Bristol dogs do it all—muddy laps on The Downs, woodland scrambles in Leigh Woods, and splashy detours along the Harbourside. If you’re searching dog groomers near me in the UK, the right salon will keep coats healthy, nails safe, and visits genuinely low-stress. Below are five of the best pet grooming salons in Bristol, arranged by their current Google ratings (best to worst at the time of writing). Ratings can change quickly—always check the latest before you book.
Quick list (sorted by Google rating)
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Clifton Dog Grooming – Clifton/BS8
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Lovely Pups – Gloucester Road/BS7
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About The Dog – multiple Bristol locations (Bedminster, Clifton, Redland & more)
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The Poochie Palace – Kingswood/BS15
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Top Groom – Downend/BS16
1) Clifton Dog Grooming (Clifton/BS8)
A boutique, appointment-only studio that keeps things calm and precise. Expect thoughtful coat consultations, clear timings, and tidy scissor finishes that actually last between visits. If your dog is wary of noisy rooms, the quieter, one-to-one setup here is a big win.
Good for: Anxious or senior dogs, neat scissor work, predictable turnarounds.
Find them:
• Google Maps
• Website
2) Lovely Pups (Gloucester Road/BS7)
Friendly, independent and proudly Bristolian, Lovely Pups pairs practical styling with pet welfare first. The team is big on owner education—how to brush properly, where tangles form, and how to stretch results between visits. Ideal if you prefer pet trims over show cuts and want realistic aftercare advice.
Good for: Everyday pet styles, first-time grooms, owners who value clear guidance.
Find them:
• Google Maps
• Website
3) About The Dog (multiple locations)
With several spots across the city, About The Dog is convenient whether you’re in Bedminster, Clifton, or Redland. Services cover bath & blow-dry, full grooms, de-shedding, and extras like ultrasonic teeth cleaning. Their salons feel modern yet low-key, and the staff communicate clearly about coat condition and realistic maintenance.
Good for: Consistency across locations, teeth-cleaning add-ons, easy repeat scheduling.
Find them:
• Google Maps
4) The Poochie Palace (Kingswood/BS15)
Part salon, part reassuring pit-stop for scruffy adventurers. The Poochie Palace is known for patient handling and steady results across coat types—from terrier hand-strips to comfy pet trims for doodle mixes. Ask about mobile/collection options if you’re juggling work and school runs.
Good for: Busy families, wire-coat hand-stripping, stress-aware handling.
Find them:
• Google Maps
• Website
5) Top Groom (Downend/BS16)
A long-standing Bristol name with decades of experience, Top Groom works to traditional standards while staying pragmatic about coat health. Expect clear policies on de-matting, sensible breed-by-breed guidance, and classic finishing.
Good for: Traditional breed styling, owners who like a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.
Find them:
• Google Maps
How we chose (and how to choose what’s right for your dog)
We ranked Bristol salons by current Google star ratings, then considered review volume, breadth of services (hand-stripping, puppy intros, de-shedding, teeth care), and coverage across the city so most owners have an option nearby. Your ideal pick depends on:
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Environment: One-to-one studios suit shy or noise-sensitive dogs; busier salons may be fine for confident extroverts.
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Coat needs:
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Wire coats: Book hand-stripping to preserve texture.
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Double coats (Husky, GSD): Plan structured de-shedding—especially before spring/autumn blowouts.
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Curly/long coats (Poodle mixes, Spaniels): Combine regular comb-throughs with mid-cycle tidy-ups to prevent matting.
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Handling policy: Ask how they introduce the HV dryer, whether they use box/hand drying, and what happens if your dog becomes overwhelmed mid-groom.
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Extras & terms: Teeth cleaning, flea policies, de-mat charges, late arrivals, cancellations—knowing this upfront avoids surprise fees.
Bristol pricing guide (typical ranges)
Expect roughly £35–£55 for small breeds, £45–£70 for medium, and £60–£95+ for large/giant. Nail trims are often £8–£15. De-matting is billed by time and may require multiple shorter sessions for welfare—always ask for a quote based on coat condition.
Keep coats adventure-ready between grooms
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Micro-sessions beat marathons: Brush 2–4× weekly for 3–5 minutes, focusing on friction zones—armpits, behind ears, tail base, harness points.
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Rinse city grime: After muddy Downs walks or riverside splashes, a quick rinse and towel-dry prevents grit from turning into tangles.
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Support skin & coat from the inside: Keep coats adventure-ready with the best dog vitamins for skin & coat
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Sound & touch confidence: Practice with clippers/dryer off first, then brief on/off reps with treats. One calm minute is better than ten stressful ones.
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Barking or over-arousal at salons? Worried about barking during grooming? Try to find dog trainer near you or use our Calmshops e-collars for dogs
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Book a mid-cycle “bath & tidy”: Especially for curly and long coats to keep shape and reduce bulk between full grooms.
FAQ
Which groomer is best for anxious dogs?
Look for one-to-one studios (e.g., Clifton/BS8 settings) and ask about gradual desensitisation to dryers/clippers. Short “confidence” appointments can transform future grooms.
How often should I book?
Curly/long coats usually need a full groom every 6–8 weeks with a bath & tidy mid-cycle. Double coats benefit from scheduled de-shedding before heavy sheds.
Will professional grooming reduce odour and shedding?
Yes. Thorough bath, force-drying and comb-outs remove dead coat and grime that cause smell. Combine with home brushing and a multivitamins for dogs to hold results longer.
