Wagga dog groomers at capacity due to pandemic pet boom

A combination of increased dog ownership, hot weather and many people returning to work has seen owners struggle to snag a booking to get their pooch pampered.

One Wagga groomer who works out of Moorong Veterinary Clinic, Ash Garratt, said she can no longer take on new clients due to her tight schedule.

"I'm booked out up until about June now, so all of my regulars have to book a few appointments in advance to make sure they get in," she said.

"I think it's a result of a lot of people getting new puppies, especially poodle crosses, over the pandemic and not realising they require so much upkeep."

Breeds requiring grooming should be tended to every six to eight weeks, according to Ms Garratt, but there were ways of helping out in between appointments.

"The basic grooming tools to have at home include a good slicker brush and a good quality comb," she said.

"Brush them over first, then comb through to find the knots. Once you've found the knots, use the brush again to detangle the knot, and then do that every one or two days."

Amy Lewington owns a toy poodle name Teddy who she takes to Ash to get groomed. As a regular customer, she has had more luck getting an appointment, but it hasn't been easy.

"I have to book three appointments ahead basically," she said.

"But it's so important because poodles are a lot of work - they clean his ears out, trim them, trim his paws and nails, all around his face and then wash and dry him, plus in between all that I have to brush him every second day and wash him myself once a week.

"It's a massive effort."

PETstock Wagga groomer Renai Kneebone said they had also seen the customer boom, putting it down to the hot weather and the pandemic.

"Generally we do get a lot busier this time of year, the warmer weather prompts people to cut their dogs hair shorter," she said.

"But we also closed for two months due to COVID, I was the only groomer here and we've since had to hire another groomer to keep up with bookings once we reopened."

Ms Kneebone said the key to keeping a happy, healthy pup was organisation.

"Always book in advance, and I always encourage owners to ask their groomer what their qualifications are," she said.

"There is a major shortage of qualified groomers in Wagga because there isn't a lot of regulation in the industry so anyone can pick up a pair of clippers and call themselves a groomer.

"If you check their credentials, it can't hurt and you know your dog will be in good hands."