Canine and feline customers will be getting the VIP treatment at a new salon offering everything from hot tubs to rub downs for pampered pets.

York pet care expert Loretta Spyers-Ashby is brushing aside the competition by bringing her dog and cat grooming business under one roof.

After three years building up Doggie & Moggie from home, she has invested nearly £10,000 of her savings in new premises for pet grooming, food and accessories on Wigginton Road.

Each of Loretta’s four-legged customers are groomed on an individual basis. Facilities include a hydrobath, which uses a massaging action to penetrate the coat and stimulate the skin.

A built-in thermostat ensures that the water remains at a comfortable temperature at all times. A range of high quality Italian shampoos are specially selected to match a pet’s coat type and condition.

She said: “I limit the number of animals I take to ensure that pets receive an exclusive, personal service.

"Each pet is hand dried on an adjustable, electric grooming table with a non-slip surface to make pets feel at ease.

"The table can be raised and lowered smoothly and silently.

"All of the equipment here has been carefully chosen with the comfort of people’s pets in mind.”

Loretta completed her training - to City & Guilds Level 3 - at one of the UK’s most prestigious training centres, which is also home to England’s national Grooming Team. She is also a member of the British Dog Groomers’ Association.