Tipping Your Groomer: What to Know & Why It Matters

When your pet leaves the grooming salon looking clean, trimmed, and adorable, it’s easy to see the results but behind that fresh coat and wagging tail is a skilled professional who puts care, patience, and effort into making your pet look and feel their best.

Just like in other service industries, tipping your pet groomer is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the time, skill, and attention they put into every appointment. If you’re unsure about how tipping works in the grooming world, here’s what you need to know.

Why Tip Your Groomer?

Grooming isn’t just a “bath and haircut”, it’s an art and a labor of love. Groomers spend time managing anxious pets, working through matted coats, trimming nails with precision, and noticing health concerns before they become serious issues. Every appointment takes patience, physical effort, and a lot of experience.

A tip is a direct way to say, “I see how hard you worked and I appreciate it.”

Groomers often go the extra mile to make your pet feel safe, relaxed, and cared for. Whether they squeezed you in on a busy day or spent extra time brushing out your pet’s coat, a tip recognizes that effort.

How Much Should You Tip?

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s definitely appreciated. If you’re happy with the service, here are some general tipping guidelines:

• Standard Tip: 15–20% of the grooming service total

• For Exceptional Service: 25% or more

• For Add-On Services or Special Requests (like de-matting, extra brushing, or handling a nervous pet): consider tipping a little extra

  
  

You can tip in cash, add it to your payment, or ask your grooming salon how they prefer to receive tips.

Tipping Reflects the Care Your Pet Receives

Groomers aren’t just making your pet look good, they’re part of your pet’s wellness team. During a grooming session, they often:

• Notice changes in skin, coat, or behavior

• Catch early signs of ear infections or hotspots

• Help manage shedding and prevent matting

• Maintain nail length to support healthy posture

• Provide a calming environment, especially for nervous pets

  
  

These services don’t always show up on your receipt, but they’re incredibly valuable. A tip is a small gesture that reflects how much you value their behind-the-scenes care.

When Tipping Makes the Biggest Impact

While groomers appreciate tips at every appointment, here are a few times when tipping goes a long way:

• First-time visits, especially if your pet needs extra work or attention

• During the busy holiday season, when schedules are packed

• After a difficult appointment, such as a pet with anxiety or health concerns

• If your groomer fit you in last-minute or adjusted their schedule to help

Tipping your groomer isn’t required, but it’s always appreciated. It’s a simple way to recognize the time, skill, and heart they put into caring for your pet. At The Fur District Pet Grooming Suites, our groomers are passionate about what they do and your gratitude helps them keep doing what they love.

Next time your pet leaves the salon looking fresh and fabulous, consider leaving a little extra thank-you behind. It means more than you know!