How Much Does Matting Cost

How Much Does Matting Cost

Average Matting Cost: $100 for the first hour

The cost for matting removal during dog grooming can vary significantly, with prices ranging from $30 to $200 or more, depending on the severity of the matting, the dog's size and breed, and the groomer's location and experience.

How Much Does Matting Cost
20 Mar, 2025 / Pet Care / Written by ServiceTasker Team / 50 Views / Last Updated 20 Mar, 2025




Matting Cost In Australia & Your Guide For Dog Grooming And Fur Maintenance


Matting is a frequent issue among most pets. It occurs when fur gets knotted and into tight clumps. These are referred to as mats. They can occur both in the undercoat and the topcoat. If you don't brush your pet frequently, these mats can become larger and tighter. Mats are not only untidy, but they also are painful to your pet.



In this guide, we will tell you why matting happens, how it impacts your pet, how to get rid of it, and its cost. If you are a pet owner or a professional groomer, this guide will enlighten you on all there is to know about matting and its price.





What is Matting?


Matting occurs when loose hair gets caught and matted together. It gets caught in other hair and creates hard knots. At times, these knots get trapped under the outer cover of fur. If left alone, the entire coat becomes matted. This is termed pelting. When there is pelting, you cannot brush it out. The only remedy is to shave the entire coat.



Causes of Matting


The most common reason for matting is improper grooming. If you never brush your pet, the hair gets entangled and leads to mats. Some other reasons are:



  • Animals with curly or long coats

  • Senior pets who cannot groom themselves

  • Obese pets that cannot groom all spots

  • Weather changes and seasons

  • Static build-up in dry air

  • Exposure to water without subsequent brushing


Some animals tend to mat more easily. These include non-shedding animals, such as curly-coated dogs or animals with thick undercoats. They require more grooming. Their coats catch loose hair and mat quicker.



Why Matting is Harmful


Matting does not only change your pet's appearance. Matting can lead to numerous health issues. When fur mats tightly, it prevents air from penetrating the skin. The skin remains moist and warm under the mats, which leads to infection. Some of the issues caused by matting are:



  • Hot spots and rashes on the skin

  • Bacterial or fungal infections

  • Fleas, ticks, and parasites sheltering in the coat

  • Bruising and sores due to pulling too tight on the skin

  • Pain on walking, sitting, or lying down

  • Impeded blood flow, particularly about ears or paws

  • Ears' hematomas due to repeated pulling

  • Problem in urination or bowel movement if matted


Severe matting may even lead to rotting fur and skin. At times, animals require medical attention following a grooming session simply due to the damage inflicted by mats.





How Much Does Matting Cost?


Matting is more expensive than normal grooming due to additional time, equipment, and skills. Here's a simple explanation:



  • Base Cost: $100 for the first hour

  • Additional Time: $1.50 per minute beyond the first hour



Example:

If a matted Cavoodle requires two hours of grooming, the price is approximately $190 ($100 for the first hour + $90 for the second hour).



  • Light Matting: Maybe only $10–$15 additional over a standard grooming appointment.

  • Moderate to Heavy Matting: This can be an additional $50–$150 or more, depending on the condition of the coat and the amount of time involved.

  • Severe Pelting: Sometimes necessitates complete clip-off and an extra fee for mat removal, typically $150–$250 or more additional, often for bigger breeds.



The price relies on:



  • How severe the mats are

  • How large your pet is

  • How cooperative is your pet is

  • Grooming service type required




Grooming Options for Matting


The way mats are removed varies depending on their severity. Here are typical grooming choices:



  • Dematting: A small mat not near the skin can be easily removed using brushes and combs. Groomers have special tools that they use carefully to untangle tangles. This is time-consuming and requires expertise.

  • Spot Shave: If only one spot on the mat is near the skin, groomers shave only that spot. The rest of the pet's coat remains normal but with shaved little spots.

