A dog groomer in Ripley has urged Harrogate Borough Council to offer financial support for dog grooming businesses affected by the lockdown.
The government says dog grooming services can stay open but pets can only be groomed if it’s absolutely necessary for the animal’s welfare.
This has put businesses like Sirius Dog Grooming Parlour in Ripley in a difficult position. Owner Catherine Cowling says she is technically open but has lost 95% of her customers.
It means she could be ineligible for support grants for businesses that have had to close due to the current lockdown.
Ms Cowling said some councils have decided to include dog grooming businesses but others haven’t. Harrogate Borough Council is yet to launch the scheme.
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She told the Stray Ferret her current situation “isn’t financially viable” with barely any money coming in.
She said:
“This is causing total chaos in the industry. A lot of groomers are being forced back to work, against the guidelines, simply to pay their rent. Whereas business like mine remain closed as I’m wanting to do what I can to stop the movement of the virus, but I am now living off thin air.”
She said the industry is asking for clarity from the government to ensure businesses can receive the support they need.
“As an industry we need uniformity and fairness. Either we can remain open and carry on our business as normal or we are classed as ‘closed’ by the government so we all have access to the appropriate grants.”
Following publication of this story, HBC issued the following statement:
Harrogate dog groomer to judge on primetime BBC show tonight“Dog groomers will be able to apply for Additional Restrictions Grant (applications set to open at the end of the month) as a business not legally required to close but may be negatively impacted by restrictions in place.”
An award-winning dog groomer from Harrogate will be one of two judges on a new BBC One show tonight.
Pooch Perfect, which aims to find the nation’s best dog groomer, will broadcast its first episode at 8pm.
Verity Hardcastle, who has lived in Harrogate all her life, is one half of the judging team tasked with finding a winner.
Ms Hardcastle discovered her love of dogs at the age of 19 when she got a Doberman called Angel, who won numerous awards including second in class at Crufts in 2009.
She has showed dogs at various competitions and also competed as a groomer and says that after working in the industry for 11 years she’s familiar with what it takes to find a winner.
Perfect Pooches was filmed in August and took about a month to film.
Verity Hardcastle on a local walk with her three poodles Lily, Olive and Alice.
Ms Hardcastle said:
“I really wanted to be a part of it. It is the biggest thing to happen in the industry ever. I’m very excited but also a little nervous, months of preparation and now it’s going to be out there.”
Sixteen professional dog groomers take part and each week they will be set a new challenge.
The show is hosted by actress and dog lover Sheridan Smith. Ms Hardcastle’s fellow judge is Colin Taylor, who has been in the grooming industry for 35 years.
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She said:
“Dog grooming is essential for dogs but owners may not understand the skill that goes into grooming. This show presents it perfectly. It’s a perfect warm entertainment show for the whole family and we had a great time making it.
“I’ve got a bottle chilling in the fridge ready for 8pm tonight.”
Ms Hardcastle continues to operate her business Verity Hardcastle Grooming and Training in Harrogate and also competes at shows with her three miniature poodles Lily, Olive and Alice.