St Helens Star's Best for Pets 2023: Laura Owen's The Dog House

Laura Owen started The Dog House in August 2021, so the business is coming up to its second anniversary, and she considers herself a pet stylist rather than a dog groomer.

The vast majority of her clients visit the salon for spa treatments but she also offers micro chipping, ultra sound scans and teeth cleaning.

Each week, we will be searching for the best St Helens has to offer in different categories and we’ve given out 10 awards for 2023.

The winners so far:

Best for Hair – Hair by Alice Michelle

Best for Pies – Blackburn’s

Best for Nails – Kreative Kirsty

Best for Roast Dinner – The Brown Edge Pub

Best for Cocktails – The Townhouse

Best for Breakfast – Shakey J’s

Best for Fitness – Ashley-James Ward

Best for Fish and Chips – Paul’s Fishbar

Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio

Best for Pizza – Dial-A-Pizza

Voting for St Helens’ Best Independent Shop or Business is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Dessert.

Next up were our furry and feathered friends and the people who take good care of them, with The Dog House beating off tough competition from nine other businesses taking our latest Best of 2023 crown.

The Dog House is based at Laura’s home in Haydock and she is hoping to finish a purpose-built cabin in the next few weeks.

Inside Laura's cabin - The Dog House

Laura, who grew up in Rainford, said: “I like to call myself a pet stylist rather than a dog groomer as it feels more glamourous and imaginative and gives a luxury spa vibe.

“I offer all services related to pet grooming with a spa twist, which include full grooms, bubble baths and pawdicures as well as puppy grooms and even teeth cleaning.

“I also provide spa packages which are additional treatments on top of the basic grooming needs.

“These upgrades include de-shed mud spa treatments, marshmallow and blueberry facials, and luxury shampoos as well as nourishing conditioning treatments and many more.

“I love creative grooming and some of my clients love a splash of colour on their pets, so much so that I am able to put my artistic flare into practise.

“By using pet safe dye and products I have dyed ears and tails different colours and created different designs on dogs.”

The majority of The Dog House's customers are regulars for grooming treatments

Laura has a degree in business management and has studied a range of business courses.

In recent years, she has had management positions and has also run a grooming salon with a team of five.

Laura bought her own dog at the age of 21, which was a toy poodle, Brandi.

She hadn’t really thought about Brandi’s grooming needs so decided to groom her herself.

She discovered that St Helens College offered a dog grooming course and decided to enrol.

Laura, who is 31, said: “A large percentage of my clients are dogs, who come to me for regular grooming appointments.

“They range in breeds and sizes but I do love to groom curly coated breeds such as poodles, cockapoos, cavapoos and poochons.

“Anything I can put into a teddy bear trim or I can groom into an Asian fusion style groom.

“It has always been my dream and my ambition to have my own business from being a little girl.

“I never really knew what I wanted to do but knew I wanted to work with animals.

“My mum use to say I wanted to own my own boarding kennels when I was a child but I feel pet grooming is more suited to me, as I am able to express my creative flare and make pooches look and feel amazing!”

One of Laura's clients

She added: “I am a one-to-one groomer, which means I only groom one dog at a time.

“This enables me to give my full care and attention to each dog and also allows the dog to be comfortable and relaxed and able to enjoy the experience.

“I use the best products and services to provide a special touch and luxury feel at The Dog House.”

But what do Laura’s customers – or their owners – think about The Dog House? Why did they think they should win our latest title?

One nomination said: “Laura is always there for her doggies and will try her best to fit everyone in.”

Another said: “She always gives great advice on how to look after your dogs and is an expert at making pooches look beautiful.”

Laura said: “I was so shocked that I made the shortlist as there are so many amazing pet businesses and services in the St Helens and Haydock area and I didn’t think my small business would even make it to the shortlist!

“I’m grateful to all my clients who nominated The Dog House and voted for us to win.

“Their support means the world to me and it never goes unnoticed.

“Thank you so much!”

For more details go to facebook.com/thedoghouse16