www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk March 2021
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Contents
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s the lockdown measures continue to bite, groomers share their views on funding inequalities and we find out how some are battling for equal rights. Remember, that you can be anything you like, so be kind to each other as many people are suffering. If you would like to feature in the magazine or have some content ideas that you would like us to explore, contact: editor@ totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk Editor www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
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News
Contents 04 News 06 News 08 News 10 News 12 News 14 Covid hardship and the battle for fair funding On the cover: Kerbl UK Limited Tel: 01572 722558 E-mail: enquiries@ kerbl.co.uk www.kerbl.co.uk
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A groomer’s perspective on pandemic inequalities
in Harrogate and finds out how she became a judge on Pooch Perfect
18 A groomer’s perspective on pandemic inequalities
32 Insurance – what cover you need and why
22 Grooming elderly dogs
36 We find out about the valuable work of Cinnamon Trust and how they have helped vulnerable pet owners during lockdown
www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk March 2021
26 Paws for Thought visits Verity Hardcastle groomer and trainer
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
Commercial Director Mike Smith – mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk T: 01795 509110
Account Manager Becky Smith – becky@tgmpublishing.co.uk
Credit Facilities Manager Natalie Murray – creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509103
© 2021 TGM Publishing Limited, The Goods Shed, 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
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News and Product Round-up New State-of-the-art Training Facility Launched During lockdown Anrich Dog Grooming School in Wigan decided to expand and has invested £70,000 in an extensive state-of the-art salon and training facility. Anrich has been established for 35 years and its grooming training school offers courses based within the veterinary hospital environment. Alongside the school is a busy working salon with a team of five groomers offering quality grooms. The new facilities include a purposebuilt separate bathing and drying room alongside a styling and working area with six grooming tables. The academy accommodates up to eight students at a time giving them plenty of individual tuition. Trainees are able to observe the day to day running of the business and get a feel for the profession they are about to join. Due to the success of the courses and the positive feedback, the school has gone from strength to strength and the latest expansion places it as one of the most extensive in the UK. Managing director, James Weston said: “We constantly strive to develop our courses to ensure students leave us fully equipped and confident. We have formulated a course that covers every aspect of dog grooming so students feel ready to start their new careers as soon as they finish the course. “We believe in hands on training as the best way to learn and our Elite model club has a huge variety of dogs of all breeds for students to work on and our groom standards are extremely high with attention to detail. You will leave us fully equipped to embark with confidence into one of the biggest growing industries in the UK. All our students go on to have successful and 4 | www.christiesdirect.com
New training room at Anrich Academy in Wigan
rewarding careers.” For more information visit www.
groomingcourses.co.uk or Tel: 01942 242001
Groomers Battle Councils for Fair Support Over 2000 groomers have joined the Groomers Kennel support group’s battle with government and local councils to get a fair support package for grooming businesses. Organiser Sarah Colquitt said: “We decided to put a petition in to Parliament for a universal overturn and to deem us all as a Closed business (except for welfare) and to financially support us all, but due to a Covid backlog this is taking longer in the checking stages than it normally would and whilst this continues many groomers are now desperately fighting for survival and in genuine fear of losing their businesses and salons that they lovingly built-up. The BEIS; Government Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has the authority to allocate the guidance to all Local Authorities in relation to the grant funding and we as an industry are pleading with them to reconsider the dog grooming sector as a closed business and therefore eligible for the appropriate funding. This situation should not be a ‘postcode-lottery’ but should instead be ‘One rule for all’ scenario. We should be treated as fairly and equally as the hospitality and retail sectors who are allowed to offer takeaway/ delivery services and click & collect and still receive full grant support. We feel persecuted and like second class citizens.” Read the full article on pages 14 16.
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Stylish New Collars and Leads
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nimal welfare charity Wild at Heart Foundation has teamed up with BARC London to launch the BARC x WAHF collection of collars, leads and harnesses for dogs. Each product is available in Wild at Heart Foundation’s coral, blue and yellow stripe. You can also select one with the Foundation’s ‘Believe in Dog’ tagline. Most importantly, 60% of profits from this collection goes to the Foundation. To ensure that your dog is both stylish and comfortable, all of the products are made from a soft nylon webbing that is gentle on fur; they also feature quick-release buckles for safety, and are fully adjustable for the perfect fit. Dog ownership is on the rise, and adoption from charities such as Wild at Heart Foundation is thankfully increasing too. So while we celebrate the ‘adopt don’t shop’ mantra, we can
also go one step further and make sure that our pet products support dog charities too. Prices start at £18.00. Visit https:// www.barclondon.com/ collections/wahf-x-barc to find out more and choose the perfect feel-good product for your pooch.
About Wild at Heart Foundation Wild at Heart Foundation wants to end the suffering of stray dogs all over the world. They are working to compassionately reduce the world’s 600 million stray dog population through rescue, adoption, sterilisation projects, and awareness and education campaigns. They fund and support projects all over the world, focusing on areas where the need is particularly great. www.wildatheartfoundation.org/
First Vegan Dog Bed
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og bed, created by a mumof-two during the Covid-19 pandemic, has become the first in the world to be registered with The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark. bECOsy® is a small, family-run business that was set up by Rebecca Birtwell last January as she wanted to be at home to look after her two young children. Rebecca, who admits launching a new business during a pandemic has been challenging, was inspired to create the first ever Trademark registered pet bed after discovering that nearly 200 hundred animals a year can be saved by following a vegan lifestyle. Unlike many other dog beds that are made of leather, wool or stuffed with goose feathers and down, bECOsy® 6 | www.christiesdirect.com
beds are created using oxford cloth, natural latex, faux Sherpa fleece and polyester. They’re also chemical-free and hypoallergenic. The smaller sizes are suitable for cats that want to curl up too. Ericka Durgahee, Business Development Marketing Manager at The Vegan Society, said: “We’re pleased to have registered the first-ever companion bed with the trusted Vegan Trademark.” bECOsy® founder, Rebecca, who uses the family dog, Duggee, to model her products, said: “We are so proud to stand with The Vegan Society and to be able to use their trademarkon our products. We wanted to design and make a pet bed that wasn’t just luxurious and comfy but also sustainable and ethical.”
