Sarah Mowbray
Senior Groomer & Owner
Sarah started her grooming career working alongside a veterinary nurse in Newcastle, learning that the most important part of any handling situation isn't the tools — it's reading the animal. That insight has shaped everything about how Klippers operates.
She specialises in senior dogs, anxious temperaments, and long-coated breeds. Her approach is methodical and unhurried, with a particular focus on desensitisation techniques for dogs who've had difficult experiences with grooming in the past.
Sarah holds a Certificate III in Pet Grooming and has completed additional training in low-stress handling and breed-specific scissor work. She's the first point of contact for all new client enquiries.
"Every dog that comes in here has a different story. My job is to listen to that story before I pick up the scissors."
Jake Hennessy
Certified Groomer — Large & Double-Coated Breeds
Jake came to grooming through animal husbandry — he spent three years working on a cattle property and developed a natural ease with large, strong-willed animals. That background translates directly into how he manages big dogs who aren't always enthusiastic about being groomed.
He's our resident expert on double-coated breeds — Huskies, Malamutes, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers — and is particularly knowledgeable about seasonal shedding, undercoat management, and the common myths around shaving double coats.
Jake completed a Certificate IV in Animal Studies and has pursued ongoing professional development in breed standards and de-shedding techniques. He's quietly methodical in his work and extremely patient with dogs who need extra time to settle.
"Big dogs need patience, not force. Once they trust you, the whole session changes."
Priya Vasanthakumar
Groomer — Small Breeds & Puppy Introduction Specialist
Priya joined Klippers after several years working in a multi-groomer salon environment where she developed a reputation for being the person you'd call when a nervous small dog refused to cooperate. Her patience with anxious animals is genuinely remarkable.
She handles the majority of our puppy introduction sessions — a service that's entirely about making the first grooming experience positive and low-key, rather than completing a full groom. Her background in animal behaviour informs how she introduces young dogs to new sounds, tools, and handling.
Priya holds a Certificate III in Pet Grooming and continues to develop her knowledge of small breed coat standards, particularly Shih Tzus, Maltese, Cavoodles, and Poodle crosses — breeds that require precise, careful scissor work.
"A puppy's first few grooming experiences shape how they feel about it for the rest of their life. I don't take that lightly."