Bow Tie Mobile Dog Grooming Salon

14/04/2025

WHAT YOU DON'T SEE AT THE DOG GROOMERS.......
You dropped your dog off at the salon and picked them up few hours later - fluffy, fresh, and happy. But what you saw was just the tip of the iceberg.

You didn’t see your groomer arrive early to open up the salon, disinfect tools, lay out fresh towels, and check the day’s appointments. You didn’t see them look over your dog from nose to tail before even lifting a brush - checking the coat condition, skin, eyes, ears, nails, and weight.

You didn’t see the careful way they clipped around a wriggly paw, or how they paused to let your dog calm down during the bath. You didn’t notice the matting hidden beneath your dog’s topcoat, or the way the groomer worked slowly to avoid hurting the skin beneath it.

You weren’t there when they spotted a red patch of irritated skin, or a small lump you hadn’t noticed. You heard them gently mention it to you at collection - not to worry you, but because they genuinely care about your dog’s wellbeing.

And after you left, you didn’t see the clean-down , the floor swept, tables cleaned, blades oiled, messages replied to, notes written up for your next visit, and laundry on again.

All of that… for a price that’s often lower than what you’d pay for your own haircut. And your hairdresser?
They don’t have to bathe you, clip your nails, or hold you still while you try to bite the brush.

The truth is ……. dog grooming is so much more than a haircut.

It’s about health, hygiene, comfort, and trust. It’s about knowing dog anatomy, coat types, skin conditions, behaviour management, handling skills, and safe sc******ng techniques. It’s a profession that takes training, practice, and patience.
Most groomers got into this work because they love dogs. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be paid fairly for the physical, emotional, and skilled work they do every single day.

If your dog leaves their groomer happy, healthy and looking good - it’s not by luck. It’s because you have got a good groomer.
So next time, take a moment to thank them. Leave a review.

Tip them if you can. And above all - don’t undervalue them.
They’re doing far more than just washing the dog.

If you want to know more about the trade association for pet groomers and how we support them, contact the British Dog Groomers Association a division of the Pet Industry Federation www.petfederation.co.uk

24/12/2022

Happy Christmas and a healthy, peaceful new year to all of my clients that have loyally supported me this past year. It’s been a privilege grooming all your amazing dogs and I look forward to seeing them again soon 😘🐾🧑‍🎄

30/04/2022

I am sorry I haven’t been in contact for some while but I have been busy, busy, busy keeping all your lovely dogs clean and sweet smelling. As you know I offer a teeth cleaning and descale treatment, as dental health is important for our dogs and often conversation turns to what we can do to minimise plaque buildup. I vouch for natural options like offering beef knuckle bones- they will not splinter and last for ages. My dogs’ teeth are spotless and we are always complimented by our vet/s. I keep the bones in a box accessible for the dogs to choose a bone whenever they please. This is Lizzie enjoying a bone after her dinner 🐾🐾.

17/01/2022

06/05/2021

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well and I am sure you are looking forward to the approach of summer. It has been great to see all your dogs and I thank you for your continued support.
I just wanted to mention that the recent spate of roadworks, drainage works, broadband installation works, just digging for the fun of it works (!) have been the bane of my life. I love being a mobile groomer as every day is different for me but the constant battle of negotiating the traffic is a real one. Most of you will know that I follow my diary through each day and that grooming is not an exact science - I cannot simply allocate a precise block of time for each dog as every one is different. Please be assured that although I try to give everyone as accurate a time as possible, timings may vary due to different circumstances.
I also remind you that as a mobile groomer I have a tank of water on board which I get up to temperature before I leave home in the morning - I ensure that my daily bookings are such that I have sufficient water for thorough baths for everyone. I must say though that my heart sinks when I am presented with a dog that has just returned from a lovely walk/swim/paddle and that is wet and muddy. It uses up my precious resource to get everything squeaky clean. So please remember not to over-indulge in long walks just before grooming.
Another thought is that a very tired dog coming in to be groomed is less likely to be co-operative and it really isn't necessary to 'wear them out' to settle them down.
Finally I say a huge thank you to everyone who has so kindly been giving recommendations to family and friends - I have recently found that my diary is getting really crammed and I am having to be very strict with myself not to take on new clients at the moment.
I will be posting some grooming photos again in the near future so look out for your gorgeous dog/s - they are the best!
Kind wishes to you all, Leonie

09/04/2021

RIP sir

The Duke of Edinburgh died at Windsor Castle on Friday morning, aged 99.

05/01/2021

It has been confirmed that groomers may continue working in the interests of animal welfare. Naturally I would like to hear from anyone that is showing Covid symptoms or who needs to shield - if you need to postpone any grooming appointment, please do not hesitate to make contact. Please all stay safe x

16/12/2020

Hi everyone - I hope this finds you all healthy, happy and well. What a year it's been, with lots of unknowns and strange times. One constant has been our pets - their company and unconditional love has certainly kept a lot of us sane! I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to continue grooming and having regular conversations with your wonderful dogs has been a privilege and an absolute joy. Of course I will see several of you between now and Christmas Eve but I would like to wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas and here's hoping that the new year brings us more settled times. Love and cuddles to all the dogs, thanks, Leonie

09/11/2020

I am very proud of little Rafa - he was very unnerved by the grooming process when he had his first few puppy intro sessions but he has now relaxed and was good as gold today 😊😊

09/11/2020

Toffee and Roxy are also neighbours. Roxy had her puppy session after Toffee had her full groom 🐾

09/11/2020

Eric and Stanley are both gorgeous cockapoos that happen to be neighbours. They had their grooming sessions today. Aren’t they beautiful 🥰