First vegan dog bed
“Each component we use has been certified by our suppliers as using no animal products, either within the materials themselves or in their production. They have also been certified as free-from crosscontamination to achieve the stringent Vegan Society registration.”
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Five Year Sentences for Animal Cruelty on the Cards
Perpetrators of cruelty could soon be facing up to five years behind bars
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eading animal welfare charity Battersea recently welcomed long-awaited progress on crucial new legislation to increase sentences for animal cruelty offences. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill in England and Wales passed its Second Reading back in October 2020 and, almost four months later, has now passed the Committee Stage of its passage through the House of Commons. Battersea has been campaigning for many years to increase maximum sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years in prison – a call supported by tens of thousands of members of the public and over 150 MPs from across Parliament. 8 | www.christiesdirect.com
Battersea’s Interim Chief Executive, Peter Laurie, said: “This is a significant step forward for animal welfare. It has been a long time coming and we’re encouraged to at last see headway being made in Westminster. We look forward to seeing the Bill completing its passage in this parliamentary term.” After suffering many delays and setbacks in which the previous Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill in England and Wales was subsequently dropped, the increase to maximum sentences was reintroduced as a Private Member’s Bill by Chris Loder MP in February 2020. The Government has previously indicated that they intend to support the Bill during passage through Parliament and into law. Scotland
changed their own law in July 2020. Peter continues: “Battersea continues to speak up for animals who don’t have a voice. Currently England and Wales have amongst the lowest maximum sentences for animal cruelty offences in the world at just six months in prison - raising this to five years will better protect innocent animals in the future and make it clear that animal cruelty is a heinous crime.” The Bill will now proceed to its final stages in the House of Commons before moving to the House of Lords. For more information visit https:// notfunny.battersea.org.uk/. Battersea’s report, Sentencing for Animal Cruelty in England and Wales, can be found here.
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Battersea’s Odd Couples Find Love
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ast month, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Battersea looked back on some of the strangest pairings to have blossomed inside the much-loved animal charity’s iconic gates. From cuddly kittens and lovable Labradors to little and large dogs falling for one another, Battersea has seen its fair share of friendships over its 160-year history. Becky MacIver, Rehoming and Welfare Manager at Battersea, says: “Over the years, we’ve played Cupid for so many dogs and cats. Not only have we helped find them their perfect human match, but we’ve also seen animals find love in one another, too. “Our Battersea love stories show why every rescue is worthy of a second chance.”
Barney and Ava Ava was just a few days old when she was found as a kitten, abandoned in a London garden. Thankfully, she was rushed into Battersea where she was quickly cared for by the charity’s expert veterinary team. Being so young, Ava needed to be fed every few hours and spent a lot of her time in the Battersea clinic office, where she met Battersea’s Head Vet Nurse’s rescue dog, Barney. The Labrador took his role of kitten-sitter very seriously and the pair became the best of friends. These days, Ava is living a life of luxury with her new family on the British coastline.
Kitty and Buttons Kitty and Buttons hit headlines back in 2011 when the puppy-kitten duo formed a close bond. Kitty the cat was brought into Battersea’s Old Windsor centre by a kind-hearted member of the public who found her alone in a garden when she was just one day old. To keep the tiny kitten company, Battersea staff put her together with Buttons the Jack Russell, who was born 10 | www.christiesdirect.com
Barney and Ava
at the centre but rejected by her mother as the runt of the litter. The inseparable duo ate, played and slept together and it wasn’t long before they found their happily ever after, and were rehomed together to a family in Colchester, Essex.
Thelma and Louise Just like their cinematic namesakes, Thelma and Louise were inseparable. The two best friends were found wandering in a park together, skinny, scared and no one to rely on but each other. Terrier Louise and Saluki Thelma were soon taken to Battersea, where staff gained their trust and helped them build up their confidence before they finally found their happy ending.
Duke and Boris Throughout the 2020 lockdown, a Battersea rescue dog was busy helping to hand rear a tiny kitten named Boris, who had been rejected by his mother at just two days old. Beagle Duke was adopted from
Battersea in 2016 after being found as a stray wandering the streets of Guildford. His owner, Laura, helped to hand raise a kitten during lockdown, and thanks to her and Duke’s loving care, little Boris grew into a big strong cat and found a new home of his own. Despite Duke’s unusual and grumpy looks, he enjoyed playing and providing snuggles for his tiny best friend, proving that beauty is purely skin deep.
Buddy and Lady Buddy and Lady came to Battersea together after their owner found themselves unable to care for the pair anymore. This Staffie and Mongrel had a love so strong that they decided to put it in writing and got married on national TV show Loose Women as ‘Prince Hairy and Meghan Barkle’, in celebration of the 2018 Royal Wedding. Buddy and Lady found a retirement home together where they could live out the rest of their days happily ever after. To find out more about Battersea’s work, visit battersea.org.uk.
