My friends set themselves up for failure when they decided to DIY their dog grooming. They had a pair of rusty scissors and a YouTube tutorial titled ‘How to give your poodle a lion cut. ’ 

Their poor, fluffy baby poodle came out looking less like a majestic lion and more like a sheep that lost a fight with a lawnmower.

Not wanting the same disaster to happen again, I took matters into my own hands. I teamed up with the Top Reviews writing team to check out the best dog groomers in Tauranga. 

If you want to avoid the same messy result and give your fur baby the grooming it deserves, here are the professionals that made it to our list! 

1. Grange Spa Dog Resort TGA

Grange Spa Dog Resort stood out to us as a holistic canine center. It offers everything from daycare and boarding to training and grooming.

What really sets them apart from other groomers is their expertise in poodle cuts. During our visit, we saw several poodles showing off adorable styles, like the short teddy bear cut that was just around ½ inch long. 

As dog owners ourselves, we really appreciate the top-notch care and attention Grange Spa groomers show to each dog. They’re very careful when cutting nails, doing so quickly and efficiently to avoid upsetting your dog.

Many owners also find it reassuring that the spa separates small and large dogs into different areas. This setup helps avoid unnecessary anxiety for the fur babies they’re grooming.

Another thing we like is the convenience of the drop-off area right outside the door. It’s so easy to park and pop dogs in, which we think is great when you’re rushing to get errands done.

However, because this place is pretty much a doggy resort, the prices for grooming don’t come cheap!

They were very friendly, service was prompt 

“The girls at Grange Spa made a beautiful job of my boy’s summer haircut. They were very friendly, service was prompt , followed instructions and very good value. He has come home a happy tired boy and we will certainly revisit next time we’re in Tauranga”

• Ann Maree, Google Reviews 

They always look absolutely beautiful when I collect them

“My dogs have been going to Grange Spa to have haircuts since it opened and they always look absolutely beautiful when I collect them. They are well looked after and the staff are always very friendly and helpful.”

• Julz Buckley, Google Reviews

2. K8s K9s Groom Room

Grooming at K8s K9s immediately caught our attention with their cage-free approach. We loved seeing dogs here not confined to small spaces but enjoying the freedom to play and relax on clean beds while freshwater abounds. 

Several owners told us their usually anxious dogs were much calmer and happier during and after their visits. We think having friendly faces on the staff contributes to the welcoming vibes.

We’re also impressed by the range of grooming services they offer. From baths and brushings to nail trims and full grooms, there’s something for every dog.

Plus, it’s reassuritng that the groomers are certified in scissoring and blade cuts.

We saw the results of their work firsthand—from a simple but effective hygiene clip to more detailed work—and the quality of their work stood out. Owners who opted for the full groom praised the quality of the cuts and mentioned how soft and clean their dogs looked afterward. 

We did hear some complaints about the appointment-only system, though. Some people told us they prefer more spontaneous visits and grooming needs for their dogs. 

Absolutely fabulous with my two fur babies 

“Kate was absolutely fabulous with my two fur babies (Hannah and Jamie), or the ‘dynamic duo’ as she called them. Hannah is very nervous but Kate managed to groom her without causing her to freak out. Jamie too seemed to enjoy the experience. Kate did a fantastic job grooming both dogs. Very impressed and will definitely be back.”

• Ruth C, Google Reviews 

Oscar loves his pamper sessions with Kate

“Oscar loves his pamper sessions with Kate. Super service and he has lots of fun…. Often meets a new friend too. Always looks a million dollars after his session.”

• Ruth Woodward, Google Reviews

3. Love that Dog Quality Pet Grooming

Helen—boy, we have heard nothing but great things about her from pet parents, and after seeing her work firsthand, we totally get why. People rave about how her passion for dogs shines through in every interaction.

We love how she puts each pup at ease with a gentle ear rub and, on occasion, even a soothing belly scratch. After seeing how she handles dogs with such patience and care, we understand why pet parents feel completely comfortable leaving their fur babies with her. 

