What a bath and brush includes
A bath and brush is a full clean without the haircut, done in the van at your home. It is the right visit when your dog smells like the beach, has rolled in something at the park, or just looks dull and dusty. A typical appointment covers:
- Pre-bath brush to loosen dirt and dead hair before the coat gets wet.
- Shampoo and rinse in the van's tub, using a shampoo matched to the coat and skin. Ask about an oatmeal or hypoallergenic option if your dog itches.
- Conditioner for longer or drier coats.
- Blow dry, usually with a high-velocity dryer that pushes water and loose hair out of the coat.
- Brush out from nose to tail, working out small tangles.
- Nail trim and ear cleaning.
Most vans carry their own water tank and either a generator or a cord to an outside outlet. Your groomer tells you ahead of time if they need anything from you. The wet, hairy part happens in the van, not in your bathtub, and your dog walks back inside clean and dry.
A bath and brush does not include a haircut. If your dog's coat has grown past the point where you can see their eyes or feet, look at a full service groom instead.
Which dogs it suits
For smooth and short coated dogs, a bath and brush is all the grooming they need. That includes many of the dogs you see on Southern California sidewalks:
- French Bulldogs and Pugs. Short coats, but the face folds need cleaning and drying so they do not get irritated.
- Labradors. A short double coat that sheds a lot. A good blow dry pulls out a surprising amount of hair.
- Chihuahuas, smooth and long coat. At 3 to 6 pounds they dry fast and are usually done quickly.
- Beagles, Boxers, and Pit Bull types. Easy coats that still benefit from a proper wash and a brush to lift dead hair.
It also works as an in-between visit for curly and silky coats. A Goldendoodle or Shih Tzu on a 6 to 8 week haircut schedule can get a bath and brush halfway through to keep tangles from setting in.
Because there is no kennel and no other dogs around, a bath at home is easier on senior dogs and dogs who get carsick. For a heavy shedder like a Husky or Golden Retriever, a de-shedding treatment goes further.
What affects the price
Size is the main factor, since a 70 pound Lab takes far longer to wash and dry than a 10 pound Chihuahua. Coat length and thickness come next. Mobile usually costs more than a salon bath because the groomer brings the tub, water, and dryer to your door.
| Dog size | Mobile bath and brush |
|---|---|
| Small (under 25 lb) | $90 to $125 |
| Medium (25 to 60 lb) | $110 to $145 |
| Large (over 60 lb) | $130 to $175 |
Prices vary by groomer. OC Mobile Dog Grooming is a referral service, and the independent mobile groomer we connect you with sets the final price.
Common add-ons are teeth brushing at $10 to $15, nail grinding at $10 to $15, and medicated or flea shampoo at $10 to $25. Some groomers add a travel fee outside their usual area, often a few dollars per mile. If you have two dogs, ask about booking both in one stop. The groomer we refer you to confirms the final price at quote. Our guide to mobile grooming costs has more detail.
How often to book a mobile dog bath in Orange County
Most dogs do well with a bath every 4 to 8 weeks. Go toward the shorter end if your dog:
- Swims at the beach or plays in the sand, since salt and sand dry out the skin.
- Has skin folds, like a French Bulldog or Pug.
- Sheds heavily and you want less hair on the couch.
Bathing too often can strip the natural oils from the coat, so weekly baths are rarely needed. A quick rinse at home after the beach is fine between visits. For a guide by coat type, see how often to groom your dog.