  • Blow Out: For double coats, a high-speed dryer may be used to loosen mats. Groomers blow out loose undercoat first and then brush the remaining mats.

  • Clip Off (Shave Down): When matting is universal, the only option is shaving. Groomers shave off the matted coat using a safe blade. This enables new hair to grow back evenly and prevents pain.




Risks of Grooming Matted Pets


Grooming a matted pet is not without risks. Even expert groomers have issues. Some of the risks are:



  • Clipper burns or nicks

  • Red, inflamed skin

  • Allergic reactions or rashes

  • Finding concealed infections or wounds


Groomers exercise additional caution to prevent injury. Yet at times, issues reveal themselves only once mats are removed. Pets with delicate skin require after-groom treatment. Owners will need to sign a permission slip before dematting begins. This guards the groomer as well as the pet.




Aftercare for Your Pet


After a clip-off, your pet will feel different. Mats weigh very heavily on them. When those mats are removed, pets feel lighter and more cheerful. They can move more easily and feel cool air on their skin again. But some things require special care:



  • Your pet might scratch more as the skin gets used to it

  • Check for redness, sores, or dryness

  • Use creams if necessary to safeguard the skin

  • Shield your pet from sunburn, particularly following a complete shave

  • Keep your pet relaxed—some pets become nervous or sensitive following a shave

  • Pets will flap their ears excessively, causing swelling or hematomas


Most pets are better within a few days. A bit more love and care facilitate them in adapting sooner.




Groomer's Role and Expertise


Dematting requires skill and patience. Groomers know to safely demat mats. They also know when to demat or shave. Some pets cannot tolerate extended grooming sessions. Groomers have to choose what is most suitable for the animal.



Check-in involves groomers examining the coat and apprising pet parents of matting. They provide an explanation, duration, fee, and potential risks. When the matting is severe, they recommend shaving to prevent stress or injury.



Tools and Techniques for Dematting


Several tools are employed by professional groomers in dematting:



  • Slicker brushes

  • Detangling combs

  • Dematting sprays

  • Clipper with #10 blade

  • Mat splitters for dense tangles


Dematting sprays loosen the hair. Groomers give a light misting to the coat before brushing. Excess moisture can break down the hair. A light mist keeps the hair silky and minimizes breakage.



Groomers employ the "pat and pull" technique. They pat the mat lightly and pull it out. They keep the mat close to the skin to minimize pain. They break the mat and then brush the coat using a comb to ensure free from tangles.



Groomers give short pauses to maintain the pet's calm. If a pet is stressed or uncomfortable, they halt the process. Shaving is always preferable if de-matting hurts.





Pricing Strategy for Groomers


Some groomers charge hourly. Others charge flat rates depending on matting severity. A flexible pricing system is ideal. Charging per minute guarantees fairness. Pets with light matting are charged less. Severe cases are charged more depending on time. When determining prices, groomers take into account:



  • Pet size

  • Coat type

  • Temperament

  • Time taken

  • Tools used

  • Wear clippers and blades


Always clarify the fee before grooming begins. Pet parents need to know why additional fees are being charged.





Pet Parent Education


Groomers also educate pet owners on prevention against matting. Groomers discuss methods of brushing and give recommendations. They advise a grooming regimen by breed and coat. Owners should:



  • Brush daily or at least several times a week

  • Use slicker brushes and combs

  • Dry the coat completely after a bath

  • Go to groomers regularly, every 4 to 6 weeks


Trained owners can maintain their pets mat-free. This saves time, money, and discomfort for both pets and groomers.




Final Thoughts


Matting is a serious issue. It hurts, gets infected, and changes behaviour. Mats are expensive to remove. But prevention is simple with regular brushing and grooming. Dematting is skill-based and takes patience, and experience. Always select an experienced, caring professional groomer. Be truthful about your pet's coat, and heed the counsel of your groomer. A healthy, happy pet begins with a well-groomed coat.




Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.

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