Where can I find grooming salons for dogs and cats?

Calgary offers a wide range of professional grooming services for dogs and cats, from traditional salons to modern mobile services that come directly to your home. The city has over 30 specialized establishments that provide high-quality care for your pets' fur, nails, ears, and overall hygiene.

Stationary dog salons

Leading salons with excellent reputations

Dog Grooming Calgary / Bonnieland Puppy Parlour is one of the most experienced establishments in the city, specializing in European-style grooming. Located in the southeast and southwest parts of Calgary, the salon offers free consultations with groomers and uses high-quality shampoos specially selected for your pet's coat type. Owner Rosanna Moler has over 15 years of experience and professional training in Europe.

Dogs Rule Pet Grooming has been operating in the same location in the southwest for over 10 years and is known for its caring attitude toward animals. The salon operates on an open concept with minimal use of cages, which reduces stress for the animals.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday and Monday closed.

Pawsitively Pooched is located in the northwest part of the city and offers a stress-free, professional environment for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. The facility moved to a new location at #206 3400 14st NW in February 2022 and continues to offer free day care for all grooming clients.

Dog Town Grooming at 2832 Morley Trail NW is unique in that it does not use cages — animals are free to roam until it is their turn. The team conducts photo sessions and provides accurate communication with owners regarding pick-up times.

Hours: Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Chain salons

PetSmart Grooming has several locations throughout Calgary, including northwest (11694 Sarcee Trail NW), northeast (600 3221 Sunridge Way NE), and other areas. All stylists are academically trained with over 800 hours of practical experience and offer services for dogs and cats of all breeds.

Specialized salons

The Petropolitan, located in downtown Calgary and in the Killarney neighborhood, offers luxurious amenities and uses the exclusive Prima© Bathing System. The facility combines grooming services with daycare for only $30 when you book premium services.

Canine Cuts specializes in professional grooming with an individual approach to each animal. The team of groomers is known for their love, patience, and professional care for all dogs.

Mobile grooming services

Benefits of mobile grooming

Mobile grooming services are becoming increasingly popular in Calgary due to their convenience and reduced stress for animals. These services come to your home with fully equipped vans.

Good Sniff Spaw serves Calgary and surrounding communities, offering professional, stress-free mobile grooming for dogs and cats. The team arrives in a fully equipped van right at your door. Contact numbers: 403-809-3238 or 587-605-7510.

Mobile Dog Grooming Calgary covers Calgary, Edmonton, Erdri, and surrounding areas. They offer affordable services and specialize in professional haircuts, bathing, ear cleaning, and other services in a relaxing environment.

The K-9 Unit is a fully equipped mobile salon on wheels serving all of Calgary. Features: individual grooming with no other dogs in the van, no crates or cage drying ever used, spa atmosphere to reduce anxiety during grooming.

Tinkle Time Pet Services offers in-home grooming for dogs and cats with a focus on stress reduction. Groomer Lisla is a graduate of the Prestige Grooming School in Calgary and has many years of experience working with animals. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Specialized services for cats

Cat-only salons

Fabulous Feline Grooming specializes exclusively in cat grooming and is located at Calgary, AB T2A 0T9. The team of experts has a deep understanding of cat behavior and provides a gentle and calming grooming experience. Services include: washing and drying with undercoat removal, clipping/de-matting, haircuts and trimming, sanitary care, nail trimming, and spa treatments.

Kitty Clips Mobile Cat Grooming offered professional, gentle, and reliable care for cats in their homes. However, as of September 2024, they are not accepting new clients for grooming. For each appointment, they provided a groomer and an assistant for fast, gentle, and effective grooming. Les is Meow is a mobile cat grooming service serving Calgary and surrounding areas. Services include nail care (from trimming to caps), coat grooming with a specialization in cat clipping, and bathing (wet and dry options).

Full-service salons with cat services

4 Paws Grooming - An independent business operating since 1991 specializing in grooming both dogs and cats. They offer individualized treatment for each animal and a flexible schedule with early drop-off, late pick-up, or salon appointments with flexible drop-off and pick-up times.

Exotic and specialized services

Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic is the only practice in Alberta specializing exclusively in the health and well-being of all types of exotic animals. The veterinary staff is fully trained and experienced in exotic animal grooming, including beak trimming for birds and turtles, wing trimming for birds, nail trimming, and other specialized services.

Birds And Critters Pet Services offers exotic animal grooming for rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and beak and nail trimming for birds. They specialize in home care for a variety of exotic animals, including birds, rabbits, ferrets, hedgehogs, and small mammals.

