Total Grooming Magazine January 2022

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk JANUARY 2022

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23/09/2019 16:02:28

CONTENTS

H

appy New Year to all our readers.

As Covid and its associated restrictions continue to haunt us.

We are all learning to live with it and with its implications. We hope you are all coping and will continue to do so.

In this issue, we look at how grooming changes to accommodate pets of different ages, the importance of first aid, implementing effective dental hygiene and how to keep your business profitable.

Keep your ideas coming. Contact: editor@totalgroomingmagazine. co.uk

Editor www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

18

Grooming pets as they age

Contents 04 News 06 News 08 News 10 News 12 News

On the cover: Savvy Pet Spa www.savvypetspa.com 01234567890 hello@itsallsavvy.com

30 Effective dental hygiene and why it matters

18 Grooming pets as they age

34 Salon business advice

24 New year resolutions

38 The legalities of having dogs in the workplace

JANUARY 2022

26 First aid for pets

Editor

Design and Production

Sue Corfield – editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

Grant Waters – grant@cimltd.co.uk James Taylor – james@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509108

Mike Smith – mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk T: 01795 509110

Account Manager Louie Barnes – louie@tgmpublishing.co.uk

Salon business advice

16 Cat grooming

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

Commercial Director

34

Credit Facilities Manager Natalie Murray – creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509103

© 2022 TGM Publishing Limited, 1st Floor, Saphir House 5 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to TGM Publishing Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Total Grooming Magazine | 3

News and Product Round-up First Aid Training is Vital

I

ndustry experts are calling for mandatory first aid qualifications for all UK pet professionals.

Currently the likes of dog walkers, dog groomers and pet sitters do not have to carry an animal first aid certificate, leaving them and the pets they care for vulnerable.

The Safe Pets and People campaign’s aim is to highlight the fact that currently, people caring for your pet in a professional capacity do not have to hold a first aid qualification, and urge the government to make the courses mandatory.

Endorsed by the RSPCA, The Groomers Spotlight and Street Paws, the campaign is led by national qualification provider, the iPET Network, which has launched a training payback scheme to help people make their businesses safer.

RSPCA head vet Jocelyn Toner said: “We advise that all professional dog walkers should have first aid training and we’d be supportive of any campaign to roll this out to include all individuals who work within the pet industry.

“Simple first aid skills could save a pet’s life or ensure an animal receives immediate care before they’re able to see a vet and we think it’s a wonderful idea that the Safe Pets and People Campaign wants all pet professionals - from groomers to breeders - to have basic first aid training.”

There are many competent pet first aid courses out there, and campaigners say that it doesn’t matter which course learners choose, as long as they get the knowledge they need to act quickly in an emergency.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of iPET Network, said: “We have worked as pet professionals for a long time, and regulation is an issue which constantly 4 | Total Grooming Magazine

The iPETNetwork, which has launched a training payback scheme to help people make their businesses safer.

comes up.

“In the broader sense, this is the reason why we started iPET Network, which offers Ofqual regulated qualifications for dog groomers and other pet professionals.

“First aid is not an expensive course, and it doesn’t have to be an iPET Network course that you do, we are not saying that and this isn’t about selling our courses or making money.

“We are doing this because time and again we hear stories from our industries where something should have been done sooner, which really isn’t good enough when people place their pets in your care.

“We think that people will be surprised to learn that pet professionals don’t currently have to have first aid training, and we are so pleased that organisations like the RSPCA are getting behind us.”

They added: “First aid training doesn’t have to just be for pet professionals too. All dog owners would benefit from the confidence boosting knowledge that knowing what to do in an emergency gives.”

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of iPET Network,

Rachel Bean RVN and canine first aid course creator: “When we send our dogs to visit a professional, we are putting our trust in the staff that work there.

“Businesses are risking damage to their reputations, injuries and unwanted pressure by not stepping up, and leveling up their skills.

“I am so excited that the Safe Pets and People campaign is making this stand and campaigning for change.

And I hope that others will join me in supporting this brilliant cause.”

Cat microchipping to be made mandatory • 99% of people support compulsory microchipping for cats according to recent Government consultation • Owners will be required to microchip their cats by the time they reach 20 weeks of age • Microchipping cats will help reunite thousands of lost or stray pets every year Lost or stray pet cats are more likely to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely under new pet microchipping rules announced by the Government today.

Under the new plans, all keepers must ensure their pet is microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database. Owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500.

The new microchipping rules follow a Government call for evidence and consultation on the issue in which 99% of respondents expressed support for the measure.

The introduction of compulsory cat microchipping was a key manifesto commitment and the Government pledged to introduce it under its flagship Action Plan for Animal Welfare.

There are over 10.8 million pet cats in the UK, with as many as 2.8 million unchipped, meaning that it would be very difficult to reunite them with their owner if they get lost or stolen.

Eight out of 10 stray cats coming into Cats Protection’s centres are not microchipped.

The simple procedure involves inserting a small chip with a unique serial number under a cat’s skin. This number can be read by a scanner and checked against a microchip database to help reunite lost pets quicker with their registered keeper, saving heartache and concern.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord 6 | Total Grooming Magazine

Microchipping of cats is to be compulsory

Goldsmith said: “Cats are much-loved members of our families and making sure that they’re microchipped is the best possible way of making sure that you are reunited with them if they are ever lost or stolen.

“These new rules will help protect millions of cats across the country and will be brought in alongside a range of other protections we are introducing under our Action Plan for Animal Welfare.”

Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations Jacqui Cuff said: “As the UK’s leading cat charity, we have been at the forefront of the campaign for compulsory microchipping of pet cats. Every day, we see how important microchipping is for cats and for the people who love them – whether it’s reuniting a lost cat with their owner, identifying an injured cat, or helping to ensure an owner can be informed in the sad event that their cat has been hit and killed by a car.

“Microchipping is by far the most effective and quickest way of identifying lost cats and can help ease the pressure on rescue charities like Cats Protection. Without a microchip,

a lost cat will most likely end up being rehomed to a new home as there is often no trace of their original owner.”

Earlier this year the Government also worked closely with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to introduce new guidance which requires vets to scan the microchips of healthy dogs to help ensure they are not put down unnecessarily. In addition, the Government is also carrying out a review of the regulations on dog microchipping and the related microchipping database systems to consider whether improvements can be made.

The new cat microchipping rules will be implemented once this review has completed to ensure that any changes to the operation of the microchipping regime are brought in at the same time as the new microchipping rules for cats.

The commitment to microchipping is part of a wider Government effort to build on our existing world-leading standards and follows a number of recent announcements aimed at improving companion animal welfare, including tackling puppy smuggling in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and introducing a new pet abduction offence to crack down on theft.

