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New Perth shop becomes ‘city’s first pet grooming and training centre’

The city centre business has welcomed its first four-legged customer.

Emily and her dog Isla.
Emily, with West Highland Terrier Isla, grooms dogs at Wagging Tails in Perth city centre. Image: Lucy Scarlett/DC Thomson

Perth’s “first pet grooming and training centre” has opened for business in the city centre.

Wagging Tails Pet Grooming opened on Canal Street on Monday morning for pets of all shapes and sizes.

Emily McMillan, 44, established the business in October 2016 after beginning her career as a geologist.

In 2015 she began training as a pet groomer at the Ayrshire Academy of Canine Beauticians after “falling in love” with pampering her own dogs.

A coffee station in the shop.
A ‘puppuccino’ station is sure to get some tails wagging. Image: Lucy Scarlett/DC Thomson

Emily, who previously worked from Perth’s Doggy Daycare Centre, said the new shop is ideal due to its city centre location.

She told The Courier: “The space I had previously just wasn’t big enough.

“It was time to get my own place because I was working within the day-care centre but it was time to move on.

“I wanted to expand my retail and ideally what I want to do is curate gifts and alternative doggy items that maybe aren’t in other shops.

What’s on offer at Perth pet groomers

At present, Wagging Tails only washes and grooms dogs.

But the shop’s services may expand to cats and small furry animals.

They have a retail shop with a host of treats and dog toys on offer.

A waiting area is fully equipped with a coffee machine for owners and a ‘puppuccino’ available for well-behaved pooches.

On Saturdays, the business is introducing ‘DIY Dog Wash Days’ where owners can use the facilities to clean their own pets.

Dog gifts on the wall at Wagging Tails.
A retail space displays local treats for pets. Image: Lucy Scarlett/ DC Thomson
Isla the dog wearing her CEO vest.
Islay is Emily’s 14-year-old West Highland Terrier who is ‘the CEO of the business’. Image: Lucy Scarlett/DC Thomson

Emily said most dogs are well-behaved.

“Most of them are fine, most of my customers are regulars so have been with me for upward of five years,” she added.

“It’s about working with the dog on the day and trying to ensure you’ve done your best for them.”

‘Calm and relaxing vibe’ says pet groomer’s first customer

The first customer to visit the doggy salon left a glowing review.

Keith Stewart said: “My little Holly was the first client in the all new Wagging Tails grooming salon.

“The salon is beautiful inside, gives a very calm and relaxing vibe, plus there are lots of goodies available to buy.

“Also had the usual warm welcome from the amazing team, they have looked after Holly for years and the service is always exceptional.”

The first customer cut the ribbon outside.
Keith Stewart had the privilege of cutting the ribbon outside the Canal Street shop. Image: Lucy Scarlett/DC Thomson

Emily is qualified with a City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma for professional dog stylists.

She now trains others to become dog groomers, with some of them working part-time at the new shop.

The opening hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4.30pm.

Booking a pooch pamper or a dog grooming training course can be accessed through their website.

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