Do You Tip PetSmart Groomers? (Your Full Guide)

Are you getting ready to take your precious pooch for a haircut?

No matter how much your dog trusts you, trying to bathe and groom them can be difficult. Therefore, it is best to book an appointment with a professional groomer. They offer a wide range of services, from washing and brushing fur to clipping nails. You can even treat your furry friend to a relaxing bath and a treatment to remove ticks and lice. 

But, have you ever wondered, ‘do you tip PetSmart Groomers?’, let’s find out…

About The Service

PetSmart offers a wide range of products for pets of all types. The company also offers a wide range of services for pet owners to take advantage of. This includes consultations for potential pet owners and pet adoption services.

Most stores also come complete with beauty parlors, which offer a range of different types of treatments. These beauty parlors are staffed by professional groomers who work directly for the company. In addition to receiving a base salary, these employees receive a commission when they perform treatments for cats and dogs.

Grooming Hours

When you visit a beauty parlor, you want the experience to be as quick and stress-free as possible. Your dog is likely to be nervous or excited, especially if there are other dogs around. Therefore, it is a good idea to call ahead and book an appointment.

Most beauty parlors in stores are open from 07:00 to 21:00 on Monday to Saturday. You can also book a dog grooming appointment between 08:00 and 21:00 on Sundays. Weekends can be quite busy, so you may have to be a little more flexible to secure a slot.

How Much Should You Tip?

The amount you tip will depend on the quality of the service you receive. Many experienced professionals go the extra mile to make your pet comfortable and happy. This can involve a lot of extra work if your pet hates being groomed.

The absolute minimum you should give as a gratuity is 10% of the cost of the treatment. However, giving a little extra shows that you appreciate the professional and are happy with the service. 15% is a respectable tip, while giving 20% is better!

How Much Do Groomers Keep?

When you give the groomer a tip, they are allowed to keep the full amount. This is a good way to show them that you appreciate their time and attention. Some go the extra mile to make a connection with your dog and keep them calm and happy during treatments.

When giving a gratuity, it is best to give the groomer cash. This makes sure they will be able to keep it separate from the fee for the treatment. Often, it is not possible to use a credit or debit card to give the gratuity, so it is a good idea to set aside some spare cash.

Example Tips

Trying to work out the tip in front of a groomer can be tricky. If you don’t give enough, you are likely to be thought of as being cheap. However, not everyone is great at doing math when they are on the spot. Here are some examples of tips for different services. 

Full Service for Small Dogs

This service usually costs around $40. The minimum tip you should give is $5. If you are particularly impressed with the service, consider giving $8. 

Full Service for Larger Dogs

This service takes a little longer and usually costs around $75. $11 is a fairly standard gratuity for this service. Consider giving $15 if the groomer goes the extra mile.

Bath and Brush 

The cost of this service depends on the size of your pet and the treatments you opt for. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to tip around $5. You could give up to $10 if your precious pooch requires extra attention and time. 

Body Trim

The cost of this treatment can range from $50 to $80, depending on the size of the animal and the treatments. If you have a cat or small dog, consider giving an extra $10 to $15. If your dog is large and boisterous, consider raising the gratuity to $20. 

Special Cases

There are times when the groomer will have to go to extra trouble to clean your precious pooch. Some tasks can be quite unpleasant, and you can show your appreciation by giving a little extra. 

Times to Consider Increasing the Gratuity:

Booking Services Online

If you are in a hurry, you can book a treatment online and opt for PetSmart’s Salon Curbside service. This allows you to drop off your pooch and pick them up again at a convenient time. When you opt for this service, you can pay online instead of having to go into the store.

When you collect your pet, make sure you have some cash handy to give the groomer. While a gratuity is optional, it is sure to be appreciated. 

Groomer Salaries

Although this job involves a certain amount of skill, the average salary is still fairly low. Most groomers at PetSmart receive an hourly salary of between $7 and $28. The base rate varies depending on the experience and skill of the employee, as well as how many appointments they book. 

When a pet owner books a grooming session, PetSmart receives the majority of the fee. Pet groomers only receive 40% of the fee as a commission. If no appointments are booked for a particular day, the groomer will only receive their base salary.  

Applying For A Job Today?

Well then, take a look at our in-depth guide to the Petsmart Application and the most common Petsmart Interview Questions, and How Much Does PetSmart Pay for your working rates and hours? If you’re just shopping, you might want to know Does PetSmart Sell Ducks and more about the PetSmart Fish Return Policy in 2023.

Alternatively, why not check out How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At Petco, followed by our guides to the Petco Application, along with the Pet Valu Application, the Pet Supplies Plus Application, and the Petland Application, or even our Seaworld Application if you have a love for marine life!

Looking for a summer job? Then find out How To Become A Teen Pet Sitter, and How To Become A Teenage Dog Walker, or perhaps our Pet Sitter Job Description for a great side business!

Final Thoughts

When someone provides excellent service, it is always a good idea to offer them a tip. While some groomers are not likely to expect this, it is sure to be appreciated. This is the perfect way of showing your appreciation for a job well done.

If you decide to tip, it is important to be generous. Only giving a few cents can be worse than giving anything at all. It is also a good idea to ask the groomer which payment method they prefer; most will go for cash.

Enjoy getting your favorite pooch groomed today!