HOW TO HIRE · PETS

How to hire a pet groomer in the UK
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.

Pet bathing is unlicensed. Here is what to ask about products and drying.

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THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring a pet groomer in five steps

  1. Describe the coatShort, long or double coat; any skin issues.
  2. Ask about productsShampoo suited to the coat and skin.
  3. Ask about dryingThorough drying, watched.
  4. Agree extrasDeshedding, nails, ears.
  5. Check the coat afterClean, fully dry, no irritation.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check before you book

No register applies

Grooming is not on the list of licensable animal activities in England's 2018 Regulations, and no other UK nation licenses it, so a pet groomer needs no licence. The welfare Acts still make them responsible for the animal while it is in their hands.

Ask about experience with your breed and coat, and see the grooming area. legislation.gov.uk →

Welfare while being groomed

A pet groomer takes on a legal duty, not just a job. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales) a person in charge of an animal on a temporary basis is responsible for meeting its needs — diet, environment, protection from pain and disease — with equivalent duties in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Ask how they would spot illness in your pet and what they would do. legislation.gov.uk →

Insurance

No law makes a pet groomer carry insurance, but public liability and cover for animals in their care are normal for a business. Ask what the policy pays if your pet is hurt, falls ill or goes missing while with them.

Ask to see the current insurance certificate.

VAT

Bathing a pet is standard-rated: 20% VAT is charged on the bath and dry and on any deshedding treatment. Over the £90,000 registration threshold a trader has to charge VAT and show it separately, next to its VAT number.

Ask for the VAT number, and see the bath price for your pet's size and the 20% VAT shown apart. gov.uk →

“Which shampoo will the pet groomer use?”

A good answer: One suited to the coat and skin; medicated only if your vet prescribed it.

“How will the groomer dry a double coat after bathing?”

A good answer: Fully, down to the skin, watched throughout.

“Does the groomer offer deshedding with the bath?”

A good answer: Priced separately.

“Is the bathing area safe and non-slip?”

A good answer: Yes.

“How long will the bathing take?”

A good answer: A realistic time.

“Is the pet groomer insured?”

A good answer: Yes.

“What if my pet hates water at bathing time?”

A good answer: Patience, breaks, or stop and talk to you.

Getting the quote right

  • Who actually attends to your pet at the tub — the groomer named, or a salon assistant, employed or subcontracted
  • Bath and dry price by size
  • Coat surcharge
  • Deshedding and extras
  • Cancellation terms
  • The VAT number, and VAT on the bath as its own line

Walk away if

  • Damp coat left to dry in a crate
  • Harsh products on sensitive skin
  • No questions about skin conditions
  • Unsupervised dryers
LOW
£20
TYPICAL
£25
HIGH
£45

What a pet groomer costs: £20–£45 per bath

Pet bathing is priced per bath, by size and coat, with deshedding treatments and extras added on. Pet Bathing price guide →

Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.

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Pet groomers near you, with the badges that matter shown

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  1. Brush-outLoose hair and tangles removed.
  2. BathWashed with suitable shampoo.
  3. RinseThoroughly, so no residue irritates.
  4. DryFully dried and brushed.
  5. FinishNails and ears if booked.

Deshedding
Removing loose undercoat.
Double coat
Dense undercoat plus outer coat.
Medicated shampoo
Shampoo for a skin condition, often vet-prescribed.
Blaster
A powerful dryer that pushes water out.
Conditioner
A rinse that helps detangle.
Hot spot
An inflamed patch of skin.

AFTER

When the job is done

Check the skinRedness or itching in the next day.
Keep up brushingTo keep the coat clean between baths.
Note products usedIn case of a reaction.
Tell others how it wentA short, specific review is the most useful kind. If it went wrong, the make-it-right step comes first.

STEP 1Tell the groomer, in writingDescribe what went wrong with the bath and what you want. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the pet groomer must still work with reasonable care and skill.
STEP 2Make-it-right, then reviewA rating below four stars for this pet groomer opens the make-it-right step: you choose whether the groomer hears about it first, we chase it, and the review follows.
STEP 3Escalate itWith no register for a pet groomer, escalation runs through the consumer helplines, which can pass cases to Trading Standards: Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 in England and Wales, Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060, and Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 in Northern Ireland.
STEP 4The court, as a last stepFor a pet groomer dispute that will not settle, the small claims route covers up to £10,000 in England and Wales, up to £5,000 in Scotland and up to £5,000 in Northern Ireland; the court fee depends on the amount claimed.

Hiring a pet groomer: questions people ask

No. Grooming and bathing are not licensed in any UK nation.

Yes, while in charge; welfare law requires the animal's needs to be met.

A receipt; ask what products were used.

Typically £25: the range is £20–£45 per bath. The pet bathing price guide breaks it down; put in your postcode above to compare pet groomers near you.

Only as needed; frequent baths can dry the skin.

See your vet and tell the groomer in writing; the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires reasonable care and skill.

MORE GUIDES

More hiring guides in pets

How to hire: Dog GroomingHow to hire: Mobile Dog GroomingHow to hire: Nail ClippingHow to hire: Cat GroomingHow to hire: Dog WalkingHow to hire: Puppy VisitsHow to hire: Pet SittingHow to hire: Doggy Day CareAll 701 hiring guides →

Pet groomers near you

Pet groomers in LondonPet groomers in ManchesterPet groomers in BirminghamPet groomers in GlasgowPet groomers in BelfastAll pet groomers on Locufy →

Sources — checked October 2026

  1. Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, schedule 1
  2. Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 3 — responsibility for animals
  3. Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 9 — duty to ensure welfare
  4. Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 49 — reasonable care and skill
  5. gov.uk — make a court claim for money: court fees
  6. mygov.scot — make a court claim for money
  7. nidirect — small claims process
  8. VAT rates — VAT rates for goods and services: standard rate 20% on most goods and services
  9. GOV.UK — Register for VAT: when to register