PetSmart Grooming Guide for Pet Owners
This guide walks first-time customers through PetSmart grooming, from choosing a service to picking up a freshly groomed pet. It covers what to book, how to prepare, what happens in the salon and how to keep the coat tidy between visits.
For exact prices, see our guides to grooming prices, dog grooming and cat grooming.
What the Salon Offers
PetSmart salons groom dogs of every size and, at select locations, cats. Services range from 15-minute quick services to full baths and haircuts.
| Service type | Good for |
|---|---|
| Quick services, from $12 | Nails, ears or teeth between full grooms |
| Quick Wash, $29.95 | A fast bath for select short-coated breeds |
| Bath & Brush packages | Coats that don’t need cutting |
| Bath & Full Haircut packages | Coats that grow and need shaping |
| FURminator or deShed add-ons | Heavy shedders |
| Puppy and kitten packages | Pets up to 5 months, at 30% off |
Choosing the Right Service
Start with your pet’s coat. Short coats rarely need haircuts, while curly and long coats need regular trims to avoid mats.
If you’re unsure, book a Bath & Brush first and ask the stylist for advice. PetSmart also ran free 15-minute grooming consultations on Wednesdays in October 2026.
Dog and Cat Grooming Compared
| Dogs | Cats | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Every PetSmart salon | Select salons only |
| Packages | Bath, Haircut and FURminator options | Bath, Haircut, deShed and waterless options |
| Quick nail trim | $12 | $15 |
| Young pet discount | 30% off through 5 months | 30% off through 5 months |
Cats are often groomed with quieter equipment and shorter sessions. Waterless baths help cats that panic around water.
Grooming Puppies and Kittens
Start early, once your pet is 8 weeks or older. Short, positive visits teach young pets that grooming is safe.
Puppy and kitten packages cost 30% less than adult pricing through 5 months. A bath and nail trim is a gentle first visit.
Pair early grooming with handling practice at home, like touching paws and ears daily. Our puppy classes guide covers early training.
Doodles and Other Curly Coats
Doodles, Poodles and other curly coats tangle quickly and need regular full grooms. PetSmart offers a Doodle Detangling Package for these coats.
Brushing all the way to the skin at home is the best way to prevent mats. A slicker brush plus a metal comb works well.
How Often to Groom
PetSmart says most pets do well with grooming or bathing every four to six weeks. The right schedule depends on coat, lifestyle and home care.
Booking your next visit before you leave keeps you on schedule. Regular visits also earn Treats Rewards salon certificates, as our Treats Rewards guide explains.
Booking an Appointment
Create a profile on PetSmart’s services site, add your pet and choose a service to see pricing and times. You can also call your store or 1-888-332-7387.
Appointments are recommended, especially on weekends. Quick services can be booked online, and you can call 1-800-677-7387 to check availability.
Weekday mornings are usually calmer. That helps nervous pets and first-timers.
Vaccines and Health Rules
Pets must be healthy and current on rabies, with proof on paper or in a digital app. Wait at least 1 hour after any vaccine before check-in.
Puppies and kittens between 8 weeks and 4 months can usually be groomed without vaccines, or up to 3 months in Indiana. Some areas, like New York City and Colorado, require extra vaccines.
Need shots first? Our vaccination clinic guide lists low-cost options.
Preparing Your Pet
- Brush your pet in the days before to loosen tangles
- Practice handling paws, ears and the face at home
- Take dogs for a walk and bathroom break before drop-off
- Bring cats in a secure carrier, and keep outdoor cats inside the night before
- Tell the stylist about health issues, sensitivities or stress triggers
If your pet has never been groomed, start with a short quick service like a nail trim. It introduces the salon’s sounds and smells without a long visit.
Grooming Terms to Know
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Sanitary trim | Trimming hair around the rear and belly for hygiene |
| Paw and pad trim | Trimming hair between the paw pads for grip |
| Dematting | Working out tangles and mats, billed by time |
| deShedding | Special shampoo and brushing to remove loose undercoat |
| Hand scissoring | Shaping the coat with scissors instead of clippers |
| Shave-down | Clipping the coat short, often because of matting |
Knowing these words makes it easier to explain the look you want. Bring a photo if you have a specific style in mind.
