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What are the Local Business Awards?

The Local Business Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding local businesses across a range of industries and regions. Businesses are categorised by service type (we fall under "Pet Services") and location (we are part of "West Melbourne").

For small businesses, awards like these play an important role in recognising dedication, innovation, and the positive impact we have within our communities.

How does voting work?

Customers play a key role in identifying the best businesses in their local area. 

Finalists are then selected based on the number of public nominations received; the more nominations a business receives, the greater their chance of becoming a Finalist! Voting by the public  opens 18 May 2026 and closes 14 July 2026.

From there, finalists are assessed against a set of criteria, including submitted business information and online presence. This structured process ensures a fair and balanced evaluation, regardless of business size.

 

Why vote for us?

We hope your experience with us has already made this an easy choice, but here’s a little more about what we do and what we stand for....

Uncanny Animals is a modern, community-driven pet grooming salon and retail space based in Yarraville, redefining what professional grooming can look like. Built on a foundation of compassion, sustainability, and technical excellence, we provide grooming services not only for dogs, but also cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, creating a safe and inclusive space for all pets and their people.   

✂️ Quality Care

At the heart of Uncanny Animals is a commitment to animal welfare. Our team holds Fear-Free, First Aid and Internationally Recognised Certifications, ensuring every pet is handled with care, respect, and understanding. Over the past year, our groomers have achieved outstanding industry recognition, including Best in Show wins, multiple first placings, and perfect scores in international certification exams, reflecting both skill and a strong commitment to modernised, ongoing education. 

🎗️ Charity

Beyond the salon, we are deeply committed to giving back to the community. In the past year alone, our entire team volunteered after hours to groom 23 Maltese rescue dogs in one evening for The Lost Dogs' Home, helping prepare them for adoption. We have also provided ongoing grooming support for Pets of the Homeless and are proud to be the official grooming partner for Humane Animal Welfare, making grooming accessible for pet owners experiencing hardship.

♻️ Sustainability

As a Certified Sustainable Salon, we actively reduce waste and contribute to environmental initiatives, including recycling pet fur to be repurposed into sea booms that help absorb oil spills in our oceans. Every product we use in our grooming services and retail store is 100 percent cruelty-free and vegan, reflecting our belief that no animal should be harmed in the care of another. 

🤝 Community Connection

We are passionate about fostering local connections and creating meaningful community experiences. We have collaborated with businesses such as Invite Me to co-host Pet Christmas Photos, partnered with the Sun Theatre for pet-friendly movie events, and worked alongside Melbourne Vet Rehab to support pet health and wellbeing. Our unique and highly specialised grooming offering also attracts clients well beyond Melbourne, with many travelling from interstate locations such as Queensland, Sydney and Hobart. This brings new visitors into Yarraville and contributes to the local economy and businesses.

We are also proud to support the next generation, regularly hosting local students for work experience and helping guide their pathways into the pet industry. In the past year alone, we have employed two former Footscray High students. We also champion real (not ai!) local creatives, from the mural on our wall to our logo, window artwork and our iconic shopfront display. 

🎥 Media

Our work has received wide public recognition, with Uncanny Animals featured across major platforms including the Melbourne Fashion Festival, Frankie Magazine, Sunrise, and various other publications. We take pride that these opportunities reflect the expertise, creativity, and consistency we bring to our industry.

💖 What matters most

While we are proud of all these achievements, what matters most to us is the trust our clients place in us every day. Whether it is a first puppy groom, a senior pet needing extra care, or a client going through a difficult time, we value the relationships we build just as much as the results we deliver. At Uncanny Animals, it is not just about grooming, it is about creating a positive and supportive experience for both pets and their humans and making our community proud!

Thank you so much for voting for us! It means so much!

VOTE BY CLICKING HERE