In a country where pet grooming was once treated as an afterthought, Pampered Paws Bangladesh is quietly redefining how animals are cared for- with style, sensitivity, and serious attention to detail.
The grooming salon, located in Banani, started as a modest operation during the 2021 lockdown. Today, it has grown into a two-storied facility with 28 trained staff, separate hotel spaces for cats and dogs, and an expanding loyal customer base. Whether it’s a cat, dog, or even a rabbit, pet owners can bring in their companions for a soothing wash, a neat nail trim, a gentle spa or even a brand-new hairstyle.
The founders, Ahona Rahman and Nadia Hossain, didn’t set out to build a business empire- they started with frustration, love, and a pair of scissors.
“When I was doing my undergrad in Bangkok, I had my Shih Tzu (a dog breed) with me, and grooming your pets was just another norm there- it was accessible and professional,” said Ahona Rahman, one of the co-founders. “After I returned to Dhaka, I had to find out that grooming here was being done with stationery scissors and no training at all. My own dog bled once. That’s when I knew I had to do something.”
Her journey took her to India, where she trained for two months in professional grooming techniques before returning to Bangladesh. Soon after, she trained a small team and began her operations in a single room with four staff.
Today, Pampered Paws Bangladesh offers more than just baths and blow-dries. It has grown into what the founders call a “community hub” for pet lovers.
“In Bangladesh, our pets don’t get many opportunities to go out or to socialise with other people or pets. This place has become a space for our pets to meet and socialise with other pets and even for the pet owners to meet and connect with others. When they come here, they feel like this is their place!” said Nadia Hossain. “It’s wholesome, and it’s needed.”
A delicate touch, backed by training
Not all pets are comfortable with grooming, especially during their first visit. But the staff at The Pampered Paws are trained to treat them with patience and care.
“Some dogs come in shaking with fear,” Ahona said. “We never rush it. We operate with patience, warmth, and precision- because we know that these are living beings.”
The salon offers a basic grooming package ranging from Tk 1500 to around Tk 3000, which includes a wash, nail trimming and a basic haircut. Their advanced packages will cost from Tk 2500 to Tk 5000 and beyond, depending on the breed and the size of the pet. They also provide basic individual services such as nail clipping or a wash for Tk 500.
Though the prices may raise eyebrows at first, the team says the rates reflect the cost of imported grooming equipment and products, which are rarely available in Bangladesh.
“We don’t compromise on quality,” Ahona explained. “From clippers to shampoos- everything is imported because you can’t find these grooming-grade products in the local market. We aim to make pet grooming accessible and affordable in Bangladesh.”
Advocacy and community
For Ahona and Nadia, grooming is only part of the mission. They are also determined to challenge the stigmas surrounding pet ownership in Bangladesh.
“There are still people who frown at the idea of walking a dog in a park,” said Nadia Hossain. “We’ve seen everything from discrimination to outright cruelty.”
In February, Pampered Paws organised The Paw Carnival, a citywide celebration of pets and their humans. The event attracted hundreds of attendees and stood as a rare example of pet-friendly culture in public spaces.
“We also feed around 100 street dogs every day in Banani. These are small steps, but they felt powerful,” Nadia said. “We want to build a future where pets are not only loved but welcomed in our society.”
The team has also launched a pet clothing line and is preparing to include veterinary services, expanding their brand from a grooming salon into a full-spectrum pet care destination.
With their passion, professionalism, and pioneering spirit, Pampered Paws is proving that in Dhaka, pet care can be both compassionate and aspirational.
