Meet the team
Kath
Founder / Owner
Senior Dog Stylist
Meet Kath, the dog-loving diva behind The D Dog! With a background that’s as varied as a mixed-breed mutt, she’s transitioned from ski resorts and hospitality to retirement management and marketing—talk about a career hop! Now, she’s your go-to international dog grooming pro who’s got more tricks up her sleeve than a magician at a puppy party.
Kath knows the ins and outs of every breed trim, and she’s got an arsenal of products that’d make even the pickiest pup wag their tail in approval. She's got a serious passion for animal welfare and the environment—because says you can’t save the planet while fluffing a poodle? The salon is eco-friendly, so your pooch can strut out looking fabulous and feeling like a superhero for Mother Earth!
At The Dapper Dog, our mission is simple: we want your furry friend to love their grooming session as much as they love chasing their own tail. Most of our regulars come bounding in, tails wagging, ready for their pamper party—because who doesn’t love a good spa day?
When Kath isn’t busy turning dogs into runway models, you’ll find her out adventuring with her two Miniature Schnauzers, Mabel and Macy, exploring nature or hunting down the best dog-friendly hangouts. Remember, at The Dapper Dog, we believe every pup deserves a fabulous groom and a whole lot of love!
Professional Dog Groomer
Kadie
Kadie, hailing from the charming Kelly country Northern Victoria, kicked off her dog obsession journey at the tender age of five when her family adopted a Rottweiler—a part protector, part fluffy bodyguard, and full-time best buddy. Fast forward to their family farm, where Bandit the Kelpie became less of a farmhand and more of a-legged couch potato, perfecting his lounging skills instead of herding.
After a brief stint in retail in Melbourne, Kadie realized her life was missing a crucial ingredient: dogs! So, she snatched up her certificate in Animal Care and later bagged her Doging Certificate 3 like a pro. Now, she’s the go-to grooming gal, transforming pups into total dapper dogs.
When she’s not busy fluffing fur getting her zen on with yoga, you’ll find her unleashing her creativity or frolicking in nature with her sidekick, Puggy the Pug, who believes’s the true master of the house. After all, who needs a throne when you have a cozy couch and endless belly rubs?
Crystal
Professional Dog Groomer & Salon Supervisor (Mon, Thu, Sat)
Meet Crystal, our grooming guru who brings more years of experience to the table than your dog has squeaky toys! With a tail-wagging enthusiasm and an upbeat attitude that could light up the dullest dog park, she’s dedicated to turning every pup into the canine equivalent of a runway model at The Dapper Dog Grooming & Spa. Crystal's secret weapon? A keen eye for detail that can spot a stray fur follicle from a mile away, combined with an endless supply of doggie treats to keep those furry clients relaxed and ready for their fabulous makeover.
She believes that every grooming session should be a spa day—complete with all the belly rubs and tail wags a pup can handle! Her mission? To refine her skills in an upscale spa-like environment while making sure every dog leaves looking like a million bucks (or at least like they just rolled out of a doggie fashion magazine). We’re barking excited to have Crystal on our team—she’s here to sprinkle some fun, finesse, and fabulousness into every grooming session, ensuring every pup struts out with confidence and a whole lot of fluff!
Grainne
Professional Dog Groomer
Pronounced Gron-ye
Meet Grainne, our dog grooming dynamo who made the leap from Vet Nurse to pet stylist extraordinaire! With her Cert III in Pet Grooming under her belt since 2021, she’s transformed her love for furry friends into a full-time gig, turning scruffy pups into show-stopping canines faster than you can say "fluffy!"
Originally from Ireland, Grainne has traveled the globe, don’t worry—she always comes back to us, ready to tackle the next grooming challenge like a superhero with a pair of clippers. She gets genuinely excited when new furry clients come through our doors, and let’s be honest, it’s not to love a person who treats every dog like royalty.
When she’s not busy giving your pups the makeover of their dreams, you can find her out and about as the social butterfly—sipping coffee with, planning her next travel adventure, or taking her adorable Bulldog, Belle, for a stroll. Rumor has it, Belle is the real diva in this duo! So, whether your dog needs a trim or a total transformation, Grainne's got the skills to make it happen with style!
CJ
Professional Dog Groomer
CJ: the queen of canine cuddles and champion of warm smiles! With a heart as big as her passion for animals, she’s been surrounded furry friends since day one—dogs, cats, and even a horse (yes, she’s basically a walking petting zoo).
Starting her journey as a bather, she trained under Kath, transforming into a full-time grooming wizard with skills so amazing, she should come with a cape!
When she’s not busy pampering the Dapper Dog, CJ loves to roll up her sleeves and get into some serious training action on the weekends. Picture her leading a squad of eager pups through agility courses while trying to keep her own energetic puppy, Ember, from stealing the show—or the treats! And let’s not forget her family's Sheltie, who’s probably plotting world domination one cute bark at a time.
Armed with her Cert II in Animal Studies and a Certificate in Canine Care and Training, CJ is here to bring a whole lot of love into your pets' lives! With CJ around, your furry friends are not just getting groomed; they’re getting the best care possible!
Darcy
Senior Bather
When she's not lost in a fantasy novel where dragons are her best friends, you can Darcy outside, embracing nature like a true adventurer! At home her furry companions, a Maltese Terrier and two cats, think they run the place and scratch at the door persistently for royal entry.
Working with dogs is her thin. Every day is an epic saga filled with quirky personalities and enough fur to start her own fashion line!
Darcy, our double coat diva, is on a mission to leave a trail of fluff everywhere she goes. We could probably create a modern art installation with all the fluff she sheds around the salon! There's no wonder clients request her expert skills again and again.
New Trainee Groomer
Soon to be announced
Michelle
Bather
Michelle, our bathing superstar who first strutted into The Dapper Dog Grooming & Spa in 2019 with a heart as big as a Great Dane, is back and ready to make tails wag! After a brief break the when we shut down during the pandemic, she’s returned to sprinkle her magic and ensure every pup walks out looking like a superstar.
A fun-loving attitude and a knack for chatting (seriously, we can hear her before we can see her), she not only grooms but also entertains! No dog leaves without feeling like a million bucks and we suspect they all leave with a few giggles.
When she’s not busy making furry friends fabulous, you can find her wrangling her three kids and keeping her senior sidekick, the Jack Russell x Cavoodle, from stealing all the spotlight. We’re pretty sure Chelsea thinks she runs the place!
Michelle’s warmth and dedication make her an essential part of our Dapper Dog family, and we’re so happy to have her back—let the bathing fun begin! 🐾