Questions to Ask the Stylist
- What length or style suits my pet’s coat?
- How often should I book based on my pet’s coat?
- Are there any extra fees for brushing or dematting?
- Did you notice anything I should mention to my vet?
- Which brush should I use at home?
What Happens at the Salon
PetSmart never sedates pets and won’t accept pets sedated elsewhere. If a pet becomes too stressed, the stylist may stop or reschedule the service.
Flat-faced breeds are never kennel-dried, and PetSmart’s kennel dryers have no heating elements. Pets wait in clean, monitored kennels with water.
Who Grooms Your Pet
PetSmart says its stylists complete more than 800 hours of hands-on instruction and safety certification. They work with at least 250 dogs during training and renew safety certification every year.
Cat grooming needs specially trained groomers, so only some salons offer it. Call ahead before bringing a cat.
Anxious, Senior and Special-Needs Pets
Express Grooming shortens the visit for senior pets and pets that get anxious. Ask for it when you book.
Share any medical conditions or mobility limits at check-in. The salon team can adjust handling or recommend a different service.
Grooming at Home Between Visits
A few minutes of home care keeps coats healthy and grooming visits shorter. Brush regularly with tools suited to your pet’s coat.
- Brush long and curly coats several times a week
- Check ears weekly for redness or odor
- Trim or grind nails if they click on the floor
- Brush teeth with pet toothpaste a few times a week
- Watch for lumps, hot spots or fleas while you groom
Contact your vet if you notice skin problems, odd smells or new lumps. Groomers can spot issues but don’t diagnose them.
Matting and Shave-Downs
Mats pull on the skin and can hide sores, so stylists may need to clip them short. Severe matting is safer to shave than to brush out.
Some breeds may have an Additional Brushing Fee if extra work is needed. The stylist discusses fees before starting and can waive them after the assessment.
If You’re Not Happy With the Groom
Tell the salon as soon as you can, ideally at pickup. Small issues like uneven ears or a missed spot can often be fixed quickly.
If you can’t resolve it with the salon, contact PetSmart’s service center at 1-888-332-7387. Our customer service guide lists other ways to reach them.
Tipping Your Groomer
Tipping is up to you, and many owners tip as they would at a hair salon. Ask your salon how tips are handled before you pay.
Seasonal Grooming Tips
| Season | What to focus on |
|---|---|
| Spring | Heavy shedding, so book a deShed bath |
| Summer | Keep coats tidy, but avoid shaving double coats |
| Fall | Second shedding season and burr checks after walks |
| Winter | Wipe paws after walks to remove salt and ice |
Holiday weeks fill up fast at the salon. Book late-year grooms early in November.
Grooming Supplies for Home
PetSmart stocks brushes, combs, nail clippers, grinders, shampoos and dental kits. Ask the stylist which tools suit your pet’s coat.
Buying the right brush once saves money on dematting fees later. Earn points on supplies with Treats Rewards.
Saving on Grooming
New customers can get $20 off a first prepaid bath or groom, and seniors and military save 10% on Tuesdays. Puppies and kittens up to 5 months get 30% off adult pricing.
Salons also accept Afterpay. Our coupons guide lists current salon offers.
Grooming Guide Questions
How long does grooming take?
Full grooms usually take 3 to 4 hours. Quick services like nail trims take about 15 minutes.
Can I walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome when the salon has space, but appointments are safer, especially on weekends.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring rabies proof, a leash or carrier, and any notes about health issues or the style you want.
Can I stay with my pet during grooming?
Most salons ask you to drop off and return at pickup time. Pets often settle better without their owner in view.
Does PetSmart groom senior dogs?
Yes, healthy seniors are welcome. Ask for Express Grooming to keep the visit short and comfortable.
Do all PetSmart stores groom cats?
No, only select salons with certified cat groomers. Check before you go.
