Metro Mutt Dog Salon named SA’s best dog groomer

The competition was ruff but your votes are in and we’ve found SA’s best dog groomer. See the full list of winners here.

Three-year-old Husky Juneau is a satisfied customer after being groomed by Amanda Stanton – SA’s best dog groomer. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Since opening in 2010, Metro Mutt Dog Salon has built a loyal following of local dog paw-rents.

Now, after hundreds of reader nominations and votes the Queenstown salon has been voted SA’s best dog groomer in our latest “Best Of” poll.

Owner Amanda Stanton said she and husband Darren had always wanted to work with dogs and bought the store after running a successful mobile-grooming business.

“I dealt with humans for 15 years in aged care and nursing it was just a natural progression to go from caring for humans to caring for dogs,” she said.

“I love the reactions people have when people bring in their overgrown fluffy dogs or dogs that have had disastrous haircuts elsewhere and then when we bring the dog out the owners are so happy to see what we’ve done.”

Mrs Stanton and her two staff - Sally and Karrisa — groom an average of 75 dogs a week and up to 110 per week in the busy summer period.

Metro Mutt Dog Salon owner Amanda Stanton with three-year-old Husky Juneau. Picture: Keryn Stevens

And after seeing so many dogs, the experienced groomer’s favourite breed isn’t your standard labrador or Maltese.

“I love Airedale terriers, they’re a bit feisty sometimes but I love the style and the grooming of them and groodles (golden retrievers cross poodles) are lovely too.”

After being crowned SA’s best dog groomer, Mrs Stanton said the secret to success in the industry is simple.

“It’s nothing else but confidence, if you’re confident with a dog the dog will know it and the dog will sit beautifully for you,” she said.

“If you have any anxiety or you’re stressed about handling the dog or you’re not confident then you can be the best groomer in the world but you won’t get a good cut.”

Goodwood groomer Professional Canine Stylists was voted second-best in the state with Wistow’s Daitan Dog Grooming rounding out the top three.

SA’S BEST DOG GROOMERS

1. Metro Mutt Dog Salon – Queenstown

2. Professional Canine Stylists – Goodwood

3. Daitan Dog Grooming – Wistow

4. Paws of Distinction – Beulah Park

5. Grooming with Shelley – Albert Park

6. The Funky Foxhound – Seaview Downs

7. Oscar’s on Unley – Unley

8. The Spoilt Dog – Prospect

9. Fluff n Stuff Dog Styling – Findon

10. Hairy Hound All Breed Grooming & Clipping – Salisbury East