Amelia WilliamsThere are plenty of ways to get your dog’s tail wagging. Believe it or not, a trip to the groomer can be one of them. The trick? Finding a groomer who knows how to keep your pup calm and comfortable.
If you’re not sure where to start looking, though, don’t worry! We’ve done the digging and sniffing for you!
Our team searched all over Auckland to find dog groomers who not only know their stuff but also know how to make dogs feel at ease even when the scissors come out.
Keep scrolling to know more about them!
How much does dog grooming cost in Auckland?
Dog grooming in Auckland typically costs around NZD $70–100 for small dogs, NZD $95–150 for medium-sized dogs, and NZD $110–230 for large breeds.
1. Masami Dog Salon
Address: 122 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
Phone: +64 21 584 444 | 021 586 244
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
We really found it unique how Masami Dog Salon uses microbubble technology. It’s a gentle, deep-cleaning bath made up of tiny bubbles that clean your dog’s skin without scrubbing it raw. Dogs that are anxious or have sensitive skin seem to really benefit.
One dog owner said their normally nervous pup came out of the bath session looking relaxed, shiny, and not the least bit itchy. That’s a win for us.
Now, these guys don’t just use common dog soaps. They stock speciality Japanese shampoos and treatments.
We really liked how each one is picked based on your dog’s coat and needs. There’s clay shampoo for itchiness, bubble bath powders for exfoliation, and even cashmere keratin if your dog’s coat needs that extra shine.
They’re also good at styling. Some clients came in with photos, others trust the groomers’ judgment, and the results are spot-on either way.
That said, they don’t take dogs who are aggressive, bark excessively, or aren’t in good health. While that keeps the space calm, it does limit access for dogs who need extra patience or specialised handling.
I could tell that my dog was taken very good care of
“Highly recommend. They did a fantastic job with my Sydney Silky dog. They asked all the right questions to make sure that he got the cut I wanted. Very lovely staff, and I could tell that my dog was taken very good care of. Definitely worth booking into. Thank you.”
-Sassy Sarah, Google review
My dog is completely at ease and so happy when we go to pick him up!
“The best dog salon in town. I’ve been taking my Cavoodle here for 3 years now and would never try anywhere else. My dog can be nervous, but he’s completely at ease and so happy when we go to pick him up! Would highly recommend!”
-Sarah Hafidh, Google review
2. Paw Hub Pet Grooming
Address: 428 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
Phone: +64 9 376 5649
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The experience level at Paw Hub is hard to ignore. It’s owned and run by Fernanda Marangoni, a Master Groomer with international certification.
We were impressed by the range of grooming services they offer. Beyond the basics, they go into more niche territory with hand stripping, creative grooming with colour, and oral descaling.
What we liked most is that everything is tailored to your dog. They take into account the breed, size, coat type, and even their personality. Nail clipping is also included in every grooming session, which saves you a few bucks.
They also add a bow or tie and a little cologne at the end. It’s extra, but in a good way.
Their booking system is slick, too. You can book through their app or website, and even set up regular appointments if you want to stay on top of things.
However, we’ve heard from a customer who had an experience. Her poodle was only brushed (no full groom) even though they booked a full session. They still got charged NZD $90 for brushing, which feels steep.
That seems like a one-off, but better communication could have helped.
Great groomers who always do such a fantastic job
“Felt the need to comment and give a 5 star as we have been coming to Paw Hub for three years and tried a different groomer this weekend for the first time. BIG mistake – we will never veer from Paw Hub again. Great groomers who always do such a fantastic job of grooming Minnie our schnauzer. Always is meticulously groomed, smells absolutely delicious and is so happy when she comes out. Please never change you guys are fantastic.”
-Ashlee Wahanui, Google review
They have always come out looking and smelling great
“Had my two dogs and two cats at Pawhub over the years and although none of them love it obviously, they have always come out looking and smelling great. Jess who was half Samoyed/tibetian terrier always had the undercoat brushed out so she kept her long fur but so much lighter for her and so much nicer than being shaved. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The team are always friendly and would do what I asked in a professional manner.”
-Julie Webster, Google review
3. The Gentle Dog Groomer – West Auckland Dog Grooming
Address: 57 Patrick Rice Drive, Swanson
Phone: +64 21 881 274
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
The Gentle Dog Groomer stood out to us because of their one-on-one service. It’s just Hayley, the one owner, and one dog at a time in a room that feels more like a living space than a busy salon.
She doesn’t rush a session just to get to the next dog. She takes her time, lets the dog get comfortable, and adjusts her pace based on how the dog is feeling.
A client told us her dog was so scared of grooming since they hadn’t had more than one nail trimmed in 18 months. But Hayley ended up spending about an hour and a half just trying to build trust.
She went through two packets of treats in the process and managed to get two nails done and an ear cleaned. It may not sound like a lot, but for that dog, it was thoughtful. What’s more, Hayley only charged the base rate, even after spending extra time.
