It's a creative hobby turned much-loved career. Armed with shampoo and scissors, groomers like Caitlin Howship can makeover a shaggy mess into a good-looking, pouncing pooch.
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"I get to be around animals and show off my creative side. I love being able to transform a dog from a big scruffy mess into something like a gorgeous poodle," said the 20-year-old.
With no grooming competitions previously offered in the ACT, the only option for dog lovers such as Caitlin to show off their prowess has been to travel interstate.
Now, The Pet Industry Association's Plus Puppy Grooming Competition is coming to Canberra, giving locals a chance to shine in their own stomping ground on July 2 and 3.
This will be Caitlin's first competition. She has only been grooming for seven months but says she is looking forward to the experience and wants to show other people what grooming is all about.
"Of course I would like to win but to be pleased with my groom and see how I go under pressure and how I can groom in front of other people," Howship said.
Competition judge and dog groomer Sharon Hall says the event will encourage novices to try their hand at the challenge.
"It's fantastic. There are so many fantastic groomers in Canberra who find it difficult to travel to competitions interstate", said Ms Hall.
"Grooming is like an art and I love seeing how individuals put their own interpretations and styles in their work."
The Plush Puppy Grooming Competition is on at Exhibition Park on July 2 and 3 and is open to the public.