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23/02/2021 21:46
A Decade at Number 10 for the World’s Most Famous Rescue Cat From charming world leaders, to distracting the press, Chief Mouser Larry has done it all during his time at 10 Downing Street. But before he began prowling the corridors of political power, Larry was a humble stray who came to Battersea in need of help and a home.
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onday 15 February marks exactly ten years since the confident rescue cat left the leading animal welfare charity’s care to begin a new life as one of British politics’ brightest stars. To celebrate this milestone, Battersea is looking back at some of Larry’s most memorable moments. Battersea’s Head of Catteries and Feline Welfare, Lindsey Quinlan, said: “It seems like only yesterday that Larry came to our cattery as a stray in need of a home. I don’t think anyone back then could have imagined just how incredible his life would turn out to be.” During his tenure as Chief Mouser, Larry has been a trusted companion to not one, not two, but three Prime Ministers. David Cameron was ready and waiting at Number 10 to greet Larry on his first day on the job, and despite rumours to the contrary, Mr Cameron confirmed the pair were friends when he dedicated part of his final speech in Parliament to Larry, saying “Sadly, I cannot take Larry with me - he belongs to the house and the staff love him very much, as do I.” Larry was also there to offer his support when the next Prime Minister, Theresa May, left office - caught live on camera being forcibly removed from his sunbathing spot and escorted away by security so that he wouldn’t upstage the outgoing Prime Minister’s announcement. Now working under his third Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, the 14-yearold tabby remains as prolific as ever, providing some light relief with 12 | Total Grooming Magazine
Larry celebrates 10 years at Number 10
impromptu photo opps. Not content with his duties as Chief Mouser, Larry quickly took on another unofficial role as a diplomat. His additional responsibilities were put to the test soon after he took up office, when the then President of the United States, Barack Obama, came to Downing Street for a visit. Although he had been rumoured to usually take his time when making new friends, Larry made an exception for President Obama and photos of him happily being fussed by the charismatic world leader were shared worldwide. When the previous US president, Donald Trump, came to visit in 2019, the media were quick to report that the stubborn tabby had created a potential security threat by deciding the perfect spot for his afternoon nap would be to lie beneath President Trump’s vehicle, making it impossible for them to move until Larry had decided to wake up.
No matter what he does, Larry can do no wrong in the eyes of his fans. Simply being caught in the rain was enough to melt hearts the world over in 2018 when a police officer guarding Number 10 took pity on the soggy moggy after he was caught in a downpour. The scene of a kind policeman escorting Larry to the door and helping him inside unfolded in the background of live news reports and quickly went viral. A Number 10 spokesperson said: “A much beloved member of the No 10 team, Larry plays a vital role as Chief Mouser and in delighting staff and the public alike with his playful antics. “We’re proud to support Battersea and other animal welfare organisations in their mission to ensure our furry friends have a loving and safe home.” To find out more about Battersea’s work to support cats, please visit the website www.battersea.org.uk/cats.
Pandemic Hardship and Confusion
Groomer and support group organiser Sarah Colquitt of The Groomers Kennel & Puss ‘N’ Pooch Salon, shares her concerns about grant inconsistencies and why it is not a level playing field where grooming businesses are concerned:
Groomers are rallying to save their businesses from closure and avoid deserted boarded up streets from becoming the norm
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s England faced its third virus lockdown on the 5th of January 2021, dog groomers across the UK were facing the daunting prospect of potentially losing their much-loved businesses and livelihood due to a lack of clear support and Government funding. So very heartbreaking for so many out there, especially in light of the recent airing of our favourite new BBC1 Television Series: Pooch Perfect with the amazing Colin Taylor and Verity Hardcastle as the judges. It felt like finally the public and all
14 | Total Grooming Magazine
our customers for the first time ever were getting a real look into the world of dog grooming and what actually goes into it behind the salon doors. It destroyed me after being a groomer and owning my own salon for 15 years to realise the people of the UK would see this show (and thoroughly enjoy it too) but by the time the series concluded many salons would be in jeopardy. So, I decided to do something about it. I had been following all my usual groomer groups on Facebook and watching and reading the debauchery
that was taking place within our industry; with groomers disagreeing on their opinions and interpretations of both the rules and the financial support available to us all. It was heartbreaking to witness. Many of us sat quietly and watched with sadness, too scared to voice our opinions for fear of an onslaught of opposing views. Many were following the rules, some bending them and a few even willingly breaking them. It was soul-destroying. My father had many wise-words and phrases but one of them that kept ringing ever louder in my head was
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Total Grooming Magazine | 15
