Animal rescue opens low-cost grooming salon to raise vet funds and seek bigger van

Helping Dogs and Cats CIC has opened Fern's Groom Room to offer low-cost grooming and direct profits into its veterinary fund; the charity is also fundraising for a larger transport van and a more powerful generator.

Helping Dogs and Cats CIC in Feathers Lane has opened Fern's Groom Room, a low-cost grooming salon intended to bring in income for its rescue work. The salon aims to make basic grooming more affordable and to funnel profits into the charity's veterinary fund. The service complements the charity's shop and event activity and includes consultations so staff can assess each animal's needs. The organisation also continues to seek better transport and equipment to support its outreach. Key details: - Fern's Groom Room offers consultations and grooms dogs, cats and rabbits; rabbits receive a free microchip with a nail clip. - Guinea pigs receive a free health check and mite treatment with every groom. - Dog and cat grooms can be booked for a minimum £10 donation while the groomer is in training; the team also provides teeth, eye and ear cleans, nail trims and microchipping. - The charity directs profit from normal grooms into its vet fund and long-term plans, and founder Kirsty Wrighton said the salon also aims to reduce unintentional neglect by making grooming affordable. - Helping Dogs and Cats CIC is fundraising for a larger Ford Transit–style van to improve transport capacity and for a more powerful generator to support its food van and other event equipment. Summary: The grooming salon both provides affordable basic care and creates a revenue stream for veterinary costs, supporting the charity's ability to treat more animals. The organisation is raising funds for a bigger transport vehicle and a stronger generator to expand its presence at community events and reduce multiple trips. Founder Kirsty Wrighton mentioned hopes to open a sanctuary as a longer-term goal if funding is secured.