Our story
From muddy farm boots to fluffy salon towels
Hi, I'm Sinéad — groomer, founder and lifelong animal person. Paws & Polish started a long way from Dublin, on a small family farm in County Wexford.
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Growing up on the farm
I grew up surrounded by animals: two collies who followed me everywhere, a barn full of half-wild cats, a grumpy goat called Mabel and more lambs than I could count each spring. Before school I'd be out feeding calves; after school I'd be brushing burrs out of the dogs' coats on the back step.
- 2
Where the love came from
My mam always said I had a way with nervous animals. The new rescue dog who wouldn't come out from under the table, the barn cat who hissed at everyone — they'd always end up curled up beside me. I learned early that patience and a calm voice fix almost anything.
- 3
From hobby to career
I trained as a professional groomer, then spent eight years working in salons across Dublin. I loved the work, but I kept seeing pets rushed through like it was a conveyor belt. I knew I wanted to do it differently — the way we looked after animals at home.
- 4
Opening Paws & Polish
In 2019 I opened Paws & Polish: a calm, colourful little salon where every pet gets time, treats and a cuddle. Today we're a team of six groomers, with quiet cat-only sessions and a shop full of the accessories we actually use and love.
- salon opened
- 2019
- salon opened
- certified groomers
- 6
- certified groomers
- pets pampered
- 2,000+
- pets pampered
What we believe
The farm way, in the city
Calm, never rushed
We book fewer pets per day so nobody waits in a cage for hours.
Farm-raised common sense
Every animal is different. We read their mood and go at their pace.
Kind products only
Natural, vegan shampoos and tools we'd use on our own pets.
