Mobile dog grooming typically costs £10-£20 more than salon grooming. That's the upfront truth.
Whether that premium is worth it depends entirely on your circumstances. If you have multiple dogs and your groomer offers multi-pet discounts, mobile grooming may become cost-competitive. If you have one well-adjusted Labrador who loves car rides, you're paying extra for convenience you don't need.
This guide explains exactly when mobile grooming makes financial and practical sense, what you should expect from a professional mobile groomer, and how to find legitimate operators across every London borough.
Mobile dog groomers bring fully-equipped grooming vans to your location. They park outside your home (or nearby if parking is restricted), collect your dog, groom them in the van, and return them within 1-3 hours depending on breed and service.
Professional mobile grooming vans should include:
Mobile groomers operating from basic vans without proper equipment are essentially "freelancers with wheels." They're not providing mobile grooming—they're providing amateur grooming with transport.
Mobile grooming typically costs £10-£20 more per appointment than equivalent salon services. Here's what you'll actually pay:
| Dog Size | Salon Price | Mobile Price | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 10kg) | £50-£85 | £60-£100 | £10-£20 |
| Medium (10-25kg) | £65-£110 | £75-£125 | £10-£20 |
| Large (25-45kg) | £80-£140 | £90-£155 | £10-£20 |
| Giant (45kg+) | £100-£180 | £110-£195 | £10-£20 |
Multiple dogs: Some mobile groomers may offer multi-pet discounts, though these vary significantly by groomer. Always ask about multi-pet pricing when booking, as discounts are not universal.
If a groomer offers multi-dog discounts, mobile grooming can become cost-competitive with salons for households with 2+ dogs, particularly when factoring in transport savings and time efficiency.
If you have one dog who enjoys car rides, tolerates other dogs, and shows no grooming anxiety, you're paying £10-£20 for convenience you don't need. Save the money.
If every £10 matters, salon grooming is £120-240 cheaper annually (assuming 12 grooms per year).
Salon facilities can be toured before booking. Mobile vans vary significantly—you're relying on groomer reputation rather than visible facilities.
Some dogs genuinely enjoy salon environments—seeing other dogs, interacting with multiple people. Don't assume your dog prefers isolation if they're naturally social.
Professional mobile groomers are usually happy to let you inspect their van. Most welcome the opportunity to show off their setup.
Professional setups typically include: hydraulic table, professional dryers, heating/air con, adequate water tank capacity, and proper lighting.
Mobile groomers need public liability insurance (minimum £1M), van insurance, and equipment insurance. Ask to see certificates. Mobile work increases liability (parking restrictions, public spaces, potential damage to property).
Many mobile groomers cover approximately a 5-10 mile radius. This helps them manage travel time effectively and maintain a consistent schedule.
Professional mobile groomers typically have 70-100 litre water tanks and separate waste water tanks, with proper disposal at designated facilities.
Understanding parking logistics prevents surprises. Some groomers may need you to arrange parking permits, while others can park on street. It's worth discussing this before the first appointment.
Mobile groomers lose more money from late cancellations (they've driven to you). Fair policy: 24-48 hours notice required, cancellation fees apply for shorter notice.
Still unsure whether mobile grooming is right for you? Use this framework:
Mobile groomer availability varies significantly by borough. Inner London has highest density. Outer boroughs have fewer options but wider service areas.
Excellent mobile groomer availability. Parking restrictions extensive but manageable for experienced mobile groomers. Expect premium pricing (£70-£110 for medium dogs). Several luxury mobile services catering to Mayfair/Belgravia clientele.
See all mobile dog groomers in Westminster →
Strong mobile groomer presence serving Camden Town, Hampstead, Kentish Town. Mid-range London pricing (£65-£100 for medium dogs). Good availability even with 1 week notice.
See all mobile dog groomers in Camden →
High demand in Highbury, Barnsbury, Angel. Competitive pricing due to number of operators (£60-£95 for medium dogs). Several mobile groomers specializing in nervous dogs.
See all mobile dog groomers in Islington →
Mobile groomers cover Finchley, Hendon, Barnet town. More affordable than Central London (£50-£85 for medium dogs). Good availability, residential streets easier parking than inner London.
See all mobile dog groomers in Barnet →
Several mobile services operating across borough. Competitive pricing (£45-£80 for medium dogs). Many groomers offering collection if parking is issue.
See all mobile dog groomers in Enfield →
Crouch End and Muswell Hill have premium mobile options (£65-£100), Tottenham more affordable (£50-£80). Good ethnic diversity means varied service styles.
See all mobile dog groomers in Haringey →
Rapidly growing mobile grooming market. Shoreditch/Dalston lean premium (£75-£115), Homerton/Clapton moderate (£55-£90). Several eco-conscious mobile groomers using natural products.
See all mobile dog groomers in Hackney →
Mobile options growing but still developing. Canary Wharf area has premium services. Bethnal Green/Mile End better value (£50-£85).
See all mobile dog groomers in Tower Hamlets →
Mobile grooming popular due to spread-out residential areas. Affordable East London pricing (£45-£75 for medium dogs). Verify qualifications—quality varies.
See all mobile dog groomers in Newham →
Walthamstow and Leyton have strong mobile presence. Mid-range pricing (£50-£85). Several groomers with waiting lists indicating quality and demand.
See all mobile dog groomers in Waltham Forest →
Mobile groomers serve suburban population effectively. Competitive pricing (£45-£80). Good availability for weekend appointments.
See all mobile dog groomers in Redbridge →
Growing mobile market. Affordable outer London pricing (£40-£70 for medium dogs). Mobile particularly popular due to limited salon options.
