Sure, you can throw your dog in the tub or sink and give them a bath when they start to smell funky, but every now and then, they are going to need to venture out for a proper grooming. Choosing which groomer is where it gets tricky.
Now, how often your dog will need to be groomed will depend on the breed and their specific hair. Sometimes situations will come up (say if they encounter a skunk) that will force you to bring your pup in more often than you might normally. There are many reasons to get a groom, and whether your dog is just getting a bath or getting a haircut, a nail trim, and an adorable blowout, you’ll want your pup or kitty perfect when you pick them up. That means they should be happy and comfortable while they are there, and with caring people who will show them love.
You’ll also want something convenient, close to where you live, and within your budget — especially if your dog requires frequent grooming. That's why we put together a list of the 10 best groomers in San Francisco. Check them out below.
1. The Dog Barber
1903 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94103
This spot offers both full service grooming with options, like brush/ de-mat full coat, bath, blow dry, ear cleaning, nail trim, and hair cut as well as a bath and trim with features like brush/ de-mat full coat, bath, blow dry, nail trim, and face, feet, and anal area trimmed. For those with less time or who have anxious pups, the bath and trim service is a great, quick way to maintain or extend your pet's cut in between full grooming sessions.
2. SF Dog Parlour
9 Leland Ave. San Francisco, CA 94134
This dog salon offers both a complete full service groom with features, like a haircut, bath, nail trim, nail grinding, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, gland expression, and ear trimming. It also offers as a “zoom groom,” which is a full service groom done faster, with less waiting time - perfect for an anxious pup. For dogs with extra special grooming needs, they can get it taken care of here. The Dog Parlour can also de-skunk, de-shed, dye hair, paint nails, clean teeth, and so much more.
3. Russian Hill Dog Grooming Express
2178 Bush St. San Francisco, CA 94115
Whether you need a full service grooming or just a bath, this spot has it all and will de-mat and shave as necessary. Rates depend on the type of dog and also how badly this grooming is needed! Keep in mind that grooming and bathing more often keeps hair in better shape and reduces matting and uncomfortable itchy tangles.
4. Little Ark Dog Grooming
748 14th St. San Francisco, CA 94114
Little Ark has the facilities to give all dog breeds a standard haircut, but it's also available for fun and high-style specialty cuts, bathing, nail trims, anal gland expression, and teeth brushing. This spot does not use kennels; instead, they feature an open-air play space where your dog can play with friends (and make new ones) in between stages of grooming.
5. Mudpuppy's
536 Castro St. San Francisco, CA 94114
This dog groomer’s signature head-to-tail scrub gets a bit fancy. It includes a blueberry facial for your pet, along with a more standard shampoo, rinse, towel dry, ear wipe, and a spritz finish of coat conditioner. They also offer other features that include a flea wash, nail care, and a deluxe wash for pups who desire the royal treatment. They deserve it!
6. VIP Scrub Club
1734 Church St. San Francisco, CA 94131
Your pet is a VIP, treat them like one, whatever that means for your family. This doggie groomer even gives a “you scrub” option, where you can reserve tub time and give your fur baby a wash yourself in their facility. Full service grooming options done by a groomer with all the features you’d want are also available. So there is something for everyone!
7. Pawber Shop
323 W Portal Ave. San Francisco, CA 94127
Different pets need different grooming options, and here, every bath package includes a bath with a customized shampoo. They will choose the shampoo that is the best one for your pup’s skin and coat type. Grooming also includes tooth brushing, pad, and sanitary trim (if necessary or requested). There’s also an ear cleaning and a nail trim! For those who need a last-minute visit, a variety of walk-in services are available.
8. Shear Pets Mobile Cat & Dog Grooming Salon
They come to you!
Don’t have time to go to the groomer? Let them come to you! Shear Pets mobile grooming has a stress-free option in the form of a mobile van that will come right to your front door. Inside the van, pets will get a massaging hydro bath. The hydro bath gets down to the skin on the deepest of coats and gives the pet a sort of soft water massage. And it’s not limited to just dogs or cats - if it’s furry and fits in their van, they will bathe it!
9. Dog Spa SF
169 W Portal Ave. San Francisco, CA 94127
Whether they need their ears plucked, their nose hair trimmed, or a bath, a blowout - or a massage! - this spa has everything a pampered pet could ever need. They also provide dog walking as well as pickup and delivery, making this groomer great for the busy pet mom or dad!
10. VIP Grooming
4299 24th St. San Francisco, CA 94114
At this grooming salon, they start out by shampooing every dog, taking time to clean ears, condition the coat, and trim nails before drying and brushing each dog and trimming pad hair - they do all this while trying to keep the dog entertained and calm. Not easy to do! Teeth brushing and anal gland expression are also available.