We operate a small, friendly dog grooming service called Pretty Paws from our home in the town of Harrogate. We love dogs, and have grown up with them all of our lives. We treat every dog as if it is our own and take great pride in our work to make sure both the dog and the owner go home happy!  

We offer a full range of grooming services:
Full Groom – this includes grooming out, clipping or hand stripping, bathing, drying and nail clipping.
Bath and Dry –in between visits if needed, Includes bathing, drying and nail clipping.

We groom dogs on a one to one basis.

I qualified from Askham Bryan College in York where I studied animal management. This course included breeding, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, behaviour, welfare and rehabilitation, exotics, farm, equine, conservation, pet store and kennel management and animal husbandry. I have done work experience at a veterinary clinic, pet shop, dog training and a dog grooming salon. After this I went on to work as a vet nurse for 2 years. In my spare time I have also done voluntary work for the RSPCA for 2 and ½ years and completed a top up dog psychology course.

I have trained as a groomer in three of the country's leading training schools and then started my own business in 2005 working from my garage at home. I have attended many seminars all over the country, learning new skills and techniques.

I attend many dog shows throughout Europe (Crufts, Groomer of the year, World Grooming Championships and other Championship dog shows) throughout the year, enabling me to keep up to date with new styles and gain more knowledge from breeders.

I have a dog of my own called Lola who is a basset hound. 

Working at home allows me to make the whole process of grooming less stressful for the dog as they are not here all day, when I have nearly finished their groom, the owner is phoned so the dog is ready by the time the owner arrives.

 

I have been a care worker most of my career, I have had many dogs-Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels. When Amy started dog grooming, it took off quickly, which enabled me to become involved with the business. Amy has trained me on bathing, grooming out and I was soon ready to start clipping, she taught me a few clips and also enrolled me on a course, where I learnt more clipping lines and styles. It was great starting a new career especially working with dogs. I do most of the pet sitting side of the business, which I love. It’s so nice having different dogs to play with, we are quite surprised at how quickly the dogs settle in with us. It’s nice to have more than one sometimes as they really do bring each other out of their shell!