The Dog Pod: A Home Away From Home for Our Pups!

I don’t know about you, but my dog is like a sister to me!

Whether I’ve had a bad day at work, an argument with my partner, or received some exciting news, she is always there at the end of every day (who else loves the sound of their dog running down the stairs as soon as you open the front door?!).

We would do anything for our dogs - they’re part of the family (I give up most of my bed at night for her anyway!).

When I was a Volunteer at Future Radio, I met Lauren Starling (a fellow dog lover and Founder of the Dog Pod), to discuss her incredible PACT Santa Donation Drive.

Since then, Lauren’s incredible business has continued to grow from strength to strength, providing a home away from home for our spoilt pups!

I caught up with Lauren to discuss the journey of The Dog Pod, the importance of grooming for our pups and her plans for the future!

When did The Dog Pod begin (and what was the aim behind this)?

The Dog Pod officially began in 2023.

My aim was to create a calm, welcoming one-to-one grooming space where dogs could feel safe and relaxed, and owners could feel confident leaving their dogs with me.

I wanted The Dog Pod to feel personal, homely and centred around each dog’s wellbeing.

What inspired you to become a dog groomer?

I’ve always loved animals, especially dogs, and knew I wanted a career helping animals in need and working closely with them every day.

I was firstly introduced to grooming when I was 16 during my time at college completing my National Diploma in Animal Management. Grooming felt like the perfect mix of creativity, care and building trust with dogs. I love being able to make them feel comfortable, happy and cared for.

What do you love most about the industry/job?

Every dog has its own personality, so no two days are ever the same.

I also love seeing the difference a groom can make, not just in how a dog looks, but how much more comfortable and happier they feel afterwards.

How important are the relationships you create with the dogs you meet?

They’re hugely important.

Grooming is built on trust, especially for nervous, rescue, younger/ older dogs and dogs that have been through previous trauma.

Because I offer one-to-one appointments, I’m able to give each dog my full attention, build that relationship over time and help them feel safe and comfortable.

Describe The Dog Pod in three words!

Calm, caring, personal.

How do you tailor grooming services to each dog you meet (meeting the owner’s needs, dealing with anxious dogs etc)?

The key is understanding dog behaviour and identifying how a dog is feeling by its body language and facial expressions.

Dogs are also very social creatures and are highly sensitive to reading our own emotions. Being confident and calm in your own persona can help keep the dog calm.

I always ask every client a variety of questions prior to booking in with me to ensure I can meet their dog's individual needs.

Every dog is different, so I always begin by understanding both the dog’s needs and the owner’s preferences. I offer one-to-one grooming in a calm, homely environment, which can make a huge difference for nervous dogs.

They aren’t surrounded by other dogs being groomed or the noise of a busy salon, and they’re able to have regular breaks if needed. I work at each dog’s pace and always prioritise their comfort and welfare.

Do you have a favourite cutting style?

I love breed standard clips. Such as Spaniels, Schnauzers etc. Just because I don't get to do them very often! They require precision and can completely transform the dog.

How important is it for dogs to receive regular cuts?

Regular grooming is really important, not just with regular grooming appointments, but the upkeep in between grooms that the owners do at home.

This is particularly important for breeds with coats that continue growing or are prone to matting. It helps keep them comfortable, supports skin and coat health, improves hygiene and can also help spot any potential medical issues early.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since opening The Dog Pod (and how did you overcome this)?

Maintaining a work life balance. As much as I would love to help every dog, I found early on that I was biting more off than I could chew and was burning myself out trying to do too much.

I've overcome this by keeping consistent hours, not putting so much pressure on myself and recently moving The Dog Pod to my home which has already helped so much.

What is a common myth in the industry you wish to change?

That grooming is purely cosmetic. Grooming plays a vital role in a dog’s health and wellbeing. It’s not just about looking nice, it helps with comfort, coat condition, hygiene and health too.

How are you feeling after the move into your new Dog Pod Cabin (and how will this help you grow the business further)?

I’m incredibly excited and proud.

It feels like a real milestone for The Dog Pod. The new cabin allows me to continue offering the calm, one-to-one experience clients love, while giving dogs an even more comfortable dedicated space. It also gives me room to grow the business further.

What makes The Dog Pod unique?

I think it’s the personal touch and calm environment I offer. The Dog Pod is a one-to-one grooming space, so each dog has my full focus throughout their appointment. It’s especially beneficial for nervous dogs, as they can relax without the busy atmosphere of a larger salon.

How do you stay up to date with the latest techniques, trends and standards in the industry (how important is continuous learning to you)?

Continuous learning is really important to me.

The grooming industry is always evolving, so I regularly follow training resources, experienced groomers and new techniques. There’s always something new to learn, and I think it’s important to keep improving.

How are you feeling after the incredible success of your Santa Donation Drive last Christmas (running it for the 3rd year)?

I felt incredibly grateful and proud.

The support from my customers and the local community has been truly amazing and seeing so many people come together to help animals in need was really special. Every year it grows, which means even more support can go to a great cause.

What do you love most about your relationship with PACT?

PACT does such incredible work for animals, so being able to support them means a lot to me. I love that we share the same values of kindness, care and putting animal welfare first. It’s lovely to be able to give back in a way I know I can be valuable.

What has been your proudest achievement since launching The Dog Pod?

Building a loyal client base and having people trust me with their dogs has been my proudest achievement.

Seeing the business grow through recommendations and repeat clients means so much, especially knowing dogs feel happy and comfortable coming back.

What do you hope to achieve this year?

This year I’d love to continue growing The Dog Pod, settle into the new cabin and continue working with and supporting PACT Animal Sanctuary.

Most importantly, I want to keep providing a calm, trusted grooming service that dogs enjoy and owners feel confident in.

To keep up to date with the fantastic work of The Dog Pod, you can head to their Instagram (@thedogpodnorwich)!