London has hundreds of dog groomers, but some lack proper qualifications or insurance.
That's the uncomfortable reality of an unregulated industry where anyone can call themselves a "professional groomer" without a single qualification or insurance policy.
This guide cuts through the marketing fluff and helps you find genuinely competent groomers across all 32 London boroughs. We've checked insurance, verified qualifications, and compiled real pricing so you don't have to gamble with your dog's safety.
Every groomer's website claims they're "London's best." Every Google review reads like it was written by a devoted cult member. And every Instagram feed shows impossibly perfect before-and-after photos.
Here's what actually makes a groomer "best":
Professional groomers carry public liability insurance (minimum £1M cover). This protects you if your dog is injured during grooming. It's reasonable to ask to see their certificate when booking for the first time. Learn more about what insurance your groomer should have.
Legitimate qualifications include:
Level 3 indicates advanced training. Level 2 is entry-level but still demonstrates formal education. Some experienced groomers may have trained through apprenticeships or mentorships rather than formal qualifications.
Professional groomers typically list prices clearly on their website or can provide them over the phone. Some variation is normal for different coat conditions or breed-specific requirements.
Good groomers ask about your dog's temperament, previous grooming experiences, and specific health considerations. They explain what they'll do before doing it. They don't upsell unnecessary services.
Whether salon-based or mobile, equipment should be clean, well-maintained, and appropriate for the work being done.
London grooming costs 40-80% more than other UK regions. That's not price gouging—it's economics.
| Dog Size | Bath & Dry | Full Groom | Premium Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 10kg) | £30-£50 | £50-£85 | £65-£95 |
| Medium (10-25kg) | £40-£65 | £65-£110 | £80-£130 |
| Large (25-45kg) | £50-£80 | £80-£140 | £100-£160 |
Premium breeds include Poodles, Doodles, Cocker Spaniels (hand-stripped), and Wire-haired breeds.
If a Central London groomer charges £50 for a Cockapoo groom, they're either cutting corners or operating at a loss. Sustainable pricing for quality grooming in Zone 1-2 is £75-£95 for medium breeds.
Mobile grooming typically costs £10-£15 more than salon grooming. Here's when it's worth it:
Every London borough has groomers, but concentration and quality vary significantly. Here's our borough-by-borough guide with links to verified, insured professionals in each area.
Home to London's highest concentration of dog groomers. Expect premium pricing (£80-£140 for full grooms) but access to highly experienced professionals. Popular with Mayfair and Belgravia residents who expect luxury service. High proportion of groomers handling toy breeds and designer dogs.
See all dog groomers in Westminster →
Excellent selection of both traditional salon and trendy "boutique" groomers. Camden Town, Hampstead, and Kentish Town have particularly strong offerings. Pricing mid-range for London (£60-£100 for medium dogs). Good availability of groomers experienced with nervous dogs.
See all dog groomers in Camden →
High dog ownership in Highbury, Barnsbury, and Angel creates strong demand. Competitive pricing due to number of groomers (£55-£95 for medium breeds). Several groomers specializing in hand-stripping for terriers and working breeds.
See all dog groomers in Islington →
Limited residential grooming options due to small resident population. Most "City of London" groomers actually operate from Clerkenwell, Farringdon, or nearby areas. Consider neighboring boroughs (Islington, Tower Hamlets, Hackney) for better selection.
See all dog groomers in City of London →
Large borough with groomers concentrated in Finchley, Hendon, and Barnet town. More affordable than Central London (£45-£80 for medium dogs). Good selection of mobile groomers covering the wider area.
See all dog groomers in Barnet →
Mix of independent groomers and small chains. Pricing competitive (£40-£75 for medium breeds). Edmonton and Enfield Town have the highest concentration of professionals. Several groomers offering collection/delivery services.
See all dog groomers in Enfield →
Tottenham, Crouch End, and Muswell Hill have distinct grooming scenes. Crouch End leans boutique and pricier (£60-£100), whilst Tottenham offers more budget-friendly options (£45-£75). Good ethnic diversity means groomers experienced with various cultural preferences.
See all dog groomers in Haringey →
Rapidly gentrified area with surge in boutique grooming services. Shoreditch and Dalston groomers tend towards premium pricing (£70-£110), whilst Homerton and Clapton more moderate (£50-£85). Several eco-conscious groomers using natural products.
