St Helens Star Best for Pets 2023 shortlist revealed

Four-legged friends and feathered friends quickly become part of the family.

We wanted our next Best of 2023 category to honour those people in St Helens who help our pets when they’re hurt or who take them for walks while we’re at work.

One copy of the St Helens Star counts for five votes in the Best of 2023 competition so it’s time to have your say about who deserves the award for St Helens’ Best for Pets.

Since its launch in April, we’ve looked at a whole host of categories from hair and nails to pies and roast dinners, and from cocktails and breakfast to fitness and fish and chips.

Next up was pets – a new category for this year’s Best of 2023 awards.

We were inundated with nominations for vets and pet sitters as well as dog walkers and groomers and we’ve shortlisted the top ten, who will battle it out to be named Best for Pets in Warrington.

Now we need your help to choose the winner from our ten shortlisted nominees.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best for Pets shortlist post on our St Helens Star Facebook or Twitter pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s St Helens Star (Thursday, June 29 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each different coupon submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday, July 3 and we will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR TEN BEST FOR PETS SHORTLIST:

Galavan's Pet Assistance

Galavan’s Pet Assistance, St Helens

This family-run business “goes the extra mile for pets, whether it’s walking, medication or just lots of cuddles”.

One nomination said: “They offer a home from home service and all the dogs that stay are spoilt and loved like their own.

“My dogs can’t wait to get in the house when we drop them off.”

For more details go to facebook.com/galavanspet

V.I.Paws

V.I.Paws, St Helens

These animal loves offer dog walking, stay and plays, holiday feeds and cleans.

One happy customer said: “Great customer service and my dog always looks amazing after she has been here.”

Another said: “The dogs look forward to spending time at V.I.Paws more than they do at home!”

For more details go to facebook.com/groups/353876533523861

Bark and Sides

Bark and Sides, Stirling Crescent, St Helens

Recommendations for Jeanette at Bark and Sides say “she is nothing short of amazing” and “she’s amazing”.

Offering a no rush service, this help keep dogs calm and is an added level of professionalism.

For more details go to facebook.com/barkandsides78

Waterside Dog Grooming and Boarding

Waterside Dog Grooming and Boarding

Customers say this is a “five-star professional business” with “dogs returning home happy and content after a visit”.

Jackie Smith has only been open for a year but is clearly making a great first impression.

For more details go to facebook.com/watersidedoggroomingandboarding

The Dog House

The Dog House, Haydock

Laura Owen is “always there for her doggies and will try her best to fit everyone in”.

One nomination said: “She always gives great advice on how to look after your dogs and is an expert at making pooches look beautiful.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thedoghouse16

Chloe's Canines

Chloe’s Canines, St Helens

One nomination said: “My vote goes to Chloe – one million per cent.

“She is fab with my two dogs, especially my eldest who is 10 and has arthritis in his hips and legs.”

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081741701459

Splendid Pets and Exotics

Splendid Pets and Exotics, Walmsley Road, Eccleston

Recommendations say Karen “always takes time for her customers, going above and beyond” and “she is a rare diamond”.

For more details go to facebook.com/people/Splendid-pets-exotics/100054602672376

Rutland House Veterinary Hospital1

Rutland House Veterinary Hospital, Abbotsfield Road, St Helens

One dog owner said: “My dog has needed three different surgeries in nine months and still loves going for regular check ups.

“Such lovely staff who really do care.”

For more details go to facebook.com/RutlandHouseVet

Shampooch Holistic Hounds Retreat

Shampooch Holistic Hounds Retreat, Rainhill Road, Rainhill

These “fantastic groomers have the dogs’ welfare at the heart of everything they do” and “are always happy to provide advice”.

“One nomination said: “I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

For more details go to facebook.com/shampoochgroomers

The Dog Barn

The Dog Barn, Catchdale Moss Lane, St Helens

One review on their Facebook page said: “Took my dog today for bath and nails cut.

“He’s a French bulldog so required deep cleaning to his ears and around his eyes.

“He came out smelling amazing and looked after in my absence.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thedogbarn