Pet groomer · Santa Barbara, CA · reviewed since 2019
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%57+31.1Reliability 24%46+11.2Value 14%47+6.6Replies to reviews 7%73+5.2Craft & service penalty72−2.8Momentum penalty73−2.7Experts Score= 49Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.49SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#130 of 136 pet groomingiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 4%
4.6★★★★★70 Google reviews · 19 photos
89%five-star reviews
4.43★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
10%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Petco Grooming in Santa Barbara 4.6 out of 5 based on 70 reviews, noting that the owner replied to 59 percent of feedback. Customers frequently praise the staff for being friendly, efficient, and skilled with nervous or difficult dogs, often highlighting punctuality and affordable pricing for services like baths, nail trims, and full grooms. However, several low-star reviews criticize specific instances where groomers ignored explicit instructions regarding coat length, resulting in uneven or overly short cuts, while others mention long wait times and poor ventilation.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 70 reviews (89% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 70 Google reviews (64 with written comments, 9 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 59% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 6, 2026.
Service: Pet Groomer serving Santa Barbara, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet grooming
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
Petco GroomingPet Grooming median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Petco Grooming: 57/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.C
57
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Petco Grooming: 46/100 on this factor. Category median: 82.C
46
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Petco Grooming: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.B
72
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Petco Grooming: 47/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.C
47
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Petco Grooming: 73/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
73
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Petco Grooming: 73/100 on this factor. Category median: 50.B
73
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
70 Google reviews we collected
4.6of 5
5 stars6289%
4 stars11%
3 stars11%
2 stars00%
1 star69%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 64 written reviews
95%praise
Praise5495%
Complaints35%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
88%fair
Great price424%
Reasonable1165%
Overpriced212%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude2442%
Quality & results1425%
Speed & response814%
Price & value47%
Honesty & trust47%
Would recommend35%
What customers talk about
We read 64 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“…ike he’s being tortured when she trims his nails 😂, but Sarah is so patient and reassuring with him and does a great job soothing him through it.…”
“Sarah does such a great job of keeping his personality and character intact while still giving him a beautifully shaped, polished cut.”
“They are always fast, kind, get his nails cut low and affordable.”
“And honestly, the price is more than fair.”
“I trust her and her judgement based on my guidelines.”
“How do you recommend her?”
People customers mention
Sarah7 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Petco Grooming for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
AAprilLocal Guide · 35 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
The Santa Barbara Petco grooming team are the best. They’re efficient, professional and friendly. I use 3 walk-in nail service and this Petco location always does the best job - will only take my dog here going forward.
Jjoanne3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Quick appointment. Greeted timely and gave all the treatments ordered within the time estimate given of 2 hours. Very friendly.
SSierra1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★
I went to bring in my golden retriever for his first haircut. The groomer and I agreed that he would not be shaved, and she would only trim the wispy edges of his fur and trim up his belly and bum. When I returned to pick him up it looked like he had been shaved, which we specifically agreed not to do. The cut was…
OverpricedDog grooming
JJoAnn3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
Venessa did a wonderful job with grooming Gizmo. Very confident in her skills yet very concerning with my dog issues. Especially with trimming my dogs nails and constant ear infections.
Reasonable priceDog anal gland expressionDog full service groomingDog nail trimming
Ccrystal3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 7 months ago★★★★★
They were really kind to my old pup. Took his time to make him feel comfortable. He was very clean and his nails were trimmed perfectly.
Great priceDog anal gland expressionDog bathing and blow dryDog nail trimming
AAnn1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★
We have had good experiences at PetCo grooming in the past, but this was absolutely the worst cut we have had on our Yorkiedoodle - totally shaved his body to 1/8” after I explicitly told the girl not to shave him. Totally upset about this. This girl is not a groomer - shaving is just the easiest option with a curly haired dog.
We’ve been taking Sterling to Sarah at Petco for his grooming, and this last haircut was by far the BEST one yet! He looks absolutely adorable! 🐾❤️
Sarah does such a great job of keeping his personality and character intact while still giving him a beautifully shaped, polished cut. She left just enough hair around his eyes and chin to keep that adorable Sterling face, while cleaning everything else up perfectly.
She always takes the time to listen to what I want and asks questions when I drop him off, which I really appreciate. Sterling absolutely hollers like he’s being tortured when she trims his nails 😂, but Sarah is so patient and reassuring with him and does a great job soothing him through it.
And honestly, the price is more than fair. Other groomers around town are charging 25–35% more for comparable services.
We’re very happy with Sarah and will definitely keep coming back. Thank you, Sarah, for taking such good care of our boy! ❤️🐶
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog grooming, Dog full service grooming, Dog grooming and styling, Dog nail trimming
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Hi Deedra. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Sarah. It's wonderful to know her patience, attention to detail, and dedication have made such a positive impact on Sterling's grooming visits. We strive to provide exceptional care and value for every pet and pet parent, and we hope to welcome you both back soon!
M
Mia C5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Services: Dog grooming, Dog full service grooming, Dog nail trimming
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for sharing your kind feedback, Mia. We are delighted to know our team consistently provides attentive care, as we strive to create a positive experience. We look forward to seeing you and your pet again!
L
Lisa MoellerLocal Guide · 52 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Hi Lisa! We're delighted to hear Vanessa helped pets feel comfortable and supported during their visits. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to seeing you again soon.
L
Laurel Rose6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Laurel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Sarah is great. My dog even seems to like to go there.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog grooming
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Hi Laurel! We're glad our team provided a great experience and that your dog enjoys visiting us. Our staff aims to create a welcoming environment that keeps every pet and pet parent feeling comfortable and happy. We look forward to seeing you again! 😍
L
Liz ElliottLocal Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Liz has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for your feedback, Liz. We're glad Leo looked his best and received great care from our team, as we strive to provide excellent service. We look forward to your next visit!
D
David RichardLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Hi David. We're thrilled to hear you had a positive experience with our grooming staff! Providing top-notch care for your pets is our priority, and we appreciate your kind words. Thanks for trusting us with your furry friend's grooming needs!
A
April ALocal Guide · 35 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews April has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The Santa Barbara Petco grooming team are the best. They’re efficient, professional and friendly. I use 3 walk-in nail service and this Petco location always does the best job - will only take my dog here going forward.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you for your feedback, April. We're delighted that our team provided such wonderful care, as we strive to create a welcoming and positive experience for every pet and pet parent. We look forward to seeing you and your pet again!
J
joanne sumalpong3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews joanne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Quick appointment. Greeted timely and gave all the treatments ordered within the time estimate given of 2 hours. Very friendly.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Hi Joanne. Providing friendly, efficient care that keeps every pet parent confident in the process is exactly what inspires our team. Thank you for choosing us!
S
Sierra1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Sierra has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I went to bring in my golden retriever for his first haircut. The groomer and I agreed that he would not be shaved, and she would only trim the wispy edges of his fur and trim up his belly and bum. When I returned to pick him up it looked like he had been shaved, which we specifically agreed not to do. The cut was completely uneven all over his body and she cut every part of his fur extremely short. This should not be over $100.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Services: Dog grooming
J
JoAnn Stettner3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews JoAnn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Venessa did a wonderful job with grooming Gizmo. Very confident in her skills yet very concerning with my dog issues. Especially with trimming my dogs nails and constant ear infections.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog anal gland expression, Dog full service grooming, Dog nail trimming
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
It’s wonderful to hear about this, Jo. Grooming can be stressful for pups, especially with sensitive issues like nail trims and recurring ear infections, so having someone both skilled and attentive makes all the difference. We'll be glad to serve you again!