‘If you don’t agree with it, don’t just sit about moaning about it, get up and do something about it!” So I did. I had been researching and collecting names that appeared to be singing from the same hymn-sheet as me since the November lockdown, so I decided to bravely and tentatively reach out to these people once I’d created a group that was eager and ready to welcome like-minded members and groomers that had indicated a dissatisfaction with the Government or Councils’ handling of the lockdown situation and the financial support available and grey area (loophole) definition of ‘Welfare. I decided to create and set-up a campaign and support group for all UK Dog Groomers - ‘The Groomers Kennel’ in an attempt to help all dog groomers to receive the support and funding we deserve and to provide clear guidance on the routes available. We prepared universal branded template letters for all to use whilst pushing Councils amid a myriad of other actions and slowly but surely, it’s working. We are a collective of UK groomers who have united to stand-up together and draw attention to the murky grey waters we’re drowning in due to the lockdown legislation and the Government’s handling of our specific trade and lack of clear financial support regarding grants. Groomers had opposing views due to being backed into a corner by our Government and Councils and this led to the word ‘welfare’ becoming a dirty one with many groomers disagreeing on their opinion of welfare and what CFSG and DEFRA think. What we all did agree upon however is lockdown 1 and the three months without dogs visiting their groomers did lead to a lot of welfare cases. It was unfortunately down to each groomer’s interpretation and their financial situation. Without proper support from the Government many had no option other than to remain open or to bend the rules according to needs and risk a £10K fine if the Covid Inspectors visit. Sad but true! However, many groomers are genuinely scared of the virus (and there 16 | Total Grooming Magazine
is a small risk of it travelling on the pets’ coats) and morally want to do the right thing and close their salons and stay at home safe in a united effort to control the virus. We are being told to groom for welfare reasons only, therefore not at usual trading capacity more like 5-10% of our normal trade, so even though we’re not ‘Open’ as such, we’re not ‘Closed’ either, just open for essential welfare grooms, neither ‘Essential’ or ‘Non-Essential.’ This one line removed our ability to apply for the support grants available. There are a multitude of options available which many don’t fit the criteria for, that’s if you can find them and then get yourself through the red tape and jargon and paperwork to receive them. The technicalities of the rules are even more complex than that but that’s the general gist of it. It is evident that some Councils, EHO’s and MPs agreed with closure and paid out grants to groomers in some areas whilst other Councils flatly refused! This is not fair and it should be one rule for all across the UK (apart from Scotland who are bound by slightly different restrictions to us). The battle is hard and fraught with opposition and the longer it takes with 245 Councils out of the 339 still fighting against dog groomers the more difficult, heart wrenching and soul destroying it becomes. Many groomers are not only facing losing their salons and businesses but also their homes and lives too, never mind the impact on our mental health. As a nation of dog lovers, we decided to put a petition in to Parliament for a universal overturn and to deem us all as a Closed business (except for welfare) and to financially support us all, but due to a Covid backlog this is taking longer in the checking stages than it normally would and whilst this continues many groomers are now desperately fighting for survival and in genuine fear of
losing their businesses and salons that they lovingly built-up. The BEIS; Government Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy have the authority to allocate the guidance to all Local Authorities in relation to the grant funding and we as an industry are pleading with them to reconsider the dog grooming sector as a closed business and therefore eligible for the appropriate funding. This situation should not be a ‘postcodelottery’ but should instead be ‘One rule for all’ scenario. We should be treated as fairly and equally as the hospitality and retail sectors who are allowed to offer takeaway/delivery services and click & collect and still receive full grant support. We feel persecuted and like second class citizens. We are crying out to a nation of dog lovers to be heard and supported and we hope with the public’s support we may eventually all receive the fair equal treatment and the support grants we all deserve and maybe with this, we can save our industry from collapse. Join the Groomers Kennel for more information and to make your voice heard. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ thegroomerskennel with 2,000 members in it and our official linked ‘Page’ is; https://www.facebook.com/ TheGroomersKennel
Covid-19 and Dog Grooming: the Fight for Fair Funding. Open? Closed? Open solely for ‘welfare’ grooms? BEIS, DEFRA, BDGA, CFSG, PIF, LRSG, ARG, DARG, SEISS, BBL, CBILS. Confused? It’s hardly surprising! Nikki Egginton, groomer and hydrotherapist at Tara’s K9 Hydro in Shropshire has been fighting for equal rights for groomers. She shares her battle:
T
here are literally thousands of dog/pet groomers in the UK, working in a variety of settings, all scratching their heads as they try to understand the current situation and implications for their industry. When the government announced the first national lockdown in March 2020, it moved quickly (for a government) to provide initial financial support to all businesses operating out of commercial premises, using the National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) register to identify eligible businesses. This quick hit gave financial stability to many for a few months. However, as with all such broad brush approaches, there were many (far too many) who raked in the cash but who were not really eligible. Empty premises still listed, companies no longer trading but still on the NNDR register, fraudsters who found a way to apply and were somehow successful. Fast forward to the autumn, when it became apparent that further lockdowns were inevitable, initially through the tier system and then in January in England with another, albeit more relaxed, national lockdown, parameters changed. The Devolved Administrations chose slightly different approaches to resolving increasing infection and death rates. Central Government devolved decisions about eligibility for financial support to local Councils. For groomers, this
18 | Total Grooming Magazine
Nikki Egginton is one groomer who has suffered from inequitable funding
devolvement has led to a plethora of different decisions being made in each Council area. Many of the decisions and the rationale behind them, simply
do not appear to make much sense to those trying to find a clear and equitable solution to the survival of their business.
