Dog Groomers in Canberra

Find trusted dog groomers across Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Dog Grooming in Canberra: Key Facts

Canberra's planned layout and district organisation create an exceptionally efficient network of dog grooming services strategically positioned to serve the city's pet owners. The nation's capital experiences four distinct seasons, creating diverse grooming needs that local experts navigate with seasonal-appropriate cuts and treatments. Canberra's high average income supports numerous premium grooming boutiques offering advanced services like custom colouring, creative styling, and spa treatments rarely found in regional areas. The city's abundant nature reserves and walking trails have created demand for practical styles that balance appearance with functionality for active outdoor dogs.

Dog Population

Approximately 54,000 dogs based on ACT government registration data

Estimated based on Canberra's population and Australian pet ownership rates

Popular Breeds

Border CollieLabrador RetrieverCavoodleKelpieGerman Shepherd

Booking Advice

Canberra groomers typically require 1-2 weeks advance booking. Inner-south suburbs (Kingston, Manuka) and premium salons in northern districts often need 2-3 weeks notice, especially for weekend appointments.

Summer (December-February) and winter (June-August) see peak demand due to weather extremes requiring specialised grooming. Spring (September-November) brings a third busy period for de-shedding services as dogs blow winter coats.

Dog Grooming Prices in Canberra

Average price ranges for professional grooming services.

Dog Size
Average Price Range
What's Included
Small Dogs Cavoodle, Maltese, Pug
$70-90
Bath, blow-dry, brush, nail trim, ear cleaning, sanitary trim
Medium Dogs Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel
$85-115
Bath, blow-dry, brush, nail trim, ear cleaning, sanitary trim, light coat trim
Large Dogs Labrador, Golden Retriever
$100-140
Bath, blow-dry, brush, nail trim, ear cleaning, sanitary trim, coat trim
Mobile Service Additional cost
$15-30 additional
Convenience fee for at-home grooming service

Note: Actual prices may vary based on your dog's coat condition, behavior, and specific requirements. Additional services like de-shedding treatments, flea treatments, or specialised styling may incur extra costs.

Common Grooming Services in Canberra

Popular treatments and services offered by local groomers.

1

Full Groom (bath, clip, nails, ears)

2

Wash & Blow Dry

3

De-shedding Treatment

4

Seasonal Coat Management

5

Hand-Stripping for Terriers

6

Breed-Specific Styling

7

Government District Mobile Service

Local Grooming Tip

Canberra's extreme temperature range (from below 0°C in winter to above 40°C in summer) creates diverse seasonal grooming needs. The city's extensive bush areas and walking trails lead to issues with grass seeds and burrs in spring and summer. Freezing winters bring challenges with ice matting and salt damage from road treatments.

Dog-Friendly Places in Canberra

Where to take your freshly groomed pup.

Off-Leash Parks

  • Yarralumla Dog Park
  • Casey Dog Park
  • Duffy Dog Park
  • O'Connor Ridge

Dog-Friendly Walking Trails

  • Lake Burley Griffin Central Basin
  • Mt Ainslie Summit Trail
  • Farrer Ridge
  • Aranda Bushland

Dog-Friendly Cafés

  • The Cupping Room
  • Local Press Café
  • Teddy Picker's
  • Tilley's Devine Café

FAQs About Dog Grooming in Canberra

Common questions from pet owners.

How do Canberra groomers handle the extreme temperature variations?

Canberra's unique climate, with temperatures ranging from below 0°C in winter to above 40°C in summer, requires groomers to adapt their techniques seasonally. During freezing winters, most recommend maintaining longer coats with strategic thinning rather than short clips, plus special attention to paw fur to prevent ice ball formation. For summer, cooling clips become essential but always with UV protection considerations given Canberra's high-altitude sun exposure. Many local salons offer 'Four Seasons Packages' with different grooming approaches for each season, and some provide specific advice for the spring hayfever season when pollen affects many dogs in the heavily landscaped capital.

Which areas of Canberra have the best dog groomers?

Canberra's inner south suburbs (Kingston, Griffith, Manuka) host several premium grooming establishments catering to the area's affluent residents with services like hand-stripping and breed-specific styling. The Belconnen district offers excellent value with quality groomers at more moderate prices, while Gungahlin features newer, technologically-advanced salons with online booking systems and modern facilities. For specialised services, Fyshwick has developed a concentration of expert groomers serving show dogs and uncommon breeds. Mobile services are particularly prevalent in areas with high government employee populations like Barton and Parkes, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate public service working hours.

What special services do Canberra groomers offer for active, outdoor dogs?

Given Canberra's extensive network of nature reserves, walking trails and off-leash areas, many local groomers specialise in practical styling for active dogs. These 'Bush Walker Specials' typically include protective pad treatments to prevent cracking on rough terrain, strategic coat thinning that maintains protection while preventing overheating, and thorough ear cleaning to remove environmental debris. Several groomers offer spring/summer packages focusing on grass seed and burr prevention styles, particularly important in Canberra's seeded parklands. Anti-tick treatments are commonly included in packages for dogs frequenting areas like Black Mountain and Mt Ainslie. Some mobile services even offer trail-side appointments at popular walking spots like Lake Burley Griffin during peak season.