It is claimed to be Dubai's first official pet salon. The only one located in the International City area, Pet Style salon oozes feline grace and feminine hues.
Pink walls, dainty pet accessories and walls displaying tastefully arranged framed pictures of cuddly pets possessing varying degrees of cuteness, the place looks like the perfect pet retreat.
The salon's owner, Yuliya Kovaleva, a native of Kazakhstan, has been grooming pets in Dubai since February with the help of her elder sister Alexandra Kovalyova.
Yuliya, 26, said, "I learnt the art of pet grooming working as an assistant to my sister who's had formal training and is a veterinary doctor. We have always had pets back home and here."
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Far removed in appearance and disposition from the women of Borat's Kazakhstan, Yuliya is smart, independent and talented.
"I have loved pets ever since I was a child. I read a lot about pets and have learnt a great deal from it in addition to what I was taught by my sister."
Although the salon caters to different types of pets, mostly cats and dogs, and once even a squirrel, Yuliya prefers to own cats.
"Dogs as pets are hard work. They need more attention and time and tend to get far more attached than cats. It is not easy to own a dog."
As if to prove a point she then proceeds to grab her cat and takes us through the entire grooming drill. The teeth and ear cleaning, shaving and styling, nail clipping, shower, blow drying and dressing up. The process takes about two hours and costs Dh100.
"We also run check-ups for pets and inform the owner if there is a medical condition that needs immediate attention. For customers too busy to drop by we offer pick up and drop off services for an additional cost of Dh50.
"On rare occasions we are asked to groom pets at the owner's residence. We do that too, at an extra cost, of course."
However, there is also something for those who keep their finances on a tight leash. The salon runs an online service which offers free advice and tips on grooming.
Pet owners could also have a quick browse of the various pet accessories sold at the salon. The dresses, hair clips, leashes, breath fresheners, feathers, are all good, but the little pet shoes are truly the cat's whiskers.
Grooming Tips
- Pay special attention to pets' ears
- Clip nails regularly
- Wash them
- If a cat is defecating around the house, it is a sign of a health problem
- Hire a good grooming expert
- Read books like The Guide To Home Pet Grooming
