It is not only vets who care for pets. Here are the stories of two people who have successfully taken their interest in pets into their working life
“My name is Jacqui Edwards and currently I own two dog-grooming businesses – one in Stamford and one in Bourne both under the name of Ruffs. I often get asked why I do what I do and how I got into it. The answer to the first question is that I wanted my own business so I could work from home thus saving on childcare for my daughter.
I love all animals so this business seemed a great and logical solution.
In answer to the second question, I went one day a week to the Orchard Grooming Centre at the College of West Anglia in Wisbech where you learn practical skills, knowledge of diseases, effects of diseases, skin complaints and welfare etc. This leads to examination for NVQs and City & Guilds Qualifications. The course needs commitment and dedication. Dog grooming is not for everyone and definitely not for the faint-hearted but it is challenging and very rewarding.
While I trained, I worked in an established grooming salon where I learnt to develop relationships with the dogs and most importantly with dog owners. Pets are family members as all dog lovers will appreciate. I believe that each dog deserves loving tender care and respect – I wouldn’t be too pleased to have sharp scissors round my eyes or clipper blades in my armpits without it! I would advise anyone to make their first appointment with a Dog Groomer while their dog is a young puppy to get them used to the noises, scissors and bath. This will put them in good stead for a happy secure grooming session time and time again.”
Contact Ruffs on 01780 751976
Mandy Green has always been involved with animals and when she realised that her sedentary office job was affecting her physical health, she decided to find a way to be more active by working with animals. The result was ‘AnimalHouse’, based in Lyddington and serving South Rutland and North Northamptonshire. She offers dog walking and dog sitting; care for cats, chickens, horses and caged animals and even plant watering.
Clients agree a basic contract giving information about their pet(s) and Mandy has insurance to cover her liabilities.
The business only started six months ago and is already very busy, with dog-walking being the mainstay. She says she is fortunate to have a choice of local woods and footpaths within easy reach and takes special care to respect the requirements of farmers and foresters on whose land she walks. This means clearing up after dogs, making sure they don’t damage crops, approach animals or be a nuisance to other walkers. Different dogs need different kinds of exercise, the seasons and the weather determine the best routes, sometimes there are cats or chickens to feed so each day is different.
As well as enjoying the animals’ company, Mandy finds it rewarding to be able to offer a service to their owners. Some are elderly and wouldn’t be able to keep their pet without her assistance; home owners who are working or holidaying find it reassuring that someone is popping in and out and in the case of illness it is a relief to know that a pet is being cared for. It has become a seven-day-a-week job but she loves it.
Contact AnimalHouse on 01572 822559
West Anglia College – offer a variety of day release and full time courses in animal care including NVQs in Dog Grooming at Orchard Grooming Centre, Wisbech and Milton, near Cambridge (01945 581024 www.col-westanglia.ac.uk)
College of Animal Welfare – based at Wood Green near Godmanchester, offer a wide variety of courses from day release to distance learning, from full time to day courses on specific issues (0870 062 1122 www.caw.ac.uk)
New College, Stamford – since September 2007 one & two year full time courses have been offered leading to BTEC qualifications for the animal care industry; part time short evening courses are also now available. (01780 484300 www.stamford.ac.uk)
• Make sure you have adequate insurance.
• Set up an accounting system.
• Remember to allow time for paperwork and administration as well as animals.
• Check with the local authority whether you will need to be licensed or registered.
• Have you ALL the necessary skills? You may need qualifications and you will probably need human as well as animal communication skills!