Find a dog groomer in Chicago, IL
A dog groomer bathes, brushes, trims and cleans dogs to keep their coat, skin, ears and nails healthy. Breeds with long or curly coats need regular grooming to avoid painful mats. A good groomer handles dogs calmly, keeps them safe on the table, and tells you about any lumps, skin problems or fleas they find.
How many dog groomers are in Chicago?
The Census Bureau counted 150 dog groomers with employees in Chicago, IL ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Cook County has 342, or 6.6 per 100,000 residents: about the same as the US rate of 7.3, and 109th of 164 large US cities per resident.
Another 2,776 self-employed businesses in pet care (grooming, training, boarding) are based in Cook County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 60618 (19), 60647 (16), 60614 (12), 60622 (12).
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 150 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Cook County | 6.6 US: 7.3 |
| Rank among large US cities | 109 of 164 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 38% |
| Self-employed, Cook County | 2,776 Census NES 2023: pet care (grooming, training, boarding) |
| Population | 2,707,648 ACS 2023 |
What do dog groomers in Chicago help with?
- Bath and blow-dry
- Full haircuts and breed cuts
- De-shedding treatments
- Nail trimming and grinding
- Ear cleaning
- Dematting
- Teeth brushing
- Flea and tick baths
- Puppy introductory grooms
- Mobile grooming at your home
How do you choose a good dog groomer in Chicago?
- Visit the shop and look at how clean it is and how dogs are kept while they wait.
- Ask how dogs are dried. Heated cage dryers should never be left running without someone watching.
- Ask whether they need proof of vaccinations. Good shops do.
- Ask about their experience with your breed and coat type.
- If your dog is anxious, old or reactive, ask how they handle it and whether they offer shorter or private sessions.
- Ask about grooming certifications or training they have completed.
Dog grooming is not licensed in most places, though some areas require a kennel or business permit; ask about training and certification instead.
Questions to ask before you hire
- How long will my dog be here?
- How do you dry dogs, and is someone with them the whole time?
- Which vaccinations do you require?
- What do you do if a dog is badly matted?
- How do you handle a nervous or aggressive dog?
- Will you call me if you find a problem or if my dog is stressed?
- Do you use muzzles or sedation?
Red flags to watch for
- Not letting you see the grooming area.
- Long waits in a crate with no water or attention.
- Unexplained cuts, razor burn or limping after pickup.
- Offering to sedate your dog themselves. Only a veterinarian should give sedatives.
- No vaccine requirements at all.
What changes the price?
- Size and breed of the dog
- Coat condition, especially mats
- Type of cut
- Temperament and how much handling is needed
- Add-ons like teeth brushing or de-shedding
- Mobile versus in-shop service
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many dog groomers are there in Chicago?
The Census counted 150 dog groomers with employees in Chicago, IL in 2023, plus 2,776 self-employed businesses in Cook County.
How often should my dog be groomed?
Dogs with long, curly or double coats often need a groom every four to eight weeks. Short-coated dogs may only need baths and nail trims. Ask your groomer what fits your dog's coat.
Why do groomers sometimes shave a dog short?
Severe mats can be painful to brush out and can hurt the skin. Shaving is often the kinder choice. Regular brushing at home prevents it.
Is mobile grooming better for anxious dogs?
It can be. The dog gets one-on-one attention, no waiting with other dogs, and a shorter visit. It usually costs more than a shop visit.
Dog Groomers in nearby cities
Dog Groomers in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a dog groomer.