BOURNEMOUTH, UK. June 3, 2026 – A dog grooming professional from Bournemouth is set to unveil a new concept in canine care with the launch of the South West’s first dedicated Canine Wellbeing Retreat. Drawing on more than ten years of experience, the initiative has been created to offer a more mindful and welfare-driven alternative to conventional grooming services.
Marie Brooker, founder of Wolf&Root, plans to open the retreat this summer. The concept combines professional grooming with wellbeing-centred practices such as gentle handling methods, natural grooming products, nervous system awareness and longer appointment sessions designed to help dogs feel more relaxed.
The venture was created in response to growing concerns about busy grooming environments where efficiency and appointment numbers can sometimes outweigh the individual needs of dogs.
Rather than operating a high-capacity schedule, Wolf&Root will restrict bookings to three dogs per stylist per day. Brooker says this approach allows for a calmer atmosphere and more personalised attention.
According to Brooker, the retreat represents a broader commitment to ethical dog care.
“I have spent more than a decade in the grooming profession and have witnessed outstanding care alongside situations where the focus is simply on moving dogs through appointments as quickly as possible,” she said.
“My goal was to build something different, a place where dogs are given time, patience and compassion, and where emotional wellbeing is considered just as important as appearance.”
Wolf&Root aims to minimise overstimulation and encourage positive grooming experiences, especially for rescue dogs, senior pets, nervous animals and those with a history of anxiety during grooming.
The retreat model also prioritises consultation and communication with owners. Additional time is allocated to understand each dog’s temperament, preferences and sensitivities before treatment begins.
Brooker believes more pet owners are actively seeking grooming services that place animal welfare at the forefront.
“People are becoming increasingly aware of canine stress and the influence grooming environments can have on a dog’s emotional state,” she said. “When an environment feels rushed, noisy or unfamiliar, grooming can become stressful. We want every visit to feel calm, comfortable and reassuring.”
The launch comes as discussions continue across the pet care industry regarding ethical grooming standards and the benefits of low-stress handling techniques.
Industry experts have highlighted concerns about overstimulating salon settings and the challenges created by high-volume appointment schedules for both dogs and grooming professionals.
Wolf&Root says its model has been intentionally developed to move away from those practices by focusing on quality care rather than quantity.
In addition to using natural products and reduced daily bookings, the retreat seeks to provide a setting inspired by the comfort and pace of human wellness experiences.
The company website, wolfandroot.com, is expected to go live on July 1, when appointments for the retreat will become available.
As preparations continue ahead of opening, Brooker says her long-term vision extends beyond business growth and includes helping raise ethical standards and awareness of emotional wellbeing throughout the grooming sector.
