Pamper your pooch in a new doggy boutique.

That's the invitation from Anthony Smallman who's opening The Hound Hut in Rochester High Street next week.

It's the second venture for animal lover Anthony and his partner Rob Burns who are offering a wide range of services including grooming, paw pedicures, teeth cleaning, dog walking and nutrition advice.

And for Anthony, 44, who is relocating from his first business in Kennington, south London, it's all about coming home.

Born and bred in Strood, he said: "I've always wanted to open in Rochester.

"When the premises came on the market, I jumped at it."

Anthony latched on to how many people got a pet, some for the first time, during lockdown.

He said:"I visit my family here every week. I've noticed so many dogs here in the Hight Street, but no doggy shop."

The former Temple School pupil said during the pandemic many people got a dog to accompany them on their permitted hour's exercise and to ease mental health issues.

"The doggy boom just exploded," he told KentOnline.

"I suddenly found myself offering advice to people who had never had a dog before and just did not know what to do.

"It was a difficult time. I was driving food around in my car doing free deliveries because so many were afraid to come out on to the streets."

The couple opened their first pets parlour in Kennington in December 2019 giving it scarcely time to establish itself before covid restrictions kicked in.

He said: "I have been in the pet industry for 12 years, working for a raw food company called Natural Instinct sop this was a natural progression for me.

"I was driving to my office in Hampshire every day and thought I can set up on my own,

He "scrimped and saved "to go it alone, quickly developing an online website.

His efforts paid off with partner Rob,52, quitting his job as a television producer to help out with the growing demand.

Anthony added: "Eventually pet shops were classed as 'essential' and people came in for face-to-face advice.

"We had hoped to go into the former Cutting Crew salon which closed after 35 years. When that fell through I was deflated.

"Funnily enough I once looked at a flat above the new shop in Rochester but moved to a house in St Mary's Island instead.

"I really feel this is meant to be and we are getting a lot of good feedback from everyone."

Anthony plans to bring as many local people into his business, including dog walkers which will offer hour-long daytime exercise on Monday to Friday.

The pet shop boss was "lucky enough to grow up with many pets around" at the family home in Darnley Road.

The couple, who are looking to move to Medway, have three mini schnauzers, parents called Olly and Katie (after Katie Price) and their puppy Amber.

The shop, which was formerly Pip's of Rochester fruit and veg shop and then the Boot Camp Store, is currently being refitted.

There will also be a "cats corner" in the shop, so moggies don't feel too left out.

They hope to open next Tuesday, April 25. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

Another new business is due to take over an empty shop in the High Street soon.

Analogue Music, selling a wide range of vinyl records, is opening at the former Platoon Stores shortly.

Owner Alistair Taylor,who has run a stall at the Rochester City Vintage and Artisan Market for the last 18 months, is currently overseeing the refit/