Jersey is a dog’s haven – long sandy beaches, woodland walks and owners who love them as one of their own. For these four-legged family members there’s never been more choice when it comes to pet care, be that grooming, training, daycare or boarding. Local businesses offer everything from puppy introductions to doggy facials, led by owners or managers who feel they are living the dream. Over the following pages, we meet some of the island’s dedicated dog professionals, each bringing their own unique twist to caring for Jersey’s canine companions.
Nicky Davis – Classic Kennels
Classic Kennels in St Peter is an indoor dog boarding facility that Nicky manages alongside her excellent team. She lives with her partner Clive and 2 Briards Bobby & Boo. Coming from a hospitality background, Nicky always wanted to make the switch to working with animals – this being a dream of hers from a very young age. During Project Trident she was placed in Pont Rose Kennels in the 80s, and joined the kennels when they opened back in 2012.
At the kennels, the needs of the dogs are at the forefront of everything they do. The standards and conception of dog boarding facilities have improved considerably in recent years, and Classic Kennels cater to each dog’s individual requirements, asking owners to disclose any behaviour traits and issues when booking, so every animal is treated in the best way possible.
All dogs are exercised twice a day with regular toilet breaks between morning walks and afternoon play. Indoor and outdoor play areas allow the dogs plenty of space to stretch their legs, and there’s a grooming room so that dogs can have a bath and brush if required.
“I can honestly say that I love my job,” Nicky affirmed. “When a dog who has stayed with us before comes into the kennels with a wagging tail, it’s the best thing. Our aim is to provide a holiday camp for your best friend.”
Sarah Hartley – For Your Paws Only
For Your Paws Only has been in the hands of Sarah for fifteen years now, located at the JSPCA site in St Helier. Since 2010 she’s built a loyal community of clients who trust her to keep their pets looking and feeling their best.
“We pride ourselves on providing a friendly welcoming space where pets feel at ease in a stress free environment,” Sarah conveyed. “It’s been such an incredible journey watching the business grow alongside our four legged clients and their humans!”
Popular services at For Your Paws Only include full grooming packages, covering customised styling, deshedding, relaxing baths, skin baths and massage, to nail trimming and ear cleaning. “We’re passionate about attention to detail in every groom we do,” said Sarah, “always ensuring that our dogs leave looking fabulous and feeling refreshed.”
What sets For Your Paws Only apart is their commitment to having a low stress environment, using the highest quality products made by The Conscious Way in the Cotswolds. “My favourite part of my work is seeing the transformation,” Sarah reflected. “Not just in how the dogs look, but how they feel. There’s nothing better than watching a client’s face light up when they pick up their freshly groomed dog. I also love building relationships with both pets and their owners, and it’s incredibly rewarding to make a difference in their lives, one groom at a time!”
Sophie Oakes – House of Poochie
Sophie moved to the island around seven and a half years ago from the West Midlands, after completing her Level 3 Animal Management Diploma. She quickly fell in love with the island – “it’s safe, beautiful and an amazing place for dogs to enjoy,” she said. With the encouragement of her partner Matthew, who runs his own successful business, she saw an opportunity to bring something different and unique to Jersey’s dog grooming scene through the House of Poochie.
Over the last two years, Sophie’s business has not only gained a team of fully qualified progessionals, but also fostered a wonderful community of pet owners who trust them to look after their four-legged family members with care, kindness and a personal touch. Their two most popular treatments are doggy teeth cleaning and specialist facials – both designed to keep pets looking and feeling their best, improving appearance, but also supporting their overall health and well being.
House Of Poochie offers a full range of grooming services, from full haircuts to baths and tidies. One of the most essential services is the Bath & Tidy, particularly for double-coated breeds. These dogs require specialised care to keep their coats healthy, comfortable, and free from painful matting. Regular maintenance every 2-3 months helps prevent matting that can lead to unnecessary shaving – something that can permanently damage a double coat. This routine not only preserves the integrity of the coat but also promotes healthier skin and significantly reduces shedding at home. “It’s a real game-changer for both the dogs and their owners,” says Sophie.
