Last week I went to Barking Dogs for the first time in over a year. Although I really like to use neighborhood stores, their grooming prices were (at that time) too high for the quality of work.
I ran into a bit of luck, because the owner was working that day and she was enormously helpful in helping me choose new food for my dog. I asked her about her grooming prices and was surprised when she told me the price for my 12 lb poodle was $45. This was $20 less than I paid last year. I thought, "Great!"
I called and made an appointment, and today I took him in for a groom. I was surprised when the price was $55. When I questioned the price, quoting what the owner had told me, I was told that the prices "start" at $45 and the groomers are independent contractors who set their own prices.
I will not be returning, and I suggest that if you go, you ask the price of the day before you leave your dog.