Nikki’s previously successful grooming and hydrotherapy business has been brought to its knees by the pandemic
Facebook Groups started to pop up in January and saw rapid membership as fellow groomers sought support and advice. Letter templates to assist in making submissions to Councils soon appeared, thanks to the sterling work of a few dedicated groomers. In many cases, these helped significantly; the best outcome was the resultant overturning of original Council decisions not to support a business, thus opening the avenue to financial support, and for many, business survival. Incorporating Councillors, MPs and local media i the dialogue has proved a successful strategy for many. Councils simply don’t like bad press. Sadly, not all Councils have been convinced by the arguments put forward so the inequality of approaches to the industry remains. Of note, it is interesting that the Chancellor of the Exchequer responded to a plea for help from groomers in his home constituency, intervening to overturn the local Council’s decision, yet has done nothing to ensure the approach is a national one. Groomers are seeing fellow groomers, literally only a short distance down the road, face different outcomes. Discrepancies mean inequality. In fact, the Federation of Small Businesses and Chambers of Commerce have stipulated 20 | Total Grooming Magazine
that Council approaches to support grants should be consistent across a wider region. Online applications are being invited at different times, are being called something different, are available over different time periods and often with closure deadlines brought forward without clear announcements that this is happening. Different information, evidence and levels of detail are being demanded. It’s a minefield. So what is the crux of the problem causing the disparity? It all hangs on the DEFRA advice, permitting grooms ‘where this is necessary for the animal’s welfare and not simply for aesthetic reasons. Where routine grooming can be delayed until the national lockdown is eased it should be put off ’. What constitutes welfare appears to be open to interpretation. The majority of Councils read this as meaning that groomers have not been mandated to close, so are not eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed). However, approximately one third of Councils have now accepted the argument that true welfare grooms are such a small part of most groomers trade that effectively they are closed; the Councils have awarded the LRSG (Closed) funds, some after appeals were lodged.
The DEFRA advice, as updated 11 January 2021, said that welfare grooms could, for example, be conducted on veterinary advice for a skin condition or excessive matting causing the pet discomfort. The reality is that the vast majority of grooms are normally on a regular 4-10 week schedule for the precise reason of the dog’s welfare. True welfare grooms under the DEFRA parameters are very few and far between. Some groomers interpretation is to continue to groom in order to prevent matting before it occurs. In reality, nobody is wrong. The advice is simply woolly! Appeals to Parliament, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer have recently been submitted. Parity for all is what is being sought. We are not done with the pandemic yet. My advice? Keep a very close eye on your Council’s website. Further rounds of funds are likely. Apply for everything you can, as soon as you can. Deadlines get brought forward if Councils think they will run out of money to make the awards. Include Councillors, MPs and local media in your dialogue from the start. If you haven’t already, join one of the Facebook Groups for advice, support and assistance.
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Grooming Elderly Dogs with Compassion Groomer, Jenny Farrell shares her tips on grooming senior canine citizens: Grooming our senior citizen dogs can be tricky. It is not uncommon for us to find the older generation to be more grumpy, stiff and slow when grooming but it is important to treat them with patience and compassion.
A
s dogs age they are more prone to joint problems, skin problems, allergies and sensitivities and declining health such as poor eye sight, hearing and all kinds of warts, lumps and bumps! Each dog is an individual so it is always smart to be extra vigilant when examining elderly dogs during a consultation. During the consultation you may want to do a more detailed body check so that you are aware of lumps, bumps, warts and areas to be extra vigilant with when grooming. It is also important, as with any groom, if you see something new or odd to communicate this to the owner, remember not to diagnose or say what you ‘think’ it may be as we as groomers are not qualified to do so. You may want to invest in some kind support and restraints such as soft padded belly straps (on the belly and chest in large dogs), and to allow the dog to sit down when needed, they may need more toilet trips during grooming. A dogs who needs the toilet will often stamp their feet or become unsettled or fidgety so this may be a sign the dog may need the toilet. Elderly dogs need more time for grooming in general as you want to be more delicate on brushing and clipping the joints, back and neck areas. They can also become more sensitive around the face due to poor dental health. Bad teeth can cause toothache that can radiate into the jaw, eyes and teeth. Bad teeth can also cause dogs to
22 | Total Grooming Magazine
Elderly dogs need delicate, patient handling
become snappy around their ears, eyes and face due to pain in the jaw when being held for grooming, this is a common scenario in elderly dogs. Let’s not forget those ears, as with bad teeth, elderly dogs are more prone to dirty ears and wax build up as well as bacterial and fungal infections of the ear, again this can cause the dog to become uneasy with grooming around the ears, face and neck. Always check a dog’s ears before bathing for infections. Older dogs can also become prone to other problems such as kidney, heart and bladder problems which need gentle grooming and extra time to allow for breaks. They are also more prone to fits, confusion and seizures so always be aware of your dog (as you should always be!), groom slow and steady and be extra vigilant when using loud noises, water and clippers as these can trigger fits, in addition stress triggers fits and seizures so be slow and calm at all times! Some elderly dogs find a full bath and groom in one session too much, for example an elderly standard poodle in full coat may need two or three sittings to ensure that they are comfortable. A bath and brush out one day and the next day a clip groom (as long as the owner doesn’t take them in the woods between grooming) and if this cannot be done, it may be best to adjust the clip of the dog to its lifestyle which may mean a shorter clip. As dogs get older they don’t want to be messed around with as much so opting for a shorter clip can help maintain their coat and skin while keeping grooming time to a minimum and also maintain welfare standards for the dog. In general, when grooming the elderly dog always ask the owners about the dog’s health background if known, any known problems including lumps and bumps, any medication the dogs are on and then ask at each appointment if there has been any change that you should be aware of such as behaviour and fitness levels which could help you customise the groom to suit the dog. Don’t forget to give extra bedding while they wait, extra water and always give breaks to elderly dogs. 24 | Total Grooming Magazine
Some older dogs find a full bath and groom too much in one session
Paws for thought... Paws for Thought visits the now famous Verity Hardcastle groomer and trainer in Harrogate and finds out how her career in dog grooming began and how it led to her becoming a judge on BBC 1’s Pooch Perfect series: How did you get into grooming? I was on a completely different career trajectory, I’d studied business and realised I just couldn’t handle a job sitting down, I have a severe case of ants in your pant itis and I tend to be on the go all the time. I was showing my Dobermann when I made the decision to look for a job in the animal sector. I had worked as a kennel hand when I was young for pocket money and never minded the hard work, I just loved caring for the animals. I decided that dog grooming would be it and after much research I enrolled with a training centre.
