Josienne and Michael Hoover, from Barry, have launched Pawfectly Clean Cymru – a growing network of self-service dog wash stations designed for convenience after muddy walks.
The idea was born out of a common problem: the mess and hassle of cleaning up dirty dogs at home.
Josienne Hoover said: “We loved the idea and knew we would use it ourselves, so we thought other dog owners would too.
“There’s that moment after a walk when you’ve got a soaking wet, muddy dog and you know what’s waiting for you when you get home.
“We wanted to make that part of dog ownership easier.”
The couple began with a single station, funding it themselves before securing a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.
That support helped them expand to operate at Pontcanna Fields, Caerphilly Mountain and Clydach Vale Lakes.
The stations offer a simple pay-and-go service where owners can wash and dry their dogs on the spot.
Since launch, they have recorded more than 1,000 washes and are projecting turnover of more than £100,000 this year.
Michael Hoover said: “When we were looking at funding, we came across the British Business Bank and the process was really straightforward.
“The team listened to what we wanted to achieve and took a personal approach to understanding the business.
“The funding meant we could go from having one site to building a network.
“Without it, we simply wouldn’t have been able to grow the business at the pace we have.”
More stations are planned across Wales, including potential sites in Barry and Newport.
The goal is to reach 10 locations within the next year, focusing on building a brand that serves dog owners across Wales.
Jessica Phillips-Harris, director for Wales at the British Business Bank, said: “Pawfectly Clean Cymru shows how a simple idea, based on solving a problem that many people experience every day, can develop into a growing business with the right support.
“Josienne and Michael have shown real ambition in taking their idea from a single site to three locations in just six months, while building strong relationships with the communities and businesses around them.
“Through the Start Up Loans programme, we’re proud to support entrepreneurs across Wales as they turn their ideas into businesses that can grow, create opportunities and contribute to their local economies.”
The business has also been named as a finalist in the Best Pet Business category at the UK Small Business Awards 2026.
The winner will be announced in October.