See all mobile dog groomers in Barking and Dagenham →
Mobile groomers cover wide areas due to suburban spread. Competitive pricing (£45-£75). Good availability even short notice.
See all mobile dog groomers in Havering →
Excellent mobile groomer concentration. Battersea, Putney, Balham have premium options (£65-£115). Tooting/Earlsfield mid-range (£55-£90). High demand means booking 1-2 weeks ahead advisable.
See all mobile dog groomers in Wandsworth →
Clapham mobile groomers lean premium (£70-£105), Brixton/Streatham better value (£50-£85). Several offering evening appointments for professionals.
See all mobile dog groomers in Lambeth →
Dulwich premium mobile services (£65-£105), Peckham accessible (£50-£80). Growing number of mobile operators across borough.
See all mobile dog groomers in Southwark →
Blackheath and Forest Hill have premium mobile options (£60-£95). Lewisham town/Catford more budget-friendly (£45-£75). Several groomers covering multiple South East boroughs.
See all mobile dog groomers in Lewisham →
Greenwich town and Blackheath have premium mobile services (£65-£100). Charlton/Woolwich moderate (£50-£80). Residential areas generally good parking for mobile vans.
See all mobile dog groomers in Greenwich →
Suburban borough ideal for mobile grooming. Competitive outer London pricing (£45-£75 for medium dogs). Easy parking makes mobile grooming efficient.
See all mobile dog groomers in Bexley →
London's largest borough well-served by mobile groomers. Bromley town mid-to-premium (£60-£95), Orpington/Petts Wood moderate (£50-£80). Wide areas make mobile grooming popular.
See all mobile dog groomers in Bromley →
Large borough with competitive mobile pricing (£45-£80 for medium dogs). Mix of independent mobile operators. Good availability across borough.
See all mobile dog groomers in Croydon →
Suburban area perfect for mobile grooming logistics. Affordable outer London pricing (£45-£75). Mobile particularly popular with multi-dog families.
See all mobile dog groomers in Sutton →
Wimbledon has premium mobile services (£65-£105), Mitcham/Morden accessible (£50-£80). Wimbledon Village residents particularly favor mobile convenience.
See all mobile dog groomers in Merton →
Premium mobile grooming throughout borough (£70-£125 for medium dogs). Richmond, Twickenham, Barnes have luxury mobile services. Expect waiting lists for popular mobile groomers.
See all mobile dog groomers in Richmond upon Thames →
Kingston town and Surbiton have good mobile selection. Mid-to-premium pricing (£60-£100). Residential streets generally good parking for mobile vans.
See all mobile dog groomers in Kingston upon Thames →
Chiswick premium mobile services (£65-£105), Hounslow town affordable (£45-£75). Several mobile groomers operating near Heathrow offering pre/post-travel grooming.
See all mobile dog groomers in Hounslow →
Strong mobile groomer presence. Mid-range pricing (£55-£90 for medium dogs). Several groomers offering evening/weekend appointments for professionals.
See all mobile dog groomers in Ealing →
Mobile groomers cover large suburban areas. Outer London pricing (£45-£80). Mobile particularly efficient given wide geographic spread of borough.
See all mobile dog groomers in Hillingdon →
Harrow-on-the-Hill and Stanmore have established mobile services. Competitive suburban pricing (£50-£80). Residential areas easy parking for mobile vans.
See all mobile dog groomers in Harrow →
Willesden, Kilburn, Wembley served by mobile groomers. Mid-range pricing (£50-£85). Culturally diverse area creates variety in mobile service styles.
See all mobile dog groomers in Brent →
Premium mobile pricing throughout (£70-£115 for medium dogs). Fulham and Hammersmith have excellent mobile groomer selection. Parking restrictions require experienced mobile operators.
See all mobile dog groomers in Hammersmith and Fulham →
London's most premium mobile grooming pricing (£85-£165 for medium dogs). Notting Hill and South Kensington mobile groomers cater to luxury market. Several offering concierge services (pre-booked parking, extended appointments).
Compare prices, read reviews, and book qualified mobile dog groomers across London.
Find Mobile GroomersMobile dog grooming in London typically costs £10-£20 more than salon grooming. Expect £60-£100 for small dogs, £75-£125 for medium dogs, and £90-£155 for large dogs (full groom). This premium covers fuel, equipment maintenance, travel time, and the convenience of at-home service.
Yes, if you have multiple dogs (some mobile groomers may offer multi-pet discounts - always ask), an anxious or reactive dog, lack transport, have mobility issues, or value one-on-one attention. No, if you have a single dog who enjoys social environments and budget is primary concern.
Professional mobile groomers have fully-equipped vans with grooming tables, hydraulic tubs, professional dryers, heating/air conditioning, and water supply (70-100 litres). Equipment quality should match or exceed salon standards. Always ask to see their van before booking.
Mobile grooming takes the same time as salon grooming: 1-1.5 hours for small dogs, 1.5-2 hours for medium dogs, and 2-3 hours for large dogs. Your dog receives one-on-one attention throughout, unlike salons where groomers handle multiple dogs simultaneously.
Most mobile groomers cover a 5-10 mile radius from their base. Some cover multiple boroughs, others specialize in specific areas. Central London has highest mobile groomer density. Outer boroughs may have fewer options but still have coverage.
Professional mobile groomers must have public liability insurance (minimum £1M), van insurance, and equipment insurance. Always verify insurance before booking. Mobile groomers work in public spaces (your property, street parking) which increases liability requirements.