mike

The Paws Lab new Dual Sided Dental Care Wipes, Make the finals of the PIF Awards

Leading London-based, home pet hygiene product manufacturer, The Paws Lab has announced that its new Dental Care Wipes, a breakthrough in everyday pet oral hygiene have made the finals of the PIF Awards in the New Product Category (Health and Hygiene.) Their “Healthy Pets Start at Home” campaign designed to promote daily pet care in the home has also made the final in the Best Marketing Campaign of the Year category.

The Paws Lab Dental Care Wipes are dual‑sided, single‑use finger wipes that slip comfortably over the finger, allowing owners to clean their pet’s teeth and gums in seconds without a toothbrush, paste or mess.

Ideal for puppies, senior pets and those who resist traditional brushing, the wipes remove plaque, food residue and buildup while freshening breath and supporting cleaner teeth and gums between professional dental visits.

A Smarter, Two‑Surface Design

Dental hygiene is one of the most neglected areas of pet care, often because pets dislike brushing and owners struggle to maintain a routine. The Paws Lab Dental Care Wipes solve this problem with a unique dual‑surface format:

• Micropearl‑textured side — lifts plaque, residue and buildup
• Soft, smooth side — gently wipes and massages gums

This gives owners one simple tool for two complementary stages of daily dental care

 Powered by Advanced SilverTi+ Technology

The wipes are formulated with SilverTi+, The Paws Lab’s patented nano‑silver and titanium dioxide technology, as part of the brand’s advanced approach to everyday hygiene. The formulation also includes cereal extract, which complements the mechanical cleaning action of the wipe by supporting oral hygiene and breath management, while helping reduce the conditions that can contribute to plaque mineralisation and tartar formation. The wipes are alcohol‑free and contain no added fragrance; their naturally light scent comes from ingredients within the formulation itself, including the cereal extract. Together, the targeted formulation and purpose‑designed dual‑sided wipe create a distinctive and practical approach to everyday pet dental care.

Nothing else on the market combines this format, this formulation and this level of ease‑of‑use.

 Transforming Daily Dental Care

The Paws Lab Dental Care Wipes make consistent dental hygiene achievable for all households:

• Clean teeth and gums
• Help reduce plaque buildup
• Freshen breath
• Support long‑term oral health
• Encourage early routine building for puppies
• Provide a manageable alternative for pets who dislike toothbrushes

One customer shared, “My dog hates the toothbrush, but these wipes are so much gentler and let me keep up with his dental hygiene.”

Strong Retail and Professional Support

Already one of the brand’s bestselling products, the wipes are stocked across 30+ London and UK retail locations and contribute to The Paws Lab’s 4.7 Trustpilot rating. Groomers frequently recommend them to clients as an easy way to maintain dental hygiene between visits, reinforcing their credibility and everyday practicality.

A New Standard in Pet Oral Hygiene

By combining a controlled finger‑cot format, two purpose‑designed surfaces and a targeted SilverTi+ formulation, The Paws Lab Dental Care Wipes turn a difficult, often avoided task into a simple daily routine. They offer a distinctive, effective and accessible approach to preventative pet dental care.

Company Contact: The Paws Lab hello@thepawslab.co +44 (0)7440 335 601 www.thepawslab.co

For further information please visit:  www.thepawslab.co

by mike

Jo Wallace tells us about her online seminar Happy Cat, Happy Groomer™

• What do you think is the biggest misconception owners have about cat grooming, and how do you help educate them?

  Owners generally don't know how to handle their own cats and also they will groom the top line of the cat which is the main part of the body however they will forget the underneath areas that can become matted on longer haired cats. We help owners by advising them on the tools that they should use and also how to hold their cats in certain positions where the cat is feeling comfortable so most owners will want to pin the cat down to be able to groom them and UK cats actually hate being restrained

• What signs of stress or discomfort do you look for when grooming cats, and how do you adapt your approach when you see them?

Cats show their stress in different ways it can be part of their body communication with key stress indicators such as their ears eyes tail and body movement it can be vocal stress indicators that can cause the cat to meow or hiss. They can become aggressive as part of the fight and flight process which can be difficult for groomers to manage however if you solve the cat's problems and its stress indicators it will be a lot easier for groomers to manage the cat and their behavior and we do this with enrichment treats and a home from home experience

• Have you noticed any changes in the demand for professional cat grooming in recent years, and what do you think is driving that growth?

