Centre Stage Dogs

Centre Stage Dogs & Centre Stage Dog Grooming is a small dog specialist grooming salon based in Ascot, Berkshire. Founded by International Certified Master Groomer Katie Rourke Dowding in 2010, the business has established itself as a premier destination for high-quality grooming services. With over 30 years of experience in the canine industry, Katie brings a wealth of expertise to the salon, having previously operated a dog training school and clicker training academy. The salon is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to prepare dogs for stills photography, film work, and special occasions such as weddings and garden parties.

The salon offers a comprehensive grooming service tailored specifically for small dogs, with a strict weight limit of 10kg and a height limit of 15 inches. Their approach combines a luxurious bathing experience with a thorough grooming process. The Centre Stage Service begins with a 100% clean bath using Wildwash shampoos, which are free from parabens, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals. This is followed by a relaxing lavender wrap to aid drying and a final rinse with either a Nagayu Spa Treatment or Dogzilian Microbubbles Treatment for an ultra-clean finish. The grooming session itself is a thorough brush-out and scissor trim, with a minimum duration of two hours to ensure the highest standard of care.

Customers consistently praise the salon for its calm and professional environment, with many highlighting the exceptional care taken with their pets. Reviewers frequently mention the attention to detail in the grooming work and the patience shown with dogs of all temperaments. The team is particularly noted for their expertise with nervous dogs and their ability to handle dogs that may be difficult to groom, ensuring a stress-free experience for both the pet and the owner. The salon's commitment to excellence is reflected in the glowing feedback from clients who appreciate the superior finish and the personalized service provided by the skilled grooming team.

Centre Stage Dog Grooming is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and grooming education. The salon enforces a strict policy that no dog can go longer than six weeks between grooms, and they do not attempt to rescue matted coats, instead opting for a humane shave-down. The business also offers training and advice to owners to help them maintain their dog's coat between visits. As a member of several professional grooming organizations, Katie Rourke Dowding is actively involved in the industry, having been nominated for the Speaker of the Year award in 2019. The salon's unique facilities, including the innovative Centre Stage Backdrop, further demonstrate their commitment to providing a superior grooming experience for small dogs in the Ascot area.