Pet Grooming in London

London's groomers range from neighbourhood salons and dog spas to mobile vans that park outside your flat. 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.

Licences and your groomer

In England, the activities that need an animal activities licence are selling animals as pets, boarding for cats and dogs, hiring out horses, breeding dogs, and keeping or training animals for exhibition (GOV.UK guidance). Grooming is not on that list, and the regulations define a licensable activity as one of those activities. If your groomer also offers day care or boarding, that part does need a licence from the borough council, because it counts as providing accommodation for other people's dogs. A licence is not a measure of skill, so ask how long the groomer has worked and whether they groom your breed often.

Your dog's microchip

All dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered by the time they are 8 weeks old (GOV.UK). Keep your contact details up to date on the database, so you can be reached if your dog slips its lead after a groom.

Hot days and muddy parks

On warm days, the RSPCA advises walking dogs in the early morning or late evening and checking pavements with the back of your hand to avoid burned paws; it says dogs are 10 times more likely to suffer heat-related illness from exercising in hot weather than from overheating in cars. Regular grooming in warmer weather helps brush away dead hair and mats, but for double-coated breeds such as huskies and shepherds, ask for a de-shed rather than a shave.

Skin sores on legs and paws

Alabama rot, properly called CRGV, is rare, but the Royal Veterinary College reports 318 confirmed UK cases between November 2012 and February 2024, mostly between November and May. It typically shows as skin ulcers on the paws, legs or face, and the college advises seeing a vet if your dog develops an unexpected skin ulcer. Point out any sore or lump to your groomer, and keep paws and legs clean after muddy walks.

Before the first appointment

• 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.

About these listings

Many listings here were added from public business data and have not been claimed by the business yet. In the UK we only list registered companies. Check opening 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.