House of Fluff takes Cat Groomer of the Year honour at awards night

Laura Owen, who owns House of Fluff, made the finals of the Animal Star Awards (ASA) for 2024.

She attended a glittering event at The Village Hotel on Saturday night and took the title.

Laura was nominated for the ASA’s Pet Groomer of the Year and due to the high number of entries, the judges decided to create sub categories and shortlisted The Dog House for Cat Groomer of the Year.

Laura said: “I’m thrilled and completely in shock.

“I was very surprised due to all the other amazing cat groomers who were nominated. 

“I still don’t think it has sunk in!”

Business owner and award winner Laura Owen (Image: supplied)

House of Fluff started life as The Dog House in August 2021 and she considers herself a pet stylist rather than a dog groomer.

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.

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

The business – then called The Dog House - took St Helens Star’s Best for Pets award in 2023.

The 32-year-old changed the business name and rebranded in May, opening up her client services to include cats as well as dogs.

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

Laura offers all services related to pet grooming with a spa twist (Image: supplied)

Laura, who grew up in Rainford, said: “I like to call myself a pet stylist rather than a 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 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.” 

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.

She said: “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!”

Laura is a one-to-one groomer, which means she only grooms one animal at a time.

This enables her to give her full care and attention to each animal and also allows them to be comfortable and relaxed and able to enjoy the experience.

 She uses the best products and services to provide a special touch and luxury feel at House of Fluff.

Laura added: “I wanted to try and include the cat grooming in the business name and not be known just for looking after dogs.

“It’s been amazing to see my cat grooming services have picked up since my rebrand to House of Fluff.

“Hopefully I will be able to encourage more owners looking for local cat groomers as there aren’t many of us around.”