The dog groomer has opened her doggy salon to farmers battling harsh finances in the drought.

“It’s not going to fix the problem, but if it can put a smile on someone’s face or take the pressure off in one way then it’s a help,” Steph’s Clip Clean and Cuddles Dog Grooming owner Steph Slavin said.

“It’s not just for working dogs, a lot of farmers have a little fluffy dog inside that’s their wife’s dog or the family pet.”

A full clip for a small dog can cost upwards of $60, so Ms Slavin hopes farmers can put that money toward hay.

She’s offering baths, nail clips – the works.

“This is the worst drought I’ve ever heard of, I’ve only been in Tamworth just under 10 years, but clients coming through are telling me about people they know who have tried to die by suicide, an elderly couple recently had a failed attempt – which was just heartbreaking,” she said.

“A man from our local church spent $10,000 a week to feed cattle, it will just get to the point where they can’t feed them anymore.” 

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Ms Slavin owns three horses herself and said it’s already an expensive animal to keep, so she can’t imagine how hard it is for farmers with a thousand head of cattle. 

“I’m from Sydney so moving up to the country it’s such a community – more than it ever was down there,” she said.

“Farmers have got a lot on their minds, but if they aren’t getting a dog clipped that they usually would because of financial reasons I hope they utilise this.”

For information contact Ms Slavin on 0402 775 071.