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For the Love of Dogs: Spice Girl is There for Sick Dog

Paul O’Grady with Daisy

Geri Horner falls for one of Battersea’s most poorly residents in the latest series of ITV’s Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs.

S

hih Tzu puppy, Daisy, arrived at the charity when her owners could no longer care for her.

Upon her arrival, it was clear that the youngster wasn’t like other puppies and was often lethargic and refusing to eat food. Battersea’s leading vet clinic soon discovered that Daisy was suffering with severe liver disease, which left the puppy’s life hanging in the balance.

Dismayed to hear that Daisy was suffering with her health, Paul O’Grady does all that he can to cheer her up, including finding her favourite food.

With the help of Langford vets

8 | Total Grooming Magazine

in Bristol, Daisy had a life changing operation and was soon on the mend.

With the help of Battersea staff and Paul O’Grady, it wasn’t long before Daisy was feeling better and tearing around like any other young dog her age.

While Daisy was back to being happy and healthy, she was still missing one thing; a loving new home. Thankfully, Geri, fell head over heels for the young pup and stepped forward to spice up Daisy’s life.

Geri, says: “Daisy has been through so much in her little life, but she hasn’t let it get her down and lives life to the

fullest. She really shows that rescue dogs have so much to offer, even when they don’t have the best of starts in life.

“Thanks to the help of Battersea, Daisy now has the life of any other dog of her age. I’m so pleased that all of the staff there, and of course Paul O’Grady, took up the mantle to help Daisy through her journey to healthiness.

Without all of their help she would never have found her way into my life; she’s become my new best friend!”

To learn more about Battersea’s new campaign, Wear Blue for Rescue, please visit Battersea.org.uk.

Hartpury University Announces Two New Postgraduate Animal Degrees for 2022

T

wo new postgraduate animal degrees launched by Hartpury University will equip graduates with the expertise required for management and research roles in areas of animal science, behaviour and welfare.

The MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree has been designed

by Hartpury – a member of the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-Law) – to meet emerging animal welfare challenges and their connection to behaviour.

This innovative programme will focus on the scientific understanding of behaviour and welfare issues and how this is applied to real-life situations.

Students will explore philosophical and ethical frameworks, employing the principles and methodologies of observing and understanding animal behaviour. The constraints, compromises and difficulties of safeguarding animal wellbeing in realworld practice will form an important part of this cutting-edge course.

The MRes Animal Science degree aims to equip students with advanced research expertise, empowering them to advance future scientific research and real-world practice. Individuals enrolled on this programme will be encouraged to attend industry conferences and engage with academics to acquire opportunities to present and publish research.

All research activity at Hartpury University, which also offers PhDs and undergraduate degrees, either directly or indirectly informs not only current industry practice but also the curriculum. Research is fully integrated within teaching and staff are researchactive in the areas they teach. Many dissertations are embedded in larger scale research projects or linked with businesses and fellow educational institutions. Previous animal research project areas have included canine hydrotherapy, animal rehoming issues

10 | Total Grooming Magazine

and the deadly bacteria lurking in pet food bowls.

The courses are two of five brand new postgraduate degrees announced for 2022 alongside MSc Applied Agricultural Sciences, MRes Sport and Exercise Science and MSc Equitation Science.

The addition of these programmes reflects Hartpury University’s growing research capabilities and mission to drive industries forward through newly acquired knowledge. The new degrees will sit alongside popular postgraduate animal programmes including MRes Anthrozoology and MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation.

The new programme combines a mixture of online and campus-based learning, providing a convenient way for students to earn their qualification alongside other commitments.

Dr Wanda McCormick, Head of Animal and Agriculture at Hartpury University, said “We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two exciting and important postgraduate degrees for 2022.

“As graduates progress into management positions, they’re likely to be making decisions that actively impact the lives of animals. Having a comprehensive understanding of behaviour will enable them to act in the best interests of the animal while balancing practical real-world challenges. Graduates will perhaps most importantly have the knowledge and skills to influence and educate others around them, further improving the lives of animals.

“I’m particularly looking forward to the difference students enrolled on our new MRes Animal Science degree will make, given the far-reaching impact Hartpury research has previously had in the sector.”

Hartpury University was ranked number one in the UK for student satisfaction by full-time postgraduate students in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2021. Ninetyone percent of full-time students are satisfied with the quality of their course, compared to a sector average of just 77%.

Affordable and Sustainable Pet Care Initiative Launched

Social enterprise Animal Trust launches £2 million crowdfunding campaign A veterinary social enterprise is seeking to raise £2 million of investment crowdfunding to help grow its services in England and Wales. Animal Trust, which is set up as a community interest company, has launched its new bond offer on the Triodos Crowdfunding platform.

Animal Trust’s mission is to make good veterinary treatment more affordable and accessible for pet owners earning the Real Living Wage. In line with this, the social enterprise seeks to open sites in areas where the available veterinary services are too expensive for local residents. It targets locations that are either within, or accessible to, lower earning individuals and families and currently operates across Cheshire, North Wales, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Shropshire and Yorkshire.

Animal Trust’s priority is the health and care of the animals that they see.

As a community interest company, it reinvests the majority of its profits back into the business. This allows Animal 12 | Total Grooming Magazine

Trust to provide more comprehensive veterinary care for pets, while keeping the costs affordable. It provides free consultations for sick and injured animals brought to the surgeries, to ensure that pets are seen as soon as they become ill.

A total of 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic and it’s estimated the country now has 17 million petowning homes[1]. Faced with this increasing demand, Animal Trust is keen to grow its surgeries to make its services accessible to more pet owners on lower incomes. Animal Trust is seeking to raise £2 million through a crowdfunded bond to support the fitout of two recently acquired surgeries and to support further growth.

Initially set up as a private limited company, the founder and chief executive Owen Monie, restructured the business into a community interest company (CIC) in 2020. For Animal Trust, sustainability is about making a difference to communities and patients, while minimising environmental impact and being financially sustainable over time. The CIC structure ensures profits

are re-invested back into the social objectives of the business, rather than being used solely to maximise financial return for the founder.

Owen Monie, chief executive of Animal Trust, commented: “We believe that pet ownership isn’t just for the wealthy and every animal deserves access to experienced and professional veterinary care as soon as they become ill. We aim for someone who earns the Real Living Wage to be able to afford care for their pet at Animal Trust. We run our business for our customers and our staff and do it as sustainably as we can. In the near future, we also hope to become the first B Corps certified veterinary business in the UK.” Investment is available from £50 and the £2 million, five-year bond will pay 6% per year interest. It is also available within the tax-efficient Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA) wrapper. As with all investments, interest payments and return of capital are not guaranteed and like all ISAs, the IFISA is subject to eligibility criteria. More information can be found on www.triodoscrowdfunding.co.uk.

