PetSmart vs Petco: Which One Saves You Money on Dog Grooming?

When it comes to keeping your pup clean, the two biggest chain stores-PetSmart is a nationwide pet retailer that offers self‑serve grooming stations, full‑service grooming, and a variety of seasonal bundles. Founded in 1986, PetSmart operates more than 1,600 locations across the U.S. and Canada. and Petco is another national chain known for its “Pet Wellness” branding. Petco began in 1965 and now runs roughly 1,500 stores, emphasizing health‑first products and services.-both promise professional grooming, but which one actually costs less? Below we break down the numbers, hidden fees, and money‑saving hacks so you can decide without guessing.

Quick Takeaways

• For a basic Bath & Brush, PetSmart price averages $25‑$30, while Petco runs $27‑$33.
• Full Groom (wash, cut, nail trim) is typically $45‑$55 at PetSmart and $48‑$60 at Petco.
• Loyalty programs shave 5‑10% off each visit; Petco’s Pals Rewards is slightly more generous.
• Both chains charge extra for specialty shampoos, de‑shedding, or breed‑size adjustments.
• Seasonal coupons and bundle deals can bring the total down by $5‑$15 per service.

How PetSmart Prices Its Grooming Services

PetSmart structures its grooming menu around three core tiers:

1. Bath & Brush: basic wash, blow‑dry, and brush.
2. Full Groom: Bath & Brush + haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning.
3. Add‑Ons: teeth cleaning, de‑shedding, hypoallergenic shampoos, breed‑specific cuts.

National price ranges (as of October2025) are:

• Bath & Brush: $25‑$30 for small dogs, $30‑$35 for medium, $35‑$40 for large.
• Full Groom: $45‑$55 small, $55‑$65 medium, $65‑$75 large.
• Add‑Ons: $5‑$10 each.

The chain also runs a “Pet Perks” loyalty card. Each groom earns 10points per $1 spent; after 500 points you receive a $5discount. Most locations apply the discount automatically on the next visit.

How Petco Prices Its Grooming Services

Petco mirrors the tiered approach but with slightly higher baseline rates. Its menu reads:

1. Bath & Brush: wash, blow‑dry, brush, and optional fragrance.
2. Full Groom: all Bath & Brush steps + haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning.
3. Premium Extras: dental prophylaxis, de‑shedding, therapeutic shampoos.

Current national price bands are:

• Bath & Brush: $27‑$33 small, $33‑$38 medium, $38‑$43 large.
• Full Groom: $48‑$55 small, $55‑$62 medium, $62‑$70 large.
• Extras: $6‑$12 each.

Petco’s Pals Rewards program (free to join) awards 1point per $1 spent. Once you hit 1,000 points, you unlock a $10voucher that can be applied to any grooming service.

Side‑by‑Side Price Comparison

At a glance, PetSmart wins on the basic Bath & Brush, while Petco edges ahead on Full Groom for medium‑size dogs. The difference usually sits in the $2‑$5 range-enough to matter if you groom weekly, negligible if you visit only a few times a year.

Hidden Fees & Seasonal Adjustments

Both chains add extra costs for:

• Breed‑Specific Cuts: Certain breeds (e.g., Poodles, Bichon Frises) require a “styled cut” that can add $10‑$15.
• Large‑Dog Surcharge: Dogs over 70lb may incur a $5‑$7 premium.
• Special Shampoo: Medicated or hypoallergenic shampoos run $3‑$5 extra.

Seasonal promotions (e.g., “Summer Shine” or “Holiday Pamper”) often bundle a Bath & Brush with a free tooth‑brush or a discount on a second service. These offers usually appear on the store’s app or email newsletter, so signing up can shave $5‑$10 off the regular price.

Saving Strategies: Coupons, Loyalty, and Bundles

Here’s a cheat‑sheet for squeezing the most value out of each chain:

1. Download the mobile app. Both PetSmart and Petco push app‑exclusive coupons-typically 10% off a Bath & Brush or $5 off a Full Groom.
2. Join the loyalty program. PetSmart’s Pet Perks and Petco’s Pals Rewards work best when you stack points with a coupon; the combined discount can exceed 15% on a single visit.
3. Bundle services. Book a Bath & Brush plus nail trim in one appointment; many locations offer a $5 bundle discount.
4. Watch for “First‑Groom Free” specials. Some new‑store openings provide a complimentary Bath & Brush for first‑time customers-perfect for a trial.
5. Use senior or military discounts. Both chains honor a 5% discount with a valid ID, though it’s rarely advertised.

When you add a 10% app coupon, a $5 bundle discount, and a 5% loyalty discount, the total savings on a Full Groom for a medium dog can climb to $15‑$20, effectively making PetSmart and Petco price‑matched.

Which Chain Is Cheaper Overall?

Answering the headline question depends on three variables:

• Service tier: For Bath & Brush, PetSmart is usually $2‑$5 cheaper. For Full Groom, the gap narrows, and Petco often wins by a dollar or two.
• Dog size: Large‑dog surcharges tilt the balance toward PetSmart because its base rates start a few dollars lower.
• Discount usage: If you’re a loyal customer who redeems coupons regularly, the two stores become virtually indistinguishable.

In a straight‑price comparison with no discounts, PetSmart edges out on basic services while Petco leads on full services for mid‑size dogs. However, the real‑world cost difference rarely exceeds $4 per visit when you factor in loyalty points, apps, and seasonal offers.

Beyond Price: What Else to Consider

Money matters, but the grooming experience can affect your dog’s health and happiness. Keep these factors in mind:

• Groomer expertise. Look for certifications (e.g., IDEC, CGC) posted on staff bios.
• Facility cleanliness. A spotless wash area reduces skin irritation and infection risk.
• Appointment flexibility. Some locations allow walk‑ins; others require booking weeks ahead.
• Additional services. Both chains sell pet‑care products; a store that stocks your dog’s specific shampoo can save a separate purchase.

Visit the nearest stores, ask to see the grooming area, and maybe schedule a short “spa intro” to gauge how your dog reacts. The cheapest option isn’t worth it if your pup hates the environment.

Bottom Line

If you only need a quick Bath & Brush, PetSmart typically wins the price fight. If you prefer a full‑service grooming and have a medium‑sized dog, Petco’s rates are marginally lower. In practice, the two chains converge once you apply loyalty points, app coupons, and bundle discounts. Choose the store that feels more comfortable for your dog, and let the savings come from smart coupon hunting rather than raw price tags.