A dog grooming specialist hopes to keep the city's canines looking fabulous at a new pooch-friendly parlour.

A vacant hairdresser in Grove Road, Norwich, is being transformed into Hound & Co, a boutique offering spa days, teeth whitening and more.

Owner Sophia Newman-Sanders has been in the industry for five years but this will be her first permanent premises having previously worked from a mobile van and rented space.

Norwich Evening News: Hound & Co Grooming Boutique hopes to open in Grove Road, NorwichHound & Co Grooming Boutique hopes to open in Grove Road, Norwich (Image: Hound & Co Grooming Boutique)

She said: "I'm so excited to be opening my own place in Norwich and I hope to offer something different to other salons and provide high-end treatments.

"I've put lots of time and effort to source the best equipment and will only use the best quality products.

"It has been a few weeks since I last saw any customers as I have been busy preparing for the salon so it will be great to get back to business and say hello to everyone again."

Norwich Evening News: Sophia Newman-Sanders has been working as a dog groomer for five yearsSophia Newman-Sanders has been working as a dog groomer for five years (Image: Sophia Newman-Sanders)

Named Hound & Co, the site will provide a range of pampering options including spa treatments, teeth cleaning and whitening, deshedding mud baths and more.

It will also have a dedicated space for grooming sessions for nervous pooches who prefer to be away from other dogs.

The 24-year-old from Norwich has a City and Guilds Level Three qualification in dog grooming and hopes to become an internationally certified master groomer later this year.

She started out grooming horses but decided to swap to dogs after falling in love with her Beagle, Finley.

"I loved working with horses but after I got Finley I decided to switch," said Ms Newman-Sanders, adding: "It also meant I no longer had to work out in the cold.

"With Finley being a nervous dog, it made me realise there was a gap in the market missing at other salons.

"While some dogs enjoy being around others, not all do. So I decided to make a separate space for reactive dogs so they can receive treatment without the stress of being in a noisier environment."

Norwich Evening News: Sophia Newman-Sanders with her beagle, FinleySophia Newman-Sanders with her beagle, Finley (Image: Hound & Co Grooming Boutique)

The salon will also have a retail space, selling high-quality products for dog owners to treat their four-legged friends at home.

Ms Newman-Sanders hopes to be open within the next two months.