The cat grooming industry is growing this is due to the fact that people are buying more cats so cat ownership is on the rise as cats are easier to keep indoors so we have seen a rise in Maine Coons, ragdolls and persians for example where owners are buying dog like cats to have in their homes as pets however they are not equipped to groom them. The cat grooming industry has grown there are more cat groomers now and there are more grooming tutors and there's a recognition of the fact that cats need specific grooming and it is totally different to dog grooming therefore training has become at the forefront of the grooming industry. I have been working with iPET Network to develop our cat grooming training and also promote it to dog groomers and dispel the myths that cats are all aggressive, this is simply not true most will just sit and let you brush them, if you handle them correctly.

• What grooming tools, techniques or products do you find most effective when working with cats, and why?

It has become hard to find products and tools for cat grooming specifically therefore I have put together a shop for my students to be able to purchase products all in one place the most important thing about cat grooming products is that they are tested on cats and they are a natural product, due to the cats licking their own fur we have to be really careful with what we put on them also they have a different pH level to dogs as well as humans. Product wise I use Milla and Max and I use Colin Taylor scissors and combs as well as Chris Christian products. I particularly like Unicorn powder that freshens the coat but also detangles and degreases taking out any debris from the coat and as this is combed and brushed through it comes out of the coat therefore not leaving much residual product on the coat

• Are there any products, innovations or specialist tools that have become particularly popular with feline groomers, and why?

Milla and Max products are really good for cats it's a nice product and they are very interested in the cat's coat and skin as well as the welfare of the cat they believe in welfare driven cat grooming which is also in line with my ethics for cat grooming and I am one of their cat grooming ambassadors in the UK and I also sell their products

• Looking ahead, what developments or innovations would you like to see in the cat grooming sector over the next few years?

I have produced a seminar, an online cat grooming seminar for groomers called happy cat happy groomer™ I would like to see more cat grooming training options and online seminars for dog groomers as well as cat groomers to support welfare lead grooming very much in a similar the way we talk about holistic grooming for dog groomers cats require their own handling methods and I would love to see us move away from restraints in the future I always trying to treat every cat as an individual understand it and what the owners requirements are and deliver a grooming experience that suits that individual cat one size doesn't fit all and it would be great to see some more seminars come to market for Catwoman that represent this.

To find out more visit https://jwpetservices.com/happy-cat%2C-happy-groomer%E2%84%A2 

by mike

The Paws Lab Secures New Retail Stockist Wins as Demand for Daily Pet Hygiene Innovation Accelerates

The Paws Lab, the fast‑rising newcomer transforming the daily pet care and hygiene category, has announced a series of new retail stockist wins as demand grows for its patented SilverTi+ technology and modern approach to everyday pet wellbeing.

The new partnerships significantly expand access to The Paws Lab’s range of simple, effective and science‑led hygiene products, designed to support both professional groomers and pet parents at home. This follows the brand’s recent listing with Mutneys, one of the UK’s leading distributors to the grooming industry, marking another milestone in its rapid growth trajectory.

The new stockists include:

• YoHome - Major Chinese lifestyle supermarket over 8 prime locations in London
• 69b Pet Boutique in London
• Mutt and Hound Dog Grooming in Wellingborough and Knuston
• Maya Grooming, Westhampstead, London
• Lily’s Club, in both Wood Green and Harrow

At the heart of The Paws Lab’s range is SilverTi+, a patented formulation combining nano silver and titanium dioxide. This advanced antimicrobial technology delivers superior protection compared to traditional colloidal silver — a breakthrough that is already resonating strongly with retailers seeking credible, high‑performance solutions for their customers. “The Paws Labs’ products are designed to support daily care at home and complement the work of professional groomers,” the brand states in its product overview. “All formulas are fragrance‑free, alcohol‑free and free from harsh chemicals,” making them suitable even for pets with sensitive skin.

The new retail partners will now offer The Paws Lab’s full daily‑care portfolio, including ear and skin cleansers, dental care, tear‑stain and daily cleansing wipes, dry shampoo and coat‑protection products — all validated by leading global laboratories including FDA, Microbac Laboratories and SGS.

Co‑founder Daniel Fernandez says the momentum reflects a clear shift in what modern pet owners expect from everyday hygiene products: “Daily pet care should feel safe, effective and easy to maintain at home. Retailers are recognising that customers want products that are both scientifically credible and genuinely practical for real life.”

Co‑founder Andre Goon adds: “We’re building The Paws Lab with a long‑term vision — to become a trusted name in modern pet hygiene. These new stockist partnerships help us bring that mission to more homes across the UK.”

