St Helens' top ten pet businesses on National Love Your Pet Day

Whether you’ve got cute cats, perfect pooches or beautiful birds, today is the day to give them a little bit of extra love and attention.

On February 20 every year, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day, which is a day aimed at focusing extra attention on our pets.

Do you have a four-legged friend – a dog or a cat?

Maybe you’ve got hamsters, guinea pigs or gerbils or parrots and budgies live in your home.

Is a snake, bearded dragon or gecko a member of your family?

Cats or dogs, fish or birds, snakes or geckos – we love our pets and they quickly become part of the family.

Last year, as part of our Best of 2023 campaign, we wanted to honour those people in St Helens who help our pets when they’re hurt, take them for walks while we’re at work or pamper them when they deserve a treat.

The Dog House in Haydock took the Best for Pets 2023 title with Laura Owen “always there for her doggies" and "giving great advice".

We shortlisted the top ten pet businesses in St Helens – why not give one of them a try on National Love Your Pet Day?

OUR TEN BEST FOR PETS BUSINESSES IN ST HELENS:

Galavan's Pet Assistance

Galavan’s Pet Assistance, St Helens

This family-run business “goes the extra mile for pets, whether it’s walking, medication or just lots of cuddles”.

One nomination said: “They offer a home from home service and all the dogs that stay are spoilt and loved like their own.

“My dogs can’t wait to get in the house when we drop them off.”

For more details go to facebook.com/galavanspet

V.I.Paws

V.I.Paws, St Helens

These animal loves offer dog walking, stay and plays, holiday feeds and cleans.

One happy customer said: “Great customer service and my dog always looks amazing after she has been here.”

Another said: “The dogs look forward to spending time at V.I.Paws more than they do at home!”

For more details go to facebook.com/groups/353876533523861

Bark and Sides

Bark and Sides, Stirling Crescent, St Helens

Recommendations for Jeanette at Bark and Sides say “she is nothing short of amazing” and “she’s amazing”.

Offering a no rush service, this help keep dogs calm and is an added level of professionalism.

For more details go to facebook.com/barkandsides78

Waterside Dog Grooming and Boarding

Waterside Dog Grooming and Boarding

Customers say this is a “five-star professional business” with “dogs returning home happy and content after a visit”.

Jackie Smith has only been open for a year but is clearly making a great first impression.

For more details go to facebook.com/watersidedoggroomingandboarding

The Dog House

The Dog House, Haydock

Laura Owen is “always there for her doggies and will try her best to fit everyone in”.

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

For more details go to facebook.com/thedoghouse16

Chloe's Canines

Chloe’s Canines, St Helens

One nomination said: “My vote goes to Chloe – one million per cent.

“She is fab with my two dogs, especially my eldest who is 10 and has arthritis in his hips and legs.”

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081741701459

Splendid Pets and Exotics

Splendid Pets and Exotics, Walmsley Road, Eccleston

Recommendations say Karen “always takes time for her customers, going above and beyond” and “she is a rare diamond”.

For more details go to facebook.com/people/Splendid-pets-exotics/100054602672376

Rutland House Veterinary Hospital

Rutland House Veterinary Hospital, Abbotsfield Road, St Helens

One dog owner said: “My dog has needed three different surgeries in nine months and still loves going for regular check ups.

“Such lovely staff who really do care.”

For more details go to facebook.com/RutlandHouseVet

Shampooch Holistic Hounds Retreat

Shampooch Holistic Hounds Retreat, Rainhill Road, Rainhill

These “fantastic groomers have the dogs’ welfare at the heart of everything they do” and “are always happy to provide advice”.

“One nomination said: “I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

For more details go to facebook.com/shampoochgroomers

The Dog Barn

The Dog Barn, Catchdale Moss Lane, St Helens

One review on their Facebook page said: “Took my dog today for bath and nails cut.

“He’s a French bulldog so required deep cleaning to his ears and around his eyes.

“He came out smelling amazing and looked after in my absence.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thedogbarn