Pricing for grooming services

Dog grooming costs

Dog grooming prices in Calgary typically range from $50 to over $160. The exact cost depends on several factors:

  • Dog size: Small dogs (1-15 pounds) - $75 to $95

Medium (16-40 pounds) - $90 to $120 Large (41-70 pounds) - $100 to $145 Very large (90+ pounds) - $150 to $190

  • Type of services: Bathing and brushing costs $30-80 depending on size Full grooming with haircut - $70-120 Special haircuts (bear, breed, lamb) - $65-115

  • Additional services: Nail trimming ($12–17) Ear cleaning ($10) Detangling ($15) Undercoat removal ($10) Medicated shampoo ($7–12)

Cat grooming prices

Cat grooming prices in Calgary usually range from $25 to $130.

  • Fabulous Feline Grooming offers the following prices: Nail trimming - $25 Front nail caps - $30

Rear nail caps - $25 Combo caps - $45 Matted hair removal - $40-60 depending on complexity

  • Kitty Clips charged $55 for a sanitary trim and $70 for a belly and sanitary trim.

Mobile grooming: pricing details

The K-9 Unit offers the following prices for mobile grooming: Small dogs - $110 Medium dogs - $120 Large short-haired dogs - $130 Large long-haired dogs - $145

Giant short-haired dogs - $155

Mobile services are usually more expensive due to additional costs for fuel, equipment maintenance, and transportation, but they provide convenience and less stress for animals.

Preparing for your first visit to a groomer

Choosing the right groomer

When choosing a groomer, it is important to consider the reputation of the establishment, their experience with your breed, and the services they offer. Check online reviews and ask friends or veterinarians for recommendations.

Communicating with the groomer

Before your first visit, discuss your pet's health history, behavior, and specific grooming needs with the groomer. Providing this information helps the groomer create a customized plan for your pet.

Preparing your pet at home

Before your appointment, make your pet feel more confident with positive reinforcement and short grooming sessions. Play with your pet's paws, ears, and mouth so they get used to being touched.

The grooming process: what to expect

Initial consultation

Upon arrival, the groomer will begin with a full consultation to help you and the groomer agree on expectations. They may ask if you want a standard breed cut or something easier to maintain.

Preliminary examination

After the consultation, your pet will undergo a preliminary examination, which includes checking their coat, ears, nails, and skin. Groomers will note any lumps, scratches, or signs of irritation to help avoid discomfort during grooming.

Bathing and drying process

Grooming begins with a thorough bath, where your pet gets used to being handled in a structured way. The water is kept at a comfortable temperature and special pet shampoos are used.

Special programs and discounts

Programs for puppies

  • The Petropolitan offers a “Puppy Primer” for only $28 for puppies up to 4 months old.

  • BowDog provides free “puppy primping” for puppies up to 5 months old.

  • Chasin Tails offers a free “Puppy Welcome Package” for puppies aged 12 weeks to 4 months, which includes bathing, brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.

Loyalty programs

  • 4 Paws Grooming offers a special service program for regular customers with discounts when booking every 4-5 weeks.
  • Roxy Rover Pet Spa offers a 10% discount to new customers on full dog grooming services.

Additional services and specializations

Fear-Free grooming

The Classy Canine offers certified Fear-Free grooming, which minimizes restraint through special handling techniques that are gentle and take your pet's comfort level into account. Treats are used for positive association or distraction.

Asian-style grooming

Roxy Rover Pet Spaw specializes in Asian-style grooming alongside traditional services. They are located near 17th Avenue and 37th Street with plenty of free parking.

Salon locations

Northwest Calgary

  • Pawsitively Pooched (#206 3400 14st NW)
  • Dog Town Grooming (2832 Morley Trail NW)
  • PetSmart Grooming (11694 Sarcee Trail NW)

Southwest Calgary

  • Dogs Rule Pet Grooming (Tri-Glen)
  • Roxy Rover Pet Spaw (17th Ave + 37th St)
  • Shaggy To Chic

Southeast Calgary

  • The Pawsh Dog Salon (10820 27 St SE #2)

  • Dog Grooming Calgary / Bonnieland Puppy Parlour

Northeast Calgary

  • PetSmart Grooming (600 3221 Sunridge Way NE)

Downtown

  • The Petropolitan (Downtown + Killarney)

Booking recommendations

Wait times

Most popular salons recommend booking appointments 2-3 weeks in advance. Some salons, such as Fabulous Feline Grooming, have a waiting list due to high demand.

Seasonal fluctuations

Demand for grooming usually increases before holidays and during the summer. Planning ahead is especially important during these periods.

Preparing for your appointment

Before your appointment, make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations, as most salons require proof of vaccination. Bring your pet in calm and avoid feeding them immediately before grooming, if possible.

Calgary offers an impressive selection of professional grooming services for dogs and cats, from traditional salons to innovative mobile services. Whether you have a small puppy that needs its first grooming experience or an experienced cat with special needs, there is a salon in the city that will meet your requirements. The key to a successful grooming experience is careful selection of a groomer, proper preparation, and clear communication about your pet's needs.