Hi, I’m Sophie, the face behind Fab Dogz. I have created Fab Dogz as a luxury and convenient solution to your dog’s grooming needs. Every dog is an individual and will benefit from different products and grooming techniques, and I’m extremely proud of the range of grooming services and therapeutic treatments I offer you and your dog. I only use the highest quality, luxury brands and have a hand-picked range of carefully selected products tailored to your dog’s individual needs. I am a fully qualified dog groomer with a long, exciting and award winning career history as a specialist in animal care and zoology.
Choosing a groomer for your dog can be a difficult decision. Every groomer offers something different in terms of service, quality of groom, quality of products used, convenience, availability, skills, expertise, qualifications, and of course, price. In order to find a groomer who is the right fit for you and your dog, it is important to do your research before entrusting your precious pet into someone’s care.
I’d therefore like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. Below, I have outlined a brief summary of my qualifications and professional awards. I have also included a detailed biography if you’d like to know a little more about me.
Qualifications:
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BSc (HONS) Zoology – 1st Class Honours, Cardiff University
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Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management – DISTINCTION
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Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming – AIM - OFQUAL Accredited
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Canine First Aid – CPD approved
Professional Prizes and Awards:
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W.M. Tattersall Exhibition Award for the most deserving student entering the final year of Zoology
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Edith Shepherd Prize for achieving the title of Best Final Year Student in Zoology.
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BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Award for best performing professional on the DMZAA animal management course
The run-up to my career
I have a lifelong love of animals, which has been evident throughout my life and career. My extreme love of animals became an ever increasing part of my identity as I grew up and was first propelled forward in 1995 when I won a prestigious, nationwide competition, earning the title of ‘Young Environmentalist of the Year 1995’. Following this, I was fortunate to be offered numerous opportunities volunteering with a wide range of animals in various settings while continuing my studies. These included RSPCA rehoming kennels, veterinary practices, stables, show-dog breeding establishments, and farms.
Photo: Sophie Cooper, BSc. Undertaking Field studies in the Kinabatangan rainforest, Borneo.
Working towards a career with animals, I went on to complete a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Zoology in 2010 at Cardiff University, graduating with First Class Honours. Beyond this achievement, I was privileged to win two awards during my time at Cardiff University. The first was the W.M. Tattersall Exhibition Award for the most deserving student entering the final year of Zoology, and the second was the Edith Shepherd Prize for achieving the title of Best Final Year Student in Zoology. During the course of my Degree at Cardiff University I embarked on a trip to the Bornean Rainforest where I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take part in a number of studies on a range of exotic species and conducted my own research, specifically into the ecology of two primate species; the Proboscis Monkey and the Long Tailed Maccac.
Into my career
Following my university studies, I began my career as a zookeeper at two wildlife parks in Devon and West Wales, before being offered a position at the internationally recognised conservation charity and award-winning visitor attraction, Twycross Zoo, where I became Senior Primate Keeper. During my time at Twycross Zoo, I continued my professional development and studies, undertaking the industry-leading Level 3 Diploma DMZAA qualification run by BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and Sparsholt College. This qualification is only available to select individuals working within the zoological industry. I was thrilled to obtain a distinction in every module and an overall grade of distinction, subsequently receiving a prestigious award from BIAZA for achieving the highest marks in the country.
Photos: Sophie Cooper, BSc. training a critically endangered Northern White Cheeked Gibbon in preparation for a veterinary procedure at Twycross Zoo.
I developed a keen interest in animal nutrition and took on the role of designing and implementing all primate diets at Twycross Zoo. I also completed an EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Academy-recognised course on Primate Nutrition. I enjoyed all aspects of animal management, husbandry, and training during my time at Twycross Zoo and was privileged to be involved in the hand-rearing and reintroduction of endangered primate species, including red-faced spider monkeys, Francois langurs, spectacled langurs, and De Brazza’s monkeys, that unfortunately could not be reared naturally. I was extremely privileged to deliver a presentation at the first International Old World Primate Symposium at Twycross Zoo about the hand-rearing and successful reintroduction of a Francois langur infant, an endangered species and a project I was heavily involved in.