Customers consistently praise the high standard of the grooming as well. Whether it’s a full breed-specific cut or a simple tidy-up, Helen’s attention to detail is on point.

We saw her work wonders on a Shih Tzu who had horrible tear stains under his eyes. Helen not only trimmed the hair neatly in that area but also got rid of the dark stains on the fur.

One minor thing to be aware of, though, is that it can sometimes be a little tricky to get a last-minute appointment due to Helen’s popularity. 

Helen did such an amazing job grooming our special lil guy

“Helen did such an amazing job grooming our special lil guy, Memphis. He is a small spoodle who was quite matted, she took great care with him and his cut looks so good. You can tell Helen and family truly love their “clients” and I will highly recommend Love That Dog to anyone seeking a quality pet grooming service in the BOP. We’ll be back for sure”

• Daz Goopins, Google Reviews

She took her time to reassure and cuddle Jack

“Helen and her crew did an amazing job on our shy wee boy Jack. He needed an urgent groom with matted grass seed causing irritation and she was able to fit him in, which was so appreciated. She took her time to reassure and cuddle Jack and has a lovely gentle calm presence. The groom was great, he looks tidy and neat with a little butterfly ribbon for being a good boy! (Jack is very proud of that) The place itself is quiet and peaceful, looking out over a sweet garden, so I’m sure that helped Jack feel less nervous too. We’ll definitely be back!”

• Anthea McQuoid, Google Reviews

4. VIP Pet Store and Grooming Salon

VIP Pet Store has wagged its way onto our list by making dogs come out looking and feeling like 1 million bucks—like true VIPs.

We appreciate all the different grooming choices available, from basic to luxury. The full groom comes with a styled haircut and double shampoo, leaving results that speak for themselves.

And all their grooms include the option of nail clipping, ear cleaning, and more. 

We also like that their groomers really take the time to listen to what owners want, making sure they get the exact style they envision for their furry friend.

Golden retriever owners appreciated how the groomers did a fantastic job shedding their dogs’ thick coats. 

The groomers take the time to choose the right shampoo for the dog’s coat type and address specific skin issues like itchy skin. We think it’s this kind of extra level of care that makes VIP Pet Salon so VIP. 

However, because they are also a pet store, the place can get a little bit too busy and noisy for dogs who have anxiety issues.

Very professional friendly service

“This was the best groom I’ve experienced with dogs I have owned. Very professional friendly service. I would highly recommend Lucy… she’s absolutely amazing”

• Marilyn McIntosh, Google Reviews

Made my dog look absolutely stunning

“The service was really good, and made my dog look absolutely stunning. definitely worth going here for your dogs grooming.”

• Noah Wood, Google Reviews 

5. Pets by Design

For dog owners who have struggled to find a groomer that caters to anxious pets, Pets by Design is where you want to go.

We love that this small, quiet salon focuses on minimizing noise and excitement to help even the most apprehensive pups feel more at ease. Several people told us their dogs actually enjoyed their groom for the first time ever!

What we really love, though, is that Pets by Design allows dogs to move freely. We like that the groomers don’t just rely on a grooming loop but on skilled, gentle management techniques to maintain control and safety. 

That said, several owners looking for precise show cuts complain that the styles came out a bit wonky because their dog wasn’t still the whole time. 

Despite that, we like how they do it all. From a quick partial groom—ideal freshening up in between appointments—to a complete full groom with everything from bathing, coat styling, ear, cleaning, and more. 

Many also appreciate their flea washes to get rid of those pesky pests. 

A fantastic grooming service

“Pets By Design provide a fantastic grooming service, always welcoming my dog and I with a warm smile, and a whole lot of kindness. My dog loves to return there for her grooms and I know she gets treated with great care. My groomer really listens to my grooming preferences and I’m so grateful that I found PbyD!! Very happy to recommend!”

• Nic Wong, Google Reviews 

Accommodate our needs for our pups

“So happy with this awesome service! Accommodate our needs for our pups with prior arrangement, always helpful and pups love going to see them, one of my little girls are a handful being young and they are so good with her. I would recommend this service happily 😊 …”

• Sam, Google Reviews 

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