A NEW dog grooming spa has opened in Bradford, offering a wide range of treatments perfect for every pooch.

Gemma Heigold, 39, opened Washoodles this week on Idle Road, Eccleshill, and has seen a huge amount of interest.

With three degrees under her belt and working as a teacher, Gemma was ready to start something new.

She started her training as a dog groomer in Keighley and found she had a real passion for it 

That passion has now blossomed into her own business. 

Gemma said she took inspiration from dog spas in the USA and she wanted to create something "fresh and exciting". 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Gemma Heigold, owner of Washoodles dog grooming spa. Image: Newsquest Gemma Heigold, owner of Washoodles dog grooming spa. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I’ve always loved dogs and I wanted to step away from teaching for a while after the pandemic.

“I’ve always been quite creative, and I’d started my training as a dog groomer in Keighley and I’ve just loved it.

“My customers are lovely, and I’ve been able to set up my own business which is good, I’ve got a sense of freedom and I wanted to work for myself."

Gemma added: “I always thought I’d end up in something more corporate or with a science background, but I’m glad I made the switch.

“I actually wake up in the morning thinking about who I’ll get to see.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: New dog grooming spa offers a range of treatments. Image: Newsquest New dog grooming spa offers a range of treatments. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Dog grooming spas are becoming more popular as owners want to spend more time pampering their dogs and giving them the best life has to offer.

Gemma said: “I think a lot of people got dogs in the pandemic and lockdown and are spending more money on dogs now. Especially designer breed dogs and obviously, they need looking after well.

“They’re part of the family.

“Cockapoos are very Bradford, we see quite a lot of them.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A dog being shampooed and washed. Image: Newsquest A dog being shampooed and washed. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Gemma’s dog grooming spa is fully booked for August with some availability in September.

The pink door and accents to the shop have caught people’s attention, drawing them in to see what the spa has to offer.

“We’ve had people walking in to ask about what we do and then people who don’t even have dogs just complimenting us on how nice the place looks," Gemma told the Telegraph & Argus. 

“I’m very happy with it.

“We looked at American salons on Pinterest and made a mood board and then we came up with this.

“We knew we wanted something fresh and eye-catching, and we got that.”