A guide to Dog Grooming

Understand the care, prepare useful questions and agree the details directly with your sitter. The software is free; sitters charge for their care.

0% Commission100% free software

What is Dog Grooming?

Dog grooming keeps your dog healthy, comfortable, and looking their best — a proper groom covers washing, brushing, coat trimming, nail clipping, and ear cleaning, tailored to your dog's breed and coat type. On The Pet Sitter you book directly with independent local groomers, many of whom work from a home studio or come to you, so your dog is handled calmly and individually rather than processed through a busy salon queue.

Regular grooming is about more than looks. Matted coats pull on the skin and hide parasites, overgrown nails change the way a dog walks, and blocked ears lead to infections — a groomer's hands-on session often catches small problems before they become vet visits. Most dogs need a full groom every 4–8 weeks depending on coat type, with double-coated and curly-coated breeds at the shorter end of that range.

Sitters set their own rates. Confirm the total, currency and any agreed extras before booking, then pay the sitter directly. The Pet Sitter is free and takes no booking commission; an external payment provider may charge its own fees.

What to expect

Wash, blow-dry, and full brush-out for your dog

Coat trim or clip suited to the breed

Nail clipping and paw tidy-up

Ear check and gentle cleaning

Calm, one-on-one handling throughout the session

Advice on coat care between grooms

How Dog Grooming works

Step 1

Connect with a groomer

Public search for local groomers is coming soon. Today, use a groomer's shared profile or booking link to review their rates and work, then message them about your dog's breed, coat condition, and temperament.

Step 2

Book the session

Agree on what the groom includes and book a time. Some groomers work from a home studio, others come to you — the profile shows how each one works.

Step 3

Fresh dog, no fees

Drop off or open the door, and collect a clean, comfortable dog. The groomer keeps 100% of what you pay — no platform commission on top.

Ideal for

Curly and double-coated breeds

Dogs anxious in busy salons

Regular maintenance grooms

Seniors who need gentle handling

Shedding season blow-outs

Frequently asked questions

How much does dog grooming cost?

Ask the groomer for a quote based on your dog’s size, coat condition and the washing, trimming or other work included. Sitters set their own rates. Confirm the total, currency and any agreed extras before booking, then pay the sitter directly. The Pet Sitter is free and takes no booking commission; an external payment provider may charge its own fees.

How often should my dog be groomed?

Most dogs do best with a full groom every 4–8 weeks. Curly-coated breeds like Poodles and Oodles need the shorter end of that range to prevent matting, while short-haired breeds may only need a wash and nail trim every couple of months. Your groomer will recommend a schedule for your dog's coat.

What's included in a full grooming session?

A full groom usually includes a wash and blow-dry, brush-out, coat trim or clip, nail clipping, and an ear check and clean. Extras like de-matting, flea treatment, or teeth cleaning vary by groomer — confirm what's included when you message them before booking.

My dog hates being groomed — can you still help?

Yes. Because you book directly with an independent groomer, you can explain your dog's temperament in advance and choose someone experienced with anxious or reactive dogs. One-on-one home grooming is often far less stressful than a busy salon full of unfamiliar dogs and dryers.

Do groomers come to my home?

Some do. Groomer profiles show how each one works — from a home studio, mobile at your place, or both. Mobile grooming is ideal for dogs that get car-sick or stressed by travel, and for owners juggling work-from-home schedules.

How do I find a dog groomer near me?

Public search for dog groomers is coming soon. Today, a groomer can share their profile or booking link with you; use it to review their rates, reviews, and photos, then message them directly to discuss your dog before booking.

Dog Grooming by city

Read about care arrangements in each city. These guides do not indicate live sitter availability.

Australia

Melbourne

All your everyday tools, free

Run bookings, clients, invoices and care updates in one place. No subscription, no booking commission and no card required.

Get started free How It Works