See all dog groomers in Hackney →
Canary Wharf area has limited but premium options. Bethnal Green and Mile End offer better value (£45-£80). Growing number of groomers but still developing compared to other East London boroughs.
See all dog groomers in Tower Hamlets →
Stratford and Forest Gate have the most established groomers. Most affordable East London pricing (£40-£70 for medium dogs). Several mobile groomers covering wide areas. Good availability but verify qualifications carefully—varied quality.
See all dog groomers in Newham →
Walthamstow and Leyton have strong independent grooming scene. Mid-range pricing (£45-£80 for medium breeds). Several groomers with waiting lists indicating high demand and quality. Good selection of cat grooming specialists.
See all dog groomers in Waltham Forest →
Ilford and Woodford groomers serve large suburban dog-owning population. Competitive pricing (£40-£75). Many family-run businesses with loyal local followings. Good availability even at short notice.
See all dog groomers in Redbridge →
Smaller selection but improving rapidly. Barking town center has several established groomers. Most affordable London pricing (£35-£65 for medium dogs). Mobile groomers popular due to spread-out residential areas.
See all dog groomers in Barking and Dagenham →
Romford has the highest concentration of groomers. Suburban pricing more affordable than inner London (£40-£70). Several groomers specializing in large breeds (Labradors, German Shepherds). Good availability of weekend appointments.
See all dog groomers in Havering →
High dog ownership creates strong demand for grooming services. Battersea, Putney, and Balham have premium grooming options (£60-£110). Tooting and Earlsfield more moderate (£50-£85). Excellent selection of breed specialists.
See all dog groomers in Wandsworth →
Clapham groomers lean premium (£65-£100), whilst Brixton and Streatham offer better value (£45-£80). Diverse range of grooming styles from traditional to modern. Several groomers with late evening appointments for professionals.
See all dog groomers in Lambeth →
Dulwich and Peckham have distinct price points. Dulwich premium (£60-£100), Peckham more accessible (£45-£75). Growing number of mobile groomers. Good selection near parks (Peckham Rye, Dulwich Park) for post-groom walks.
See all dog groomers in Southwark →
Blackheath and Forest Hill groomers cater to affluent families (£55-£90). Lewisham town center and Catford more budget-friendly (£40-£70). Several groomers offering collection services across the borough.
See all dog groomers in Lewisham →
Greenwich town and Blackheath have premium options (£60-£95). Charlton and Woolwich more moderate (£45-£75). Good selection of groomers experienced with large breeds popular in the area.
See all dog groomers in Greenwich →
Bexleyheath and Sidcup groomers serve suburban families. Competitive outer London pricing (£40-£70 for medium dogs). Several long-established family businesses with multi-generational client bases. Good availability.
See all dog groomers in Bexley →
London's largest borough with groomers spread across multiple town centres. Bromley town premium (£55-£90), Orpington and Petts Wood mid-range (£45-£75). Several groomers specializing in show dog preparation.
See all dog groomers in Bromley →
Large borough with competitive pricing (£40-£75 for medium breeds). Mix of independent and chain groomers. Purley and Sanderstead lean premium, whilst Croydon town center offers budget options. Good availability of same-week appointments.
See all dog groomers in Croydon →
Suburban family area with traditional grooming services. Affordable outer London pricing (£40-£70). Several mobile groomers popular due to residential spread. Good selection of groomers comfortable with children present (helpful for anxious dogs).
See all dog groomers in Sutton →
Wimbledon groomers premium (£60-£100), Mitcham and Morden more accessible (£45-£75). Wimbledon Village has several boutique options. Good ethnic diversity creates varied service offerings.
See all dog groomers in Merton →
Consistently premium pricing across the borough (£65-£120 for medium dogs). Richmond, Twickenham, and Barnes have excellent selection of highly qualified groomers. Several specializing in luxury grooming and show preparation. Expect waiting lists for popular groomers.
See all dog groomers in Richmond upon Thames →
Kingston town center and Surbiton have good selection. Mid-to-premium pricing (£55-£95). Several groomers with hydrotherapy facilities nearby. Good availability of weekend appointments.
See all dog groomers in Kingston upon Thames →
Large borough with varied pricing. Chiswick premium (£60-£100), Hounslow town center affordable (£40-£70). Good selection of mobile groomers. Several groomers operating near Heathrow offering pre/post-travel grooming.
