Absolutely Animals – Dog Grooming Salon

Located at 43B Burnt Ash Hill, Absolutely Animals presents itself as more than just a standard pet salon. With a history spanning over three decades, it has established a dual identity: a trusted grooming service for local dog and cat owners and a certified training academy for aspiring professional groomers. This combination suggests a deep-seated expertise and commitment to high standards, which is largely reflected in its customer feedback.

A Dual Focus: Grooming Services and Professional Training

The establishment's core business is providing comprehensive grooming services for both dogs and cats. Client testimonials frequently highlight the staff's ability to handle animals with a gentle and reassuring approach. This is particularly noted for pets with specific needs, such as senior dogs who require breaks during grooming, nervous animals experiencing their first professional groom, or cats that can be notoriously challenging. Services extend beyond a simple wash and trim, encompassing specialised treatments like effective flea baths that have left pet owners highly satisfied with the results.

What sets Absolutely Animals apart from many other local groomers is its function as a respected grooming school. The salon is a City & Guilds approved training centre, offering a range of courses from introductory workshops to Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas. This accreditation is significant, as City & Guilds is a global leader in skills development, ensuring that the training provided meets rigorous industry standards. For potential customers, this means the groomers handling their pets are either highly qualified professionals or students under the close supervision of award-winning experts, as many testimonials from both clients and learners confirm. This educational focus likely contributes to the salon's reputation for using knowledgeable and skilled techniques.

Specialised Offerings for Pet Owners

Beyond standard appointments, the salon provides unique opportunities for pet owners to get involved. One of the most praised offerings is the "Groom Your Own Dog" workshop. This one-day course is designed for owners who want to learn the fundamentals of grooming their own pet at home. A review of this experience described the tutor as experienced, friendly, and patient, providing extensive hands-on practice and professional tips. This service not only empowers owners but also demonstrates the salon's commitment to promoting good animal welfare and care beyond its own walls.

The Customer Experience: Overwhelming Positivity Tempered by a Serious Concern

With a high average rating based on hundreds of reviews, the vast majority of customer feedback for Absolutely Animals is exceptionally positive. A clear pattern emerges of a business that excels in customer service and animal handling. Staff are consistently described as "lovely," "sweet," "kind," and "patient." Many clients express immense relief and gratitude for finding a groomer they can trust, especially those with pets who have had negative experiences elsewhere or require special consideration.

• Expertise with Anxious Pets: Numerous accounts detail how the team successfully managed the puppy's first groom or a cat's initial visit, turning a potentially stressful event into a positive one.
• Care for Senior Pets: The salon receives specific praise for its thoughtful handling of older dogs, such as providing rest periods for an animal that struggles to stand for long durations.
• Proficient Cat Grooming: Finding a groomer confident and skilled with felines can be a challenge. Absolutely Animals is frequently recommended for its cat grooming services, including flea treatments and full grooms for long-haired breeds.

Addressing a Critical Incident

While the chorus of approval is loud, it is crucial to address a significant and detailed negative report that stands in stark contrast. One customer recounted a distressing experience where their dog, which had a pre-existing growth, was returned with the growth cut open and bleeding. The core of the complaint was not the accidental injury itself, but the alleged lack of transparency from the staff. According to the customer, the incident was not mentioned at pick-up and was only acknowledged after they discovered the injury and contacted the salon in anger. The customer felt this was an attempt to conceal the mistake and was further displeased with the resolution offered, stating they were still expected to pay the full price.

This account raises serious questions about communication protocols and accountability when accidents occur. For a business that trades on trust and care, such an allegation is damaging. While it appears to be an isolated incident among a sea of positive reviews, it is a critical piece of information for potential customers to consider. It highlights the importance of having a clear discussion with the groomer about any health issues, lumps, or bumps your pet may have before the session begins, and perhaps confirming how they handle such situations if an accident were to happen.

Practical Information for Prospective Clients

Absolutely Animals is located in Lee, London, and operates from Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, remaining closed on Sundays. The entrance is noted as being wheelchair accessible. Given its popularity and the detailed nature of its work, securing an appointment in advance is highly recommended. The business maintains a professional website that provides details on its services and dog grooming courses, and the staff can be reached via phone at 020 8857 2888 for enquiries and bookings.

Absolutely Animals has built a strong reputation as a high-quality pet grooming salon and a professional training centre. The overwhelming majority of customers report fantastic experiences, praising the skilled, patient, and caring staff who handle everything from routine grooms to the specific needs of anxious and elderly pets. The establishment's status as a City & Guilds approved school reinforces its credentials as a place of genuine expertise. However, the one severe complaint regarding an undisclosed injury serves as a potent reminder for pet owners to perform their own due diligence and communicate clearly about their pet's health. For most, this salon is likely to provide an excellent service, but awareness of this reported lapse in communication is a valid consideration in making a fully informed choice.