About Us

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Short Bark 'n' Sides Doggy Day Spa is a friendly, professional dog grooming salon in Geelong West catering to all breeds of dogs. Located on Shannon Avenue, Short Bark ‘n’ Sides is conveniently situated closely to the off-lead dog friendly park, Baker’s Oval, but is also a walking distance to newly opened Geelong West Vet and many cafes and shops for the humans. 

 

Short Bark 'n' Sides is owned and operated by Elva, who with over 12 years experience in the grooming industry, will strive to give your pet the absolute best care possible. 

 

Elva took over ownership of Short Bark ‘n’ Sides in October 2019 and has been continuously making improvements to the salon ever since. These improvements include more secure fencing, painting the floors and walls, new blinds and a split system air conditioning unit to maintain a comfortable salon environment year-round. 

 

In the salon we specialise in a variety of services ranging from a simple nail trim to a full-groom package that can be tailored to your dog’s specific needs. We try to deliver the best style to suit your dog’s requirements, whether it be a breed clip, pet trim, a low-maintenance/practical trim, or a certain request. 

 

Short Bark ‘n’ Sides also stock supplies for your pooch including:

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• Brushes and combs.

• Shampoo, Conditioner, Detangling spray and Pet Scents colognes from the Secret Weapon range, which we use in the salon daily.

• Oh Crap! Dog Poo Bags.  Oh Crap! Is a Geelong based company and their poo bags are made from cornstarch which means they are 100% compostable and eco-friendly.

• Big And Little Dogs harnesses, collars, leashes and poo bag holders. This range changes each season so there is always something cute and stylish for every dog, while always offering maximum comfort.

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Meet The Team

 

Elva has been grooming since 2008 in both corporate and private salons.

In that time she has groomed, trained other groomers, competed in grooming competitions, set up salons and helped support multiple grooming salon teams.

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Elva has a French Bulldog named Schmidt, who you are most likely to see showing off his impressive agility skills or earning his keep as security... or at the very least on his back hoping other dogs will play with him. It might be his most impressive skill, and he really gives it his all! Don't worry though if you can't see him, you're sure to hear him snoring or snorting.

 

Claire has been working with animals since moving to Australia from Ireland in 2014. She began pet sitting and progressed into grooming, having worked in private salons and one-on-one with other groomers to gain experience. 

Claire has also spent time training new groomers and running a salon daily, but her passion is spending time with animals. She is also a competent cat groomer and has spent a day with one of Australia’s most experienced groomers at KT’s grooming academy.

Senior pug lady Cookie was adopted by Claire from Pug Rescue Victoria in 2018 and she is never far from her side… unless she smells food. Claire is also currently fostering a Schnauzer x Pug, a Schnug, if you will, called Muddy. Muddy can be spotted by his little grey face and toothy smile.

 

Karalee has been grooming for almost 16 years! Karalee, just like Elva, has worked in both corporate and private salons. In fact, they have worked side by side for many years in many places. Karalee has Digby who is easily recognised by her adoring eyes toward Karalee and her ability to sit so close to you. Digby is a labrador cross staffy, and in recent years has had a front leg removed. She enjoys life just a fully, especially running and rolling on their farm. Karalee also has big boy Groot, a Rottweiler who loves to defy gravity if it means spending more time with Karalee.

 

In order to keep their skills up to date and to be able to offer the very best service, Claire, Elva and Karalee regularly attend many workshops, seminars and grooming competitions as spectators, helpers and participants. Both Claire & Elva have won ribbons in different grooming competitions in the past. 

 

You will be sure to see Cookie, Schmidt, Digby & Muddy "helping out" (mostly from a comfy bed) in the salon from time to time... and don't forget to look out for Groot too!