How did the business develop? I grew my business organically, investing what I could back into expanding and updating equipment. I never paid for advertising; in the dog sector, people talk and word of mouth is definitely the best way of growing a business. I treated every client as if they and their dog were the most important appointment of the day and if for instance they told me about a new grandson on the way I’d be sure to remember it and ask them next time. This attention to detail established a great rapport with my clients.
What were the biggest challenges you have had to overcome? I would say 100% staffing issues, trying to juggle having very young children and running a busy large salon that demands so much of your time physically. 26 | Total Grooming Magazine
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What are the greatest lessons you have learned from grooming? You cannot please everyone all of the time. That’s just a fact, no matter how hard you try and no matter how much of an amazing groomer you are you just can’t please everyone all of the time. Remembering this and not being so hard on yourself is a great piece of advice for the conscientious groomer.
What elements give you the greatest satisfaction? I love how much my customers appreciate me and have become so close with many of them. I know it’s just a hair cut for some but for many it is so much more. I have such a great relationship with them and their dogs, it means a lot. I also love training people, be it doing refresher sessions with groomers to improve their salon grooming or teaching people how to groom from scratch. I love passing on my knowledge and getting to know new people. The variety of this job is endless.
Which is your favourite breed to groom and why? Without hesitation it’s a Poodle, the versatility of this breed’s styling along with their plush coat and elegant stature make them my favourite breed to groom. I never stick to one hair style for long on my dogs, I get itchy scissor fingers and I’m constantly wanting to try something new, I just love how they can look like completely different dogs from one month to the next.
What are your views on training for groomers entering this sector? You need to invest heavily in your training, find the right grooming tuition for you - education is key and you never stop learning in this profession. Once I completed my initial training I didn’t stop there, I continued my education journey and still do now. Be prepared to travel for the right education. I set out to be the best groomer I could possibly be and that 28 | Total Grooming Magazine
motto has stayed with me always. I continued my examinational journey right to the end and completed my higher diploma, becoming a master groomer and a member of the guild of master groomers.
What are your views on competing in grooming shows? Forget the nerves, don’t think you can’t do it, just do it, throw yourself in at the deep end. Sometimes it is important to go out of your comfort zone - only being in that situation can you grow! I started competing when I was still in training and you will find that it’s an incredible way of developing your skills and trying to perfect your grooms, I’m still trying to do that now, we all are. You can learn so much from attending a grooming competition and it’s an
awesome way to meet other like minded groomers, many of them are now lifelong friends.
Have you found shows valuable? If so, why? It can take a while to find your eye for symmetry, balance and shape,
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having someone else (the judge) point out something on your groom that isn’t quite right, you can then stand back and learn and then adopt this into your next groom. I look at some of my old photos and think lordy lordy I’ve come a long way, but only through continuous development and the help and advice of others.
What plans/aspirations do you have for the future? I wish to continue to share my knowledge and inspire, be it through training or seminars and I want to concentrate on my showing for the next few years.
Regarding Pooch Perfect: What are your views of the show? Pooch Perfect is a wonderful entertainment show which shows the public just how skilled and compassionate groomers are, it’s fun and joyous but also educational, showcasing some amazing talent. It’s the first time we have had this platform as groomers and we should be so proud. The challenges are all so varied and demonstrate the breed depth and breadth we need to have to be a great groomer and hopefully next time your client brings her golden retriever for a quick bath she won’t be expecting to collect it in 30 minutes and pay just £10.
Why/how were you chosen to judge? The production team first came to meet me at the grooming show in January 2020, after an initial contact, where they watched my seminar and watched me compete. After several interviews I was chosen as the judge, I was thrilled as there were many candidates. I felt so grateful to be given this opportunity and I worked hard to do the job justice and help to showcase the best of the industry.
Can you share some information/your views about how the show has developed? The show was developed hand in hand with groomers, the production team were great at coming to myself and Colin to ask our opinions continuously about challenges and the educational elements in the show. It was a huge team effort and I have such high praise to all the team at Beyond who just didn’t want to put out any old entertainment show with dogs in it, but instead they were committed to doing the grooming industry justice and shine a bright beautiful light on what we do. The marvellous Stuart Simons was the dog grooming consultant on the show and he has been so heavily involved in it from the start, it has been a full time job for him and what a credit he is to the industry.
Do you think it will encourage people to choose grooming as a career move? Sure, it’s a beacon on our industry but it by no means makes it look like an easy buck. Dog grooming isn’t for everyone, we’re a certain breed right? I think what Pooch Perfect does is gives the public a newfound admiration of the work and skill involved to turn fluffy into flawless.
What impact has appearing on the show had on your business? I have a closed client book with grooming clients and my children are a huge priority in my life, so I’m not looking to expand that aspect of my working life. Post covid I hope to speak at more events, do more grooming demonstrations and get myself back in the ring at dog shows. In the meantime, you can catch me on Instagram or Facebook @verityhardcastle. We wish Verity continued success and hope her journey will inspire many of you to keep developing your skills.
