PawsUP Pet Care Makes Pet Care More Convenient

Nothando Masilela

PawsUP Pet Care is making pet care more convenient for owners in Eswatini, with an approach that puts the needs of each animal first. The business combines practical support with a genuine commitment to ensuring pets receive the care, attention and compassion they deserve.

Established in 2019, the business provides mobile pet grooming, in-home pet sitting, dog walking and assistance with vet visits. Its approach focuses on convenient, personalised care that considers each animal’s individual needs while giving owners peace of mind.

Tiffany Zeeman, founder and groomer of PawsUP Pet Care, whose love for animals inspired her entry into the pet care industry, PawsUP began with an opportunity to work as a groomer before growing into a business offering a wider range of services.

“At PawsUP Pet Care, we aim to offer quality pet care that is convenient and accessible to owners across Eswatini,” says Zeeman. “Our goal is to give owners peace of mind, knowing their pets are in caring, capable hands and receive the individual attention, patience and compassion they deserve.”

Grooming is one of PawsUP Pet Care’s most popular services, with each session tailored to the pet’s coat type and specific needs.

The process begins with an assessment to determine the appropriate grooming approach, which may include a seasonal cut or breed-appropriate styling. Depending on the package selected, a full groom can include a warm bath using natural, cruelty-free products, drying, brushing or de-shedding, teeth brushing, ear cleaning and nail trimming.

The business offers different shampoos and conditioners, including hypoallergenic options, oatmeal products for dry or itchy skin, and products designed to help manage shedding or brighten fur. Finishing touches such as paw balm and pet perfume complete the experience.

Its grooming packages are designed to give clients flexibility and budget-friendly options while ensuring pets receive appropriate care. However, maintaining a pet’s coat requires attention between professional appointments.

“My biggest piece of advice is to brush your pets regularly, using the appropriate brush for their coat type,” Zeeman says.

She explains that longer-haired and curly-coated breeds need more frequent brushing to prevent tangles and matting, while short-haired dogs also benefit from regular brushing to remove loose hair and reduce shedding.

Owners are also encouraged to check their pets’ ears, teeth, nails and skin regularly, look out for ticks and fleas, and maintain appropriate parasite prevention.

Beyond grooming, PawsUP provides services that help owners manage their pets’ everyday needs, including in-home pet sitting, dog walking and assistance with veterinary visits.

Vet visits and grooming are currently among the business’s most popular services. To keep owners informed, PawsUP shares photos and videos during appointments, helping clients stay updated while their pets are in its care.

The business also assists owners with sourcing appropriate tick, flea and deworming products, as well as grooming products to maintain their pets’ coats at home.

For PawsUP, providing quality care means understanding that every animal is different. The business prioritises patience, appropriate products and tools, and handling that considers each pet’s comfort and well-being.

“I believe pet owners should look for someone who has the passion, knowledge and experience to provide quality care,” Zeeman says.

“Above all, a pet care provider should have the animal’s best interests at heart, always prioritising their comfort, safety and well-being over appearance.”

Trust and communication are equally important, she adds, as owners need to feel confident that their pets are receiving the attention they deserve. PawsUP Pet Care’s work also highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership beyond professional grooming appointments.

Zeeman believes welcoming a pet into a home means accepting a long-term responsibility for its health, safety and happiness. Providing balanced nutrition, fresh water, suitable shelter, veterinary care, exercise and appropriate grooming are all part of that commitment.

She also encourages owners to keep their pets safely contained rather than allowing them to roam unsupervised and to consider spaying and neutering to help prevent unwanted litters.

“Bringing an animal into your life is a long-term commitment. Pets are companions for life and they deserve the same patience, attention and love throughout every stage of their lives,” she says.

For new pet owners, Zeeman recommends introducing puppies and kittens to grooming and handling from an early age. Gently handling their paws, ears and mouths and gradually introducing them to brushing can help them become more comfortable with routine care.

Early socialisation, positive reinforcement and consistent routines can also help pets develop confidence and make future grooming appointments and veterinary visits less stressful.

That kind of pet care has helped Zeeman strengthen the impact of the business. Today, the relationships built with clients remain an important part of the work.

“Beyond the grooming itself, one of the most special parts has been the relationships I’ve built with our clients,” Zeeman says. “We don’t see them and their pets as just clients; over the years, many of my pawrents and their fur babies have become like family.”

Through its combination of grooming, pet sitting, dog walking and veterinary assistance, PawsUP Pet Care aims to make quality pet care more accessible while helping owners meet their animals’ needs.