I am Dr Sophie Bell, vet, and dog groomer.  I believe in an open-minded attitude and follow a holistic approach to our animal’s health taking nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors into consideration to improve our pet’s health and well-being.  Although I use conventional medicines in my role, I love to explore natural remedies and work alongside a variety of great professionals from veterinary physiotherapists, hydro therapists, veterinary herbalists and of course dog groomers as well as other amazing practitioners.  We all play an important role in pet health and client education.  

Working together means we can use one another’s expertise to create a better life for our animals.   Using my veterinary experience, I have created several educational courses and webinars which I host through my company Animal Love Pet-First Aid.  My online canine health and first-aid course has been rated highly and well received, and I am excited to say that an advanced course is on its way!  I also cover other animals as well as dogs.

Dog groomers are an extra pair or eyes and often spot things that the owner does not, I am proud to be working with BIGA to support groomers, to provide them with a wealth of extra knowledge and to add to their amazing skill set.

To Ask The Vet, please click herejoin

I’m Robbie Spear, Director at Dog Grooming Insurance.

We’re a new insurer in the grooming industry, however, as a team, we have way in excess of 100 years combined experience and expertise in the insurance sector. Most of us are dog owners (myself included) and are passionate about our pets and ensuring that when they leave our care to be groomed, groomers have access to an insurance policy that is really designed with them in mind.

With that, a little less than two years ago, we engaged with not only some of the leading names in the grooming world, but also new and experienced grooming business owners, and started to consult with them around what they felt to be really important to groomers when it comes to insurance. It quickly became apparent that there was a real gap in the market for a bespoke policy that not only gives groomers the specific covers that they want, but one that responds positively when they need it most; namely at the time of a claim.

So, in October 23, we launched Dog Grooming Insurance and the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. Our policy is broad in it’s coverage, but simple in it’s accessibility and terminology. It has features and benefits not available under most other policies and also provides the flexibility of interest free direct debit payments. We are very proud to support and work with BIGA and are delighted to offer members a 10% discount on insurance quotes/policies obtained via our easy-to-use click & buy website.

For more information on our market-leading cover, and to get a discounted quotation for your grooming business, please click on https://www.doggroominginsurance.co.uk/british-isles-grooming-association

To Ask The Insurance Expert, please click herejoin

Hi. My name is Andrew Hale and I am a Certified Animal Behaviourist and trustee at the Association of INTODogs. I am also the behavioural consultant for Pet Remedy. With a background in human psychology I am passionate about exploring the emotional experience that lies beneath our behaviour, and our dogs! I run an online education and support business called Dog Centred Care, where I host short course for carers and professionals and 1-2-1 online consultations.

I have always tried to champion the important role of the grooming professional. Being on the front line, the groomer may well see the dog more than any other care professional. As behaviour plays such a big part of the salon experience, I love helping my colleagues in the grooming profession to understand more about the dogs emotional experience that drive those behaviours. Most dogs cope well, but for those that do not we have to try and understand what emotional need they are trying to convey. For those dogs that do struggle in the salon, many have presentations  that are more than just not liking the grooming experience – such as separation, handling or trust issues etc.

I am really looking forward to working with BIGA to help support my amazing colleagues in the grooming industry to learn more about the dog’s emotional experience, as well resigning the stresses that come with working with challenging behaviours.

To Ask The Behaviourist, please click herejoin

The Business Advisor - Bill Betts

Hi I am Bill I am not a groomer myself.  I have had a different experience in business. I have worked behind the scenes at our family pet grooming business for many years, and I have learnt the hard way how to make a successful business out of grooming other people’s pets.  With 16 years of experience I can now help you with many aspects of your business journey. 

To Ask The Business Advisor, please click herejoin

The Accountant - Vicky Clark Bsc