On The Good List:
FURRY FRIENDS CLIP N BATH
Location: Kotara
The short version
For when your dog has gone from "could use a tidy-up" to "we've let this go too far."
Furry Friends Clip n Bath is a local Kotara groomer helping Newcastle dogs leave cleaner, tidier and considerably more presentable than they arrived.
Run by a husband-and-wife team, Michelle now has her husband on board too - and he’s a bit of a wizard when it comes to desheds, baths and blow-dries.
Why GDS loves it
This one comes with personal GDS experience.
We've taken our own dogs to Michelle and she was amazing — lovely with the dogs, great to deal with and someone we'd happily trust with them again.
We're clearly not the only ones. Appointments can book out quickly, so this is one to organise in advance.
Good groomers are popular. Inconvenient, but fair.
Things you need to know
📍 Kotara
✂️ Dog grooming, clipping and bathing
📅 Book ahead — popular times fill quickly
🐕 Newcastle dogs in need of some professional intervention
Good for
Regular grooming, baths, coat maintenance and dogs currently looking a little more bush creature than household pet.
The GDS verdict
For when the home grooming experiment has concluded.
Instagram: @furryfriendsclipnbath
BLOSSOM DOG GROOMING SALON
Why GDS loves them
Blossom understands that a good grooming experience isn't just about the finished haircut.
With multiple groomers and a small number of dogs in the salon at any given time, the team works to create a calm, welcoming environment while recognising that every dog has different needs.
For dogs who find grooming a little overwhelming, they'll do their best to arrange appointments during quieter periods, such as first thing in the morning or towards the end of the day.
We like that they take a practical, flexible approach rather than expecting every dog to arrive ready for a spa day.
Some dogs love being pampered. Others would like to speak to management.
Things you need to know
📍 Newcastle CBD
🐕 Salon with multiple groomers and typically a few dogs present at once
✂️ Full grooming, baths, tidies and deshedding
🐶 Puppy grooming and introductions
🛁 Personalised grooming tailored to your dog's coat and needs
💛 Quieter appointments aren't necessarily exclusive one-on-one sessions, so discuss your dog's needs when booking.
Good for: Regular grooming, coat maintenance, puppies getting used to the process and dogs who benefit from a team willing to work around their individual needs.
GDS verdict: An amazing full-service salon for someone who eats things off the floor.
Website: https://www.blossomdgs.com.au/
Instagram: @blossom.dgs
Location: Newcastle CBD
The short version
A boutique dog grooming salon in Newcastle where looking good and feeling comfortable are equally important.
Run by Lucy and Mickey, Blossom offers professional grooming tailored to each dog's coat, temperament and individual needs, with a focus on keeping the salon environment calm and welcoming.
Because not every dog considers a bath and blow-dry a relaxing afternoon.
GLENROCK DOG GROOMING
Location: Kahibah
The short version
A calm, home-based grooming salon in Kahibah where your dog gets the groomer's full attention.
Glenrock Dog Grooming offers professional one-on-one grooming in a relaxed environment, without the hustle and bustle of a busy salon.
Just your dog, their groomer and considerably less chaos.
Why GDS loves them
It's the one-on-one approach that gets our attention.
Not every dog enjoys a busy grooming salon, and having a quieter environment with individual attention can make a real difference, particularly for dogs who find grooming a little overwhelming.
Glenrock's calm home salon offers a more personal experience, with the focus entirely on the dog being groomed.
We also appreciate a business that knows its limits and isn't trying to squeeze in every dog in Newcastle.
Which brings us to the slightly inconvenient part.
Their books are currently closed to new clients. A good reason to follow them on social media so you'll know when they're accepting bookings again.
Things you need to know
📍 Kahibah, NSW
🐕 One-on-one appointments with individual attention
✂️ Professional dog grooming
🏡 Calm, home-based grooming salon
📅 Currently closed to new clients
📱 Follow Glenrock Dog Grooming on social media for updates on when they're accepting new clients again.
Good for: Dogs who benefit from a quieter grooming environment, individual attention and owners looking for a more personal grooming experience.
GDS verdict: One-on-one grooming. A calm little salon. Apparently word has got around.
Instagram: @glenrockdoggrooming
WAGS AND SHINE
Location: Mobile across Newcastle and surrounding Hunter suburbs.
The short version
Wags and Shine brings the grooming salon to your doorstep. Hernan offers everything from warm hydrobaths and blowouts to deshedding, trims, nail care and ear cleaning.
Why GDS loves them
Hernan has formal training in canine psychology, behaviour and training, and takes a gentle, patient approach to grooming. He works at each dog’s pace, whether they’re a puppy getting used to the process, an older dog or a pup who finds grooming a bit daunting.
Things you need to know
🚐 Mobile service across Newcastle and surrounding Hunter suburbs.
🛁 Hydrobaths, blowouts, deshedding, coat maintenance, full trims, nail care and ear cleaning.
🐶 Gentle introductions to grooming are available.
📅 Message the Facebook page or call or text Hernan to enquire.
Good for: Dogs who prefer to stay close to home, puppies learning the grooming ropes, and older or nervous dogs who need a little extra patience.
GDS verdict: A fresh dog without the car trip. Your back seat may never know what it’s missing.
Facebook: @wagsandshine