Between woodland treks around High Woods and muddy loops by the River Colne, Colchester dogs earn their spa days. If you’ve searched dog groomers near around the UK, the salons below pair skilled styling with calm, welfare-first handling. We’ve ordered them by current Google ratings (best to worst) so you can compare at a glance. Ratings change—double-check before booking.
Quick shortlist (top → lower rating)
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Dogwood Colchester Pet Grooming Spa – Stanway/CO3
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Muttley & Mabel – Severalls Business Park/CO4
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Snoopies Dog & Cat Grooming – Little Bentley/CO7
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Animal Magic – Cowdray Avenue/CO1
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The Groom Room Colchester – Riverside retail area/CO1
1) Dogwood Colchester Pet Grooming Spa (Stanway/CO3)
A bright, modern spa with a menu approach—pick from Puppy Pamper, Mini Makeover, Dapper Dog, or add-ons like teeth cleaning, blueberry facials and hand-stripping. The team is known for friendly communication and realistic coat-care plans (great for doodles and double coats).
Good for: Spa add-ons, structured maintenance plans, parking-friendly retail park visits.
Find them:
• Google Maps
• Website
2) Muttley & Mabel (Severalls/CO4)
Multi-award-winning, fully accredited salon with a reputation for tidy scissor work and consistent finishes. Appointments feel organised without being rushed, and owners get plain-English aftercare—what to brush, how often, and which friction zones to check first.
Good for: Detailed finishes, calm one-to-one handling, clear aftercare.
Find them:
• Google Maps
• Website
3) Snoopies Dog & Cat Grooming (Little Bentley/CO7)
Long-standing local favourite serving dogs and cats. Expect classic services (bath & brush, hand-stripping, nail care) and a measured approach for anxious pets. If you’re on the east side of Colchester or toward the coast, Snoopies is a handy, experienced option.
Good for: Mixed-pet households, wire-coat hand-stripping, steady, low-stress sessions.
Find them:
• Google Maps
• Website
4) Animal Magic (Cowdray Avenue/CO1)
Family-run, practical and approachable. Beyond full grooms, they offer quick tidy-ups, daycare/boarding options, and straightforward price lists by breed/size. Many locals use Animal Magic for mid-cycle spruce-ups to keep shape between full clips.
Good for: Bath-and-tidy packages, no-nonsense pricing, extra services (daycare/boarding).
Find them:
• Google Maps
• Website
5) The Groom Room Colchester (CO1)
Convenient in-store salon that’s easy to book and simple to get to if you’re running errands. You’ll find puppy intros, bath & blow-dry and standard grooms, with predictable hours that suit busy schedules.
Good for: Convenience, easy repeat bookings, multi-dog households.
Find them:
• Google Maps
• Website
How we ranked (and how to choose what’s right for your dog)
The ranking: We started with current Google star ratings, then looked at review volume and service range (hand-stripping, de-shedding, puppy intros, teeth care).
Your decision:
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Environment: Noise-sensitive or senior dogs often do best in calmer, one-to-one studios. More confident dogs may be fine in busier set-ups.
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Coat needs:
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Wire coats: Book hand-stripping to protect texture.
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Double coats (e.g., Husky, GSD): Plan de-shedding before heavy seasonal blowouts.
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Curly/long coats (Poodle mixes, Spaniels): Combine frequent comb-throughs with mid-cycle “bath & tidy” to prevent matting.
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Handling policy: Ask how they introduce HV dryers, whether hand/box drying is used, and what happens if a dog gets overwhelmed.
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Terms & extras: Clarify de-mat charges, flea protocol, cancellations/late arrivals, and add-ons like ultrasonic teeth cleaning.
Colchester price guide (typical ranges)
Expect about £35–£55 for small breeds, £45–£70 for medium, and £60–£95+ for large/giant. Nail trims are commonly £8–£15. De-matting is time-based and may require shorter, welfare-first sessions—always get a quote based on coat condition.
Keep coats Colchester-proof between grooms
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Micro-brushing wins: 3–5 minutes, 2–4× weekly, focusing on the “tangle traps”—behind ears, armpits, tail base, and harness rub points.
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Rinse the grit: After woodland or riverbank walks, a quick lukewarm rinse + towel dry prevents grit from turning into mats.
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Nutrition helps the shine: get only the best dog vitamins for skin & coat
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Confidence with noise & touch: Practice with clippers/dryer off, then brief on/off reps with treats. One calm minute beats ten stressed ones.
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If your dog barks or over-arouses at the salon: Consider using smart dog collar! To explore non-shock alternatives like vibrating dog collars or spray collars visit our collection.
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Book mid-cycle tidy-ups: Especially for doodles and long coats, to hold shape and reduce bulk between full grooms.
FAQ
Which groomer is best for nervous dogs?
Look for one-to-one studios (Severalls/CO4 or Little Bentley/CO7 options are good bets). Ask about gradual dryer desensitisation and whether they offer short “confidence” sessions.
How often should I book?
Curly/long coats typically need a full groom every 6–8 weeks, plus a bath & tidy mid-cycle. Double coats benefit from planned de-shedding ahead of spring/autumn sheds.
Will professional grooming reduce odour and shedding?
Yes. Thorough bathing, force-drying and comb-outs remove dead coat and trapped dirt. Pair with home brushing and a best vitamins for dogs to keep results longer.