Photos: Left; Sophie Cooper, BSc. Hand rearing an endangered Francois Langur. Right; Sophie Cooper, BSc. Delivering presentation at the Old World Primate Symposium
As a side venture to my work at Twycross Zoo, I became interested in alpacas and for many years kept two herds, breeding them and processing their luxury fibre into handmade products. I completed my training in alpaca-shearing and I ran a successful small enterprise and showcased my alpacas and products at county shows.
Picture: Sophie Cooper, BSc. at her alpaca farm
When I started my young family, I took a small career break and created a company selling handmade crafts, enabling me to work from home and accommodate my schedule to my children. During this time, I relocated back to South Wales, to Bridgend. While I enjoyed my crafty venture, I yearned to return to a career working with animals, as they are and will always be my true passion. It was time for me to pursue a new branch of my animal career and one that I had long dreamed of - learning how to professionally groom and style dogs.
My journey into becoming a fully qualified dog groomer
When researching the education routes in the dog grooming industry, I was initially quite shocked to discover that dog grooming is currently a completely unregulated industry. Despite the availability of various qualifications, anyone is permitted to pick up a pair of scissors or clippers and call themselves a dog groomer. As an advocate for proper training, I knew this was not the route for me. I discovered that there are only a handful of gold standard qualifications that truly equip someone with the necessary knowledge, skill, and expertise that are needed to consistently provide a high quality and safe grooming experience for dogs. These are OFQUAL accredited Level 3 Diplomas, offered by a limited number of establishments nationwide.
Photo: Sophie Cooper, BSc. Undertaking Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
I found it concerning that most pet owners would naturally assume their chosen groomer was qualified with a leading qualification such as this, but the unregulated nature of the industry often means this is not the case. I discovered there are a huge number of different dog grooming courses offered by training centres all differing in quality and length, that are not accredited courses. These courses are also often taught by individuals who have no officially recognised qualifications in Dog grooming themselves. I began to discover that individuals completing these courses can and often do call themselves ‘fully trained’ and ‘fully qualified’ in dog grooming. Locally, I discovered at least one course run by a collage that misleadingly called itself Level 2 and 3 in dog grooming, which was extremely basic and offered at a fraction of the price of an official OFQUAL accredited level 3 diploma. This specific course enables those who complete it to claim they are ‘fully qualified’, 'level 3 qualified' or have ‘completed Level 2 and 3 training’, which is misleading to those looking to verify the credentials of a potential groomer for their beloved dog. I was reassured to discover that many groomers who do not hold officially recognised qualifications have been in business for extended periods of time and some are, without doubt, extremely competent at their trade. However, I thought it must be hard, if not impossible for a dog owner looking for a groomer to confirm that level of competence due to the unregulated nature of the industry as a whole.
Going forward there was no question in my mind that I would undertake and complete the gold standard training that would allow me to achieve an official OFQUAL accredited level 3 diploma and become fully trained and qualified in dog grooming. I secured a placement at a busy and highly experienced salon in South Wales that also specialises in dog behaviour and training. I was fortunate to work alongside and be trained by exceptional professionals, gaining the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to pursue my career in dog grooming while demonstrating the highest level of best practice in animal welfare. Further to this training, which included canine first aid modules within it, I decided to further my knowledge and also complete an additional CPD (continuing Professional Development) approved course in canine first aid.
Professional Affiliations
I am a proud to be an accepted member of PIF (the Pet Industry Federation), BDGA (The British Dog Groomers’ Association), and BIGA (The British Isles Grooming Association), who all insist on the highest standards in care and welfare from their members. I can therefore give you the assurance that your dog's welfare is always at the forefront of everything I do. I am also registered with The Groomers Spotlight, an organisation that only allows individuals with one of the few OFQUAL accredited qualifications to join and be published on their register.
