Dale's Pet Grooming in Baltimore: Full-Service Grooming for Dogs and Cats by Size and Coat Type

Dale's Pet Grooming is a single-location, appointment-only grooming salon in Baltimore that handles dogs and cats across all sizes and coat types, from routine nail trims to full baths and haircuts. The salon operates independently and keeps a smaller client load than chain operations, which affects both availability and the grooming approach.

Services and pricing

Dale's charges by pet size and service level. A bath-and-trim for a small dog (under 25 pounds) runs $55 to $75, depending on coat condition and matting. Medium dogs (25 to 60 pounds) cost $75 to $110, and large dogs (over 60 pounds) start at $110 and can exceed $150 for thick or heavily matted coats. Bath-only services (no haircut) are discounted 20 to 30 percent off the full-groom price. Nail trims alone cost $15 to $20. Cats receive the same coat-length pricing structure as small dogs but typically require sedation coordination with a veterinarian if behavior is a concern; Dale's does not administer sedation on-site. Prices should be confirmed directly, as they adjust seasonally for seasonal coat blows and may vary based on individual pet behavior during the appointment.

How it compares to other Baltimore grooming options

Baltimore has both chain operations (like Petco grooming in multiple locations) and independent salons scattered across neighborhoods. Petco's grooming typically costs 15 to 25 percent less than Dale's for the same services but operates on a higher-volume, faster-turnover model with less customization for anxious or special-needs pets. Fidos & Whiskers, another independent salon in Canton, offers Fear Free certification and pricing within $10 of Dale's; it emphasizes behavior-calm handling and limits daily appointments similarly. Choose Dale's if you want a consistent groomer who learns your pet's temperament over repeat visits and can accommodate longer appointment windows for pets that groom slowly or show stress. Choose Petco if cost and convenience matter more than relationship-building and you have a young, unflappable dog. Choose Fidos & Whiskers if you prioritize official Fear Free training as part of your selection criteria.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Dale's works well for owners of dogs with difficult coats (double-coated, curly, or heavily matted), cats that need patient handling, and dogs with anxiety around grooming. The appointment-only model means no walk-in availability, so it suits people who plan ahead. The smaller daily volume suits older pets and those recovering from stress-related grooming trauma. It does not suit owners who need same-day grooming, who prefer the lowest possible price, or who have pets that require medical grooming (medicated baths or post-surgical wound care, which should go through a veterinary clinic).

What the first visit involves

Call or email to book an appointment at least one week ahead. During intake, you will describe your pet's behavior, any mats or skin issues, and your preferred cut length. The groomer may ask whether your pet has been groomed before and how it typically reacts. Bring vaccination records (rabies and DHPP) for dogs, or a letter from your vet confirming current status. Drop-off is typically 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and pickup is the same day between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., depending on your pet's size and coat. The first appointment may run longer than subsequent visits if the groomer is assessing behavior and coat condition.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Dale's operates Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays. Street parking is available on the block; there is no dedicated lot. The salon is wheelchair-accessible at the entrance, though the grooming space itself is staff-only. Payment is accepted cash or card; a 48-hour cancellation notice is required to avoid a $25 fee.

Dale's fills a specific role in Baltimore's pet-care landscape: it prioritizes relationship and attention over speed, which matters most for pets that do not tolerate high-volume facilities well.