Interview with the owners of Savvy

L

isa and Ben, two of the owners of Savvy Pet Spa talk about what it’s like to be a software supplier to the grooming world, the inspiration behind Savvy and how they have marked 3 years in business by planting 2109 trees.

Tell us about yourself We’re Lisa and Ben, founders of Savvy. Ben has worked in software engineering for 25 years, Lisa has worked in business for 22 years. We’ve been married for 15 years! Ben has the drive and the ambition to create the best possible software solution, Lisa has the business knowledge and the understanding of what it is really like to run a small business keeping us focussed on what’s important to our clients.

How do you balance business and married life?

We have 3 teenage children, so life is crazy busy. Since we launched Savvy, it’s been a whirlwind. Lots of late nights! But we do always have dinner as a family and chat about the day. We have the same vision for Savvy and so that helps as we are pulling in the same direction. It isn’t perfect, but you make it work!

How have you found the first 3 years of Savvy?

The first 3 years were exciting but hard. It takes time to get a software product to be awesome! We are in the amazing position to be able to give our clients any feature they want. We listen to our groomers and we act upon their feedback, but keeping it simple, making sure we give tools that businesses really benefit from and making the features 14 | Total Grooming Magazine

better than any other product is also important to us. We’ve also built a great customer service team with live chat from 8am-8pm daily, free demos 7 days a week and a brilliant facebook group for extra support. We do weekly business blogs, podcasts and daily top tips too so never a dull moment!

Tell us about the 2190 tree’s planted?

3 years of Savvy was a big milestone for us so what better time to launch our sustainability plan! The first step was to plant 2190 trees, 2 for every day since we launched. We have joined Ecologi, a company helping businesses like ours to reduce their carbon footprint. We can invest in a broad range of projects that are able to evidence that they are reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ecologi also help us to plant our trees; as one of the best tools to tackle the climate crisis and keep our temperatures from rising above 1.5°C. Ecologi have a range of amazing tree planting partners who are able to responsibly plant trees on our behalf. See our Savvy forest here... shorturl.at/pJNW6

What are your goals for the next 3 years?

To make Savvy the software of choice for all groomers. We are committed to being the best software and giving the best support. We want our client base to be defined by individuals looking for products that will improve their work life balance, supercharge their business and create a buzz.

Any sneak peaks for whats coming in 2022?

2021 saw the launch of Version 2 online booking, our awesome Customer

Mobile app ‘Savvy Customers’, ‘Savvy Groom School’, ‘Pet Stay’ modules for boarding and daycare and a fully integrated payment system ‘Savvy Pay’ which gives our groomers things like VIP payment plans and no-show protection and card-machines. 2022 will see some amazing new features to help our groomers market, advertise and grow their businesses, onwards and upwards!

Want to be a part of Savvy?

To join Savvy you can create a free trial at https://www.savvypetspa.com/ landing. Sign up to Savvy in January with the code TOTAL22 to get 20% off the first payment to any plan and a tree planted in the Savvy Forest. Email hello@itsallsavvy.com if you need any help!

Misconceptions in the World of Cat Grooming It is more vital than ever to manage client expectations when it comes to cat grooming.

T

he old saying goes, ‘the customer is always right’, but that might not always be the case in the world of cat grooming...

Humane treatment of the cat is the most important rule.

A grooming salon is a scary place for a cat, especially if it is their first time or if they have had a bad experience elsewhere.

The grooming salon is full of strange smells, loud sounds, unknown people, and other pets, and we should always bear this in mind when grooming.

It is as much our job to relax and soothe the cat as it is to groom it.

But the expectations of our human clients too is always key, and particularly with cats, the welfare groom that the cat needs may not quite fall into line with what the owner expects when they come to collect their moggy.

Cat groomers say to us that the biggest complaint received from customers is that their cat was ‘skinned’!

This shock for the human client has of course come about because it has been necessary to shave the cat as it is the most humane option.

Which is why it is so important to set expectations right from the start, and never be in the situation where an owner has returned expecting to pick up a gloriously fluffy cat and have instead been handed a cat that has been shaved off on a number 7F all over!

Be honest with the owner, as some do have very unrealistic expectations of

16 | Total Grooming Magazine

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty iPET Network

how their cat is going to look following the groom or just do not realise how severely matted their cat is.

It doesn’t always mean that the owner is a bad pet parent. And if the owner’s expectations have been set, then they understand why you have done what you have to do, and they do not receive a shock when they pick up the cat.

It is our job too to educate owners on how to care for the specific coat of their cat.

A lot of cat owners, especially owners of long haired or curly coated breeds, acquire the cat without knowing how to care for the coat and keep it healthy

and mat-free.

This will be the case with most of the cats that arrive at your salon very matted, and there are steps we can take to ensure that the cat is better cared for at home.

Cat grooming is enjoyable and rewarding, as welfare is key. And we are on the frontline when it comes to sharing vital information, which will keep cats looking great, but also feeling comfortable and healthy too.

By Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty To find out more about the iPET Network’s range of cat grooming course go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

Grooming through the ages

O

ne of the most frequently overlooked aspects of our job is age.

Dogs age, our age and customer’s age.

Each of these require different approaches for the different stages of life. Often, by making a few minor concessions and considerations, we can greatly improve the grooming experience for us, our customers and their pets.

Part 1 Dogs Living in a house with 3 older dogs, (the eldest being closer to 16 than 15 years, and the youngest, a large breed, of 9.5 years, with one in the middle at 13), our day-to-day life revolves around accommodating age related issues, but let us start at the beginning.

Puppy to geriatric!

Wouldn’t it be so much easier if all our furry clients came to us accustomed to grooming, fully developed, mentally and physically, and then stayed that way all through their life. We could avoid the 9 month old, ‘slightly tangled’ (we all know exactly what that means), goldendoodle for its first ever trip to the groomers. And of course, all it needs is the merest of tidy ups! Yup, Sure!

If you haven’t yet experienced this, consider yourself a groomer anomaly.

But don’t worry, I’m sure it won’t be long.

There are many things groomers cannot agree on, but the indisputable fact is that dogs have different requirements depending on their age or life stage. This affects both their physical and mental capabilities and requirements.

