prices—or they only share vague “starting at” estimates. While this practice is often done to stay competitive, especially in areas saturated by low-cost grooming or big-box chains, it can create confusion for clients and undercuts the value of professional grooming.

The biggest reason groomers offer starting prices is because coat condition, size, and temperament drastically affect the time, effort, and risk involved in each appointment. Unfortunately, some clients underreport or misrepresent these factors, which makes flat-rate pricing unsustainable without seeing the pet first.

However, while starting ranges are understandable, a lack of any posted pricing at all can be a red flag. It may signal a grooming business is engaged in a price war—where rates are kept artificially low to undercut competitors, often at the cost of quality, safety, or groomer well-being. Worse, it can cause clients to feel unsure about what they’ll pay, why prices change, or whether they’re being quoted fairly.

At Roman’s Empire, we’re committed to transparent, tiered pricing based on clear criteria: size, coat type, condition, and behavior. This allows clients to make informed decisions while respecting the time and skill that go into safe, compassionate grooming. Clear pricing isn’t just good business—it builds trust.

Why Roman’s Empire Is Different

At Roman’s Empire, we didn’t enter this industry to compete in a race to the bottom—we created this business to raise the bar entirely.

We’re not interested in being “affordable” by cutting corners, rushing dogs and cats through assembly-line services, or skipping the essentials to meet a price point. We’re committed to offering the same royal standard of care we give our own dog and cat to every pet we groom.

That means:

• Every dog and cat gets a thorough skin and coat care, not just a quick rinse.
• Every appointment includes detailed coat prep and brushing, because matting prevention is health care.
• Every pet is dried by hand using safe, industry-standard equipment, not cage dryers or shortcuts.
• Every pet is groomed one-on-one with time built in for desensitization, breaks, and gentle handling.
• Every groom is built around education, consent, and compassion, not just aesthetics.

We are proudly all-inclusive because every part of the grooming process matters to your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing. We don’t remove services to offer a lower price—because leaving out what's necessary isn’t ethical or responsible.

Our pricing reflects our values, our training, our equipment and products, and our refusal to compromise. We’re here for pet parents who want more than just a haircut—we’re here for those who want longevity, quality, and peace of mind.

At Roman’s Empire, we don’t just “have experience”—we have intentional, ongoing, and informed experience.

Why Roman’s Empire is All-Inclusive (And What That Means)

In case you missed it, I created this business to give all pets the same level of care we give our own dog, Roman, and cat, Bug.

That means no upcharges for the basics your pet needs to be clean, safe, and healthy.

Your appointment includes everything necessary for a complete service. We don’t nickel-and-dime for “extras” like nail grinding, conditioner, or teeth cleaning. If your pet needs it and it’s within our scope, we do it. Period.

This model:

• Allows pets to get the care they need every time
• Reduces grooming-related anxiety by creating consistency
• Builds trust with clients (you know exactly what you’re getting)
• Keeps our work ethical, thorough, and safe

We do not remove services to lower the price—because our standard is non-negotiable.

A Final Word: You Get What You Pay For

The difference in price isn’t just dollars—it’s care, safety, time, and integrity. It’s whether your dog and cat dreads grooming… or learns to love it.

It’s whether your appointment is just a “bath and a buzz,” or a compassionate, personalized experience that honors your pet’s needs.

We’re not for everyone—and that’s okay. But for those who want the best for their pet, we’re here. Not rushing. Not compromising.
Just showing up with regal standards, every single time.

Explore how to avoid a bad groomer for more.