See all dog groomers in Hounslow →
Ealing Broadway and Acton have strong grooming presence. Mid-range pricing (£50-£85 for medium dogs). Several groomers with extended hours for professionals. Good ethnic diversity means varied service styles.
See all dog groomers in Ealing →
Uxbridge and Ruislip groomers serve suburban population. Outer London pricing (£40-£75). Several mobile groomers covering wide areas. Good availability and less waiting time compared to inner London.
See all dog groomers in Hillingdon →
Harrow-on-the-Hill and Stanmore have established groomers. Competitive suburban pricing (£45-£75 for medium breeds). Several family-run businesses with excellent reputations. Good selection of groomers experienced with nervous dogs.
See all dog groomers in Harrow →
Willesden, Kilburn, and Wembley have diverse grooming options. Mid-range pricing (£45-£80). Culturally diverse area creates variety in grooming styles. Several groomers offering multilingual services.
See all dog groomers in Brent →
Premium pricing throughout (£65-£110 for medium dogs). Fulham and Hammersmith have excellent selection of boutique groomers. Several specializing in specific breeds (Poodles, French Bulldogs). Expect waiting lists for top groomers.
See all dog groomers in Hammersmith and Fulham →
London's most premium grooming pricing (£80-£160 for medium dogs). Notting Hill and South Kensington groomers cater to luxury market. Several groomers offering concierge services (collection/delivery, at-home grooming). Quality generally exceptional but verify value.
Price and location matter, but they're not everything. Here's what actually determines whether a groomer is right for YOUR dog:
Mobile groomers are increasingly popular in London, and for good reason: they come to you, your dog gets one-on-one attention, and you avoid transporting a wet dog through London traffic.
We've created a dedicated guide to mobile grooming across London:
Cat grooming requires completely different skills and temperament. Many dog groomers don't handle cats (and shouldn't try—cat behaviour is distinct from dog behaviour).
We've compiled London's cat grooming specialists:
The UK pet grooming industry is unregulated. Anyone can legally call themselves a professional groomer without any training whatsoever.
This creates enormous variation in quality and safety. Look for groomers with recognised qualifications from bodies like City & Guilds, the British Dog Grooming Association, or similar accredited training programmes.
London pricing varies wildly even within the same borough. Our comprehensive cost guide breaks down real pricing by breed, size, service type, and location:
Compare prices, read reviews, and book qualified dog groomers across London.
Find Dog GroomersThe best dog groomers have verified public liability insurance (£1M minimum), professional qualifications (Level 2 or 3 City & Guilds, iPET Network, or equivalent), transparent pricing, positive customer reviews, and proper facilities. They communicate clearly about your dog's needs and don't upsell unnecessary services.
London dog grooming typically costs £50-£85 for small dogs, £65-£110 for medium dogs, and £80-£140 for large dogs (full groom). This is 40-80% higher than other UK regions due to commercial rent, higher wages, and operating costs. Basic bath and dry services cost £30-£70 depending on size.
Mobile groomers cost £10-£15 more but come to you, provide one-on-one attention, and avoid exposure to other dogs. They're ideal for anxious dogs, multiple pets, or if you lack transport. Salons are more economical for single pets and dogs that enjoy social environments.
No. Anyone can legally call themselves a dog groomer without insurance or qualifications. Professional groomers should have public liability insurance (minimum £1M cover) and professional qualifications. Always ask to see proof of insurance before booking.
Westminster, Camden, Hackney, Wandsworth, and Islington have strong concentrations of professional dog groomers. However, every London borough has qualified groomers available.
Frequency depends on breed. Poodles and Doodles need grooming every 6-8 weeks, Spaniels every 6-10 weeks, and short-coated breeds like Staffies every 12-16 weeks. Regular home brushing can extend time between professional grooms.
Reputable groomers hold Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications from City & Guilds, iPET Network, OCN, or AIM Awards. Level 3 indicates advanced training. Additional certifications in pet first aid and professional association membership (like British Dog Groomers Association) are positive signs.
Yes, but cat grooming specialists are less common than dog groomers. Cat grooming requires specialized training in feline behaviour and handling. Expect to pay £40-£95 depending on coat length, and always verify the groomer has specific cat grooming experience.