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?

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.

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 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.

Trimming your dog’s nails is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and well-groomed. Well-clipped nails are also a factor in your dog grooming costs. When a dog’s nails get too long, they have the potential to break or split, which can cause them pain and mean a costly visit to your local veterinarian. Overly long dog nails can also cause discomfort for your pup, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors. Be sure to calculate regular nail trimming into your budget for dog grooming. The dog groomer may use trimmers to clip the nails, or they may use a small drill (like a Dremel) to grind down the nails. A good professional groomer will know not to clip too close to the base of the nail, where nicking a nerve or a blood vessel could injure your dog. Nail trimming costs can vary based on geographic location and whether you bring the dog to the groomer or if the groomer picks up and drops off your dog. Transportation fees for pickup and drop-off service can add a lot to the cost. A simple dog nail trim may cost between $10 and $30, depending on location. Nail grinding may cost $2-$8 more than standard clipping. Many dog groomers offer discounts for bundled services, so you could get a nail trim at a reduced rate when you purchase it with a bath.

Dog grooming is a broad term that encompasses a range of beauty and hygiene services provided to your pet by a dog grooming professional. Services can include bathing, nail trimming, tooth brushing, haircuts, ear cleaning and gland expression. The American Humane Society recommends bathing (shampooing) your dog every two to four months, but breed and hair type can affect frequency. A dog groomer may charge extra for bathing a dog that’s unusually dirty or smelly from rolling in a bog or being sprayed by a skunk, for example. Nail trimming should be done every two to four weeks, depending on how quickly your dog’s nails grow. If you hear their nails clicking when they’re walking on hard surfaces, a trim is overdue. Experts say you should brush your dog’s teeth at least a few times a week. If you find this difficult because of your dog’s size or temperament, it’s helpful to have a regular groomer you entrust to regularly give them a thorough cleaning. The type of dog you have will determine how often it will need a haircut. A dog with short, wiry hair will rarely need a haircut, while a long-haired breed such as a shih-tzu will need regular combing to prevent painful matting and a cut every six weeks to three months, depending on length. Often, you can save on dog grooming prices by bundling multiple services into one visit with the same provider. Another opportunity for savings is to find a doggy day care service that also provides dog grooming.

Mobile dog groomers come to your home and bathe, trim, and groom your dog. Mobile grooming is often easier on your dog, as they don’t have to go to a strange place to get groomed, and it saves you the effort of transportation. Prices for mobile pet grooming services can vary. Nationally, the average for dog grooming prices is $60-$80, including both standard and mobile services. Mobile dog grooming prices may be higher if the company has a dedicated truck or van than if they do the grooming on your premises. Mobile dog grooming prices will also vary based on the services you need, the area you live in, and your dog’s temperament and breed. Here are some examples of average pet grooming prices:

• Nail trim: $15-$25.
• Ear cleaning: $20.
• Anal gland expression: $25.
• Bath: $25-$50, depending on dog size.
• Haircut: $45.
• All five of these services bundled: $110-$160, depending on dog size.

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.