With the UK pet hygiene market valued at USD 1.15–1.24 billion in 2024, and forecast to grow at 4.8%–6.7% CAGR through 2030, retailers are increasingly seeking brands that combine innovation, credibility and commercial opportunity. The Paws Lab’s premium positioning, modern presentation and strong customer reviews make it a compelling addition to shelves nationwide.

As the business continues to scale, The Paws Lab remains focused on its core mission: to simplify daily pet hygiene without compromising on quality, credibility or care.

For further information, visit www.thepawslab.co

by mike

The College of Animal Welfare is set to launch a new annual campaign celebrating the dog grooming profession this July.

Dog Grooming Awareness Month (DGAM) aims to shine a spotlight on the vital role dog groomers play in supporting the health, comfort and wellbeing of dogs, as well as raise awareness of the training and career opportunities available within the industry.

The month-long campaign aims to bring together groomers, students, employers and dog owners to celebrate the dog grooming profession and support its continued growth. Throughout July, participants will be encouraged to share their experiences, promote the benefits of professional dog grooming and help inspire the next generation of groomers.

The theme for the inaugural campaign is Love Dog Grooming, celebrating everything that makes dog grooming such an important and fulfilling profession. Throughout the month, the campaign will highlight the skill, dedication and creativity involved in every groom, alongside the positive impact groomers have on dogs and their owners.

Taking part in Dog Grooming Awareness Month

To support the campaign, a range of free resources have been developed for groomers, training providers and employers to use throughout July. These resources can be shared on social media, displayed in salons, or used at careers events and open days to help spotlight the profession.

Dog groomers are also encouraged to get involved online by sharing their work, experiences and career journeys using the hashtag #DogGroomingAwarenessMonth. Campaign content will be shared throughout the month across the college’s social media channels, helping to raise awareness of the profession and the opportunities available within it.

For those considering a career in dog grooming, or existing groomers looking to develop their skills, Dog Grooming Awareness Month also provides an opportunity to explore the wide range of training and professional development options available within the industry.

Lesley Wilson, Head of Animal Care at The College of Animal Welfare, said: "Dog groomers make an enormous contribution to the health and wellbeing of dogs. Dog Grooming Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the skill and dedication that groomers bring to their work every day, while encouraging more people to consider a career in this rewarding industry.” She added: “We hope the campaign will help raise awareness of the profession and inspire groomers across the UK and beyond to share what they love most about their work."

Further information about Dog Grooming Awareness Month, including free campaign resources, can be found on the college’s website at www.caw.ac.uk/dgam  

by mike

GroomScore Launches as the Global Home for Dog Grooming Competitions and Seminars

United Kingdom — GroomScore, the fast-growing platform powering competitive dog grooming results, judging and rankings across the UK, Ireland and Europe, today announced a major expansion of its team features. The release introduces dedicated hubs for all four UK & Irish national groom teams and a new Teams subscription tier built for salons, distributors and grooming academies.

Four nations, one home

Until now, GroomScore’s team coverage centred on Groom Team England, with live points scraped automatically from groomteamengland.com. The new “Groom Teams” hub brings England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland together under a single, easy-to-navigate page — each with its own branding, social links, news updates and current team roster.

• Groom Team England — live points board, member badges, and points-claim workflow.
• Groom Team Wales — dedicated landing page, branding, and current member directory.
• Groom Team Scotland — the home for Scottish team news and rosters.
• Groom Team Ireland — representing Irish groomers on the international stage.

Each nation has its own dedicated team manager role on GroomScore, allowing the team’s leadership to add or remove current members directly. Members earn an official “Current Team Member” badge that appears on their public groomer profile, linking the wider grooming community back to the people behind each national flag.

“Groomers don’t compete for one country in isolation — we’re a community spread across these islands. Bringing all four national teams together in one place finally reflects how the sport actually feels at a show.”

— GroomScore Founder

Introducing GroomScore Teams

Alongside the national rollout, GroomScore is launching a new Teams subscription aimed at companies that field multiple groomers — salons, distributors, academies and product brands.

• £15 / month or £150 / year per team.
• Manager-led checkout: one billing relationship covers the whole roster.
• Branded team profile page with logo, bio, social links and member directory.
• Aggregated team leaderboard — results and rankings combined across every member.
• New “Teams by Country” and “Global” leaderboards for international visibility.

