Sandi Spots

    San Diego Dog Grooming Guide

    Best San Diego Dog Groomers (2026)

    San Diego is a dog city — and keeping a pup clean between beach trips, hikes, and dog-park dust means finding a good groomer. Here are the full-service salons, mobile groomers, and self-wash stations locals trust in 2026, from budget chains to boutique breed specialists.

    Last updated

    Quick answer: For full-service grooming: Dirty Dogs (multiple locations) or The Dog Dish (La Jolla). For self-wash: Soapy Dog (North Park). For mobile grooming: Aussie Pet Mobile or Furryland Mobile Grooming. For budget: Petco / PetSmart grooming salons. Most full-service grooms are $60–$120; mobile adds $30–$60. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

    The shops

    #1

    Dirty Dogs

    North Park, Hillcrest, La Jolla, Pacific Beach
    Mon–Sat 8–6, Sun 10–4 $$ Online + phone; 1–2 weeks

    Specialty: Full-service grooming, self-wash, breed cuts

    Local chain with multiple SD locations. Full-service grooming plus self-wash stations. Popular with locals who want consistency.

    #2

    The Dog Dish

    La Jolla
    Tue–Sat 8–5 $$$ Phone + online; 1–2 weeks

    Specialty: Premium grooming, spa treatments, small-to-medium dogs

    Upscale La Jolla salon with spa treatments and premium shampoos. Best for small-to-medium dogs and detail-oriented cuts.

    #3

    Soapy Dog

    North Park
    Daily 8–8 $ Walk-in + online booking for tubs

    Specialty: Self-wash stations, DIY grooming, supplies

    Self-wash concept with raised tubs, dryers, and aprons. Great for dogs who don't do well in salons or for between-groom touch-ups.

    #4

    Aussie Pet Mobile

    San Diego County-wide
    By appointment $$$ Phone + online; 2–3 weeks

    Specialty: Mobile grooming, one-on-one service, no kennels

    Fully equipped grooming van comes to your driveway. No kennel drying, no other dogs. Premium pricing but convenience is unmatched.

    #5

    The Dog House

    Pacific Beach
    Tue–Sat 8–6 $$ Phone + online; 1 week

    Specialty: Beach-dog grooming, de-shedding, full cuts

    PB shop used to sandy, salt-water dogs. Strong de-shedding treatments and walk-in nail trims.

    Tue–Sat 8–5 $$ Phone + walk-in

    Specialty: Full-service grooming, nail trims, walk-in baths

    Hillcrest neighborhood groomer with loyal clientele. Good for walk-in nail trims and quick baths.

    #7

    Tail Waggers

    Ocean Beach
    Mon–Sat 9–5 $$ Phone + online; 1 week

    Specialty: Natural products, OB-local vibe, full grooms

    Ocean Beach shop with a laid-back, local feel. Uses natural shampoos and is patient with anxious dogs.

    #8

    Petco Grooming

    Multiple locations county-wide
    Daily 8–8 $ Walk-in + online; often same-week

    Specialty: Budget full-service grooming, walk-ins, puppy packages

    National chain with predictable prices and package deals. Best for budget maintenance grooms and puppy first grooms.

    #9

    PetSmart Grooming

    Multiple locations county-wide
    Daily 9–8 $ Walk-in + online; same-week

    Specialty: Budget grooming, breed-specific cuts, walk-in nail trims

    Another reliable budget option. Walk-in nail trims are easy, and package pricing is straightforward.

    #10

    Furryland Mobile Grooming

    San Diego County-wide
    By appointment $$$ Phone + online; 2–3 weeks

    Specialty: Mobile grooming, anxious dogs, senior dogs

    Mobile service focused on one-on-one attention. Especially popular for anxious, senior, or reactive dogs.

    #11

    Pawlished Pups

    Del Mar
    Tue–Sat 9–5 $$$ Phone + online; 2–3 weeks

    Specialty: Breed-specific show cuts, hand scissoring

    Del Mar boutique groomer specializing in breed-specific and show-style cuts. Premium pricing for detail work.

    #12

    Crown Hill Grooming

    Crown Hill / North Park
    Tue–Sat 9–6 $$ Phone + online; 1 week

    Specialty: Full-service grooming, deshedding, local favorite

    Neighborhood shop with a strong reputation for deshedding and double-coated breeds.

    #13

    Bark & Bath

    South Park
    Mon–Sat 8–6 $$ Online + walk-in for self-wash

    Specialty: Full grooms, self-wash, natural products

    South Park shop with both full-service grooming and self-wash tubs. Emphasizes natural products.

