Millie has turned her passion for animals into an award-winning career at The Hound Hygienist in Lanchester, combining professional dog grooming with specialist canine dental hygiene.
Millie, who runs The Hound Hygienist in Lanchester, has worked in the salon since 2025 and has been grooming dogs since 2021. After gaining work experience in dog grooming while considering A-level studies, she decided to turn her passion for animals into a career. Since 2024, she has specialised in canine dental hygiene, completing training focused on gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss in dogs.
Award-winning
Her hard work and dedication have already been recognised, with Millie winning Best Pet Care Business in County Durham. She has also reached the grand final for a Gold Award, which will be held in Birmingham this November.
Millie’s qualifications include a Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Management, along with training in canine behaviour and first aid. Her love of animals extends beyond the salon too, with two dogs, Ollie and Claude, a cat called Holly, and a horse named Inka at home.
During our visit, Claude enjoyed a spa treatment using a wild cherry grooming product while dogs of every size passed through the salon doors, from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Leonbergers, a breed almost as large as a St Bernard.
By Juan Fitzgerald – Communities in Focus
