Dog grooming is so much more than giving your dog a bath. Dog grooming is a broad term that covers all aspects of canine cleanliness and hygiene. The services included in dog grooming will vary based on your needs and what you choose to pay. Unless they are rolling in cowpies or playing in mud puddles, most dogs are okay getting a shampoo bath only as needed. You’ll know when they need it if they smell bad or are bringing dirt into the house. Some dogs, like shepherds and shih tzus, have thick coats that can get matted and tangled without regular care. Pro dog groomers can deftly blow dry a dog’s hair after a bath so that it is shiny and smooth. Dog grooming can include brushing that detangles dog hair and also thins the undercoat to minimize shedding.

Dog grooming also includes hygiene services such as toothbrushing and ear cleaning. Clean teeth are important to the health of your dog, and the pros have the patience and proper technique to get it done. Regular dog grooming can stave off tear stains, those reddish stains below your dog’s eyes. Anal gland expression is something not many people want to do on their own, even if they love their dog. A dog groomer can safely and efficiently release any blocked anal gland fluid. Other dog grooming services include nail trimming and clipping. Nationally, dog grooming prices range from $60 to $80. Most dog groomers offer discounts to customers who purchase monthly packages or bundle multiple grooming services at one time.

A dog groomer is a service professional who provides dog grooming and basic hygiene care for your dog. Dog groomers are typically animal lovers who are competent and comfortable working with a wide range of dog breeds and temperaments. Dog groomers are knowledgeable about the care needs for different kinds of dog coats. A poodle will have different haircut needs than a shih tzu, for example, so it pays to have a trained pro provide the proper cut. Good dog groomers know how to safely clean your dog’s teeth, bathe your dog, and cut their nails without going too short. They understand how to trim the hair from around your dog’s face, express anal glands, and clean your dog’s ears. Many people who choose dog grooming as a profession also pursue other dog services such as attending veterinary school, running a doggy day care center, working as a professional dog walker, and more.

We all know our dogs love going on long, adventure-filled walks, but jobs and family and commuting can make it difficult to give them the leash time they deserve. You can hire a professional dog walker to make sure your furry friend gets adequate exercise and outdoor time each day. A professional dog walker may be an individual contractor or work for a dedicated dog-walking company. In either case, you want to make sure the pro has the appropriate insurance in case of an emergency. Some people opt to give the dog walker a key to their house; others to have them pick up the dog from the yard. Dog walking can happen as often as multiple times per day, or just a few times a month as needed. Here are some questions to ask when you are interviewing a new dog walker:  

• Will you or someone else be walking my dog?
• Do you have a backup plan if you can’t make it for a scheduled walk?
• Will you walk my dog by itself, or do you walk several dogs at once?
• What are your different walk routes?
• When will you pick up and drop off?
• How will we communicate?
• Do I have to commit to a schedule or are you flexible?
• What’s your cancellation policy?
• What’s your response plan if my dog gets injured or becomes sick?
• How and how often do I pay you?
• Do you offer package pricing if I buy multiple dog walks up front?

It’s important to make sure your dog is up to date on its vaccines before taking it to a groomer. Vaccinations keep your dog and the other dogs that use the establishment healthy. Viruses can linger long after a dog is gone, so an unvaccinated dog can infect a number of other dogs days or even months after their visit. Find out about your dog groomer’s vaccination policies, and think carefully about receiving services from a company that does not require vaccinations. Here are the main vaccinations that are generally required for dog grooming:

• Parvovirus: Parvo is a nasty virus that can kill dogs within 48-72 hours of infection. The virus is incredibly persistent and, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, is resistant to heat, cold, humidity and drying. It’s spread by dog-to-dog contact or contact with contaminated feces, environments (food and water bowls, collars and leashes, etc.,) or people.
• Adenovirus 2: Dogs receive this vaccination to protect against canine infectious hepatitis. The vaccination can also helps prevent canine cough.
• Canine distemper virus: Distemper has no known cure and can cause serious pain, illness, and even death, although recovery is possible with medical intervention.  
• Rabies: This disease attacks the central nervous system and — when untreated — will lead to death. The CDC recommends euthanizing an unvaccinated animal that has been exposed to rabies, although six-month isolation followed by vaccination is also permissible.
• Para-influenza: Canine para-influenza leads to kennel cough and an unhappy dog

Do you have a dog that you get groomed regularly? If you do, you’ve probably wondered how much — or even if — you’re supposed to tip your dog groomer. Treat your dog groomer as you would your own hair stylist. A 15 percent to 20 percent tip is an appropriate amount to show your appreciation for a dog grooming job well done. If your dog didn’t get clean or their nails didn’t get properly clipped, then you certainly don’t have to tip. But if you’re satisfied with the service, consider the tip part of the standard dog grooming price, and just plan it into your dog care budget so you’ll have a happy groomer and a well-groomed dog. Here are a few examples of when you should tip extra:

• Your dog bit the groomer! Not good. A big tip will help.
• Your pooch barked like a wild beast or wrestled the groomer the entire time.
• Your dog’s hair was extra gross and dirty — think dog poo or major mud matted in their hindquarters.
• Your senior or disabled dog can’t stand on their own and needs extra care and support.