Want to feature in Total Grooming Magazine? Send an email to: editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk, or write to us at: Total Grooming Magazine, The Goods Shed, Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD. 30 | Total Grooming Magazine
Insurance isn’t just for mobile groomers, it is vital for all grooming businesses
Get Covered
Insurance for Businesses Involved in the Care of Customers’ Animals Any business proprietor should take the question of insurance very seriously. Not only are there legal obligations regarding the insurance you must purchase, but, with animals in your care, professional obligations also come into account.
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nsurance is supposed to provide peace of mind. However, think carefully about what you need to operate your business safely and responsibly. A few key tips: • Always ensure that you have the correct cover for your business needs. • Make sure you inform the Insurance broker / insurer of all business activities you do. If you do not tell them it may not be covered if you have an accident.
32 | Total Grooming Magazine
• Always read the small print before signing. • Particularly consider the excess amount you will have to pay on any claim before the insurance will apply • All claims must be reported as soon as possible in order that the insurer’s position has not been prejudiced (it can be worth contacting your broker/ insurer if you have a problem, even if you are not making a claim at that point, so that there is a record of your situation and they can advise you accordingly).
Ensure you make the right choice to suit your business needs.
Public Liability Insurance Public Liability Insurance protects you and your business against claims brought against you by other people (that are not working for your business). It covers you for your legal liability for injury to these people or damage to their property whilst you are going about your business activities. The cover also extends to cover
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products supplied by you in your business. Public Liability is not a legal requirement but it is good business practice Examples of potential claims: (a) A customer drops off a dog and slips on a wet floor in your grooming salon and injures themselves. (b) You enter a customer’s home to look after their dog and upon entering the customer’s home you knock off an expensive vase causing it to break.
Care, Custody & Control Insurance Most insurance policies will not extend to cover you against your legal liability for loss of or injury to animals in your care, custody or control. We strongly suggest you ensure this cover is in place, as accidents can happen and vets fees can be very high. Some policies will cover the cost of veterinary fees following accidental injury and compensation payments following the accidental death or loss of an animal in your care. For example: (a) Whilst grooming a dog you accidentally cut it. Resulting in a trip to the vet and stitches being required.
Employer’s Liability Insurance Employer’s Liability Insurance is a compulsory legal requirement. You are responsible for the health and safety of your employees while they are at work. Your employees may be injured at work, or they or your former employees may become ill as a result of their work while in your employment. They may try to claim compensation from you if they believe you are responsible. You must ensure you provide relevant training to all employees and this is documented and updated regularly. Do not allow an employee to do something if they have not been trained to do so. Refer to www.hse.gov.uk for further assistance and advice. Employer’s Liability Insurance will enable you to meet the cost of compensation for your employees’ injuries or illnesses whether they are caused on or off site. Please note that volunteers and work 34 | Total Grooming Magazine
experience are classed as employees. Examples of Potential Claims: (a) An employee injures their back whilst lifting a dog onto the grooming table. No training has been provided for manual handling.
Personal Accident Insurance This insurance will provide you, the proprietor, (and if required your employees also) with weekly benefits whilst you are unable to work following an accident. This can also cover death and capital benefits (such as loss of a limb, hearing, sight 24 Hour Personal Accident. Whilst out walking you are hit by a car which results in hospitalisation and being unable to work for a period. Please note that there may be a deferment period / excess that applies to this cover. This means that claims for incidents when you are only off work for a certain period (e.g. two weeks) may not be covered. Vehicle Insurance If your business uses motor vehicles on the road, it is a legal requirement to purchase at least third-party motor insurance – this covers injury to third parties and damage to third party property. It is highly recommended that groomers have comprehensive insurance to cover damage to or theft of your own vehicles. Sometimes employees use their own vehicles in their job make sure that insurance for all such vehicles has been extended to include business use. Even if you rarely collect and deliver customers animals this is still considered as business use and therefore you must inform your insurer accordingly. If your business vehicle has been modified in any way, you must inform the insurers. If you are grooming or washing from your vehicle and have a full fit out installed, many motor insurers will not wish to cover this vehicle. If you have a claim and the insurer is unaware of the modification they may not deal with the claim. Property Insurance If you are running your business from your own home or an outbuilding within your own property, you must inform your Household insurer. Many will just note the policy, some may charge extra
Accidents can happen to people and to the animals in your care
premium, but some insurer’s philosophy is that they will not continue cover for any aspect of your household insurance and you will need to obtain cover with an alternative insurer. Some household insurers may also not wish to cover the actual outbuilding you are grooming from. Be it a garage, barn, summerhouse, shed, etc – you may need to cover this with your business insurer. If you are grooming from a business location and you do not own the building, you must ensure the landlord has arranged adequate buildings insurance, which as the tenant he may ask you to reimburse him for. Within the lease there maybe conditions that state you are responsible for insuring some parts of the building, such as the glass (shop front) or in fact even the whole building. We would suggest you discuss this with your landlord so you fully understand your obligations. If you are the owner of the building you can either insure it with the business insurance, or alternatively you may find it better value to insure it separately under a property owner insurance policy. If you are unsure of the cover you need please contact us and we will happily provide you with a quotation for your business. Contact Details HIA International Limited Telephone - 01234 346495 E-Mail – pettrades@hiaint.com
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Total Grooming Magazine | 35
Keep Caring – The Cinnamon Trust
Animals proved to be a lifesaver for many during the pandemic, providing unwavering companionship and consistency in these uncertain times.
