Dogsey

Dogs in shelters are being given professional makeovers to make them more appealing to prospective owners.

Pet groomers are being called in by rescue centres to clean and “style” stray animals whose scruffy appearance are making them “unhomeable”. In some cases dogs are being given a “teddy bear cut” to increase their appeal.

Experts say the makeovers can improve the behaviour of dogs brought into shelters in poor physical condition, as well as turning them into an “instant hit” with families in search of new pets.

Wood Green rescue centre in Godmanchester, Cambs, said it had been carrying out professional grooming on dogs for 18 months amid a rise in the number of animals being brought in with their coats dirty and overgrown.