Australia’s dog groomer shortage: ‘So many people got dogs. That’s put a lot of pressure on us’

The hair of non-shedding dogs such as labradoodles can become painfully and even dangerously matted without regular care. A shortage of professionals is causing concern. Photograph: urbazon/Getty Images

Lisa Perkovic is the first to admit her dog is high maintenance.

“Her name is Sheba, like the Queen of Sheba,” Perkovic says. “And when it comes to grooming, she definitely lives up to that name.”