…spreads holiday cheer with grooming and gifts for pets
Amidst the mountain-like piles of fur that accumulate after only one single dog’s fur is trimmed, Paws and Claws is ensuring that every dog owner’s furry-legged friend is neatly groomed just in time for Christmas—one clip at a time.
Paws and Claws, despite being in just its second year of business, is experiencing a jam-packed Christmas season and has expressed a strong commitment to supporting animal welfare.
Paws and Claws, a well-established business in Lacytown, Georgetown, meets the grooming, trimming, and accessory needs of local pets.
Co-owner Travell Blackman highlighted the important role the business plays in promoting the well-being of dogs. He expressed enthusiasm for Paws and Claws’ mission to meet a significant need within the community. Additionally, he shared plans to collaborate with other local businesses, offering a 20 per cent discount on services as part of these partnerships.
Co-owner, Travell Blackman in Santa Clause outfit posing with a groomed dog
“We offer support to those organisations so to encourage adoption, persons who would adopt from institutions, we usually give them a 20 per cent discount on essential products for the first time.”
On that point, he recounted the genesis of the business, explaining that he and his sister shared a deep love for dogs. However, pet care items for their pets were not readily available in Guyana.
“Okay, so myself and my sister are pet owners, and we love spoiling our pets. We love spoiling our pets with more than just the essentials. So, before Paws and Claws, whenever we wanted anything outside of essentials, we would most often have to go online to purchase it…of course, we couldn’t find the essentials in Guyana,” Blackman explained.
They then saw the need to bridge the gap between essential pet needs and the more specialised products. “We thought it would be good to offer something where pet owners could access products beyond just essentials, because we were pretty sure that since we were experiencing it, other pet owners were facing the same issue. So, we started with the idea of bringing in supplies and products, which eventually grew into offering a grooming service. And the rest is history, basically,” he stated whilst humbly chuckling on the progress the business has made.
This passion for pets transitioned into a deeper love for dogs and their grooming needs which led them to start to groom animals professionally.
“So we treat them with a lot of care and love. Whenever an owner brings in their dog, they can be reassured that it will be taken care of with great attention to detail. I’m sure other businesses offer similar services, but the difference with Paws and Claws is that we are not just a grooming service or a pet spa—we also offer a variety of other services,” Blackman said.
He also highlighted that whether it’s grooming services or pet care products, the business is continually working on other initiatives to further contribute to the industry. Additionally, they are open to collaborating with another veterinarian, as their services are primarily focused on cosmetic care.
He also mentioned that the business could easily be separated into two: a pet shop offering supplies and a grooming service.
“So we’re more of a one-stop shop in this industry. Those could easily be two separate businesses.”
An in-depth understanding of consumer needs drives the business, especially when it comes to grooming for the fuzzy creatures
“We understand what the consumer wants because, again, we are consumers as well. We know how much we love our animals—our dogs, cats, and so on,” Blackman shared. “So, for example, if someone brings their dog to be groomed, they can also pick up a variety of things at the same time, which is more convenient for them.”
When asked about the upcoming Christmas season, Blackman reflected, “For the Christmas season, we have been pretty busy. It’s been a great time for us, and yes, people can buy gifts for their pets too. There’s a lot in store for the business this Christmas season.”
Blackman also provided an insight into the process of grooming, sharing the challenges and joys involved.
When Guyana Times reporters visited, the squealing and barking of furry puppies could be heard as they were being bathed.
“You would think that the big dogs, as we call them, would be the scary, vicious ones. But you’d be surprised to know that it’s the little ones that are the most difficult to groom. They’re the ones that bite and make the most noise. The bigger dogs, 95 per cent of the time, are calm, loving, and the easiest to groom. The ones that give us the most work are usually the small ones. And in most cases, it’s even the smallest dogs.” (G2)
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