Pet Grooming in Wilmington

Wilmington'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.

Experience matters more than paperwork

North Carolina's Animal Welfare Section licenses shelters, pet shops, boarding kennels and dealers; groomers are not on that list, so ask how long the groomer has worked, where they trained and whether they groom your breed often. A groomer that also keeps dogs overnight is a boarding kennel and needs that state license, which the department says also applies to in-home boarding.

Your dog's registration

New Hanover County requires dogs to have a current rabies vaccination from four months of age, and the county registration is how it keeps that vaccination current. WECT reported in June 2025 that animals must be registered within 30 days of receiving their current rabies vaccine, and that the requirements apply to all New Hanover County residents except those in Wrightsville Beach, which has its own town registration. Groomers will also ask for proof of rabies vaccination.

Hurricane season

Wilmington is on the coast, so plan for hurricane season. New Hanover County says that when it opens shelters for residents, at least one is designated for pets: it accepts only cats and dogs, owners must stay with their pets, and you should bring vaccination records and a 5 to 7-day supply of food. The county also says it is best to keep your pets with you if you evacuate. Keep your dog's vaccination records where you can grab them.

Summer heat and humidity

Wilmington summers are hot and humid. 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: the undercoat protects them from heat and sunburn.

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. 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.