Absolutely Animals Ltd

Author: rex

  • Dog Groomer Success Story – Scooby Doos Dog Grooming

    Dog Groomer Success Story – Scooby Doos Dog Grooming

    “I’m the owner of Scooby Doos in Eltham and I have now been grooming dogs almost three years. Prior to that, I was a retail area manager, working 24/7 and always stressed. This all changed when my husband came up with an for dog grooming with shorter waiting times. At first, I thought he was joking, but it really developed from there.

    Straight away I started to look for premises and a training school – that’s when the fun started. I was overjoyed to find somewhere so close! I started my journey at Absolutely Animals, signing up for the Platinum Dog Grooming Course. On my first day I thought I would never get it, but everyone was so friendly and helpful that by the end of my course, I felt so motivated and confident that I just knew it was the right career for me.

    I completed my City and Guilds Introduction into Dog Grooming; the hands-on experience together with the written coursework was all well-supported by the Absolutely Animals team. Their experience, knowledge, and support were amazing and all done in a friendly and approachable manner.

    The result of all this has given me a new career and allowed me to open my own business, which I absolutely love. I have new colleagues and a great support network. Thank you Heidi and absolutely animals for making it all possible”.

    – Maxine Gadd –  Scooby Doos Dog Grooming

    scooby doos grooming logo

  • Dog Groomer Success Story – Oh So Hairy Dog Grooming

    Dog Groomer Success Story – Oh So Hairy Dog Grooming

    “Thank you so much to everyone at Absolutely Animals – Heidi and Christine are amazing tutors. I highly recommend training at Absolutely Animals. The course has helped me to start my own Dog Grooming Business.

    I did the 22-day course with the City and Guilds Qualification, and I can honestly say it was the best thing I have done. The course is really hands-on and practical. The theory side of the course gives you an insight of all the important information that you need know being a Dog Groomer; on how to handle dogs in the correct way, noticing parasites, and spotting signs of when a dog is getting stressed, exhausted, etc.

    The course is very informative and gives you the confidence to know you can go out and groom a dog in the correct and safe way. Even after finishing the course Heidi and Christine are always there if you need any advice. Heidi also holds regular seminars, so the learning never stops.

    If you are interested in becoming a Dog Groomer, I highly recommend Absolutely Animals. They even do taster days so you can have a feel of what the course would be like. You will not be disappointed.

    I wouldn’t have my own mobile Dog Grooming business if it wasn’t for Absolutely Animals!”

    – Lucy Tallant –  Oh So Hairy Dog Grooming

    hairy dog grooming logo

  • Dog Groomer Success Story – Fay’s Diamond Dog Grooming

    Dog Groomer Success Story – Fay’s Diamond Dog Grooming

    “I am so pleased I turned to Absolutely Animals to become qualified. My experience completing not only my Level 3 intro but also Level 3 Diploma with this school has been so fulfilling and rewarding. Absolutely Animals has such a friendly welcoming atmosphere which instantly puts you at ease. Heidi and Christine guided me through the entire process all the while making me feel supported.

    Not only has this experience given me confidence and helped my self-esteem but I now have the credentials which are proudly hung on my wall in my salon. The whole experience made me realise you can fulfill your dreams and goals if you put your mind to it.

    Absolutely Animals aftercare is second to none with a support group making you feel like part of a community/family and never alone. It is a great comfort to know Heidi and Christine are only at the end of a phone or social media resting my mind that they are there to encourage me throughout my career.

    Heidi and Christine have selflessly taken it upon themselves to offer pretty much a lifetime guarantee with their courses. I promise you will not regret choosing this as your school of education.”

    – Fay Greene – Fay’s Diamond Dog Grooming

    diamond dog grooming

  • Why Become a Dog Groomer?

      Starting a career as a dog groomer has a multitude of benefits:

    • Do something you love – One of the main benefits of becoming a dog groomer is that you’ll have a career which you truly love. There’s nothing more rewarding as a dog-lover than spending all day with four-legged pooch’s.. and getting paid for it too.
    • Work for yourself – Many business owners say that becoming your own boss is the secret recipe for happiness. You’ll have full control over your business and a flexible schedule to go with it.
    • Handsome Salary – If you’re working for yourself, you’ll have the benefit of being able to set your own prices. Once you become more experienced and build a list of clients, you’ll be able to charge more for in-demand services.
    • Meet Amazing People – Working as a dog groomer means you’ll come into contact with people (and dogs) from all walks of life. As you develop, you’ll build relationships with your clients which can last a lifetime. By signing up for one of our courses, you’ll also meet people with similar interests to you. We love to stay in touch with so many of our past students!
    • Ability to Educate – As a qualified dog groomer, you’ll be in a position to educate and inform dog owners. A customer will find it immensely rewarding if you pass on tips such as the best way to trim nails and how to properly wash their pooch.
  • Groom Team England 5th Place – Belgium 2011

    Groom Team England 5th Place – Belgium 2011

    At Absolutely Animals, we are always looking toward the future of grooming, but today we’re taking a moment to celebrate a significant milestone in our history. In September 2011, our very own CEO, Heidi Anderton, traveled to Kortrijk, Belgium, to represent England on the world stage.

    A Top 5 Global Finish

    Competing in the World Team Grooming Championship, Heidi and her teammates faced off against the best groomers from across the globe. We are incredibly proud to remember that Groom Team England secured a brilliant 5th Place finish.

    Heidi’s contribution was pivotal. Competing in the Poodle category – a class known for its technical difficulty and precision-she showcased the world-class scissoring and styling that she now passes on to her students at the London School of Pet Grooming.

