Pet Grooming in Des Moines

Des Moines's groomers range from neighborhood salons and pet-store grooming counters to mobile vans that work from your driveway. A full groom usually covers a bath, haircut, nail trim and ear cleaning; most groomers also offer bath-only visits, de-shedding and quick tidy-ups between full grooms.

Ask about the state license

Iowa licenses groomers at the state level. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture, you need to be licensed as a commercial kennel if you offer boarding, training or grooming in return for compensation at your facility, including a part-time grooming business run from home. The department posts inspection reports for state-licensed facilities on its animal welfare page, so you can look a groomer up. Also ask how long the groomer has worked, where they trained and whether they groom your breed often. Before the first visit:

• Tell the groomer about your dog's health, age and temperament.
• Ask how dogs are dried; if a cage dryer is used, someone should check the dog often.
• Ask which vaccines they require, and reschedule if your dog is coughing.
• If the coat is badly matted, ask about a short clip rather than hours of brushing out.

Vaccines

Under Iowa's rules, dogs must be current on rabies, distemper and parvo vaccinations to enter a grooming, boarding or training facility, unless a veterinarian has given a written exemption (Iowa Department of Agriculture). Expect a groomer to ask for written proof, such as a rabies certificate signed by a vet. Many also ask for Bordetella (kennel cough).

Parvovirus, winter salt and summer heat

In 2025 the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, based in Des Moines, reported an upturn in canine parvovirus cases and urged owners to keep vaccinations current and to avoid public areas shared by dogs, such as dog parks and boarding facilities, because the virus is hardy and hard to disinfect (Radio Iowa via KJAN). Ask a groomer how tables and cages are disinfected between dogs. Des Moines winters bring snow, ice and salted sidewalks, so wipe your dog's paws after walks and ask the groomer to keep the fur between the pads trimmed. In summer, book early-morning appointments, never leave your dog in a parked car, and for double-coated breeds such as huskies and shepherds, ask for a de-shed rather than a shave.

About these listings

Many listings here were added from public business data and have not been claimed by the business yet. Check hours, prices and services with the groomer directly. If you run one of these businesses, you can claim or correct your listing from its page.