A NEW pampering experience is being offered for dogs... and even cats.

Muttley & Mabel is a new pet grooming spa which has just opened at The Seedbed Centre in Wyncolls Road, Colchester.

Co-owner Jo Clarke said it was important to give people's pets the best experience, without keeping them in cages.

She said: "We are passionate about our pets and we saw there was a niche in the market.

"With some groomers the animals are kept in cages, but with us we are very different.

"It's valuable for the owners to see what we are doing, as we have play areas with beds and toys for the pets."

Her two cocker spaniels, Dudley and Rupert, were the inspiration.

Jo has taken her two dogs across to Spain for 18 months to groom dogs there, and when she returned to Colchester she wanted to find somewhere to take her own dogs.

She said: "It's all about the pets, we hated the fact that where we took our dogs they would be going in and out of crates.

"It's not just dogs, we also groom cats which is an important part of the business, as not many other places do that."

The pets are also treated to handmade artisan biscuits at the Doggy Deli - lamb and mint bones, and peanut butter bones to name a few.

There is also grooming products and perfumes, toys and accessories for sale.

To find out more visit www.muttleyandmabel.co.uk/