Dog grooming prices for nail trims can vary based on the the size and temperament of your dog, where the nail trimming takes place, and whether you bundle the trim with other grooming services. The average cost to get your dog’s nails trimmed usually ranges from approximately $10 to $25. Nationally, the average for dog grooming prices is $60-$80, which usually encompasses not only nail trimming but also bathing, haircuts and other services.

The cost to trim a dog’s nails can vary based on whether the dog is at a doggy day care and has the service as an add-on, whether you bring your dog to a groomer’s business, or whether you have a mobile groomer provide nail trimming at your home. Nail trimming costs less than nail grinding, which usually is done with a Dremel or similar tool. Nail trimming should be a regular part of of your dog’s care, as overgrown nails can be painful and cause problems.

The cost of dog walking depends on several factors including length and frequency of dog walks, the number of dogs on the walk, distance to your house, and any additional services you request. The national average cost range for a dog walk is $10-$20, but that price will vary based on where you live in the country and the regional cost of living and doing business. 

The longer the dog walk, the higher your costs will be. Dog walkers offer a range of walk lengths, from 15-minute potty breaks to long hikes of 120 minutes or more. For example, a dog walker may charge $15 for a 15-minute walk and $35 for a 35-minute walk. Requesting that your dog be the only animal on the walk will typically mean a higher cost than if you permit your dog to be walked in a pack of dogs. You may be able to get a discounted rate if you have more than one dog to be walked. For example, a professional dog walker may charge $28 for one dog or $33 for two dogs on a 60-minute walk. If you need additional help — like feeding the dogs or giving them medication — dog walkers may be able to provide this service at an additional fee. Dog walkers may charge higher rates for walking your dogs on holidays. 

Dog grooming costs depend on the service your pet requires. Nationally, the average price for dog grooming ranges from $40 to $100, varying by location. Not surprisingly, dog grooming on New York’s Upper East Side costs nearly double what it costs in a small town in Montana. Dog groomers typically handle every aspect of your dog’s beauty and hygiene, from tooth brushing to hairstyling. One potential way to save is to have your dog groomed at your doggy daycare — sometimes they offer discounts on dog grooming prices for clients. Here are some examples of average dog grooming costs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please note these prices would include transportation fees for picking up and dropping off your dog to your home:

• Nails: $30 a la carte or $20 when bundled with another service
• Toothbrushing: $30 a la carte or $20 when bundled with another service
• Tooth scraping (removal of plaque from teeth to prevent infection), with anesthesia: $600
• Tooth scraping, without anesthesia: $400.
• Wash and dry: $60
• Ears: $30 a la carte or $20 when bundled with another service
• Grooming package: $130 — includes wash, nails, teeth, ears, gland expression and haircut

Pet sitting provides your precious pet with in-home care. A pet-sitter can make a brief visit during the day to provide snacks, playtime or affection, or stay at your house for one or more nights to tend to your pet. Prices for pet-sitting will vary based on length of the visit. Nationally, pet sitting prices range from $20 to $30, although prices run higher for your sitter to stay the night. Prices will also be affected by where you live in the country. Here are some examples of average pet-sitting prices based on length of time and region:

• 30-minute visit: $17 in a small Texas town.
• 30-minute visit: $25 in Southern California.
• 45-minute visit: $28.
• 60-minute visit: $32.
• Overnight stay (10 hours): $50 in Texas.
• Overnight stay (10 hours): $85 in Southern California.
• 12 hours: $100.
• 24 hours: $200. This is a good option for a sick, elderly or brand-new pet that needs constant supervision.

House-sitting can be a lifesaver when you’re leaving town for any length of time. Whether you work remotely, you’re taking a much-needed vacation, or you just want to road-trip for a few days, it’s wise to have a pro keep an eye on your house and pets while you’re gone. Your home is more likely to stay safe and you won’t have to wrangle the kitty into a kennel to travel with you. The national average pet-sitting price ranges between $20 and $30. Pet-sitting and house-sitting costs will vary based on where you live in the country and regional labor rates. Another factor in cost is how long you want the house-sitter to stay. Some people prefer to have the house-sitter stay the night at their house, perhaps to care for an elderly pet or simply to keep a watchful eye on the home at all times. Overnight stays will cost more, ranging anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on services provided. For day visits, house-sitting and pet-sitting prices will increase incrementally the longer the visit and the more service you want performed. For example, a quick 10-minute visit to feed and walk the pet and bring in the mail could be $12.50, a 25-minute visit could be $18, a 40-minute visit $25, and a 50-minute visit $32. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.