AN expert in animal wellbeing is expanding her business after taking on two apprentices.

Judy Chappell is now able to focus her expertise in dog massage, leaving the grooming side of her firm, Canis Finest Dog Grooming, in the capable hands of Lindsey Crouch and Chloe Popplestone.

A qualified canine massage therapist, Ms Chappell wanted help with the grooming side of the business and approached Abingdon and Witney College who put her in touch with apprenticeship specialist Haddon Training.

The two apprentices, Ms Crouch, 22, of Carteron, and 18-year-old Ms Popplestone, from Witney, joined the business based at Osney Hill Farm, Witney, and are now studying for City and Guilds Dog Grooming NVQ qualifications, as well as learning on the job full-time.

Ms Chappell said: “Having apprentices around is great as I have extra pairs of hands and they’re learning a lot.

Ms Crouch added: “The animal care industry is difficult to get into, so when the opportunity to become a trainee dog groomer came along I grabbed it with both hands.

“Judy has provided the practical skills training, and Haddon Training has delivered the theory training and assessment for the Advanced National Apprenticeship at level three, and doing the apprenticeship has helped me achieve my City and Guilds level three certificate in dog grooming really quickly.”