BusinessDay
Athekame kenneth
March 23, 2025
Adisa Stephen is a seasoned pet grooming professional with over seven years of dedicated experience. He is committed to providing exceptional care for animals. His business practice is built upon a foundation of breed-specific knowledge and a genuine passion for animal welfare, ensuring a tranquil and positive grooming experience, he studied Business Administration from Yaba College of Education. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he spoke about the competitive grooming services in Nigeria and the pet-handling environment. Excerpts:
Kindly describe your experience with different breeds of dogs and cats common in Nigeria. Are you familiar with local breeds like the Nigerian Apso?
My experience with different breeds of dogs and cats common in Nigeria has been quite diverse and enriching. In terms of dogs, I’ve encountered popular breeds such as the chow chow, Caucasian shepherd, German shepherds, Akita known for its loyalty and protective nature, and the Boerboel, which is strong and intelligent and so many more Additionally, mixed-breed dogs, often referred to as “mongrels”, are prevalent and exhibit resilience.
When it comes to cats, the domestic short-haired cats are quite common, known for their friendly disposition and ease of care. I also have experience with breeds like the Siamese, Persian, maine coons, British shorthair which are admired for their unique looks and temperaments.
Overall, interacting with these breeds has highlighted their varying characteristics and the strong bond they form with their owners, reflecting the rich culture of pet ownership in Nigeria. `
What are your strategies for handling pets that are stressed or anxious during grooming, especially in a potentially noisy or crowded environment like a Nigerian market or busy street?
When handling pets that are stressed or anxious during grooming in noisy or crowded environments, I consider the following strategies: De-sensitisation: Gradually introduce grooming tools and sounds in a calm setting to help reduce fear. Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, or toys to reward the pet for calm behavior during grooming sessions. Short Sessions: Keep grooming sessions brief to prevent overwhelming the pet, and gradually increase the session length as they become more comfortable. Frequent Breaks: Allow regular breaks to help the pet relax and stay calm during the grooming process.
These strategies can help create a more positive grooming experience, even in challenging environments.
How do you ensure hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases during grooming sessions, considering the potential for limited access to consistent water and electricity in some areas?
To ensure hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases during grooming sessions in areas with limited access to water and electricity, we utilise portable sanitising tools, such as hand sanitisers and disinfectant wipes, and employ single-use grooming supplies where possible. Additionally, we provide training on proper hygiene practices and encourage the use of clean, dry towels for grooming to minimize the risk of contamination.
What are your methods for handling parasite control (ticks, fleas, etc.) in a tropical climate like Nigeria’s?
For handling parasite control in a tropical climate like Nigeria’s, we implement a multi-faceted approach that includes regular application of veterinary-approved topical treatments, administering oral medications such as bravecto and simparica as needed, and educating pet owners on preventive measures such as maintaining clean living environments and observing proper grooming practices to minimize tick and flea infestations.
How do you stay updated with the latest grooming techniques and products, considering the potential for limited access to international training and resources?
To stay updated with the latest grooming techniques and products despite limited access to international training and resources, I participate in online courses and webinars, engage with professional grooming communities (international)through social media, and collaborate with experienced groomers to share knowledge and insights on current trends and best practices. Through the help of Brian Taylor (the dog father of Harlem) founder of the Puprelief tour from the United States of America, I have access to grooming materials for continued education from Paragon school of pet grooming to have wide knowledge about pet grooming.
What are your techniques for dealing with matted fur and skin conditions common in Nigerian pets, especially those exposed to harsh outdoor environments?
That’s where professionalism and skills come in. To manage matted fur and skin conditions, certain techniques are used. I will be dropping few tips. Gentle Detangling: Use combs and slicker brushes to carefully work through mats, starting from the tips of the fur. Sectioning: Divide the fur into smaller sections for easier handling. De-matting Tools: Utilise specialised de-matting tools to effectively cut through severe mats.
How would you price your grooming services in a way that is competitive yet sustainable in the Nigerian market, considering the varying income levels of pet owners?
Offering mobile grooming services in Nigeria can be a unique, convenient solution and personalised attention for pets, and ability to reach underserved areas. Convenience: Mobile services bring grooming directly to pet owners’ homes, saving them travel time and hassle. This is especially appealing for busy pet owners. Personalised Attention: Pets are often more comfortable in their own environment, which can reduce stress during grooming. This can lead to a better grooming experience for both the pet and the owner. Expanded Reach: Mobile grooming can allow you to reach areas where there may be fewer grooming options, thus tapping into a wider market.
What are your thoughts on offering mobile grooming services in Nigeria, and what challenges do you anticipate?
Offering mobile grooming services in Nigeria could be a promising venture, given the growing demand for convenient and personalized pet care solutions. Many pet owners appreciate the comfort and ease of having groomers come to their homes, especially in urban areas where traffic and time constraints can be significant. However, there are several challenges to consider. First, the availability of reliable transportation for mobile units can be an issue, particularly in remote areas. Additionally, ensuring access to water and electricity at various locations is crucial for providing quality services. Furthermore, there may be a need to educate pet owners about the benefits of regular grooming and build trust in a mobile service model. Lastly, navigating local regulations and securing the necessary permits could pose some hurdles. Overall, while there are challenges, the potential rewards of this business model in Nigeria are substantial.
How would you handle the cost of fuel for generators or vehicles if applicable, given the fluctuating fuel prices in Nigeria?
I consider purchasing In bulk during price dips, also establish a monthly budget tailored to fuel expenses.
How would you manage your finances and keep accurate records of your income and expenses, considering the potential for informal transactions?
To manage my finances effectively and keep accurate records of income and expenses, I would use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to track all transactions, including informal ones. I would categorize each entry, regularly update records, and reconcile them with bank statements to ensure accuracy. Additionally, I would maintain digital or physical receipts for all transactions to substantiate my records and facilitate easier tracking. Whether formal or informal, I would diligently record every transaction as it occurs, including cash transactions and informal income.
How do you see the pet grooming industry evolving in Nigeria in the coming years, and how do you plan to adapt to those changes?
The pet grooming industry in Nigeria is likely to evolve significantly in the coming years due to several factors: Growing pet ownership: As more people in Nigeria adopt pets, there will be an increased demand for grooming services. Pet owners are becoming more aware of the importance of grooming for their pets’ health and well-being.
Increased Awareness: With more information available about pet care through social media and the internet, pet owners will be more informed and may seek specialised grooming services.
Luxury Pet Services: The trend towards treating pets as family members will lead to higher demand for premium grooming services, including spa treatments, organic products, and personalized experiences. To adapt to these changes, I plan to; Improve my social media profiles to make booking services easy and provide useful content on pet care, keep up with grooming trends and techniques by attending workshops and training sessions, ensuring high-quality services, Expand the services offered to include luxury grooming options and specialized treatments, catering to different needs and preferences. Introducing mobile grooming (having multiple vans to serve many pet owners).
Lastly by staying informed about industry trends and being responsive to customer needs, I can effectively navigate the evolving pet grooming landscape in Nigeria.
How would you market your grooming services to pet owners in Nigeria, considering the prevalence of social media and word-of-mouth marketing?
By combining social media efforts with personal recommendations, I can effectively reach more pet owners and grow my grooming business in Nigeria. Also, I ask satisfied customers to tell their friends and family about my services. I create a referral programme that rewards customers for bringing in new clients. Lastly, I create educative content to telling pet parents and dog breeders about the importance of pet grooming.
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