Booking your dog's first professional groom can feel daunting. Here's exactly what happens at a typical UK grooming appointment so you can turn up prepared.
Before the appointment
- Walk your dog beforehand so they can toilet — most salons don't have outdoor space.
- Bring vaccination records on the first visit. Most UK salons require an in-date DHP (or equivalent) jab.
- Don't feed a large meal within 2 hours of the appointment — handling on the table can cause sickness.
During the groom (typically 1.5–3 hours)
The groomer will check the coat condition, then bath, dry, brush out, and trim. You'll usually leave your dog at the salon and collect 2–3 hours later. Some UK groomers offer a "1-to-1" or "no cage drying" service where your dog stays with the groomer the whole time — this is gentler for nervous dogs and worth the extra £10–£20.
Typical UK prices (2026)
- Small dogs (Yorkie, Bichon): £35–£55
- Medium (Cockapoo, Cocker, Schnauzer): £45–£75
- Large doodles, Old English Sheepdogs: £70–£120
Salon vs mobile groomer
Salons are typically cheaper and have more equipment. Mobile groomers come to you in a converted van — great for nervous dogs, elderly owners, or multi-dog households, but expect a £10–£25 premium and longer lead times to book.