Mobile dog groomers are the new handymen for our four legged family members. And rightly so, as from dog wash to haircut to nail trim, and more, these groomers offer everything your pup gets in a full-service dog salon.
Now, for those of you who were curious, I’ve already explained the cost of mobile dog grooming in my previous blog.
But, I’ve also often been asked about the etiquette for tipping mobile dog groomers. That’s because unlike the general rule of thumb around tipping at dog salons, there’s no clear norm here.
You see, while tipping is a gesture of appreciation for a job well done, it is equally important to determine how much to tip a mobile dog groomer.
As a Memphis-based mobile dog groomer myself, I’ve firsthand insights on how much is too much or too little a tip for mobile dog groomer. And I’ve explained it in detail along with factors that affect tipping amount and frequency.
So, read on and know everything about tipping a groomer.
Do you tip a mobile dog groomer or not?
For starters, although tipping is not mandatory, it is a widely accepted practice in the grooming industry. In fact, just like hairstylists, waitstaff, and other service professionals, dog groomers also rely on tips as part of their earnings.
Not to mention, groomers consider tipping as a token of appreciation for their hard work. More so when we are dealing with difficult or time-consuming grooming tasks.
Moreover, grooming professionals often have significant overhead costs which include maintaining a mobile grooming vehicle, keeping it stocked, and traveling to each client’s home. And tips can help offset these costs while also encouraging groomers to continue delivering exceptional service.
Meaning, if you find yourself puzzled whether or not do you tip a mobile dog groomer, the answer is usually yes.
How much to tip a mobile dog groomer?
Now that you know tipping is a norm in the grooming industry, let me address the bigger question, i.e., how much do you tip a mobile dog groomer.
Just like other service businesses, the standard tipping range for dog groomers, including mobile services, is between 15 to 20 percent of the total grooming cost.
For instance, let’s say the total bill for your dog grooming session in Memphis is $100. In this case, a tip between $15 to $20 is considered appropriate.
Nevertheless, if the service exceeds your expectations, a higher tip can indeed be a great way to show your appreciation.
Here’s a further breakdown of how much to tip mobile dog groomer based on the standard grooming rates across breed sizes:
1. For grooming a small breed dog: $15 – $25
The cost of mobile dog grooming for smaller breeds like Maltese, Chihuahua, or Pomeranian is in the range of $100 and $130.
So if your tip for mobile dog groomer is in the 15 to 20 percent range, you’ll end up tipping anywhere between $15 and $25.
2. For grooming a medium breed dog: $18 – $30
Medium breeds like French Bulldog, Border Collie, or Australian Shepherd are more expensive to groom with professionals charging in the range of $120 and $150 for basic grooming.
As such, the standard practice for tipping suggests you should tip between $18 and $30 depending on your total bill and the tipping percentage you choose.
3. For grooming a large breed dog: $21 – $34
Large breed pups like Golden Retriever, Standard Poodle, German Shepherd, etc., have the highest mobile grooming rates. So much so that a professional groomer can charge you anywhere between $140 and $170.
Now, the amount you tip should also reflect this price. And as per standard tipping percentages, this can be anywhere in the range of $21 and $34.
Note: While standard tip across the service industry is 15-20 percent of the total bill, you can also increase this to 25-30 percent if the professional is exceeding your expectations.
Pro tip
If you are a frequent client, maintaining a consistent tipping percentage can help you develop a good relationship with your groomer. Also, regular customers who tip well often receive priority scheduling and extra perks like complimentary add-ons or special treatment for their pets.
What are the factors that decide the total tip amount?
So far in the blog, you already know how much to tip a mobile dog groomer depending on your pup’s breed and total bill.
However, the amount you tip varies based on not one but several factors. That’s because things like your dog’s behavior, the grooming session’s complexity, add-ons, appointment frequency, etc., all play a role in deciding how much you tip.
For instance, if your pet requires extra attention, it is often suggested to tip on the higher end of the standard range.
All in all, here are the factors that decide how much do you tip a mobile dog groomer exactly:
1. Grooming session’s complexity
You’ll agree when I say that some dogs require more extensive grooming than others.
So, if you’ve a dog breed such as a Poodle or Shih Tzu with a complicated coat type, grooming will take extra effort and expertise. And in this case, I suggest you tip on the higher to acknowledge the groomer’s skill and effort.
2. Your dog’s behavior
While some pups are cooperative during grooming sessions, others can be nervous, aggressive, or overly energetic, making the grooming process challenging.
As such, mobile groomers often have to use specialized handling techniques like the ones used at difficult dog boarding to keep pups calm and safe.
Now, If yours is one such dog, you should definitely consider increasing your tip as a way of compensating for the extra time and patience.
3. Add-on services
A lot of mobile groomers offer services beyond just basic grooming. And this includes teeth brushing, flea treatments, de-shedding, and even hand-stripping for certain breeds.
Obviously, these services require extra time, effort, and expertise. So, if you go for any add-ons, it’s a good idea to tip more generously.
4. Appointment frequency
Yet another important factor that influences the above tipping average is how frequently you schedule appointments with a professional.
For instance, if you schedule regular grooming sessions, I suggest you maintain a consistent tipping percentage.
Note: If it is the holiday season, it’s a kind gesture to give the groomer a more substantial tip or even a small gift. Also, a holiday bonus in the range of $20 and $50 is considered a generous way to express gratitude.
When and how do you tip a mobile dog groomer?
I am often asked when is the right time to tip a pet groomer between the start or the end of the grooming session.
And as per tipping etiquettes, it’s best to tip your mobile dog groomer right after the grooming session. Also, handing the tip directly to the groomer once you’ve received the final bill is a straightforward way to go.
Talking about tipping methods, I suggest you tip in cash to ensure that the groomer receives the full amount without potential deductions that happen with card transactions. You can carry small denominations to facilitate this process and give an appropriate tip without the need for change.
Frequently asked questions about tipping a mobile groomer
Should you tip if the groomer is the business owner?
Yes, even if the groomer owns the business, tipping is a kind gesture that acknowledges their hard work and the personalized service they provide.
Is tipping expected for every grooming session?
While not mandatory, tipping is customary for each session if you’re satisfied with the service. Not to mention, consistent tipping can help build a positive relationship with your groomer.
How should you handle tipping during the holidays?
It’s common to give a more substantial tip or a small gift as a token of appreciation during the holiday season for your groomer’s services throughout the year.
What if you’re dissatisfied with the grooming service?
If your dog had a bad grooming experience and you’re unhappy with the service,I suggest you communicate your concerns with the groomer.
And depending on the situation, you might adjust the tip accordingly or choose not to tip. For instance, you could tip less than 15 percent of the total bill or nothing at all.
Conclusion
By now, not only do you know how much to tip a mobile dog groomer but also the intricacies of tipping etiquette.
You see, tipping your dog groomer is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their expertise and the convenience they provide. So, even if it’s not on the higher end, you should still leave some tip at the end of the session.
Got more questions about mobile dog grooming or looking to schedule one for your pup?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we are more than just a dog apparel store, we are also seasoned dog groomers serving Memphis and elsewhere. And we’ve got your pet grooming needs covered on a budget.