Aci’s owner, is wheelchair bound and is in the high risk category so he benefits from regular exercise through Cinnamon Trust volunteers
F
or many elderly and vulnerable people, the lockdown resulted in being trapped in their homes for weeks with some unable to even walk their dogs. Thankfully, The Cinnamon Trust - a unique British charity that specialises in caring for pets of elderly and terminally ill - was there to help. The Cinnamon Trust is the only specialist national charity which seeks to relieve the anxieties, problems, and sometimes injustices, faced by elderly, vulnerable and terminally ill people and their pets. With a network of over 18,000 volunteers, one of the main elements of The Trust is to provide support and 36 | Total Grooming Magazine
practical help with the daily aspects of pet care, such as dog walking and veterinary visits. The charity really came into its own during the recent pandemic which saw a massive increase in demand for its services. Isabel Cude, Volunteer Co-ordinator of The Cinnamon Trust said: “Currently we have a total of 18,321 volunteers across the country and have been lucky enough to recruit an additional 1,358 volunteers during the pandemic. We have experienced a greater demand for our services during the coronavirus and, as some volunteers have stopped walking because they are high risk or they work on the front line
(for example), we needed additional volunteers to come forward. “The new volunteers we recruited helped us to maintain a high level of service during the virus. They were quickly registered with us and out walking across the country straight away. We are always looking for more volunteers nationwide for dog walking and those who might be able to foster pets for us. We do not have a specific criteria to become a volunteer, only that they are keen to help!” When the lockdown was introduced in March, thousands of elderly and vulnerable people found they were unable to leave their homes.
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Linda Haddock (65) from Hayle in Cornwall, is stricken with chronic arthritis and has limited mobility, relying on crutches and a walker to move around. She was shielding through the pandemic and was assisted by volunteers from The Cinnamon Trust who walk her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 10 year-old Bracken and help her with anything else she struggles with. She said: “A volunteer visits me every day and walks Bracken for me. He loves going off on his expeditions. It is a real lifeline for me and I can’t praise them Aci gets to visit lovely local beaches with his walkers
38 | Total Grooming Magazine
highly enough. They have also helped me with my shopping and take Bracken to the vet if he needs to and to the groomers.” Linda has undergone two spinal surgery procedures in the past and Trust volunteers stepped up and fostered Bracken for her while she was in hospital. Kara Emin (26) joined the ranks of The Trust’s volunteers when she was furloughed during lockdown. She explains: “I really wanted to help out in my local community. I have always loved dogs but don’t have one myself so
this is the ideal scenario for me. “I joined as an emergency volunteer and everything was explained to me. The induction process was straight-
About Cinnamon Trust The Trust was founded in 1985 by Mrs Averil Jarvis MBE and called her charity The Cinnamon Trust in memory of her beloved Corgi named Cinnamon.
What does the Cinnamon Trust do? The Trust’s primary objective is to respect and preserve the treasured relationship between owners and their pets. To this end it works in partnership with owners to overcome any difficulties that might arise. A national network of over 18,000 community service volunteers has been established to provide practical help when any aspect of day to day care poses a problem – for example, walking the dog for a housebound owner. In addition, a national fostering service is provided for pets whose owners face a spell in hospital – volunteers take pets into their own homes and supply love and care in abundance until owner and pet can be reunited. The Cinnamon Trust also provides long term care for pets whose owners have died or moved to residential accommodation which will not accept pets. Arrangements are made between owners and The Trust well in advance, so owners do have peace of mind in the knowledge that their beloved companion will have a safe and happy future. Emergency cards are available on request. When a pet is in The Trust’s care either short term or long term because the owner is in care, the owner is kept in touch with visits, if possible, or regular photos and letters.
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In Teignmouth, Devon, Lee and Jode Bliss-Thompson walk a 14 year-old black Golden Retriever called Aci every Sunday.
forward then I was sent Covid-19 guidelines and arranged to meet Linda and Bracken. It all went very smoothly.” Kara walks Bracken four times a week. She lives close to Linda and is able to walk there. “It has been a real boost for me and I really enjoy it. Linda is in the vulnerable category and would really struggle without the support of us volunteers,” Kara explains. In Teignmouth, Devon, Lee and Jode Bliss-Thompson walk a 14 year-old black Golden Retriever called Aci every Sunday. Lee said: “Aci’s owner, is wheelchair bound and is in the high risk category. 40 | Total Grooming Magazine
We wanted to help in our local community and so applied to become volunteers. We also love dogs and would love one of our own but we just haven’t had the time or the right set of circumstances for one of our own yet, so this is a win, win for us. “We follow the coronavirus social distancing guidelines and sanitise everything. We take our own lead too and it has worked really well. Mrs Ilsley, Aci’s owner, has a daughter who cares for her needs, so we focus on looking after Aci. “This is the ideal solution for us as we get to take Aci out to the beach for wonderful walks and lots of fun whilst
doing something worthwhile for a vulnerable member of the community.”
Can you help? Volunteers around the UK are urgently needed to provide shortterm foster care for pets in need and to walk the dogs of those elderly and terminally ill people who have become too ill to exercise their pet. If you would like to volunteer or find out more information about the work of The Cinnamon Trust call 01736 757900 or visit www.cinnamon.org.uk
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Winner
Grooming Van of the Year
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…
Winner
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