Liverpool dog groomer raises funds to help struggling owners

Dog groomer Celia Claire, who runs Toxteth-based Pawfect Paws, is aiming to raise £5,000 to continue to offer free grooming services for people struggling to pay due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Claire, who has set up a JustGiving page to raise funds, will also be taking part in the Liverpool to Chester bike ride on 2 July to raise awareness of the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on dog owners. If she reaches her target, she will be able to provide 100 grooms for struggling pet owners.

She told the Liverpool Echo: “I’ve been providing free grooms to pensioners, homeless dog owners and my regular customers who’ve been struggling with the cost of living. It’s difficult to give up paid work though and that’s why a JustGiving page has been set up so we can continue to help beloved pets.

“For some the dog is all they have in their lives and they dread the thought of having to give them up. Over winter I saw elderly struggling with heating and food and there was no way they could afford to get their dogs groomed as well.”

Claire also runs a pick-up and drop-off service for customers who have issues that prevent them getting out and works with dog walkers to take them out. Any donations will help pay for walks too, she added.