Finding a Groomer around Ballarat hasn’t been easy….
We had been searching for over a month to find a dog groomer in Ballarat, and honestly… it wasn’t easy.
After calling around 15 different groomers, most either not taking new clients or booked out until May (and this was February!), we were starting to feel a bit stuck.
Then, by chance, we met Fran at the Creswick Markets… and just like that, Benjamin was booked in for a groom that Monday, only two days later. It truly felt like it was meant to be.
We couldn’t recommend her enough, so we’ve shared a little more about Fran and her story below for anyone else looking for a caring, experienced groomer.
Q&A with Fran
When did you start dog grooming, and how did your journey begin?
I’m a mum of six, and when my youngest started school, I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself. Being a mum was all I’d ever known. But I’ve always loved animals, big or small, so I knew it had to be something to do with them (I get along better with animals than humans anyway!).
So 22 years ago, I did a one-on-one grooming course in Williamstown, Victoria. After that, I started my own mobile grooming business, working school hours so I could still be there for my kids.
Before long, I got really busy, and that led to opening my first salon in Hoppers Crossing. A few years later we moved to Queensland and opened another, then later to Tasmania where I opened two more, one in Burnie and one in Wynyard.
What inspired you to become a dog groomer?
It really came down to my love for animals. When you’re passionate about what you do, it shows. There are a lot of groomers out there who do it just for the money, but animals are smarter than we think. They know when someone doesn’t want to be there, and that’s when things don’t go well.
I’m not a show groomer or anything like that, but I genuinely love what I do, and I think that’s what makes the difference.
What types of pets do you groom, and are there any breeds or sizes you specialise in?
I groom both dogs and cats, and I especially love grooming cats. No sedation either! Back in Tasmania, they actually used to call me the “cat whisperer”.
What areas do you service, and do you offer mobile grooming or salon appointments?
These days, I just groom from home and only when I can. I’ve slowed down a bit (I was meant to retire!), but I love it too much to stop completely.
At home, I’ve got 12 cats and 3 dogs (one of them is disabled), so they keep me pretty busy as it is.
How can clients book with you, and what payment methods do you accept?
You’re always welcome to give me a call, but if I don’t pick up, just send me a text with your name, your pet’s details (type, breed and name), what kind of groom you’re after (trim or full), and whether you’d like things like nails or anal glands included.
If you have any shampoo or conditioner preferences, you can include that too.
I’ll get back to you with my available days if we haven’t already locked something in.
Cash is preferred for payment.
What’s your approach to keeping pets calm and comfortable during grooming?
For me, it all comes down to genuinely caring. Animals pick up on your energy, so if you’re calm and you truly want to be there, they respond to that.
That’s something I’ve learned over the years, it’s not just about grooming, it’s about connection.
Do you have any tips for pet owners between grooming visits?
One thing I always do is check for any lumps, bumps, or changes in behaviour. I’m not a vet, but I do know what shouldn’t be there, and I’ve actually helped pick up things early that have saved dogs’ lives, which I’m really proud of.
So my advice would be: keep an eye on your pets, and don’t ignore anything unusual.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The best part is seeing how happy the dogs are when they see their mum or dad come to pick them up, that moment is just gold.
And the hardest part?
The hardest part, without a doubt, is when a client calls to say their fur baby has passed away… or when they come in for their final groom before crossing the rainbow bridge.
I cry through those grooms, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.
Final thoughts from Fran
I truly believe I have the best job in the world. It’s hard work, yes, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
*Fran snapped this and sent it to us when he was all done and ready to go.
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