Freya’s dog salon keeps tails wagging

Freya McAvoy runs Pampered Pooches from her home in Thornhill, offering basic grooming, style, facials and massages.

Though she studied childcare at college and hoped to become a teacher, she volunteered at a friend’s dog-grooming salon, which inspired a change of heart.

With the support of the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency, Freya took an opportunity to join the New Enterprise Allowance scheme.

Freya said: “They sat down with me and talked me through everything I didn’t understand.

“My mentor was crucial in making all this happen. Without him, I wouldn’t have got this far. Opening my dog grooming salon would still just be an idea.”

Next she wants to open up a shop in Cleckheaton, and plans to diversify her services.

“Eventually, once I’ve opened my shop, I want to expand and open a rescue centre and training centre. Basically a one-place stop for all pets,” she said.

Currently, clients tend to be owners of long- or double-coated dogs like lhasa apso, shih tzu, akita and Westies, but Freya will cater for all breeds.

She said: “When a pet’s coat is not cared for, it can cause a lot of skin problems such as sores and irritation, leaving it looking red and angry. A clean coat will help prevent skin becoming flaky and will prevent dandruff.”

Freya also thinks that having your dog groomed from an early age will help it to socialise with other pets.

More information on West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency, which is associated with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and has operated for 25 years, can be found on at www.wyea.co.uk.