Ensuring that we optimise the 18 | Total Grooming Magazine

12 week old Cockerpoo

grooming experience at each stage, helping to develop and maintain a comfortable, well-adjusted dog in the grooming environment, makes it easier for us and them.

expected, or how to behave, so it is up to us to ensure we give these little ones the tools to grow into steady, amenable dogs that view grooming as part of their regular routine.

Youthful Exuberance

What should we consider?

Puppies do not arrive knowing what is

Sight: Dogs’ field of vision

is different from ours, and for puppies, it is even more limited. They are, after all, sooo much closer to the ground. Remember that by elevating them (picking them up, standing on a grooming table, etc) is a very new way to view the world and for some pups, this may be the first time their perspective has changed.

Sound: We all know dogs can hear much better than us, it is important to remember what might sound normal to us, could be damaging to their ears and a ‘scary’ experience.

Mental: Puppies have very short attention spans, so we need to remember this and allow for breaks, keeping grooming sessions short and fun. By ensuring we introduce pups to the grooming environment and processes in a calm, neutral fashion helps them build confidence and acceptance. An overexcited or overtired puppy won’t learn as well.

Physical: Puppies are still developing, and it is important we take extra precautions on how we handle young dogs. Until maturity, mishandling can have negative effects on skeletal development.

Coat: Some coat types need early attention to assist in promoting the optimum coat health. In my opinion, we should be using our knowledge of coat, and its development, to ensure we promote the best possible coat for each breed. Even if, ultimately, an owner will not be wanting the traditional style for the breed, encouraging the correct texture and health of the coat until maturity, often leads to an adult coat that is easier to maintain, in any style.

Puppy coat is finer and not yet fully developed, so we should try to allow the natural maturity.

Introducing puppy grooming programs is a very effective way of aiding owners through the developmental stage and allows puppies to get used to all aspects of grooming in a consistent manner.

We encourage owners to book their puppies in around 12 weeks old and then every 4 weeks until around 24 weeks. We will do a full clip and style around 24 weeks, providing they have come to the previous puppy visits and 20 | Total Grooming Magazine

Happy, relaxed adult Cavachon

the pup is comfortable with grooming.

Our puppy appointments are never in the middle of the day and we try to ensure they are the only one in the salon.

By taking the time at this early stage, we mould confident, well-behaved adult dogs, who enjoy visiting us, or at the very least, are amenable and relaxed. Being empathetic, but firm and consistent, helps puppies to realise the boundaries in a way they can accept.

Contented Adults This stage of life is hopefully the longest for our clients and also the age where they, mostly, don’t have as many age-related considerations. We do still need to know the history, health and

temperament, especially if we have not had the dog coming from puppyhood.

As professionals, it is our responsibility to work most effectively for each individual dog.

Info that will make grooms easier!

Health: Knowing this will allow us to make provisions for dogs needing extra.

We can adapt the time for the groom, prepare different products, or perhaps even have another pair of hands to help.

Psychological: Having an understanding of a dog’s dislikes and fears can make all the difference when scheduling in the diary and guide your approach and handling. This is so important for your own safety and

the benefit of the dogs.

Breed: Understanding breeds, gives us an insight into so many factors from temperament to conformation.

Owners: Yes, these play perhaps the biggest role in the dog’s groom. Their wants, in addition to their needs and capabilities, can often determine the service we offer and the style most suited to and achievable for their pet.

Although this is usually the longest life stage, it is by no means constant. We must learn to be adaptable, making sure we keep up to date with any changes and being flexible with our methods and always open to learning different tactics.

Fragile Seniors As our clients start to age we have to, once again, reconsider our approach to their grooming visits. For some, standing becomes uncomfortable and I find the most common habit of ageing dogs is the need to shift weight.

This pottering around on the table can make a groom extremely tedious from our point of view, but it is important to remember that this is not bad behaviour, but a method to keep themselves comfortable.

It is our responsibility to recognise and be able to minimise discomfort for our ageing clients.

After all, if they have been coming their whole life, they are part of the family.

Some Things to look out for!

Weight Shifting: Very common as dog’s age. The need to relieve the weight on one or more limbs due to a variety of factors, i.e., Arthritis, weakening of muscles, etc Loss of Sight: Dogs can become much more sensitive around the face if they are losing their sight. It can also add to disorientation and mild confusion, often causing startled and grumpy reactions.

Loss of Hearing: If you know, or suspect, a dogs hearing is fading, (apart from the relief of not having to listen to us prattle on), make sure you keep all movements within their line of sight.

This can help to prevent surprised reactions from them. We all know 22 | Total Grooming Magazine

Modified Schnauzer face for this senior

how it makes us jump when somebody sneaks up on us!

Stability: Some dogs need to sit down or lie down more often. It’s just too tiring to keep standing for too long. In fact, a little nap may be called for, on occasion.

Mental: As pets age, their brains age too, and this can cause several behavioural changes. Some of the common changes we might notice are reactivity, more frequent toileting, restlessness and intolerance to some grooming processes or noise.

This is not an exhaustive list, and not all dogs will have obvious indications,

so we may have to be pre-emptive and make changes to prevent discomfort.

It truly helps if we discuss any changes we notice with the owners, and ask them to let us know of anything they notice.

Keeping them aware of what we are doing and will do as their dogs get older, means we can make the appropriate changes to suit each dog and allow them to still enjoy their groom and keep them comfortable.

Growing older gracefully is something we can help dogs achieve.

It is not only our gift to them, but our duty.

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Total Grooming Magazine | 23

New Year, New Habits Jitka Krizova of Vita Canis looks at how you can introduce effective new year’s resolutions: Into which of these categories do you fit?

A: You make a New Year’s resolution, and by the end of January, you can’t even remember you made any…

B: You make a New Year’s resolution, you stick with it and you feel the pride of achievement.

C: You don’t bother with New Year’s resolutions because you know you’re not going to stick with it, so why to even try…

I am somewhere in between all three…

It’s hard to change, and it’s hard to adopt a new good habit. And it takes time … 66 days on average.

Phillippa Lally is a health psychology researcher at University College London. In a study https:// onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ abs/10.1002/ejsp.674 published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, Lally and her research team decided to figure out just how long it actually takes to form a habit.

The study examined the habits of 96 people over a 12-week period. Each person chose one new habit for the 12 weeks and reported each day on whether or not they did the behaviour and how automatic the behaviour felt.

Some people chose simple habits like “drinking a bottle of water with lunch.”

Others chose more difficult tasks like “running for 15 minutes before dinner.” At the end of the 12 weeks, the researchers analysed the data to determine how long it took each person to go from starting a new behaviour to automatically doing it.

Jitka Krizova

exact.

