How much should I tip at a restaurant?

In the U.S., 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down service. Tip around 18% for good service, 20% or more for excellent service, and closer to 15% if something went wrong.

Do I tip on the total with tax, or before tax?

Etiquette says tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since sales tax isn't part of the service. Many people tip on the total anyway because it's simpler - the difference is usually only a few cents, so either is fine.

How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?

Find 10% by moving the decimal one place to the left, then double it. On a $50 bill, 10% is $5.00, so a 20% tip is $10.00. For 15%, take 10% plus half of it.

Should I tip on takeout or counter service?

It's optional. A couple of dollars or about 10% is a kind gesture, especially for large or custom orders, but it isn't expected the way it is for table service.

How much should I tip for food delivery?

Plan on 10-15% of the order, with a $3-5 minimum. Tip more in bad weather, for large orders, or when the driver carries items a long way.

Is it rude not to tip?

In the U.S., tipping is expected for many services because workers are often paid a lower base wage and rely on tips. Withholding a tip sends a strong signal; if service was poor, it's better to speak with a manager.

How does tipping work for large groups?

Restaurants frequently add an automatic gratuity of 18-20% for parties of six or more. Check the bill before adding anything extra so you don't tip twice.

How much do you tip a dog groomer?

Tip 15-20% of the grooming cost for a full groom. On an $80 groom that's $12-$16. A nail trim can be around 10%.

Should I tip more for a difficult dog?

Yes. For a large, anxious, aggressive, or heavily matted dog, tip toward 20% or more.

Should I give my regular groomer a holiday tip?

Many owners give a larger tip or holiday bonus once a year to a groomer they see regularly.

Home / Tipping Guides / Dog Groomer

5 min read

How Much to Tip a Dog Groomer

Grooming is physical, sometimes wet, occasionally bite-y work — and a good groomer keeps your dog calm and safe. Here's what to tip for everything from a nail trim to a full groom.

Maya Bennett ✓

Reviewed & updated June 2026

Quick answer

Tip a dog groomer 15–20% of the grooming cost for a full groom. A quick service like a nail trim can be around 10%. Tip more if your dog is large, anxious, aggressive, or matted, and consider a holiday tip for a groomer you see regularly.

Full groom

15–20%

Quick service

~10%

Difficult dog

20%+

Photo: Benjamin Lehman / Unsplash

Dog grooming asks a lot of the groomer — bathing, drying, clipping, and nail work on an animal who may not want any of it. Tipping recognizes both the skill and the patience involved.

The standard: 15–20% for a full groom

For a full groom — bath, haircut, nails, ears — tip 15–20% of the cost. On an $80 groom, that's $12–$16. For a quick standalone service like a nail trim, around 10% or a few dollars is fine.

Service	Cost	15–20% tip
Nail trim only	$15	$2–$3
Bath & brush	$45	$7–$9
Full groom	$80	$12–$16
Large/double-coat groom	$120	$18–$25

When to tip more

Large breeds or thick double coats that take longer
An anxious, wiggly, or aggressive dog
Heavy matting that requires careful, slow work
Senior dogs or pups needing extra gentleness
Add-ons like de-shedding, teeth brushing, or flea treatment

Do you tip the owner-groomer?

If the groomer owns the shop, tipping is still appreciated and common in pet care — unlike some salon traditions. When in doubt, tip; most groomers, owner or not, rely on tips as part of their income.

Holiday and regular-client tips

If you see the same groomer every few weeks, many owners give a slightly larger tip or a holiday bonus once a year to the person who keeps their dog looking — and behaving — their best. A good relationship with your groomer pays off in gentler, more patient care.

The bottom line

15–20% for a full groom, ~10% for a quick trim, more for a big or difficult dog, and a holiday tip for your regular. Quick math on the bill? Use the tip calculator.

Skip the mental math

Enter your bill, pick a percentage, and split it instantly.

Open the Tip Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Tip 15–20% of the grooming cost for a full groom. On an $80 groom that's $12–$16. A quick standalone service like a nail trim can be around 10% or a few dollars.

Yes. If your dog is large, anxious, aggressive, heavily matted, or needs extra gentleness, tip toward 20% or more to recognize the added time and care.

Yes — in pet care, tipping the owner-groomer is common and appreciated, unlike some salon traditions. When in doubt, tip.

For a quick standalone service like a nail trim, about 10% or a couple of dollars is appropriate.

Many owners give a larger tip or a holiday bonus once a year to a groomer they see regularly. It's a nice way to recognize ongoing, patient care for your dog.