Is a spa for dogs just ridiculous?

Having a blow dry, manicure or relaxing in a spa is a rare treat for most people. But what about for dogs?

Tracey Rust, from Wickford in Essex, has set up a beauty parlour and boutique hotel spa for pooches.

A dog having a hair styling treatment (PA)

The 38-year-old says she used to scoff at people who pampered their pets, but then she realised it could be a money-making idea with husband Terry, 61.

At the Essex Pooch Palace pups are treated to blow dries, manicures and pedicures.

Enjoying the spa facilities (PA)

There are luxury bedrooms with heated floors and Tracey has shelled out for a special doggy cinema so her furry customers can enjoy the big screen in total luxury.

And the pooches can party like it’s 1999 with the disco lights and music playing like Boney M, Super Furry Animals and The PetShop Boys.

The dogs are treated like very important customers (PA)

“We realised there was a market for it,” Tracey says. “So we opened a 10-bedroom doggy hotel and invited pets to stay overnight.”

Luckily Tracey’s cousin, Hayley, 32, is a trained dog beautician. Yes, that’s a real thing. So she offers treatments for dogs who fancy a bit of special pampering.

There’s exercise and games too (PA)

“We do the lot,” Tracey says. “Customers love leaving their precious pooches in capable hands while they go on holiday.

“We post regular updates about their dogs on our Facebook page and they often say it looks like their pets are having more fun than them!”

A themed Alice In Wonderland party for the pooches (PA)

Tracey says she was inspired to set up the spa after finding out her own dog Pedro loved to be pampered. His favourite thing to do was watch TV while getting his fur brushed.

She decided that Pedro couldn’t be the only one who loved a bit of grooming. And, in September 2012, they opened the Essex Pooch Parlour.

Relaxing in the spa (PA)

“At around 9pm it’s lights off, and the dogs fall asleep in their suites on the heated floor whilst watching TV,” Tracey explains. “It’s not all rest and relaxation though. The dogs get two walks a day, and a runabout.

“We only accept small and medium dogs, and they have to be friendly.”

Tracey (right) with dog beautician Hayley (PA)

The parlour recently held a tea party for the dogs which proved very popular.

Tracey said: “There was pooch beer, fancy dress competition, and special doggy cupcakes.

“We can’t wait to officially open the cinema. No doubt they’ll expect lots of screenings of Lassie and Beethoven!”