What Grooming Actually Costs in Westchester in 2026
Grooming prices in Westchester have crept up over the past two years. Groomers are dealing with higher rent, higher supply costs, and real competition for good staff. If you were used to paying $65 for a full groom on your medium dog two years ago, don't be surprised if that same appointment is $75 to $80 now.
The good news is that prices are relatively consistent across the county once you account for the dog's size and coat type. The difference between a salon in Yonkers and one in Scarsdale is smaller than you might expect. What drives price more than anything else is how much work your dog's coat actually requires, and how long the groomer has to spend.
Below are realistic 2026 price ranges based on what Westchester County salons are actually charging. Your specific cost will depend on your dog's breed, coat condition, and which services you add.
Prices by Service Type and Dog Size
A basic bath includes shampoo, blow-dry, brush-out, and nail trim. A full groom adds a haircut or breed-specific trim on top. These ranges cover well-maintained coats in average condition. Matted coats or dogs overdue for grooming will cost more.
| Dog Size | Basic Bath | Full Groom | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | $30 - $45 | $50 - $70 | Yorkie, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian |
| Medium (20-50 lbs) | $40 - $60 | $65 - $90 | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie, Corgi |
| Large (50-80 lbs) | $55 - $75 | $80 - $120 | Golden Retriever, Labrador, Husky, Standard Poodle |
| Extra Large (80+ lbs) | $70 - $100 | $110 - $150+ | Great Dane, Bernese, Newfoundland, St. Bernard |
Common Add-On Services and What They Cost
These are individual services you can add to a grooming appointment, or book on their own. Nail trims are the most commonly booked standalone service — most salons take walk-ins for nails.
| Service | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nail trim only | $10 - $20 | Most salons do this as a walk-in, no appointment needed |
| Nail grinding (Dremel) | $15 - $28 | Smoother result than clipping, better for dogs with black nails |
| Teeth brushing | $5 - $15 | Add-on to a groom appointment. Not a substitute for dental cleanings. |
| De-shedding treatment | $20 - $45 | Worth it for Huskies, Labs, Goldens, and other heavy shedders |
| Dematting | $20 - $60+ | Charged by time (often per 15 minutes). Severely matted dogs cost significantly more. |
| Blueberry facial | $8 - $15 | Tear stain treatment. Popular with white and light-colored dogs. |
| Flea/tick bath | $15 - $30 | Medicated shampoo treatment. Not a prevention strategy, just treatment. |
| Anal gland expression | $10 - $20 | Some groomers include this. Others refer to your vet. |
Dematting Surcharges: What to Know
Dematting is the part of grooming that catches people off guard. If your dog's coat has developed mats or tangles, the groomer has to spend extra time working through them before they can even start the actual groom. That extra time gets billed.
Most salons in Westchester charge for dematting in 15-minute increments, typically $10 to $15 per increment. A dog with moderate matting might add $20 to $30 to your bill. A dog who hasn't been groomed in four months and has full-body matting could easily add $50 to $80 on top of the base groom price.
In severe cases, the groomer may tell you the coat needs to be shaved down entirely rather than dematted. Forcing a comb through tight mats is painful for the dog, and a responsible groomer won't do it. A shave-down is not a punishment — it's the humane option when the coat is too far gone.
The best way to avoid dematting charges is to keep up with the grooming schedule your dog's coat actually requires. For doodles and poodle mixes, that usually means an appointment every 4 to 6 weeks without exception.
Mobile Grooming: Convenient, But It Costs More
Mobile grooming has become genuinely popular in Westchester. A groomer drives a fully equipped van to your house, your dog gets groomed right in your driveway, and you never have to deal with drop-off and pick-up windows. For dogs who stress out at the salon, it can make a real difference.
The mobile premium is real though. Expect to pay $15 to $30 more than the equivalent salon service. A full groom on a medium dog that would cost $75 at a Westchester salon might run $90 to $105 from a mobile groomer.
Availability is the bigger challenge. Good mobile groomers in Westchester are booked 3 to 5 weeks out. Around holidays, you might be looking at 6 to 8 weeks. If you want to use a mobile groomer regularly, get on a recurring schedule as soon as you find one you trust, or you will constantly be scrambling for an appointment.
Before booking, ask whether they carry their own water supply, what their cancellation policy is, and whether they are insured. Most charge a cancellation fee of $25 to $50 if you cancel within 24 hours.
How Often Does Your Dog Actually Need Grooming?
The grooming schedule your dog needs depends almost entirely on their coat type. Breed matters, but coat texture matters more. A low-maintenance lab mix and a high-maintenance goldendoodle can be completely different animals in terms of grooming demands.
| Coat Type | Full Groom Frequency | Home Brushing | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curly or wavy (non-shedding) | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 2-3 days | Poodles, Doodles, Bichon Frise |
| Long, silky coat | Every 6-8 weeks | Every other day | Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkie, Afghan Hound |
| Double coat, heavy shedder | Every 8-12 weeks for bath | Weekly (more in shedding season) | Husky, Golden Retriever, Samoyed, Corgi |
| Short, smooth coat | Rarely needs a haircut | Monthly or as needed | Beagle, Lab, Boxer, Pitbull, Vizsla |
| Wire coat | Every 10-12 weeks | Weekly | Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Irish Terrier |
What to Ask Before Your Dog's First Grooming Appointment
Before you book anywhere, ask these questions:
Do they work on one dog at a time, or are multiple dogs in the salon simultaneously? For anxious dogs, a quieter setting matters.
How do they handle dogs who are stressed or uncooperative? A good groomer can describe their approach. Vague answers are a red flag.
What does the full groom include? Nail trim, ear cleaning, and sanitary trim should all be standard. Confirm what is actually included so the final bill doesn't surprise you.
How long will it take? A full groom on a medium dog typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Anything significantly shorter for a doodle or poodle should raise questions.
For your dog's first visit, consider booking just a bath and nail trim to let them get familiar with the process before adding a full groom.
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Alex runs Pets Near You, helping pet owners find trusted veterinarians, groomers, trainers, and other pet service providers across the Westchester and Fairfield County area.