Bringing your dog to a professional groomer can be an expensive prospect, especially if you have a dog that needs regular grooming and clipping. Groomers charge extra for longhaired dogs, large dogs and dogs that have mats. Specific shampoos and conditioners may also cost extra. If you are willing to spend some time researching options for low-cost grooming in your town, you can save money and still have a well-groomed dog.
Step 1
Visit a do-it-yourself grooming facility, often allied to a high-end pet supply store. The facility includes shampoo, towels, hair dryers, bathing tubs and an apron for dog owners. The industrial-sized tubs are large enough to accommodate extra-large dogs weighing up to 250 pounds, such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands. You do have to bathe your dog yourself but it is more convenient than trying to wash your dog in the bathtub -- and a fraction of the cost of a professional groomer.
Step 2
Ask local dog grooming schools if they have discount grooming if you allow students to groom your dog. This is a cost-effective way to have your dog bathed and groomed if you are not concerned with a perfect haircut for your dog.
Step 3
Call the professional groomers in your area, asking them about upcoming special offers. Many groomers offer bundled packages for bathing, drying and clipping your dog. Also, ask about discount cards that give your dog one free grooming session after a specific number of visits. Most groomers also offer just a bath, clip or nail trim, if you don’t want a full grooming visit.
Step 4
Check your local Craigslist ads for dog groomers who offer specials for first-time customers or recurring special offers. Read your local newspaper for ads and coupons from local groomers. Drive by dog grooming salons in your town and check the signage in the store windows. Many businesses place signs about daily or weekly specials in the store windows, rather than advertising in the newspaper.
Step 5
Research adult education classes in dog grooming offered at your local high school or community center. These classes are inexpensive and taught by local business owners with a specific expertise they want to share with the community. Teaching the adult classes is also a way for them to advertise their own businesses. Some local groomers may be teaching classes that show you how to bathe and clip your dog with basic grooming techniques, so you can groom your dog yourself.
Step 6
Find new grooming businesses in your town. New businesses often offer discounts to establish a client base of repeating customers. Ask if the new groomers if they offer referral discounts if you send your friends to the new business.
Step 7
Check for any animal fundraisers scheduled in your town. Animal societies and dog rescue organizations offer free dog washing at the fundraisers or ask for donations for their organizations in exchange for dog washing.
Warnings
Grooming students or non-professional groomers may not deliver the quality grooming results that licensed groomers offer.
Tips
Before taking your dog in for a grooming appointment, remove any matted fur or debris from his coat to prevent additional costs.
Resources
Photo Credits
- SONY DSC image by gierczak2007 from Fotolia.com