PAMPERED pets were treated to a wash, shampoo and even a complimentary bow tie as dog groomers raised valuable funds for a rescue kennels.

About 15 dogs were cleaned during the charity dog wash yesterday by Phoenix Dog Grooming, based in Ardley, near Bicester.

Each owner paid a minimum of £10 for the service, which included a variety of shampoos, a fruity spritz and a dry off.

Every penny went towards Ardley Rescue Kennels, which shares the site and has rehomed almost 3,000 dogs in more than 20 years.

Read again: Oxford cinema teams up with charity to unite lost dogs with their owners

The kennels has been hit with an estimated £10,000 in vets bills in the last month after several animals needing operations were brought in.

Melissa Bull, founder of Phoenix Dog Grooming, sees the charity's vital work firsthand and felt compelled to help them meet the costs.

Bicester Advertiser:

She said: "We were racking our brains to think how we could help and I thought I could do a dog wash, rather than a car wash.

"I know the great work they do and the need they have for all the money we're raising.

"I will always do everything in my power to raise as much money as I can."

Read again: Sheep needs stitches after dog mauling

The Bicester resident was helped by Lucie Robinson and Erica Styles of Barks and Bubbles, a pet groomer based in Chipping Norton.

The trio asked pet owners to book but also took walk-in appointments, with each one taking around 20 minutes.

Pets received the full works, with some even getting a blueberry facial shampoo to sooth the underlying skin.

Bicester Advertiser:

As well as the £10 minimum cost, customers could have their dogs' nails clipped for £1 per paw, while treat bags and a guess the name of the teddy competition were other ways to donate.

The amount raised is unconfirmed but any funds will be a huge boost to the kennels, which has also run its own fundraisers.

Dogs recently rescued have included a Shih Tzu needing two major operations on both front legs at £2,000 each, plus a Rottweiler cross needing two cruciate ligaments repaired at £2,500 per leg.

Ms Bull grooms rescue dogs in need of freshening up and she has rescued three animals herself.

The 25-year-old said: "It's a bit of fun to get the dogs smelling good, looking shiny and raising some money for a really good charity."