Teams join the existing GroomScore line-up of personal subscriptions: £7/month or £150/year for individual groomers, plus dedicated £5/month Judge Training and £12/month Pro Training tiers for educators and seminar leaders.

Why this matters now

Competitive grooming has grown rapidly across Europe, with more shows, more judges and more international travel than ever. GroomScore exists to give that sport the digital backbone it deserves — verified results, transparent judging feedback, and a single profile that follows a groomer through every show, every season.

The Teams release closes the loop for the businesses behind those competitors, giving brands and academies a clean, branded way to celebrate and support their groomers without spreadsheets, screenshots or ad-hoc social posts.

Built for the whole sport

GroomScore now powers an end-to-end ecosystem for competitive grooming:

• Live results entry, judging sheets and show packs for organisers.
• Multi-language judge feedback with a 5-category, 10-point scoring system.
• Automatic Golden Scissor Awards tracking and a public GSA hall of fame.
• EGA integration with daily sync from European events.
• Verified profiles, before/after class photos and competitor portfolios.
• Personal vanity URLs at groomscore.co.uk/your-name.
• Show Planner with checklists, judge invites, vendors and budgeting.
• Email + push notifications, results sharing cards, and printable forms.

“We’re building one platform that respects how complex this sport really is — and how proud groomers are of the teams, countries and salons they represent.”

— GroomScore Founder

Availability

Both the new national team hubs and the GroomScore Teams subscription are live now at groomscore.co.uk. National team managers can be appointed by the GroomScore team for any of the four UK & Irish national teams. Existing personal subscribers do not need to do anything — the new Groom Teams hub is available to every signed-in user. Visit www.groomscore.co.uk for more information.

by mike

The Paws Lab introduces new Pet Tear Stain Wipes with revolutionary SilverTi+ technology.

London-based, The Paws Lab has introduced a new range of tear stain wipes for dogs which are designed to provide a gentle and effective solution for removing unsightly tear stains and build-up around the eyes. Infused with advanced antimicrobial ingredients, Pet Tear Stain Wipes help maintain a clean, fresh face without irritation, even for the most sensitive pets.

Wiping a dog's eyes is a vital part of home grooming that supports both their comfort and long-term health. While some "eye gunk" is normal, regular cleaning prevents several health issues and helps you monitor your pet's well-being. It helps to prevent infection by removing trapped dirt, dust, and pollen which can cause irritation and lead to bacterial or fungal infections if left to accumulate around the eye. It removes uncomfortable dried discharge (rheum) which can become hard and crusty, which is painful for a dog and can eventually cause skin irritation or dermatitis underneath the buildup. It removes red or brown stains which are caused by porphyrins in tears that oxidise when exposed to air. Routine cleaning also makes you familiar with what is normal for your dog, allowing you to quickly spot signs of redness, cloudiness, or abnormal discharge that require a vet's attention. Some flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs have shallow eye sockets and skin folds that trap moisture and debris, often making daily cleaning essential.

Formulated with SilverTi+ – a combination of nano silver and titanium dioxide together with, deionized water. aloe extract and vitamin E, The Paws Lab®, has taken pet care to the next level with their new Tear Stain Wipes which offer antibacterial and antifungal protection while targeting the root causes of tear stains. The soft, alcohol-free formula gently lifts away tear residue, dirt, and debris, helping to prevent staining and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Perfect for daily use, these wipes are safe, soothing, and specially designed for the delicate eye area.

For further information please visit:  www.thepawslab.co

by mike

April Issue 'Groomer of the Month'

Kelly Davis, owner of KD Grooming Studio, is our April Groomer of the Month. From early hands-on experience to building a business rooted in trust, education, and wellbeing, Kelly shares her journey, her mentors, and her passion for shaping a more professional, respected grooming industry.

How did you first get started in grooming, and what inspired you to choose this as your career path?

I first got started in grooming through work experience at Canine Design with Lesley, just three weeks into my journey working with dogs, being hands-on in a real salon environment gave me early exposure to the skill, care, patience, and trust required in professional grooming. At the end of those three weeks, I was offered a job, which confirmed for me that grooming wasn’t just a job, but a career path I wanted to fully commit to and grow within.

Have you had any stand-out mentors along the way?

I’ve been lucky to have some truly special mentors along my journey. My dad was my very first mentor and my biggest supporter throughout my business career. Losing him last year was incredibly hard, but his guidance, encouragement, and belief in me still shape everything I do. His influence will always be a part of my journey.

