If you decide to go to a professional groomer, ask for recommendations from your vet as well as friends, family, and neighbors. Not every groomer has a listing in the yellow pages: Word of mouth is the only advertisement some groomers use.

Most groomers can only give you a ballpark figure of the cost over the phone. Breed or size and condition of the pet usually determine price. The bigger the dog and the longer the hair, the more time involved, and time is money. If you bring in a dog that has been neglected for a very long time, you should expect to pay more than the usual fee. Some groomers may ask you to bring the dog by for a better quote, but remember, things do come up. Fido may end up being in decent shape but have a nasty attitude or be unruly and hard to handle, and that takes more time as well. Some older dogs take more time because they can't stand for long, and sometimes groomers need them to stand up to groom some areas. Most groomers are patient with pets and understand aging dogs and the complications involved.

Some groomers itemize services. Regular shampoo is one price; maybe your dog needs a medicated shampoo, which would be a different price. Some groomers charge extra for anal sac expression or ear cleaning. Nail filing may be another add-on service. Tooth brushing is another popular add-on service. Depending on the salon, a corporation may set prices and it may be out of the groomer's hands. Most people find, however, that grooming prices vary by geographic area. Groomers in New York may charge more than Kentucky groomers, due to the cost of living. As in all business, prices vary by location.