    The 2011 “Dream Team”

    Heidi wasn’t alone in this achievement. She was part of a powerhouse lineup of industry legends who all demonstrated exceptional skill in their respective categories:

    • Heidi Anderton: Poodle
    • Joanne Botwood: Spaniel and Setter
    • Peter Ensell: Purebred Scissor
    • Jitka Krizova: Handstrip

    This team represented the peak of British grooming excellence, and their success in Belgium remains a highlight in the Groom Team England Hall of Fame.

    Continuing the Legacy

    Heidi’s dedication to international competition has always been about more than just trophies; it’s about maintaining the highest standards for our grooming salon and training center. That same passion for perfection is what our clients see every day when they bring their pets to Absolutely Animals.

    groom team England 2011

    L-R: Joanne Botwood, Alison Rogers, Jitka Krizova, Joanne Angus, Peter Ensell, Heidi Anderton

    Source

  • YKC Groomer of the Year 2011!

    YKC Groomer of the Year 2011!

    crufts win christine anderton miniature poodle-2011

    From Runner-Up to Best in Show: Christine Anderton Wins YKC Groomer of the Year!

    The scissors have settled, the fluff is perfectly coiffed, and the results are in: our very own Christine Anderton is officially a champion!

    After a weekend of high-stakes competition at the world-renowned Crufts dog show at Birmingham’s NEC, Christine and her 10-year-old Miniature Poodle, Beckham, have secured the prestigious Young Kennel Club (YKC) Groomer of the Year Award.

    A Story of Determination

    This victory is especially sweet for Christine. After coming incredibly close last year, she returned to the arena with more focus and passion than ever.

    “Last year Beckham and I finished second so it is great to finally win. I’m just so pleased,” said Christine.

    Competing against a field of 21,500 dogs and some of the most talented young handlers in the country, Christine’s precision and Beckham’s calm demeanor proved to be the winning combination.

    Why This Matters

    Winning at Crufts is the ultimate “Best in Show” moment for any groomer. It highlights the skill, patience, and artistry that Christine brings to our salon every single day. Whether she’s prepping a champion for the ring or making your pet look their best, that same award-winning dedication is always on display.

    As a proud member of Groom Team England, Christine continues to set the bar for grooming excellence in Lewisham and beyond.

    Sources

    https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8909893.crufts-win-for-minature-poodle-beckham-and-groomer-christine-anderton/

  • Christine Anderton First in the junior class of the Euro Groom

    Christine Anderton First in the junior class of the Euro Groom

    Seventeen-year-old Christine Anderton has made an impressive mark on the competitive grooming scene, taking first place in the junior class at the prestigious Euro Groom competition.

    Competing with her 10-year-old pet poodle, Beckham, Christine demonstrated exceptional skill, precision, and creativity qualities that set her apart in a highly competitive field. Her win marks a significant milestone in what is still an early but already promising journey in dog grooming.

    As if first place in her category wasn’t enough, Christine also secured second place in the highly contested “best scissored dog” round. Notably, she outperformed two competitors from Groom Team England, an achievement that highlights both her technical ability and composure under pressure.

    Speaking about her success, Christine, who lives on Montem Road in Forest Hill, shared her excitement: “It was my third competition which I have done and it’s the best result I have got so far.”

    For someone so early in her competitive career, this achievement signals a bright future ahead. With dedication, talent, and a clear passion for grooming, Christine Anderton is certainly a name to watch in upcoming competitions.

    Her success also reflects the growing recognition of grooming as both an art and a discipline, requiring patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of canine care. With Beckham by her side, Christine has proven that strong partnerships between groomer and dog can truly shine on the international stage.

    As she continues to develop her skills and gain experience, there’s little doubt that this won’t be the last time Christine stands on the podium.

    2010 toy poodle first place

    Source

    https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8177314.forest-hill-teenager-wins-dog-grooming-competition/

  • British Groomer of the Year 2004

    British Groomer of the Year 2004

    We are incredibly proud to celebrate a defining moment in the history of Absolutely Animals. In 2004, our founder and owner Heidi Anderton was named British Groomer of the Year, taking the top honour at the prestigious British Dog Grooming Championships held in Luton.

    Competing against 30 of the UK’s finest groomers, Heidi stood out by winning both the Miniature Poodle and Handstrip (non-gundog) categories, earning her a place in the finals and securing the overall title. The award recognised not only exceptional technical skill, but also dedication, preparation, and professionalism at the highest level of the industry.

    At the time of her win, Heidi was already City & Guilds 7750 qualified and had been preparing intensively for the competition throughout the year. Reflecting on her achievement, Heidi said:

    “This is really great. I’ve been preparing my dogs all year for this competition. I’m so pleased and my kids are so proud”, said Heidi. I’ve been branching out at my grooming salon, Absolutely Animals, into training groomers and with just two more units needed to gain my Pet Care Trust Advanced Grooming qualification, this national title will give my business a real lift.”

    Industry leaders also recognised Heidi’s contribution to dog grooming standards. Janet Nunn, Chief Executive of the Pet Care Trust, praised Heidi as a strong advocate for excellence and a role model for those considering grooming as a career.

    This award marked a major milestone for Absolutely Animals and reinforced the values the business still stands for today: high standards, continuous learning, and genuine passion for animal care. Heidi went on to expand into teaching, examining, and mentoring groomers, helping to raise professional standards across the industry.

    Winning British Groomer of the Year remains a proud part of our story and a reflection of the expertise, care, and commitment that Absolutely Animals continues to offer every client and every dog.

    Sources:

    https://www.ourdogs.co.uk/News/2004/October2004/News081004/groomer.htm

    https://www.learn2groomdogs.com/instructor/heidi-anderton/