Grooming is a recurring cost that many new owners underestimate. What you pay depends mostly on your pet's size, coat type, and the kind of service you book. This page walks through typical prices in Japan, what each service includes, and where you can save by doing basic upkeep at home.
Typical grooming prices
Prices vary by region, with Tokyo and Osaka salons usually charging more than regional towns. As a rough guide for a full groom:
- Small dogs (toy poodle, dachshund, Shiba mix under about 5 kg): roughly 4,000 to 7,000 yen.
- Medium dogs (corgi, cocker spaniel, 5 to 15 kg): roughly 6,000 to 10,000 yen.
- Large dogs (golden retriever, standard poodle, over 15 kg): roughly 10,000 to 18,000 yen or more.
- Cats: roughly 5,000 to 12,000 yen, since many cats need extra handling time.
Coat type matters as much as size. Double-coated and curly breeds (poodles, bichons, Pomeranians) take longer to brush, dry, and clip, so they sit at the higher end. Short-haired breeds cost less. Matted coats often carry an extra fee because they take more time to work through.
What each service includes
Salons usually offer a few tiers so you can match the service to what your pet actually needs:
- Full groom (フルコース): bath, blow-dry, full-body clip or scissor cut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and often a light face and paw tidy. This is the most complete and most expensive option.
- Trim or bath course: a wash and blow-dry with a basic tidy, without a full clip. Good between full grooms.
- Nail and ear (部分ケア): a quick session covering just nails, ear cleaning, and sometimes paw-pad and sanitary trimming. Often 1,000 to 3,000 yen and useful as a low-cost top-up.
How often
Frequency depends on the coat. Curly and long-coated dogs are commonly groomed every 4 to 8 weeks. Short-haired dogs and most cats may only need a full session a few times a year, with nail trims in between. Setting a routine that fits your pet keeps each visit shorter and easier.
Salon, mobile, or vet-run
- Salon (トリミングサロン): the most common and usually the most affordable per visit. You drop off and collect later.
- Mobile grooming (出張トリミング): a van comes to your home. Convenient and low-stress for pets that dislike travel, but it typically costs more and books up in advance.
- Vet-run grooming: some clinics offer grooming, which can suit older or nervous animals since staff are on site. Prices are often higher than a standalone salon.
Common add-ons
Extras are priced on top of the base course. Common ones include teeth brushing, de-shedding or de-matting treatment, flea and tick shampoo, paw-pad or sanitary trims, and nail filing. Ask for the full price list before booking so add-ons do not surprise you at pickup.
Doing basic grooming at home
Regular home upkeep reduces how often you need a salon and keeps visits shorter. Useful basics are a slicker brush or comb suited to your pet's coat, pet nail clippers, and pet-specific shampoo. Brushing a few times a week prevents mats, and short, calm nail-trim sessions help your pet get used to handling. Introduce tools gradually and keep sessions brief. A checklist of starter tools is on our supplies starter list.
Grooming is one line in a bigger budget. If you board or use daycare, see sitters, hotels, and daycare, and estimate your monthly food spend with the food cost calculator to plan the full picture.