    #14

    Wags & Whiskers

    Carlsbad
    Tue–Sat 8–5 $$ Phone + online; 1 week

    Specialty: Full-service grooming, cats + dogs, local clients

    North County groomer that handles both dogs and cats. Calm environment and patient staff.

    Daily 10–7 $ Walk-in

    Specialty: Self-wash, professional dryers, supplies included

    Self-serve wash station with professional tubs and dryers. Good for large dogs and after-hike cleanups.

    What things cost in 2026

    Service / dog sizeSmallMediumLarge
    Full-service groom (bath + cut)$50–$70$65–$95$90–$140
    Bath / brush-out only$30–$45$45–$65$65–$95
    Nail trim$15–$20$15–$25$20–$30
    De-shedding treatment$25–$40$40–$65$65–$100
    Mobile groomer surcharge$30–$40$40–$60$60–$90
    Self-wash station$15–$20$20–$25$25–$35

    Add 20% cash tip on top of posted prices. Most shops add 3–4% surcharge on cards.

    By neighborhood

    North Park + South Park + Hillcrest

    Dirty Dogs, Soapy Dog (self-wash), Uptown Dog Grooming, Bark & Bath, Crown Hill Grooming.

    La Jolla + Del Mar

    The Dog Dish (premium), Pawlished Pups (show cuts), Dirty Dogs La Jolla.

    Beaches / PB / OB

    The Dog House (PB), Tail Waggers (OB), Dirty Dogs PB.

    Mobile / county-wide

    Aussie Pet Mobile and Furryland Mobile Grooming come to your driveway.

    North County

    Wags & Whiskers (Carlsbad), Scrubbers Self-Serve (Poway).

    Budget chain

    Petco and PetSmart grooming salons across the county.

    Local tips

    1. 1

      Book 1–2 weeks ahead for weekend grooming slots. Mobile groomers are often booked 2–3 weeks out.

    2. 2

      Bring proof of current rabies vaccination. Most groomers require it by California law.

    3. 3

      Tip 15–20% for full-service grooming. Many groomers are independent contractors, so tips matter.

    4. 4

      If your dog is anxious, ask for a mobile groomer or a shop with private suites (Furryland, Aussie Pet Mobile).

    5. 5

      Self-wash stations save money but plan 45–60 minutes and bring a towel for the car ride home.

    6. 6

      After beach trips, rinse salt water off your dog's coat immediately — salt dries skin and mats fur faster.

    FAQ

    How much does dog grooming cost in San Diego?

    Full-service grooming is typically $50–$70 for small dogs, $65–$95 for medium dogs, and $90–$140 for large dogs. Mobile grooming adds $30–$90. Self-wash stations are $15–$35. Breed-specific cuts and de-shedding treatments cost extra.

    What's the best dog groomer in San Diego?

    For full-service: Dirty Dogs (multiple locations). For premium: The Dog Dish (La Jolla). For mobile: Aussie Pet Mobile. For self-wash: Soapy Dog (North Park). For budget: Petco or PetSmart grooming.

    Do dog groomers in San Diego require vaccinations?

    Yes — reputable groomers require proof of current rabies vaccination, and many require proof of distemper/parvo. Mobile groomers may also ask for bordetella.

    Are there mobile dog groomers in San Diego?

    Yes — Aussie Pet Mobile and Furryland Mobile Grooming both serve San Diego County. They come to your driveway in a fully equipped van, ideal for anxious or senior dogs.

    Where can I wash my dog myself in San Diego?

    Soapy Dog in North Park, Bark & Bath in South Park, and Scrubbers Self-Serve Dog Wash in Poway all offer self-wash tubs with professional dryers and supplies included.

    How often should I groom my dog in San Diego?

    Most dogs need a full groom every 6–8 weeks. Dogs with double coats or long hair may need brushing every few days. After beach or hiking trips, a bath or rinse helps prevent matting and skin irritation.

    Can I get a walk-in nail trim for my dog?

    Yes — many shops including Uptown Dog Grooming, The Dog House, Petco, and PetSmart offer walk-in nail trims. Call ahead to confirm wait times, especially on weekends.

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    About this guide

    Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .

    Local, first-hand. Reported on the ground in San Diego County.
    Kept current. Prices, hours, and closures reviewed on a rolling basis.
    Independent. Affiliate links never influence rankings.

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