And how long it takes a new habit to form can vary widely depending on the behaviour, the person, and the circumstances. In Lally’s study, it took anywhere from 18 days to 254 days for people to form a new habit.

What habits would you like to start this year?

The answer?

Booking fewer dogs, so you have more time for yourself and your family?

Put your prices up and feel good about it?

On average, it takes more than two months before a new behaviour becomes automatic — 66 days to be

Are you getting rid of rude customers?

24 | Total Grooming Magazine

Book regular sports massage or a visit to a chiropractor or osteopath?

Get a regular lunch break and sit down while eating, instead of a hairy sandwich or an apple sitting on the corner of your grooming table or trolley?

Drinking more water? Because you know you should because 80% of our body is water. You know you will feel better, you know your skin looks better hydrated, and you know you have more energy... and yes, you will pee more often!

Have an absolutely pawesome 2022!!

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Total Grooming Magazine | 25

Safe Pets Safe People As part of its campaign to get groomers first aid trained, the iPET Network is sharing some case studies of pet professionals who saved pets in their care thanks to their medical pet training:

H

elen Storer, 55 is a dog groomer and runs Jango’s grooming parlour in Northampton.

She did a dog first aid course with qualified veterinary nurse Rachel Bean, which was soon put to the test when her beloved cockapoo Jasper, 12 began to choke.

Helen said: “We were at home and Jasper was chewing on a rawhide chew as he did every evening.

“All of a sudden he just hunched over, he was standing still but I could see that he was struggling.

“I could see that he wasn’t breathing, I tried to put my hand in his mouth but he got distressed, I kept thinking of Rachel’s training, and what she says ‘doing something is better than doing nothing’.

“So I kept trying, and tried the abdominal techniques that we were taught too, my husband Paul, 58, was on the phone to the vet but Jasper was losing consciousness.

“By the time we were in the car though the first aid had helped to dislodge the chew and get air into his lungs again, the chew went down into his stomach.”

Jasper had to stay overnight at the vet following his ordeal but is now fighting fit.

Helen credits the dog first aid training with saving his life.

She said: “The training has been invaluable and I have the knowledge to use at work too, particularly when we get elderly dogs who may become unwell while they are having a groom.

“I think it gives my clients faith in me, and it definitely gives me faith in myself and the confidence to step in when things go wrong.”

26 | Total Grooming Magazine

Helen Storer

CASE STUDY #2 Sammy Feehan, 23 from Albrighton near Wolverhampton is a professional dog walker, and takes pride in keeping her knowledge and skills up to date.

In 2019, just before the pandemic, Sammy took the iPET Network Canine First Aid course with Rachel Bean, as a way to stay safe while she was working with pets.

The course has stood her in good stead in her Doxie Canine Services business, but never more so than just this week, when in a dramatic lifesaving scenario she performed CPR on her own beloved dog George, 16.

Sammy picks up the story: I have had George since I was seven years old, and he is 16 now, with a few health issues. He is a Yorkie Dachshund cross and a really important member of our family.

Last week George started to have seizures, one in the night which was witnessed by my parents, and then a more severe one the next day which left him really agitated and restless.

I tried to calm him down and give him a cuddle, but all of a sudden he just collapsed on my lap.

He looked dead, and it was so traumatic, but having the first aid knowledge allowed my training to kick in, and to do the right thing and give George the chance he deserved.

His breathing was really shallow but he was still there, and I started doing the CPR that Rachel taught us in training.

I could feel his breath but it wasn’t like a proper breath, it was really scary but I carried on with the CPR for five minutes. The vet was on the phone and said to bring him in but I was so worried that he wouldn’t make it that far as the vet isn’t that close to our house.

But because of the training I was able to care for him all the way to the vets, remembering what Rachel told us, and after some medication and oxygen at the surgery he has rallied round!

It was such a shock, and I still can’t believe that it has happened, but I am so grateful that I knew what to do. My instincts just kicked in, but afterwards 28 | Total Grooming Magazine

Sammy Feehan saved George by using her CPR training

you realise just how scary it really was and what could have happened.

For the first three nights after it happened I slept on the floor with him to make sure that he was alright through the night.

I think it is so important that pet professionals get this training, and when you are choosing a pet

professional you should question them like they are on trial.

I did the course because I want to show my clients that they can trust me with their family member, and all dog walkers, groomers and anyone else who works with your pet while you are not there should do the same.

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Good Dental Hygiene is Vital Like us, pets can suffer the effects of poor oral hygiene. The good news is that an effective oral health regime will extend the life of a pet and there’s a raft of products designed to help owners and groomers achieve this:

T

he adverse effects of periodontal disease are due in part to the toxins the bacteria secrete and the damage these toxins cause to delicate kidney, cardiac, and brain tissue. In addition, many veterinarians believe that actual bacterial colonies can spread via the circulation and set up housekeeping within the animal’s tissues, commonly in the heart valve areas, kidneys and liver. Far better than extracting teeth, performing gingival flaps, filling erosions or doing root canal procedures, would be to prevent the health damaging periodontal disease in the first place.

Since most dogs presented with advanced periodontitis are older canines, owner concern regarding the safety of dental procedures always seems to be an impediment to performing dental procedures, especially since anaesthesia is an important aspect of a thorough dental cleaning.

But it is important

30 | Total Grooming Magazine

Preventing the onset of health damaging periodontal disease is the best scenario.

to consider the benefits of the treatment offset against what is generally a low risk of using anaesthetic on an older dog.

Prevention One of the best ways to insure optimum oral health is to provide the dog with a well-balanced, meat-based dog food. Meat assists in keeping the mouth environment healthy. Actively encouraging the dog to utilize chew treats that require some “exercising” of the teeth, such as is provided by

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compressed rawhide chewies, hard rubber or nylon chew toys, can assist in keeping the mouth structures vital.

Brushing the dog’s teeth can be a big help, too, but needs to be done almost daily.

One study in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, December, 1996, reported “Tooth-brushing every other day did not maintain clinically healthy gingiva in dogs. The daily addition of a dental hygiene chew to a regimen of tooth brushing every other day reduced the gingivitis scores and reduced the accumulation of dental deposits (plaque, calculus and stain).

Daily tooth-brushing should be the recommendation to the dog owner irrespective of dietary regimen.”

Newer dental care products that include antiseptic impregnated chewies, canine appropriate tooth brushes, and even flavoured tooth pastes to “reward” the dog for allowing the brushing, are available online and in pet supply stores or veterinary surgeries. Also important are routine oral hygiene visits where under light anesthesia the patient can

undergo ultrasonic teeth cleaning, close inspection of teeth and gingiva, and assessment of overall oral health.

