About us
Fancy Paws Boutique Ltd is a unique dog grooming service specialising in nervous and anxious dogs. We pride ourselves on providing a relaxed and calm atmosphere for your pups. Within the salon we practice positive reinforcement and force free dog grooming. Your dog’s welfare is always our top priority. We offer a variety of services from puppy university, puppy grooming sessions, full grooms, bath and brush, ultrasound teeth cleaning, additional spa treatments and walk-in nail clipping. We also have a small retail section in our shop selling grooming products, natural treats and lead, collars and harnesses.
The salon is just one of many wonderful independent businesses situated at Evegate Retail & Artisan Village. It is a truly beautiful setting, surrounded by countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Take advantage of the free parking and have a wander around. You could pop into the coffee shop or the micro pub for lunch or a slice of cake, or even treat yourself to a pamper or a haircut while away the time, rest assured your pup is in very safe hands.
Evegate is situated in Smeeth, Kent, just off the A20, conveniently located near junction 10a of the M20 so easily accessible to all.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Meet the team
Fiona
Salon owner and qualified senior stylist
I’m Fiona, but everyone calls me Fee. I’m the very proud owner of Fancy Paws Boutique Ltd. It was clear from a very young age that I had a passion for animals especially dogs. Dogs are literally my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I haven’t always been a dog stylist. I have a background in hospitality, retail, tourism, banking and teaching. Quite a variety! But none of those ever fulfilled me.
After going through quite a rollercoaster with my health and a few big life changes I decided to listen to my heart and do what I love.
Dog grooming was my calling! And over ten years later, I can genuinely say I love my job. I have learnt so much more about dogs over the years and gained City & Guilds Level 3 fully qualified status.
Fancy Paws is my pride and joy. The business that started in my conservatory has organically grown into a bespoke salon with a delightful team of four groomers. The ladies that work alongside me have the same genuine passion for dogs. We live and breathe everything ‘dog’. We love your dogs like they are our own.
You wouldn’t be surprised to know that a lot of my hobbies involve dogs! I own three dogs, a rescue saluki mix called Faith, a standard poodle called Bodhi and a miniature poodle called Lando. We do a lot of hiking together and exploring new places. I take part in agility with Bodhi, he loves it! Always raring to go! Lando is my show poodle, he placed 2nd in the puppy miniature poodle class at Crufts 2026. Faith is our sofa surfer, enjoying a life of luxury after being dumped with a broken leg when she was a puppy. Her past is well and truly behind her! Outside of the dog world, I enjoy travelling, music gigs, pamper days, sound baths, quality time with loved ones and most recently I have taken an interest in gardening. I am definitely enjoying a slower pace of life surrounded by dogs.
Melissa
Experienced stylist
I’m Melissa & I am an enthusiast for all things dogs! My favourite pass time is countryside walks with my own dogs; Eli the Huskamute & Kobe the Show Cocker Spaniel. I’ve been Grooming since 2021; when I made the transition from a Retail Manager during lockdown to Grooming & Positive reinforcement training. I can happily say I’ve never looked back!! Working with dogs is extremely fulfilling & I’m fortunate enough to work around a lovely bunch of ladies too. In my spare time I also enjoy food, travelling abroad, aerial hoop, music gigs, pub gardens, fitness classes & spending quality time with friends, family & of course their dogs too.
Nichola
Junior stylist
I’m Nichola, I have been working at fancy paws for two years now and honestly it’s my dream job! I had been a bather for a few years but never thought I’d have the opportunity or confidence to become a groomer and here I am. I absolutely love grooming all your lovely doggies, while working in a fun, supportive and friendly environment. I first became interested in grooming when I got my first dog a shihpoo called Izzy who’s just turned 13 and still going strong. When we get the opportunity we all love going for dog walks together in our spare time.
Lilly
Qualified stylist
My name is Lilly & I live and breathe all things dogs!
My dog grooming journey started in the summer of 2021 when I qualified, this year I will be hitting the 5 year milestone of being a dog groomer and I couldn’t be happier about the path I’ve chosen! I have since become first aid trained and gained extra qualifications. I have been surrounded by all kinds of animals growing up from ferrets through to horses, spending many days at the veterinary practice where my mum worked as a vet nurse. I enjoy agility with my vizsla Iris and going on long walks with the rest of my four-legged crew whilst also spending lots of time with my horses and family As challenging as dog grooming can be it is the most rewarding job I have ever done and I love working alongside the girls at fancy paws