Working as a veterinary tech assistant, on and off for 15 years, Stephanie Almeida discovered she was more interested in pet grooming than medicine.

She loved brushing out the animals’ fur or taking care of their skin or eyes.

“I liked the fluffy side of things,” she said. “I found I had a soft spot for seniors. They like to have companions, but they don't always have the means to get them back and forth to the vet,” she said. “They often rely on other people.”

A month ago she took to the road with a mobile grooming business called Custom Pet Grooming.

Ms Almeida works out of a van covered in a large colourful design. Wherever she goes it catches people’s eyes.

“I designed it myself,” she said.

Some people mistakenly think it is the size of an ambulance, but it is more akin to a water truck, which can cause some challenges getting down Bermuda’s narrow driveways.

“It is fully equipped with a 50-gallon water tank, central air conditioning, a hydraulic table, as well as the most powerful blow dryer I have ever worked with.”

Her three dogs were part of the inspiration behind the business.

“Trying to take all three of them to somewhere off my property can be quite a circus,” she said. “I wanted to bring the comforts of home to the dogs, as well as the clients.”

Ms Almeida loves grooming huskies. She said in most places their coats need to be cleared of shed fur twice a year to prevent matting. In Bermuda, they often need the process done four times a year. The fur is usually cleared with a strong hairdryer.

The process can take hours.

“These huskies are a lot,” she said. “We call them the redecorators. When I’m finished with a husky, the whole floor of the van is covered with fur, at least three inches deep. I find it really satisfying.”

Dogs are at the core of the business, but she also works with cats, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Custom Pet Grooming is a family enterprise. Ms Almeida’s parents, David and Kathy Whitehead, also help with the business. Mrs Whitehead runs a pet sitting operation called Custom Kennels.

They hoped to do a grand opening, but have been too busy since they opened a month ago.

“We have spent a lot of time in St George's,” she said. “The van has been down some very, very tight driveways.”

They do not charge for the travel.

“In my prices, everything is included,” she said. “If I tell you it is $50 for your tiny dog bath, that is the price. It includes nails, ears and teeth. We also do anal gland expressing in the bathtub.”

There are other groomers on the island, but she feels there is room enough in the market.

“Most local groomers on the island try to set up their own little shop,” she said. “Groomers have to be very conservative with overheads.”

However, she said not every dog works with every groomer.

“I definitely commend other groomers, because I know how much work it is,” she said. “I hope that there is enough work out there for all of us.”

• For more information call 799-3066 or find on Facebook and Instagram under Custom Pet Grooming Bermuda