Addressing problems when they are minor and preventing the health damaging effects of bacterial contamination and systemic toxin release are immeasurably beneficial to the dog’s long-term health status.

Dr Jan Bellows DVM, neatly sums up the need for optimum oral health throughout a dog’s life, “When a client asks me how long their puppy will live, I usually respond 15-17 years if you brush their teeth daily … 11-13 years if you don’t.”

Stress-free Solutions are at Hand Tropiclean Fresh Breath Is brushing a dog’s teeth stressful to you and the dog?

Gum disease is a bigger problem in dogs than in humans as dogs have more alkaline in their mouth and they don’t get their teeth brushed every day.

If gum disease takes hold it can be painful and lead to more serious problems.

Signs to look out for: Difficulty picking up food Bleeding or red gums Loose teeth Blood in saliva Strange noises when eating Pawing at mouth Dribbling And of course, bad breath.

If gum disease is left untreated the dog may need veterinary intervention

32 | Total Grooming Magazine

which would require putting the dog to sleep and as most pet insurance doesn’t cover dental treatment you can be presented with very hefty vet bill.

Fresh Breath by TropiClean is a range of ‘no brush formula’ products, all of which are incredibly easy to apply and more importantly are brushless!

TropiClean dental items work naturally, not enzymatically where active natural ingredients help break down plaque and tartar and promote fresh breath.

The Dental Health Solution now carries the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance for Plaque control and the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal.

These are added to your dog or cat water and with their unique

combination of ingredients provide up to 12 hours of fresh breath and defend against the new formation of plaque and tartar. Available in a range of solution helping with hip, joint and digestive ailments.

The Fresh Breath Oral Gels come in a range of flavours with a unique combination of ingredients to help remove plaque and tartar.

The dental wipes like the above are a safe way to remove the plaque and tartar.

Cat and Puppy versions available in most products.

Start your dental routine with your puppy so that it becomes a normal part of their everyday life. Products have a three year shelf life so are ideal for groomers to stock.

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Keeping your business profitable

Pet Accountant, Victoria Clark, looks at how you can keep your salon operating profitably

O

nce you’ve started your own business you think you’ve taken the hardest step, but the most difficult thing is to keep your business profitable.

So how do you make sure your business is making a profit and doesn’t make a loss?

Always look for ways to improve You may think you’ve got the everyday running of your business spot on, but there’s always room for improvement. Keep an eye on improved software new to the market that may help to streamline your processes and save you vital time in your business.

Nothing is ever perfect, so make sure you’re always in the know when it comes to new ways of doing things,

34 | Total Grooming Magazine

keep an open mind. This could mean diary management software for example, make sure you do your research and compare prices every year.

they will understand your true worth, so don’t be afraid of scaring them away.

I would recommend reviewing your prices every six months.

Price increases

Review your costs

Don’t be scared to charge your worth.

Prices are increasing on a daily basis at the moment, so why shouldn’t this apply to Pet Businesses? If you feel that you’re getting busier and busier, then you are in demand. Make sure your prices reflect this. If your clients value what you do, they will understand the inflation of your prices. When you first start off in business you may feel that you need to undercharge to get those first few clients on board. Once you have them and you’ve made an impact,

Make sure that every few months you review your costs. What subscriptions are you paying for? Do you make the most out of the subscriptions you pay for? If the answer is no then make sure you cancel any unwanted subscriptions.

When your outgoings come up for renewal shop around. You may feel like you don’t have the time to research but this extra time invested into research may save you money which is valuable to your business.

If you have agreed rates with your

suppliers make sure that these are reviewed on a regular basis and that you’re getting the best deal possible to ensure you are making as much money as possible.

Review your supply chain Being profitable is not just about price. It also has a lot to do with your customer service. If you feel you’re being let down on a regular basis by specific suppliers then find better ones! It may sound harsh but this is a reflection on your reputation and you can’t afford to keep letting customer’s down. Look for new suppliers who will get it right every time, even if it costs you a little extra. The better your service the more people will spread the word and before you know it you will have more customers.

but if you talk to people about your business they will be sure to mention you in conversation if someone is looking for what you offer.

Ask for feedback

Upsell

Don’t be scared to ask your customers for feedback. Whether the feedback is good or bad you can learn from it.

Knowing what the customer wants is critical to the success of your business.

If a customer makes a suggestion make sure you consider what the possibilities are to your business if you make specific changes. If the feedback is good make sure you share it on your website and social media platforms.

Improve your sales skills. Selling may not be your forte but you are an expert in your field. Make sure that when talking to potential clients that they know you know what you’re talking about. Demonstrating your expertise will stand out to people. A potential client may come to you thinking they know what they want, when in actual fact you may offer a service which suits them better. Listen to their needs and make sure you can upsell your services where possible. Rather than telling them what brushes to buy on amazon, or what leads to buy on Etsy, sell them yourself at a profit.

Stand out from the crowd When you first start off in business you will probably research the competition.

This shouldn’t just be a one off occurrence. Make sure you keep ahead of the competition. Knowing what your competitors are up to will ensure that you can keep one step ahead of them.

Go above and beyond, do one better.

Being ahead of the times will ensure that you stand out from the crowd and that customers come to you rather than the competition.

Network Networking is so important to your business growth. Being active in your industry so that others know who you are means that people will know where to go if they are in need of your products or services. Not only that,

Keep on top of your admin

Keep your customers in the loop Once someone has purchased your products and services keep them in the loop with email communication. Don’t let them forget you. Keeping in regular contact with them will not only build a relationship so that they don’t forget you when they need your products and services again, but it will make them feel nurtured and then they are more likely to return for repeat business and recommend you to others. Something as simple as a monthly newsletter to your clients is a great way to achieve this.

Invoice on time every time If you invoice your clients make sure you do this as soon as possible and on a regular consistent basis. The sooner you produce and send your invoices, the quicker you will receive the payment. If you don’t get paid on time, make sure you have a process in place in order to chase payments. Getting paid without delay ensures you keep a healthy cash flow. Try and avoid the “I’ll pay you when I get home”, either invest in a card machine or set up direct debits using software such as GoCardless.

Take advantage of payment terms Agree payment terms with your suppliers that suit your requirements.

Make sure you don’t pay them too early but you also pay them on time. This will be good for your credit rating and your cash flow will be the best it can possibly be.

Hire a bookkeeper and/or an accountant If you are in the position to outsource your bookkeeping then you really should. A bookkeeper/accountant will help you to review your outgoings, knows what expenses you can and can’t claim for tax relief and can produce insightful reports so that you can budget and forecast for the future. It’s a small expense in the grand scheme of things!