For dogs under five months, the House of Poochie offers free puppy introductions – sessions where young dogs can become accustomed with the area and elements of the grooming journey. Starting them this early makes a huge difference later on in life, reducing stress and ensuring happy visits to the salon.
Of course, Sophie’s favourite part is spending quality time with the dogs. “Watching dogs come bounding in, tails wagging, is the best part of my day,” she said. “I especially love seeing nervous or young dogs grow in confidence with each visit. Being able to combine my passion for animals with running my own business is a dream come true, and I feel very lucky to do what I love every day.”
Lauren Tohill – Jersey Canine Academy
Lauren started Jersey Canine Academy not long after moving back to Jersey with her Border Collie Max. He was just over a year old at the time and had started developing behavioural issues due to several negative experiences outside of her control. This sparked her interest in the psychology of canine learning theory.
As she was learning how to help him, she quickly discovered how much conflicting information there is online about dog training. It inspired her to study for her Canine Behaviour Diploma and eventually start her business. “I fell in love with training and how to layer behaviours to create a whole new picture,” she said. “My goal is, and always will be, to provide clear, practical and effective training that works for both dogs and their owners.
Since starting the business in 2022, Lauren has worked with a wide variety of dogs and owners across Jersey, through private behaviour consultations or 1:1 training sessions. Many of her old and current training clients are now involved in the Jersey Canine Academy’s weekly walking programme, cared for by her incredible, rapidly expanding team.
When asked for her niche in the market, Lauren commented on her teaching techniques. “I primarily focus on free shaping behaviours when teaching dogs and owners, rather than relying mainly on traditional luring methods. This approach encourages the dogs to think for themselves, problem solve, troubleshoot and learn in a way that feels natural and fun. This can also help build confidence and resilience, as it puts the dog in control.”
Next year Lauren hopes to bring out an online membership to the Jersey Canine Academy – opening up a more accessible and affordable approach through courses that give owners the tools they need to get started. Complemented by lite coaching with Lauren, the programme comes with everything you need to keep yourself on track.
“Watching the bond between dog and owner strengthen as the training clicks into place is the most rewarding feeling in the world,” Lauren beamed. “When I’m acting as a dog walker, I also love the freedom of being out in nature with a group of dogs. I feel grounded and there’s always time to squeeze in a little bit of training to keep things fun and interesting.”
Hannah Coates – Pawsome Walking
Hannah started Pawsome Walking in 2021, shortly after returning home from New Zealand where she’d been living and travelling. Whilst she was away, she found a Facebook page where locals offered their dogs up for free walks, and ended up hiking with every dog she could get her hands on. “It was the best way to explore,” she said, “and when I moved back to Jersey, continuing on that journey felt like the most natural step.”
“It was an exciting time to start: so many families had welcomed puppies during lockdown and were heading back to the office, in need of an extra helping hand. At first, I said yes to everything, driving from one end of the island to the other for single walks and puppy visits, but the team grew quickly and now we have a wonderful team offering group walks and running our doggy daycare in St Ouen.”
Daycare and hour-long walks are their most popular services, but they also offer extras such as home visits and, Hannah’s personal favorite, wedding services. “One of the best moments was when a dog tasked with being the ring bearer stole the show with an untimely poo during the vows. Thankfully, everyone laughed and it made for some very funny photos!
What makes Pawsome unique is our personal touch. Every client receives “pupdates” – GPS-tracked routes and photos sent straight to their phone after every walk.
“For me, the best part of this journey has been the privilege of working with such a wonderful team,” Hannah said. “I am very lucky and proud to have them all and grateful that they are all as dog-mad as each other. Other than that, our wonderful clients and of course the dogs who bring us so much joy. Every day is an adventure and brings new challenges, but I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather be doing.”
