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Meet the Short Bark & Sides Team

A grooming salon is only as good as the people caring for the dogs, and Tracey couldn't be prouder of the team behind Short Bark & Sides.

Our groomers combine professional qualifications with the patience, humour and genuine love of animals needed to make dogs feel at home.

Two groomers working together with a German Shepherd in the bath
  • Portrait of Tracey with a dog in the salon

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    Tracey Clarke

    Owner

    Tracey has around 14 years of grooming experience and originally trained with renowned groomer Colin Taylor in London.

    After beginning as a one-to-one groomer from home, she grew Short Bark & Sides into the busy team it is today.

    Tracey's approach to grooming is built around two things: kindness and gentleness. Her experience includes additional handling training with Chirag Patel as well as Reiki training, which she has found particularly useful in helping herself remain grounded and calm when working with anxious dogs.

    Although she is proud of how much the business has grown, ask Tracey about her greatest achievement and the answer is simple – her team.

  • Portrait of Sacha at the grooming table with a freshly bathed dog

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    Sacha Carpenter

    Senior Groomer & Assistant Manager

    Hi, I'm Sacha! I've been part of the Short Bark & Sides team since January 2022, when I joined as an apprentice before going on to achieve my Level 3 dog grooming qualification.

    My love of dogs and animals is what inspired me to pursue a career in grooming. I really enjoy getting to know the dogs we care for and helping each one leave the salon looking and feeling their best.

    When I'm not at work, you'll usually find me reading a thriller, going to the gym or enjoying a trip to the cinema. I also love spending time with my three crazy dogs, Lola, Eve and Ted, and my cat Eric, who make sure life is never boring!

  • Portrait of Emily holding a small dog in the salon

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    Emily Morgan

    Senior Groomer

    Hi, I'm Emily! I joined Short Bark & Sides in 2023 as an apprentice and have since achieved both my Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in dog grooming.

    I've loved every minute of working here and I'm always keen to keep learning and developing my grooming skills. One of my favourite parts of the job is getting to know all the wonderful dogs who visit us, as well as their owners, and building those relationships over time.

    When I'm not at work, you'll usually find me with a good book, spending time with animals, catching up with friends or enjoying time with my Cocker Spaniel, Maggie.

  • Portrait of Grace bathing a small dog in the salon

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    Grace Ashbolt

    Senior Groomer

    Hi, I'm Grace! I joined Short Bark & Sides in May 2023 after completing my Level 2 dog grooming qualification at Merrist Wood. I then went on to achieve my Level 3 qualification while working here at the salon.

    I absolutely love what I do and take a lot of pride in helping every dog feel as happy and comfortable as possible while giving them a groom that helps them look and feel their best.

    Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, meeting friends for good food and taking my dog Charlie on long walks. I'm also a big fan of live music and have a habit of spending far too much of my wages on concert tickets!

Trained, Qualified and Always Learning

Our grooming team holds iPET Network Level 2 and Level 3 training, with Level 3 training including salon management. Team members have also recently renewed their canine first aid training with Sophie Bell.

Professional development matters to us because grooming techniques, animal handling knowledge and best practice continue to evolve.

Most importantly, we share the same aim: giving each dog thoughtful, professional and kind care.

See our dog grooming services · How we help nervous dogs · Our story

Meet Us – Book Your Dog's Appointment

Get in touch and tell us about your dog. We'll match them with the right appointment and the right amount of time.