If you need help with your bookkeeping or accounting then be sure to get in touch!

Total Grooming Magazine | 35

National Pet College

Dogs in the office – Is it legal to welcome pets into the workplace?

The fact that animals can improve our physical and mental wellbeing is wellreported. Stroking a pet can help to reduce the production of hormones such as oxytocin and cortisol, lowering blood pressure, and improving sleep.

I

t’s unsurprising then, that since the country began re-emerging from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing trend for dogs joining their owners in the office for part of the week. It’s good for the owner’s mental health, and it’s ideal for the dogs themselves, who are not used to being alone following a lengthy lockdown.

But whilst it sounds good in theory, in practice, bringing a dog into the office may be more problematic than

36 | Total Grooming Magazine

you would perhaps envisage, especially if that office is a commercially let space.

Why are we talking about this now?

The past 18 months have seen an unprecedented boom in pet ownership in the UK, with an estimated 3.2million households welcoming new pets during lockdown.

Of course, most of these animals are simply not used to being ‘home alone’ after an extended period of home

working, prompting many an employer to consider opening up their doors not just to returning staff, but their 4-legged friends too.

On the face of it, this might just be the answer to the burgeoning crisis that the pet industry now faces, following the news that The Dog’s Trust had received a 35% increase in calls relating to people wanting to give up their dogs since offices began welcoming staff back to their desks.

As with any radical change to the

working environment, allowing dogs into a commercial setting is something that should only be done once you have fully considered the impact that it might have on the business.

What are the issues with having dogs in the office?

1. Lease clauses: Many leases prohibit having animals on the premises. If this is the case, landlords may either agree to a variation or a side letter to the current terms which can relax clauses for limited periods, subject to specific conditions being met. If they do not consent, unfortunately, animals won’t be allowed.

If a new lease is being negotiated and you intend to have animals on-site, this must be raised at the heads of terms stage.

1. Personal injury: Business owners would be deemed liable if a dog causes injury to any other person on site.

Accidents can lead to lawsuits, so a business’ insurance will cover injuries caused by animals. This coverage will come at a premium, which could make the scheme cost-prohibitive.

1. Property damage: In our own homes, we know that pets can cause damage to our property. The workplace is no different but add into that mix often highly expensive IT equipment and other people’s personal belongings, and you may have a recipe for disaster.

As such, pet-owning employees should sign indemnification agreements so that they take responsibility for any costs arising from damages on company property.

As a business owner, should you consider if you want to allow dogs in the office?

Employers have a responsibility to ensure the health of everyone in the workplace. If there is any evidence that a dog’s presence would be detrimental to anyone’s wellbeing, be that because they are allergic, or even fearful, then allowing dogs in the office may not be viable.

Some employers may seek to accommodate special requirements in order to progress, such as setting aside

Karen Mason

designated pet-free areas, specified lifts, or routes for movement around the office. Either way, if they do decide to introduce this practice it will require a great amount of preparation to ensure that it is safe and fair for both dogs and people alike.

A robust pet-friendly policy will need to be devised for such a programme to be successful. Policies will differ for each company, but most should include the following points: Entertainment (provision of chews/ silent toys); Where the animals can be exercised or taken for relief, fed, or given water; Safe disposal of dog mess; How often pets will be allowed into the office; How many pets will be allowed in at any one time; Any breeds or sizes of dog not permitted; Behavioural expectations; Health and vaccination expectations; Designated pet-free areas

What are the business benefits of having dogs in the office?

A business’ ‘culture’ defines its reputation as an employer or partner of choice, and the decision to allow dogs into the office very much showcases

how you wish your business to be perceived.

Welcoming dogs into the workplace could provide business owners with a low-cost way of making their employees happy and perhaps even more productive.

As a landlord, by becoming petfriendly, you might find that you can charge higher rents, and also that your tenants are more likely to renew their leases. No employer wants to move from a pet-friendly location to one which isn’t, as employees may feel that they are having their benefits withdrawn.

Ultimately, the decision lies with the landlord. Many don’t want the added complications of opening up their property to possible damage or liability, irrespective of what the tenant wants.

About the Author: Karen Mason, co-founder of Newmanor Law, is a highly experienced commercial property lawyer, with a knack for working out what the real commercial issues are on any transaction and an outstanding track record of looking after her clients and getting things done.

Total Grooming Magazine | 37

Arwa had to leave war torn Syria when their home was bombed.

Reunited…and it feels so good When the war in Syria ripped their world apart, Arwa Omaren thought she would never see her beloved dog, Jacko again. As a refugee without any financial backing, Arwa’s dreams of getting her dog to the UK seemed unlikely to ever be fulfilled, but then War Paws – a charity that helps reunite soldiers with dogs they rescue overseas – got involved and three years later, Jacko a five year-old, white Golden Retriever, has been reunited with Arwa.

R

eaders may recall the article on War Paws which highlighted the plight of refugee, Arwa and Jacko, the dog she had to leave behind when she left her war-torn country of Syria.

Thirty-five-year-old Arwa had studied to become an actress in Damascus, but the war brought her career to an abrupt end and her life was

38 | Total Grooming Magazine

turned upside down.

Arwa had to leave Syria when their home was bombed. She went with other refugees to Lebanon, leaving Jacko behind with her family.

Later, she headed to the UK, enduring a dreadful journey and experiencing the treachery of people smugglers before reaching the UK and claiming asylum.

After her family headed to Turkey, War Paws found temporary shelter for Jacko with an animal rescue in Lebanon while his vaccinations and travel arrangements were made, and War Paws fundraised to cover these costs.

Arwa has been getting her life back on track in the UK. She is living in London, speaks excellent English, and she has been doingwork experience

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Total Grooming Magazine | 39

in a dental clinic and is hoping to qualify and work there.

She was lonely and desperate for Jacko to join her in the UK. Louise Hastie, who heads War Paws, fundraised tirelessly to help fund Jacko’s kennelling, veterinary treatment and travel which amounted to around £3,000.

She said: “Jacko was taken to Beirut to one of our rescue partners – Beirut for Ethical Treatment of Animals. At least we knew he would be safe and cared for there while we arranged for all of his vaccinations and castration.

“We had five other dogs also coming over and two friends to escort them.

They flew into France and then the ‘Dog Bus’ charity collected them and brought them overland to Many Tears animal rescue in Wales.”

Arwa then drove from London to collect him and take him back to her home in Ealing.

“I was so excited on the journey over, but also a little anxious as we had been separated for so long. I was worried he might not remember me,” Arwa explains.