Professionally, I’ve also had the benefit of learning from highly respected industry mentors, including Lesley Garrett, Julie Harris, and Denise Westbrook. Each of them has contributed to my development in different ways, helping to shape my skills, confidence, and professional standards over the years.

Can you walk us through how you run your business day to day—what makes your salon or service unique?

My business is built on quality, education, and meeting the individual needs of each pet. Every day is designed to ensure dogs and cats are groomed in a calm, respectful environment, with their comfort and wellbeing always the top priority. What truly sets my salon apart is the focus on building trust—with both pets and their owners—and the commitment to teaching and mentoring students, all while providing a grooming service with caring, attentive customer care.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your grooming career or business, and how have you overcome them?

Like many groomers, balancing the physical demands of the job with running a business is tough—especially in today’s climate. On top of that, maintaining high standards while teaching clients and students adds another layer of challenge. I tackle this by continuously learning, streamlining my processes, and surrounding myself with supportive professionals who are as committed to growth and education as I am.

What do you love most about being a pet groomer, and what keeps you passionate about the work?

What I love most is the bond I build with every dog and cat I groom—earning their trust is incredibly special. I’m also passionate about the skill and creativity involved in grooming, while always prioritizing the health and wellbeing of every pet. Helping students learn the craft, grow in confidence, and build their own successful grooming businesses is just as rewarding as the grooming itself.

What tips or lessons would you share with aspiring groomers to help them build both their skills and confidence?

Knowledge is everything. Never stop learning, whether that’s breed standards, handling techniques, animal behaviour, or business skills. Confidence comes with education, experience, and being open to growth.

Where do you see the grooming industry heading in the next few years, and how do you plan to evolve alongside it?

I hope to see more regulation, education, and professional development within the industry. As grooming continues to evolve, I plan to evolve with it, by continuing to educate myself and others, adapting to higher standards, and helping shape a more informed and respected grooming profession.

by mike

Animal Focused Alliance

Launches Graduate Membership to support newly qualified pet professionals

The Animal Focused Alliance is a new trade association created to support pet businesses, from dog walkers to home boarders, animal encounter providers, catteries, and more - if you work with animals, we are here for you.

Our mission is simple but powerful:

To promote the highest standards of animal welfare while being the voice of the pet industry.

We are committed to helping our members thrive by offering:

• Regular sector updates - covering legislation, licensing, and best practice for animal welfare
• Primary Authority-assured advice - bringing clarity and consistency to animal licensing
• Opportunities to connect with industry experts - through webinars and Q&A sessions
• Exclusive discounts - on a range of products from pet business insurance to training and products
• A voice in the sector - we actively participate in policy discussions and consultations on our members behalf and are members of the Companion Animal Sector Council, Cross-Party Group on Animal Welfare and the Pet Advertising Advisory Group.
• Client reassurance - display our logo and be recognised as a business that puts welfare, and professionalism first.

Whether you're a sole trader or an established business, the Animal Focused Alliance is your partner in raising standards, championing welfare, and building a stronger voice for the pet sector.

The Animal Focused Alliance has announced the launch of a new Graduate Membership, designed to support newly qualified pet professionals as they enter professional practice or begin setting up their own businesses.

The new membership category has been developed in response to growing numbers of individuals completing Ofqual-regulated qualifications in pet care, grooming, training and animal-related services, and the need for appropriate professional support during the early stages of their careers.

Graduate Membership recognises the commitment required to complete structured, regulated training, while providing access to professional guidance, sector updates and welfare-led resources at a reduced cost. The discounted first year of membership is tiered according to qualification level, ranging from 10% for Level 2 qualifications to 30% for Level 4 and above.

The initiative is intended to bridge the gap between qualification and professional practice, supporting graduates as they navigate regulation, licensing expectations, business responsibilities and ongoing professional development.

Vicky Skinner, founder of the Alliance, said:

“Completing a recognised qualification is a significant achievement, but it’s only the starting point. Graduate Membership is about recognising that commitment while ensuring new professionals have access to clear, factual guidance and support as they establish themselves in the sector.”

The Animal Focused Alliance works across the UK to support welfare-led, responsible practice within the pet sector. Its work includes providing sector updates, contributing to consultations and working groups, and offering practical guidance on regulatory and business issues affecting pet professionals.

The introduction of Graduate Membership reflects a broader focus on raising standards, rewarding professionalism and supporting long-term career sustainability within the pet care sector.

Further information is available via the Animal Focused Alliance website

www.animalfocusedalliance.co.uk

by mike