Her setup is great for dogs who are nervous, new to grooming, or dogs with trauma. She uses gentle shampoos, gives frequent breaks, and sometimes turns sessions into a playdate to keep the vibe light.
However, because she only sees one dog at a time, her schedule can book up quickly. You’ll want to plan ahead.
Hayley has an amazing talent for making my puppy feel at ease
“Hayley has an amazing talent for making my puppy feel at ease. Riley is a nervous wee man and she knows how to get him to calm down. He has been to her twice but this was his first full on groom and he looks amazing. I am really happy to have found and can highly recommend her.”
-Paula P., Google review
Hayley was so incredibly patient with my super nervous dog
“Hayley was so incredibly patient with my *super nervous* Meg. Despite initially planning to do her nail trim and ear clean in just 30 minutes, Hayley ended up spending almost 1.5 hours trying to win her over, going through 2 packets of treats in the process. She managed to wipe her ears nicely and trim 2 nails. I could see Hayley was disappointed she didn’t manage to get everything done, but that’s still more than we managed in 18 months. Despite spending all this time & effort, Hayley still charged the base amount and I’m super thankful that she kept it so affordable. I do hope for Hayley that she has better clients than Meg & me though!”
-Christel CM, Google review
4. Boutique Dog Grooming
Address: 611 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden
Phone: +64 9 630 8847
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Boutique Dog Grooming’s space is super clean and calm. It doesn’t smell weird like some grooming places do, and it doesn’t feel chaotic either.
It’s quiet, tidy, and peaceful, which helps a lot if your dog tends to freak out at the sound of clippers or dryers.
We had the chance to speak briefly with a few of their team. They like working one-on-one with dogs, especially the anxious or excited ones. The idea is to minimise distractions and let the groomer build trust with the dogs.
Customers backed this up. One dog owner said their dog, who usually bites when anxious, immediately relaxed upon entering the salon.
In terms of services, they focus strictly on grooming. You won’t find doggy massages or creative coat colouring here. But what they do offer is done very well.
Their grooming menu includes premium shampoos, breed-specific cuts, ear cleaning, and more. There are also optional extras like flea treatments and teeth brushing.
Happy and thankful for Boutique Dog Grooming for doing such am amazing job
“I didn’t really know what to expect taking my very shaggy and matty 10 month old border collie for a groom yesterday. I just about cried when I picked him up – he was soooooooo beautiful. The team explained what the grooming would include and he was cleaned, brushed, “tidied” and clipped and just looked amazing. When we got home the whole family just said “wow”. I will definitely be coming back, just so happy and thankful for the wonderful team at Boutique Dog Grooming for doing such am amazing job, I will be highly recommending.”
-Trish Williamson, Google review
Awesome care for both my puppy & me
“Just wanted to say that Sun & the team here at Boutique went above and beyond for my dog Louie. Despite my puppy being very excited and alot to handle, he came out looking amazing! Awesome care for both my puppy & me, thankyou very much we will be back!”
-Shawnai Devereaux, Google review
5. Scissorhounds – Mission Bay
Address: 301B Kepa Road, Mission Bay
Phone: +64 22 198 6552
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Scissorhounds is very serious about training. Since they’ve had other branches around Auckland, they make sure every groomer is taught the same method. We liked how they really value their service quality in all of their branches.
The grooming package offers good value. It already includes washing, conditioning, drying, and more. They take their time and do it right. Prices start at NZD $100 for small dogs and can go up to NZD $300 for the really big fluffballs.
We also liked how they handle dogs with different temperaments. They don’t sedate or muzzle unless absolutely necessary. They use a safety loop to keep dogs steady on the table, and they seem to be firm but kind.
One of the customers we spoke to mentioned their dog usually comes back from grooming shaking. But after going here, she came back calm and even kind of smug.
The setup inside the salon is also smart. Each dog gets its own little pen—big enough to nap or stretch.
One thing to keep in mind, though: the pricing can catch you off guard. If your dog has a tricky coat or needs a complicated cut, it’ll take longer and cost more.
We always appreciate their great work
“Our dog, Ollie has been going to Scissors hounds Mission Bay for 5 years and Nico and his team are amazing. Ollie looks so neat and smells lovely afterwards. I know how tricky to groom the dogs as we have tried it a couple times during Covid which was so terribly hard. We always appreciate their great work. Highly recommended to anyone”
-Ina Bae, Google review
Won’t go anywhere else except Scissorhounds!
“Our little toy poodle had the most amazing experience. Normally she is petrified and we pick her up trembling. Our first time trying Scissor hounds mission bay and she came back so relaxed and happy. A bonus is that it’s the best groom she’s had and the groomers actually listened to our preferences. We are so happy. Won’t go anywhere else!”
-Francesca Muir, Google review