Her concerns were groundless, as Jacko was clearly delighted to see her and even remembered some of the tricks she had taught him as a puppy. It was an emotional reunion: “It was the happiest day ever for me.

He was really excited to see me and brought his ball over to me and then he calmed right down and sat down at my side and hasn’t left me since then,” Arwa shares her joyful memory.

It was a very difficult separation for both of them. “I felt so guilty for leaving him and never gave up hope that one day we would be reunited. He is like my child and I couldn’t imagine life without him.”

Life was hard for Jacko when Arwa left. Initially in Syria, her family kept him safe but that involved keeping him inside for over eight months, as the government was putting poison down in the area to get rid of stray dogs that were eating human remains.

Although life improved for him once he reached Beirut, he was then in the rescue kennels with other anxious and 40 | Total Grooming Magazine

Jacko at the shelter in Lebanon

stressed dogs.

The Covid-19 pandemic meant that it took a lot longer for Jacko to continue his journey on to the UK as so many flights were cancelled.

Jacko’s transportation was booked and cancelled on several occasions because of the effects of the pandemic.

This was a roller-coaster ride for Arwa, whose hopes would soar only to be dashed when the flights were cancelled.

She had a huge amount of her hopes for life invested in being reunited with Jacko. She said: “In Syria before the war, I had a great career ahead of me as an actress. Now, in the UK I have had to start over which is fine but with the refugee applications and the journey over here, it has been a traumatic time and I felt with Jacko coming over, as though I would have some part of my life back.

“That was definitely the case. I am exhilarated to have him back in my life. I have a garden here in Ealing and we have parks on our doorstep. I have established a walking routine with him and I get to meet and speak to lots of other dog owners; he is a great ice-

War Paws brings hope in the form of food and veterinary care to many unwanted and forgotten Iraqi and Syrian dogs (and cats) that suffer injury, starvation, and fear on a daily basis.

In July 2016 War Paws obtained official UK charity status. Since then it has grown steadily and has gone from rescuing just a couple of dogs a year to rescuing multiple dogs.

The charity now has a permanent shelter, and provides a lifeline to animals in need, together with a rehoming service. It also partners Iraq’s first ever, purpose-built shelter.

breaker!

“He has settled so well into his new life here. He is really good off the lead and very friendly but he is also smart and clever and understands so much.

“I talk to him all the time and my life has improved so much now that he is here with me. I am so grateful to Louise and War Paws and to everyone who donated to help bring him over to the UK.”

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Total Grooming Magazine | 41

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The Portable Palace Created from our Revolutionary insulated panel, the Palace provides groomers with unrivalled benefits never seen before in the industry! This amazing new concept was born due to our lining's incredible lifespan - they often out live the vans they were placed in - so we created a demountable pod where your business can be moved on to the next chassis easily when needed - or if you no longer wish to be mobile, you can demount the pod and work from your garden!

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As the chassis ages, the Palace can be removed and placed onto a brand new chassis - resulting in a much cheaper cost than having to buy a whole new van and conversion with next to no downtime If the chassis is involved in an accident or breaks down you can simply remove the body, place it on the ground and work from your driveway whilst you wait for it to be repaired.

The lining will not out live the vehicle like so often seen with used van conversions. You then have to sell the van & conversion and then buy a new van and conversion and wait whilst it is converted. Whereas with the Palace, you can keep the pod forever and change the chassis as you need to.

Once you choose to retire from mobile grooming you can remove the Palace, sell the chassis and work from the Palace in your garden instead of having to buy a parlour or convert a room in your house.

When you choose to move home, you can take the pod with you and this portability combined with the size means they will not normally require planning permission in your garden.

You never need to buy a Brand new chassis that can depreciate - simply buy used a chassis and then swap them out as they get too old.

Smaller than its LWB Van equivalent but provides a more workable space inside that is highly customisable as there are no van strutts or vehicle constraints Can be driven on a normal car driving license Say goodbye to having to buy a whole new van and conversion every few years - simply move your Palace from one chassis to another with zero down time and when the time comes and you no longer want to be mobile, simply

Wet Pet Conversions

01258 837779 www.wetpetsconversions.co.uk

Going Mobile…

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Grooming Van of the Year

Discover your dream work place today

G;Rooms

Our fantastic portable grooming Pods allow you to groom from the comfort of your own garden in a fully waterproof, insulated & professional environment. They are completely self contained - for electric you simply plug the cable provided into your house, for water in you simply attach your garden hose and this is piped straight to your Hydrobath. Waste water is held inside the bath and piped out to a location of your choice. The Pods do not normally ever require planning permission and they can be delivered to even the hardest to reach locations. And if you move house? our Pods move with you! Each pod is fully portable and can be moved an unlimited amount of times. Choose from an unlimited amount of interior & exterior options with fully customisable packages to perfectly suit your budget and design with ever Pod and conversion available on finance from as little as £20+vat per wk!

Trailers

Made from our Revolutionary insulated panel, our VCA Approved Grooming trailers provide the perfect solution if you would like to work from home and be mobile without the running costs associated with a van - with no tax or MOT required with trailers! You can leave the trailer on your drive way or hitch up with your vehicle when ever you need to. And when you have finished being mobile you can permanently demount the trailer from the axels and use it as a Garden Pod!

Vans

Our industry leading dog grooming vans provide unrivalled levels of luxury combined with practicality. Choose from new or used vans or supply your own, we work with you to create the perfect package for your business. Complete with a 10 year lining warranty our conversions outlive and out perform all in their class with a build quality that is second to none. Unlimited optional extras and packages are available including sign writing and free delivery back to you.

New vans Available fully converted from just £68+vat per wk!

Portable Palace

Your parlour for life. Our new revolutionary demountable Palace offers benefits never seen before in the industry. Once your chassis reaches the end of its life or is involved in an accident, you simply demount your Palace and work from home or swap it onto a new chassis. If you no longer want to be mobile you can demount the pod and use it as a parlour in your Garden. The palace’s can be driven on a standard UK driving License and are often smaller than their van based equivalent whilst giving you more usable space. Available in a wide range of sizes with unlimited conversion configurations. Available on finance

Wet Pet Conversions

01258 837779 www.wetpetsconversions.co.uk

NATURALLY BETTER

Treat little stinkers kindly!

If you prefer your 'natural' shampoo pure, without chemical scents or artificial colour, give this one a go! Enriched with essential oils to super hydrate and deeply nourish the coat and skin, what's not to like?

simpsons-online.co.uk/showpride 01354 691 830

Showpride PURE Shampoo simpsons-online.co.uk/breeds 1 Litre £ 12 Ref: 4071–144 5 Litres £ 30 Ref: 4071–143