"Take the leap and do it! "

I have recently started as a franchise owner in the Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown area and my experience with Dial A Dog Wash has been nothing short of amazing. The constant support and guidance from Dave since Day 1 has been something I am truly grateful for.
Dave has been transparent, encouraging, reassuring and extremely caring towards me and my new venture.

I commenced my dog grooming training with Tasha and with her clear instructions, motivation and the skills she uses daily she has been an incredible mentor. Tasha has educated me the step by step of dog grooming even down to the minute details and has been extremely calm and patient with me.
Tasha has been accommodating in every way possible and I feel extremely confident in every dog I groom because of her.

I’m truly enjoying my experience with Dial A Dog Wash and it’s the best leap of faith I have ever taken.
If you’re considering whether to join Dial A Dog Wash I would encourage you to do so. The perks of having your own business, managing your own schedule but also having the daily support from Dave is priceless.
A big thank you to Dave, Tasha and the rest of the team!!

"Ted in Thurles just the best for my…"

Ted in Thurles just the best for my cocker Benson - great cut always!!!

"Fox poo... no problem"

While on holiday in Ireland in Blackrock, my dog rolled in fox poo and I was recommended the lovely Diane from dial a dog County Louth who came to my accommodation and gave my dog the full works, making him smell fantastic again. Thank you Diane, everytime I'm over now I shall be calling you.

"If you value your health DO NOT BUY in to this franchise"

I was interested in opening my own business for many years. Self employed would suit me with my many other commitments. I met with Dave Caddy and I have to say he was very friendly and agreed with me about being self employed and explained the outline of the franchise. He made it sound great in fairness but I really should have walked away when he harped on about how much money I would make. This was a recurring theme in hindsight.
Anyway I took on with the franchise and done the training and was up and running. What I did not realise and what they failed to explain was the hazards and risks involved.
Firstly the Dog grooming industry in Ireland is unregulated so anyone with any kind of training can call themselves a dog groomer. Literally getting your certification from the back of a cereal box.
Secondly the Franchise industry is unregulated in Ireland so any issue you may have with it post purchase is a civil matter and difficult to get the relevant authorities involved that you would have in a regulated industry.
So long story short I took a severe reaction to dander or pollen that comes off certain dogs when you are grooming them. In any other regulated industry a health and safety training would be part of the requirements to work in the sector and they would make you aware of such things. My body had an auto immune response due to the high level of contaminants in the air. When I asked Dave Caddy about extraction and ventilation he said they "used to put extractors in but they weren't very good so they dont bother anymore". On the matter of ventilation he said "well you could just open the door" however during the training I was told not to have the door open as dogs could jump out and run off and also the hair could blow out and there would be complaints from people about the unwanted dog hair.
As this is a mobile service this is all carried out in the back of a van, this it transpires is considered a confined space as there are a high level of contaminants circulating in a small space with no extraction or ventilation.
There was no risk assessment, no safety statement and no training on how to deal with any of the potentially hazardous things that could occur when working in the industry. Finding out afterwards that the industry is unregulated is no consolation.
When I explained to Dave Caddy the effect that this reaction to the contaminant was having on me he tried to insist that I keep working the business or it would be unsellable. I explained I was physically incapacitated with a rapid onset of arthritis and literally had the skin peeling off my face. He then told me my "confidence was gone" and to just sell the van.
After I sought legal advice and had a full report of the van set up from a health and safety expert I was advised to contact Dave Caddy and explain the case and request a refund before proceeding down the potentially expensive civil court route. My appeal to Dave Caddy was ignored. This is funny as he is very responsive and proactive in getting your payments from you.
I am currently over 12 thousand in debt with medical expenses and living with chronic pain. I was in good health before ever starting this work. Also very interestingly when I initially described my symptoms Dave Caddy very quickly identified arthritis, almost like he had medical training or possibly some previous experience of this issue that he failed to reveal earlier.
Life lesson in all this if someone is telling you how much money you will make please walk away from them especially if the cost is your health.

Addendum to Dave Caddys reply:

You very conveniently glossed over the shortcomings in the health and safety shortcomings of this business, again you revert to money and the importance you put on it frankly considering the debilitating state of my health and the title of my review you have clearly missed the point. It is at this stage negligence to continue to sell the same product knowing the hazards and risks and not adding in any additional control measures. You also realise that adding in any additional control measures at this stage would harm your case when it does get to court so you carry on regardless. Perhaps when people develop.life changing illnesses due to others negligence they may get bitter but it is not bitterness on my behalf but you have explained you are savvy with social media etc and realise you have to control this but I will leave it to my solicitor at this stage.

"Absolutely excellent 👏 "

Absolutely brilliant experience with our 2 yr old Collie . Highly recommend and I'll be booking again. The van has warm water and Absolutely everything to hand. I had option to stay with my dog and he was licking her he enjoyed it all so much & she talked to the dog. Love it . 5* treatment 10/10

"Ariadna came out and gave our collie…"

Ariadna came out and gave our collie the full works he looked fabulous after his bath and grooming.Cant praise her enough for her work. Highly recommended.

"Jet gives it Full Marks"

I have used this service for the last few years and I highly recommend it. Conor is excellent with dogs and my 13 year old Cocker Spaniel Jet, who has always disliked the grooming process gets on great with Conor and so seems to dislike it a lot less now. Its all about the dog and I have no doubt he would give Dial a Dog the 'thumbs up', if he could!!

"Jean is fabulous with my dog bailey"

Jean is fabulous with my dog bailey, she's absolute professional ,caring has a passion for her work .would highly recommend jean
Luisa

"Great Service!"

I highly recommend Dial-a-Dog Wash. Niall had an excellent manner with my nervous terrier - he bounded out of Niall’s van happy and smelling of roses!!! Fantastic service to have a groomer come to your home! Ruth Corcoran

"Majella is outstanding and couldn't recommend her enough"

Majella is an excellent groomer and even better person a pure lady who loves and cares for all her furry friends. When majella first met bailey his coat was in a bad way and he was not an easy dog by any means to groom, she took the time and care to make Bailey comfortable again and know he enjoys his grooms with her even if he is still a tad bit stubborn!! I could write an essay on how amazing majella is and it still wouldn't tell you enough! I highly recommend majella to anybody. Thanks for everything from Lyndsey and your furry friend Bailey