How much do you tip a dog groomer?

Question

This is my first time and I'm not sure what the standards are. Any advice would help.
Thanks!

Thanks for your advice.

The reason I asked is because I'm a server (waitress for those of you stuck in the 50's!) and I work for tips because I provide a service.
A dog groomer provides a service and I want to compensate them for a job well done.
For those of you that don't tip, don't expect anything special.
Money talks and you know what walks.
Compliments don't pay the bills and I'm speaking from first hand experience.
Thanks again for all your advice.

Answer 1

Hi there. I think $5-$10 is standard around here, at least when people do it. Yes, grooming "IS" a job, but they work on commission and have to pay for all of their own equipment, pay for upkeep of said equipment, pay for specialty shampoos, pay for grooming smocks and pants... Groomers don't get paid overtime, they don't get paid time-and-a-half for holidays, AND their job is comparable to your human hairdressers, with one caveat--it's really more like a haircut, style, pedicure, and eyebrow wax in one package. A package given to someone who oftentimes doesn't want it and will fight tooth and nail to avoid it. Anyone who can smile through this and still treat your pet like the treasure it is deserves some gesture of appreciation.

And looking at it from another angle, good tippers are often shown favored treatment. Say it's the holidays and you've forgotten to make your pet's pre-family gathering appointment. Most places book up before thanksgiving, but for the customers that take care of their groomer....exceptions are more likely to be made. Or, horror of horrors, your pup has rolled in something so foul that your at-home routine can't get rid of the horrible smell. Same thing.

One of the things I was taught was to take care of who takes care of you.

Answer 2

Well, people will tip a human hair stylist, why not a doggie stylist? I've gotta say, from a waitress point of view here, thank you so much for wanting to know and asking this question. As you can see, many do not even bother. Such a shame. I want to take care of the person taking care of my dog.

It's customary to tip for services such as hair stylist, groomers, etc, just like you do for a waitress. Waitress tips are typically 15%, but they often make far less than a minimum wage. For other services, such as grooming, a 10% tip is considered average and the norm (um, for those that do it, cuz we already see here some just don't).

I will sometimes tip more if that particular groomer just seemed very good with my pet, like if they treat it as if it were their own.

Answer 3

I never required the services of a groomer until 2 years ago. I've always had large breed short haired dogs and do baths, nails, ears, teeth, etc. myself.
When I entered the world of requiring groomer services, I automatically treated it as I do with hairdressers, waiters, and other servers. I TIP.
I tip a minimum of $10 for a complete grooming (bath, brushing, nails, "haircut"). That usually works out to be about 20%. I never considered not tipping!
For people in "service" jobs that do not get tips--I am guessing that you are paid more than the people that depend on tips, and you are not allowed to receive tips. I am an RN and wouldn't dream of expecting tips!

Recently, my sister became a certified groomer and I now see the other side. Her base income is not high; she depends on commission and tips heavily. She must buy and maintain all of her equipment--just one pair of scissors costs $100!
Depending on the services, she will usually spend 1-2 hrs on your dog!
Most groomers are not in business for themselves; they are employees that do not pocket the fee you are charged. Just keep that in mind.

Answer 4

I tip $5 on a $35 grooming. Kinda like the hairdresser.

Answer 5

You don't necessarily have to tip them. We have an excellent groomer here and she usually gets small presents from the dog. I would think if you want to financially compensate the groomer, a $5 tip would suffice.

-a veterinarian

Answer 6

I don't take my dog to a groomer. But if I did I would not tip them anything. They are already getting paid to do the job. They do not deserve a tip just for grooming your dog. It is their job. I don't get tips for helping people at my work. Becuase it is my job to do that.

Answer 7

I don't tip mine because I've never heard of tipping a groomer, but since I sell candles, I give her a couple votives everytime I pick up my dog and she absolutely loves them.

Answer 8

My groomer charges 16.00 to groom my Lab. If she picks up the dog at my home, and returns her to home I pay her $20.00, even though the charge includes this service. If I take my dog to her home and pick her up after, then I pay $18.00.

Answer 9

I don't think you need to tip unless you want to.If you do,it depends on how well they groomed your pet.I would think 15-20% is sufficient.

Answer 10

if u like what they did then u should tip them $5.oo if u want to